Skin conditions may seem like no big deal to some people. However, dermatitis and other serious skin conditions can be life changing. But can dermatitis prevent someone from working? And can it qualify as a disability under Social Security Disability Insurance requirements?
A Common Skin Condition
Yes, dermatitis and eczema strike roughly 18 million adults. Two-thirds of dermatitis suffers report that their condition affects their daily activities and even their jobs. In fact, almost 40% of eczema or dermatitis patients have rejected a job or educational opportunity because of their condition.
At what point, then, does a common skin condition become a disability?
Social Security Administration Guidelines
When a caseworker from the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application and supporting documents, they will look for:
- Medical evidence of your severe dermatitis,
- Proof that your skin condition is disabling,
- Evidence that you are unable to work due to your dermatitis.
Generally, medical evidence of your disability should come from objective and acceptable sources.
The SSA may require your doctors, or doctors chosen by the SSA, to submit a Consultative Examination Report. If your medical evidence is lacking, then a consultative examination may be done.
Disability Evaluation for Adult Skin Disorders
The SSA maintains a list of impairments with a lot of information about individual disorders, including:
- Hereditary, congenital, or acquired skin conditions;
- Ichthyosis,
- Bullous diseases,
- Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes,
- Dermatitis,
- Hidradenitis suppurativa,
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders, and
For skin disorders, SSA caseworkers will look for the following:
“Onset, duration, frequency of flare-ups, prognosis of skin disorder; location, size, and appearance of lesions; history of exposure to toxins, allergens, irritants, familial incidence, seasonal variation, stress factors, and your ability to function outside of a highly protective environment (if appropriate).”
As for evidence, they may need lab results, including biopsies and blood tests. They will look for evidence from “medically accepted” methods that meet prevailing requirements in the field.
Talk to an Attorney Today About Your Medical Condition
Yes, some cases of dermatitis may reach the disability level required to qualify for SSDI benefits.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have helped many clients with Social Security Disability Insurance cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
