Hives, skin rashes, acne – all of these could be considered ‘skin disorders.’ Some conditions are minor and easily treatable. Other conditions are much more serious, affecting every aspect of an individual’s life. But when are skin disorders a disability for purposes of getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? That’s what we will explore in this article. We invite you to continue reading to learn more about skin disorders and SSDI.
SSDI Benefits, Generally
Sometimes people with medical conditions are no longer able to work. When this happens, you can apply for SSDI benefits.
The Social Security Administration (Social Security) manages several benefit programs, including SSDI. Eligibility for benefits is based on their medical condition and how many work credits they have accumulated. People who qualify receive monthly cash payments, in addition to other free services that help people return to work if they are able.
Social Security will look for specific information when reviewing an application for someone with skin disorders.
Determining Whether a Skin Disorder Qualifies
First, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. The basic definition is:
“…the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
Another critical factor is whether you can do the work you are used to doing. If you can’t, Social Security will consider whether your job skills transfer to another type of job.
The most important thing about skin disorders is whether they fit Social Security’s Listing of Impairments.
Skin Disorders and the Listing of Impairments
Social Security maintains a comprehensive document called the Listing of Impairments (the “Listing”). The 14 subcategories that make up the Listing cover many diseases that might be considered disabling.
Section 8.00 covers ‘Skin Disorders – Adult.’ Specifically, the listing evaluates skin disorder disabilities that are:
- hereditary,
- congenital, or
- acquired pathological processes.
When Social Security evaluates skin disorders, they look for information, including:
- how the skin disorder disability started,
- how often it flares up,
- details about any skin lesions,
- history of the disorder and any exposures that may have caused it, and
- how the person with the skin disorder can function outside of a protective environment.
Pain is another important factor, especially when that pain is disabling.
Social Security guidelines expect someone with a skin disorders disability to be under treatment for at least three months before they can be considered impaired.
Skin Disorders Can Be Considered Disabling
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have helped many clients resolve SSDI and SSI issues. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
