Does my psoriasis qualify me for Social Security Benefits?

Posted in General Law Firm on September 23, 2016

Skin disorders can be painful and debilitating. Fortunately, Social Security recognizes that certain skin disorders may be disabling and should be considered for benefits. According to Social Security Administration, eligible disability cases regarding skin disorders are those that involve multiple body sites or critical body areas that lead to extreme limitation in use of your extremities or other area, such as the buttocks, making it difficult to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. They generally focus their assessment on the severity of the lesion, the duration of the disorder, location of the body affected, and frequency and severity of flare-ups. Social Security Administration will also take into consideration the treatment you have received and how well your condition has responded, and any adverse side effects that may contribute to functional limitations.

When applying for Social Security Disability with a skin disorder, a diagnosis alone may not be enough to be awarded benefits. Along with all available medical records, Social Security requires that claimants follow recommended treatment and take medications as prescribed for a minimum of three months. This is to determine whether or not your disorder can be treated with the appropriate regimen, possibly affecting your ability to function in a working environment.

TYPES OF SKIN CONDITIONS

Social Security Administration considers several different categories of skin conditions and their symptoms. Psoriasis, for example, is a relapsing dermatitis autoimmune disease characterized by red, irritated and inflamed patches on the skin. Social Security Administration recognizes five types of psoriasis; Plaque Psoriasis is the most common type and affects the likes of country music st LeAnn Rimes and Art Garfunkel of Simon and Garfunkel.  It most commonly appears on scalp, elbows, and knees and lower back. The raised patches or plaques often painful, become covered with a white buildup of dead skin cells, or may crack and bleed. Guttate Psoriasis begins in childhood or young adulthood, and may be triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. The skin lesions appear as small red separate spots on the arms, legs, neck, scalp and trunk. Inverse Psoriasis is characterized by mostly smooth, red and inflamed patches, most common in people dealing with issues of being overweight. This is most commonly seen in the folds of the skin such as armpits, groin, and buttocks and under breasts. Pustular Psoriasis is most often seen in adults, characterized by white blisters surrounded by red skin and often filled with noninfectious pus. Flare-ups may be triggered by medications, infections, stress or exposure to certain chemicals. It is limited to certain areas of the body, such as hands and feet. Lastly, the rarest type Erythrodermic Psoriasis, often affects most of the surface of the body. It generally develops with unstable plaque psoriasis, and is characterized by widespread redness with severe itching and pain. If any of these symptoms of psoriasis keep you from functioning and working normally, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Working with an attorney like Ann-Douglas Tycer when filing for disability can be a game changer. Having 26 years of experience on your side will help ease the daunting feeling of the Social Security Disability process, specifically when learning about medical treatments and impairments caused by your illness. Ann and her team are with you every step of the way and will go above and beyond to get your claim approved. If you feel as if your skin disorder is keeping you from working, give us a call and we’ll do everything we can to get you your benefits!

Authentic Attorneys. Trusted Tradition. Real Relationships. Ann-Douglas Tycer with Larry R. Williams, PLLC.