As obvious as skin disorders seem to those who suffer from them, they are often overlooked as a disabling disease. You may not even be aware of the fact that you can receive New York Social Security disability for a skin disorder, whether it is the result of a work-related burn injury or a disease.
Which skin disorders are covered by Social Security disability?
Any skin disorder may qualify you for disability if it is severe and limiting enough, but the Social Security Administration specifically lists:
- Ichthyosis: Skin lesions must be extensive and persist for three months despite treatment.
- Bullous disease: This includes disorders such as erythema multiforme bullosum and dermatitis herpetiformis. Again, lesions must be extensive and persist for three months despite treatment.
- Chronic skin infections: This includes infections of the mucous membranes. Skin lesions must be fungating or ulcerating and persist for three months despite treatment.
- Dermatitis: This includes disorders such as allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis, among others, which cause extensive lesions lasting three months despite treatment.
- Hidradentis suppurativa: Lesions must involve both axillae, the inguinal areas, or the perineum. Lesions must persist for three months despite treatment.
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders: Xeroderma pigmentosum or any other photosensitivity disorder may qualify you if lesions persist for a year or if you are unable to function outside of a protective environment for a year.
- Burns: Burns are covered if the lesions are extensive and expected to last for at least one year.
Suffering from one of these skin disorders is not enough to qualify you for disability. You must "prove" the severity of your skin issues and also meet specific requirements for each disease or disorder. After you have consulted with your physician, it is important that you also contact a qualified NY Social Security disability lawyer to help you through every step of the process. Disability law is complicated and changes often. The claim process is confusing, and many applicants do not understand their rights or how to appeal a decision. If you are severely limited by a skin disorder, give Markhoff & Mittman a call today at 1-855-614-4351 to schedule a FREE consultation. Also, take the time to request a FREE copy of our book, 5 Deadly Sins That Can Derail Your New York Workers' Compensation Case.