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Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that has the potential to flare up on a regular basis. This raises an important question: Can I get Social Security disability benefits for psoriasis? The answer is “it depends”—you must prove that your impairment is so severe that it keeps you from earning a living. In this blog post, our Phoenix SSDI attorneys highlight the key things to know about psoriasis and Social Security disability claims.
What is Psoriasis?
As defined by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes skin cells to build up into dry, itchy patches. While the condition is still not entirely understood by modern medicine, it is thought to be an immune-related disorder. Infections and stress can trigger flare-ups.
Psoriasis varies widely. In some people, it is localized to a relatively small patch of skin. In other people, psoriasis can spread across much (or all) of the body. Although psoriasis is little more than an annoyance for some, the condition can trigger significant medical complications, including joint pain, arthritis, and skin infections.
The SSA Evaluation and Medical Eligibility: Psoriasis
There is no specific Social Security disability Blue Book listing for psoriasis. That being said, it is still possible to bring a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim or a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim for psoriasis. Generally, these claims fall under the following SSA Blue Book guidelines for skin disorders:
- Listing 8.05 (Dermatitis): This section of Social Security disability regulation covers a number of different skin disorders, including psoriasis, dyshidrosis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis. Notably, the SSA states that conditions under this listing must last for at least three months (90 days) even though an applicant has sought and followed through with a treatment plan.
An official medical diagnosis with psoriasis for at least three months is necessary to file for Social Security disability benefits—but it is not sufficient to get your claim approved. You must also prove that your condition is so severe that it prevents you from working on a full-time basis. An Arizona Social Security disability lawyer can help you put together the records and information you need to bring a claim.
Other Psoriasis-Related Conditions May Qualify for a Disability
Beyond dermatitis (Listing 8.05), a person who is dealing with psoriasis may also be eligible to get disability benefits for other related conditions. Some notable examples include major dysfunction of a joint, spine-related disorders, and inflammatory arthritis.
Get Help From a Phoenix, AZ Social Security Disability Lawyer
At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, our Phoenix SSDI and SSI lawyers have the professional expertise that you can trust. If you have any questions about psoriasis and disability claims, we can help. Call us today or contact our legal team today for a no cost, no obligation case assessment. With a main office in Phoenix, we provide disability representation throughout all of Arizona, including in Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, and Surprise.
