More than 7.5 million people in the United States live with a skin condition known as psoriasis. The majority of people living with psoriasis experience mild discomfort. Mild symptoms often include itching, painful lesions and skin infections.
However, some people experience more severe psoriasis symptoms including debilitating joint pain and inflammation. Their symptoms may be so severe that they interfere with that person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks.
If you have psoriasis, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine if you qualify for disability benefits. There are a number of psoriasis-related listings in SSA’s Blue Book. In addition to considering the criteria in the Blue Book, SSA will also consider how your disability prevents you from working at substantial levels.
Psoriasis’ Classification As A Disability
While mild psoriasis cases affect the skin, more severe cases that involve inflammation, itching, and joint pain can limit your ability to work. Psoriasis may also lead to other long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer.
Additionally, this condition can cause a painful form of arthritis referred to as psoriatic arthritis. This form of arthritis may cause significant joint damage and limit your mobility. According to the SSA’s Blue Book listing for psoriasis, a person could qualify under the category for skin disorders, inflammatory arthritis or major dysfunction of a joint.
Getting Approved For Disability Benefits Under An SSA Listing
While the SSA currently does not have a separate Blue Book listing for psoriasis, it does categorize the condition under the section 8.05 listing for dermatitis. The listing specifies that:
- You must have a medical diagnosis of either psoriasis or dermatitis
- You are experiencing extensive lesions on your skin lasting more than 3 months, and
- The lesions you experience are not responsive to any kind of treatment
Extensive skin lesions are categorized as those that are located on more than one area of the body, or occurring in an area of the body that affects how one functions. This includes having lesions present on critical joints.
These critical joints include your elbows, knees, hips, and groin. This could prevent you from properly walking, bending, or lifting due to the pain of the lesions and inflammation. Lesions on your palms can also prevent you from using your hands.
The SSA will use the diagnosis in your medical records to determine your ability to walk, lift, write, push, and engage in a number of other physical activities. If your medical condition prevents you from engaging in the basic functions listed above, the SSA can either attempt to determine other work that you can do or decide to grant you benefits if you’re deemed unable to work.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Disability Law Attorneys
The disability lawyers at Collins Price, PLLC provided this content. We hope it’s helpful to you or someone you know who is considering filing for disability benefits. If you’re looking for help and asking yourself “Where can I find a social security disability attorney near me in Charlotte, NC?” we would be happy to provide you with a free consultation on your claim.
Our law firm has helped claimants across the Carolinas successfully get their disability claim or appeal approved. We will handle all the tedious paperwork and communication with the SSA while you focus on taking care of yourself. There is no fee for our services unless we win your claim.
