Skin Disorders

There are an array of skin disorders that could potentially serve as the basis for pursuing Social Security disability benefits. Nevertheless, some of the most common types of skin disorders cited among disability benefit applicants include:

• Burns
• Bullous disease
• Chronic infections of the skin
• Dermatitis
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Ichthyosis
• Mucous membrane infections
• Photosensitivity disorders

Bullous Diseases

Must have skin lesions over extensive parts of your body for three months or more.

Burns

To qualify for disability benefits from burns, you must have skin lesions that are expected to last (or have already lasted) at least one full year.

Chronic Infections of the skin/mucous membrane

Must have extensive lesions which are ulcerating or fungating for three months or longer.

Dermatitis

To qualify for disability, your skin lesions must persist for at least three months.

Photosensitivity Disorders

If you have xeroderma pigmentosum, you are automatically qualified for benefits, and will be considered disabled from the time of your birth. Otherwise, you must have skin lesions over significant parts of your body which have lasted or are expected to last for at least a year or be able to show that you are unable to function for a year or more outside of a protective environment.

Hidradenitis Suppurtiva

Both axillae and both inguinal areas must be affected, and the condition must persist for three months or longer.

Ichthyosis

Must have skin lesions for three months or more covering extensive parts of your body.

What will the SSA need?

Regardless of the type and cause of your skin disease, the SSA will need information regarding:

• The location of the condition
• The size of the condition
• The appearance of any lesions
• A history of any irritants, toxins, or allergens you were exposed to
• Family history of skin disorders
• Documentation regarding if and how the changing seasons affect your disorder
• List of stressors that cause your skin problems
• A full description of your ability to function without special environmental adaptations.

Generally speaking, these items must be confirmed by medical records or lab results. Lesions and similar skin issues are evaluated based on their severity and whether their location causes a significant impairment of your ability to perform normal work activities like walking, sitting, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, grasping, and fine motor movements.