If you or someone you know has a skin disorder such as genetic hypersensitivity, you may have a disability that meets the criteria established by the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Listing of Impairments (the “Listings”). The listings are only examples of common skin disorders that Social Security considers sufficiently severe to prevent a claimant for disability benefits from engaging in any gainful activity. The SSA may also find that a claimant disabled because the impairment(s) meets the requirements of a listing in another body system or medically equals the severity of a listing.
Social Security assesses impairments that may affect the skin and other body systems by evaluating the predominant feature of an impairment under the appropriate body system. The SSA provides the following as examples:
- Autoimmune disorders and other immune system disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and Sjögren’s syndrome) often involve more than one body system. Before any analysis related to another body system, Social Security evaluates these disorders under the immune system disorders listings.
- Disfigurement or deformity resulting from skin lesions may result in loss of sight, hearing, speech, and the ability to chew (mastication). The SSA evaluates these impairments and their effects under the special senses and speech listings and the digestive system listings. Facial disfigurement or other physical deformities may also have effects evaluated under the mental disorders listings, especially since physical deformities may typically affect mood or social functioning.
- Malignant tumors of the skin such as malignant melanomas are cancers, or neoplastic diseases, are evaluated under the cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases) listings.
- Tuberous sclerosis primarily affects the brain and usually results in seizures, which are evaluated under the neurological listings. Developmental delays or other mental disorders are evaluated by the SSA under the mental disorders listings.
Medical conditions are undoubtedly complicated and require expert analysis, especially when skin disorders affect other body systems. If you have any questions about the legal requirements related to establishing an impairment affecting multiple body systems, an experienced disability attorney may provide assistance. To improve your chances of meeting all of the requirements for the allowance of a claim (and avoiding the denial of benefits), retain the services of a qualified Kentucky Social Security Disability attorney. Contact the Sullivan Law Office today. We offer free consultations, so you have absolutely nothing to lose! We look forward to hearing from you. Call 888-587-0228 or visit us online.
