Individuals who suffer from one of the many Bullous Diseases often endure painful and debilitating symptoms. It can be hard for these people to function in day-to-day life, let alone maintain the responsibilities of a full-time job. If an individual is unable to work due to their Bullous Disease condition, it can cause serious financial devastation. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can sometimes offset the financial burden caused by these conditions. If you are living with a Bullous Disease and are wondering whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help you understand the disability claim process and how your condition may qualify you for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Bullous Diseases - Condition and Symptoms
Bullous Disease is a general term given to a number of conditions that result in elevated, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. There are a number of distinct conditions that are diagnosed as a Bullous Disease. These conditions include bullous pemphigoid, linear immunoglobulin, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, dermatitis herpetiformis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and other disorders of the skin.
While some cases of Bullous Disease are mild, others can be very extreme and may result in variety of medical complications. In cases of pemphigus vulgaris, for example, patients may experience extensive erosion of the skin that results in the skin or mucous membranes sliding of and leaving raw and painful sores behind. These sores are often prone to infection and people who suffer from them must dress the wounds properly and avoid exposure to unprotected environments. When the condition affects the mucous membranes it is often difficult for the individual suffering from the condition to eat and swallow. While cases of pemphigus vulgaris used to be fatal in many cases, treatment with corticosteroids can often help individuals who are suffering from the condition.
Patients who suffer from Bullous Diseases often experience severe itching and burning in the affected regions of the skin. When the mucous membranes of the mouth are affected the mouth may burn and the individual may be sensitive to acidic foods. If the inner nose is affected, spontaneous nosebleeds may occur.
If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from a Bullous Disease he or she will order a biopsy to diagnose the condition. A variety of treatments may be prescribed to treat Bullous Diseases including steroids, immunosuppressants and antibiotics. Although treatment for Bullous Disease is available, responses to treatment are erratic and some patients may not respond to treatment or may experience significant side effects.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Bullous Diseases
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits due to a Bullous Disease, you will need to prove that your condition prevents you from performing any work activity. Because Bullous Diseases vary from case to case, you will need medical documentation proving the severity of your condition. It is important that you discuss how your condition interferes with your ability to work when visiting with your doctor. This will help you obtain the medical documentation you need to prove your case to the SSA.
Bullous Diseases do fall under the SSA's published listing of impairments under Section 8.03 of the guidelines. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under these guidelines, your condition must have resulted in extensive skin lesions that last for three months or more. You must also have evidence that you have undergone treatment for the condition and that the treatment has been unsuccessful in alleviating the symptoms of the Bullous Disease. When submitting your application for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you provide the SSA with information regarding the size and location of your sores, a detailed medical history and information about your ability to function outside of a sterile environment.
Bullous Diseases and Your Social Security Disability Case
The severity of Bullous Diseases can vary drastically from one individual to the next. Because of this, not all claims for Social Security Disability benefits will be approved at the initial stage of the application process when an individual applies for benefits due to a Bullous Disease. In fact, only 30 percent of disability applications are actually approved at the initial application stage. Unless your case of Bullous Disease is very severe, you will likely need to file an appeal in order to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
If your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. Statistics show that applicants who have legal representation during the Social Security Disability appeal process are more likely to be awarded benefits than those who do not. A consultation with an attorney prior to filing your initial claim will increase your chances of being awarded disability benefits as well.
