Dermatitis is a term that is used to describe a variety of conditions that cause an inflammation of the skin. Many people assume that this condition is not severe in nature and that individuals suffering from dermatitis should have no need for Social Security Disability benefits. In reality, some forms of dermatitis are quite severe and interfere significantly with an individual's ability to work. If you suffer from a case of dermatitis that prevents you from performing any type of work activity, the following information will help you understand the Social Security Disability claim process and how the SSA reviews disability claims based on a diagnosis of this condition.
Dermatitis Condition and Symptoms
The word “dermatitis” is generally used by doctors when a patient is suffering from any type of inflammation of the skin. There are may different types of dermatitis that a patient can suffer from, including atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) and seborrheic dermatitis. While dermatitis conditions are not usually life-threatening, they can be very severe and may interfere with an individual's ability to perform normal day-to-day activities.
The symptoms of dermatitis will vary significantly from one case to the next. Some cases involve only a mild irritation of the skin while others will result in chronic skin lesions that may become infected or ulcerative. In the most severe cases, individuals who suffer from dermatitis may develop impetigo or cellulitus. These complications can actually be life-threatening and must be treated aggressively by a patient's physician.
If you are suffering from severe dermatitis and your condition affects your ability to work, you should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income as soon as you are unable to maintain gainful work activity. Even though dermatitis is a common condition, you may be eligible so long as you meet the guidelines established by the SSA.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Dermatitis
Many of the people who suffer from severe dermatitis do not know that their condition may qualify them for Social Security Disability benefits. This is partly due to the fact that Dermatitis is a common condition, and most of the individuals who suffer from it will not qualify for disability payments. However, there are some individuals who suffer from such severe cases of the condition that Social Security Disability benefits are most definitely an option.
The Social Security Administration actually includes dermatitis in its Blue Book of Medical Listings under Section 8.06. Under this listing, an individual must suffer from dermatitis that results in extensive lesions to the skin that persist for a minimum of three months despite continuing treatment as prescribed by the patient's physician.
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits with a case of dermatitis, you must provide the Social Security Administration with enough medical documentation to prove that your condition meets the published guidelines that have been established under Section 8.06 of the Blue Book. This means providing the SSA with a complete copy of your medical records, which should document how long you have been suffering from the condition, the extent of your lesions, and the history of treatments that have been unsuccessful.
If you do not meet the specific criteria that has been published under this disabling condition, but your case of dermatitis still prevents you from performing any type of work activity, you may still qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. However, you will likely need to pursue a disability appeal.
Dermatitis and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you are suffering from a case of dermatitis that meets the guidelines that have been published by the Social Security Administration and you have medical documentation that proves this fact, you may be among the 30 percent of applicants who are approved for Social Security Disability benefits during the initial stage of the application process. If, however, there is any question regarding whether you are able to perform work activity in spite of your condition, you will likely be denied disability benefits and will have to file a Social Security Disability appeal.
When appealing the SSA's decision to deny your disability benefits, it is very important that you consult with a qualified Social Security Disability laywer. These professionals understand what is needed to win a disability case. They will be able to help you gather the medical evidence you will need and will understand how that evidence must be presented to an administrative law judge. While you may be tempted to try to represent yourself during this process, statistics show that doing so can actually be harmful to your disability case. Applicants who retain proper representation throughout the appeal process are statistically more likely to be awarded benefits than those who try to represent themselves.
To learn more about filing for disability benefits with a case of dermatitis or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate, simply fill out the form for a free evaluation of your SSD case.
