Many of us take our ability to walk in the sun for granted. There are some individuals who can be harmed by even the littlest bit of sunlight. In cases such as these, it can be impossible for a person to work. If you are suffering from such a condition, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of the financial stress you are experiencing due to your genetic photosensitivity. The following information will help you understand the disability claim process and how the Social Security Administration reviews claims based on genetic photosensitivity disorders.
Genetic Photosensitivity Disorders Condition and Symptoms
Photosensitivity is a term that is used to describe an increased reactivity of light from exposure of an individual's skin to the sun. There are literally hundreds of things that can cause photosensitivity, including: exposure to chemicals, certain prescription drugs and even some ingredients in perfumes. In some cases, however, an individual's case of photosensitivity is caused by genetic factors.
There are many different types of genetic photosensitivity that an individual may suffer from, such as phenylketonuria, albinism, familial porphyria, cutanea tarda, xeroderma, erythropoietic protoporphyria and Kindler syndrome. The symptoms of the condition will vary significantly depending on the type of photosensitivity a person is suffering from and the severity of the disorder. Common symptoms are pink or red skin rash, blotchy blisters, scaly patches of skin on areas that have been exposed directly to the sun, etc.
While not all cases of genetic photosensitivity will result in a person's inability to work, there are times when the condition will be so severe that they are unable to maintain full-time work activity. In cases such as these, it is important to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Genetic Photosensitivity
While most every case of genetic photosensitivity will impact an individual's lifestyle in one way or another, not all of the conditions that fall under this diagnosis are severe enough to prevent an individual from performing substantial gainful work activity. However, the Social Security Administration does recognize that some of these disabling conditions can be very severe and do warrant Social Security Disability benefits. As a result, they have included genetic photosensitivity in their published Medical Listings under Section 8.07.
According to Section 8.07 of the SSA's Blue Book Listings, an individual may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they suffer from xeroderma igmentosum or other genetic photosensitivity disorders that result in extensive skin lesions that have lasted (or are expected to last) for a period of at least twelve months. A person may also qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration if they suffer from a form of genetic photosensitivity that prevents them from functioning outside of a highly protective environment for a continuous period of at least one year.
If you have a case of genetic photosensitivity that does not meet these specific conditions but your condition still prevents you from performing any type of work activity, you may still be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, but you will likely need to prove that fact through the process of a disability appeal.
Genetic Photosensitivity and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you are suffering from a case of genetic photosensitivity that meets the specific guidelines that have been published by the Social Security Administration and you have medical documentation proving this fact, chances are that you may be among the 30 percent of disability applicants who are approved for benefits during the initial stage of the application process. However, if you do not have enough medical evidence to prove that you meet the requirements of Section 8.07 of the SSA's Medical Listings or if your condition does not meet the specific listings of the SSA Blue Book but still prevents you from being able to work, you will likely need to pursue the Social Security Disability appeal process.
When you appeal a denial of your Social Security Disability benefits, it is crucial that you consult with a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer prior to actually beginning the appeal process. While you may think that you are perfectly capable of representing yourself in your appeal, statistics show that proper representation will actually increase your chances of successfully overturning the SSA's decision to deny your disability benefits.
To learn more about filing for disability benefits with a case of genetic photosensitivity 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 Social Security Disability case.
