How Is Disability For Skin Disorders Determined?
The human skin is vulnerable to any number of chemical spills, hot burns and infectious diseases. The impact of a skin disorder can necessitate a long recovery period or perhaps even a permanent change in lifestyle, which can make it hard or impossible to maintain a regular work schedule. As with any disability, Social Security has standards for determining if an Ohio resident is eligible for disability benefits due to a skin disorder.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) describes the information that is typically required to evaluate the skin disorder of an individual. Such information includes many different details of the disorder, such as where the disorder manifests on the body, the size and appearance of skin lesions, when the disorder first appeared, how often the disorder flares up, and the prognosis of the disorder.
Some background information may also be necessary. Some patients have medical histories that involve their conditions, or prior incidents that may explain the origin of the disorder. Depending on the history involved, a person may need to discuss prior encounters with allergens or toxins, stress variables that cause the disorder to flare up, variances of disorder intensity by season, and also whether other family members have the disorder.
There are also skin disorders that severely limit the ability of a person to function in ordinary environments. Genetic photosensitivity disorders, for example, require a person to don protective clothing and stay away from ultraviolet light. People who are limited in this manner should explain to the SSA that they have a restricted ability to function outside of a protected environment.
Along with this information, Social Security will need medical confirmation that a person suffers from a skin disorder as described. This confirmation may come in the form of blood tests, a biopsy, or other laboratory results. Social Security will also accept evidence produced by what the agency considers acceptable medical sources. This evidence should be consistent with the current state of clinical practice.
Exactly how your condition will be confirmed by the SSA will vary due to whatever disorder you have, but generally, the agency will determine your eligibility by the aforementioned methods. It may also be necessary to seek the help of a legal professional who understands the disability process and can provide further insight. Keep in mind that this article is only for informative purposes and does not substitute for the legal advice of an attorney.