Ichthyosis Social Security Disability Benefits

What is Ichthyosis?

Ichthyosis is a set of skin conditions that manifest itself through excessively dry, thick, and scaly skin. The skin frequently resembles fish scales.

There are around a dozen distinct kinds of ichthyosis. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most prevalent kind. Approximately 95% of persons who get ichthyosis develop this kind.

VULGARIS ICHTHYOSIS
Skin cells accumulate, resulting in thick flakes that resemble fish scales.

On the arm, Ichthyosis vulgaris
Other uncommon kinds include harlequin ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis, and x-linked ichthyosis.

The most common type is ichthyosis vulgaris. It frequently begins during childhood.

Typically, children develop it when they inherit the disease’s gene(s) from one or both parents. It is not necessary for a parent to have the condition to pass on these genes. Because it is inherited, this condition is referred to as hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris.

Adults can acquire ichthyosis vulgaris as well, but this is uncommon. Acquired ichthyosis vulgaris occurs in adults. It’s called “acquired” because it occurs as a result of an illness or medication that causes ichthyosis to develop. This kind of ichthyosis can be caused by kidney failure, some malignancies, or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Whether it develops in a kid or an adult, ichthyosis vulgaris can be so mild that it is mistaken for severely dry skin. Many people are unaware they have ichthyosis since they keep their skin moisturized.

With an Ichthyosis Diagnosis, Applying for Social Security Disability

Ichthyosis, like other skin conditions, is classified in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book under Section 8.00 Skin – Adult. It is clearly mentioned in Section 8.02. The majority of the information necessary to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income while suffering from ichthyosis can be found in the basic information on skin disorders. The precise information concerning ichthyosis states merely that your condition must include persistent skin lesions lasting at least three months while you are receiving prescribed medical therapy.

In general, there are numerous ways to file a claim for disability payments if you have ichthyosis or another type of skin problem. Skin disorders can be considered disabling in and of themselves if the symptoms are severe enough and are predicted to persist a year or longer, even if there is a period of time between flares.

However, in the majority of situations involving ichthyosis and skin illnesses, Social Security is more likely to evaluate the influence on the specific part of your body and make a determination on your claim based on the effect your condition has on the functional capacity of those bodily parts. In general, you must be paralyzed in two primary limbs or have lost other functional abilities to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Among the examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Blindness
  • Hearing loss
  • Loss of mobility (ability to move from one place to another)
  • Joint use is lost

As is the case with the majority of diseases, it is critical that you remain under a doctor’s care while applying for disability benefits if you have ichthyosis. The Social Security Administration will want verification of your medical diagnosis, which may include laboratory and/or genetic testing results. Additionally, they will want to see evidence that you have followed your physician’s directions for at least three months and that your symptoms remain debilitating after receiving medical care.

Your Disability Case for Ichthyosis

Proving that you are disabled and unable to conduct meaningful job due to a condition like ichthyosis, which is characterized by flare-ups and recessions, is not straightforward. In most circumstances, you will need to demonstrate that your disease precludes you from keeping down a long-term job due to flare-ups.

You will want a physician who is conversant with Social Security Administration procedures or, better yet, a Social Security Disability lawyer. Your disability lawyer can assist you in ensuring that your medical documents accurately convey to the SSA why you are unable to continue working in gainful employment.

It’s simple and painless to have your claim reviewed by a disability attorney. To get a free review by a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate, just complete the form to the right.