Can You Get Disability for Psoriasis?
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects over 8 million people in the United States. Symptoms, such as scaling, itching, inflammation, and lesions, accompany it. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of this condition, manifesting as thick, red plaques covered with silver-white scales, typically on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
This condition can develop into psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can significantly limit a person’s personal and professional life. The impact of psoriasis on daily life, especially when accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, can be significant.
How Psoriasis Can Interfere With Employment
Psoriasis can cause severe physical and psychological impacts. Symptoms include moderate to severe flare-ups, skin pain, fatigue, joint stiffness, and mobility issues. The pain, discomfort, and restricted movement caused by the condition can restrict the patient’s ability to work. Even an office job can become challenging when the psoriasis is at its most severe.
Can You Qualify for Social Security Disability With Psoriasis?
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, you must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a qualifying physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Psoriasis can fit within these parameters because it can significantly impair a person’s ability to hold a job and is a chronic, lifelong condition.
Psoriasis and SSA Blue Book Listings
The Social Security Administration uses its Blue Book listing of impairments to determine whether a condition is eligible for benefits.
While there is no specific disability listing for psoriasis, it may qualify under Listing 8.09, which covers chronic conditions of the skin or mucous membranes. Skin disorders qualify under this listing if they result in extensive lesions that persist despite at least three months of treatment and result in one of the following functional limitations
- Inability to use both upper extremities to the extent that neither can be used to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements due to chronic skin lesions or contractures
- Inability to use one upper extremity to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements due to chronic skin lesions or contractures, and a documented medical need for an assistive device that requires the use of the other upper extremity
- Inability to stand up from a seated position and maintain an upright position to the extent needed to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities due to chronic skin lesions or contractures affecting at least two extremities
- Inability to maintain an upright position while standing or walking to the extent needed to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities due to chronic skin lesions or contractures affecting both lower extremities
Individuals with both psoriasis and joint involvement may be eligible for benefits under the musculoskeletal listings. Additionally, listings 1.18 for musculoskeletal disorders and 14.09 for immune system disorders cover psoriatic arthritis.
Medical Evidence You Will Need To Prove Your Claim
To prove the severity of your condition, you will need to collect several forms of objective, solid medical evidence. This will ensure you are well-prepared when making your claim.
Dermatologist and Rheumatologist Records
You must demonstrate that you have psoriasis and prove that it prevents you from working. Submit your treatment records from specialists, your complete treatment history, and physical exams with your claim. Include documentation of your response to medications.
Photos, Test Results, and Symptom Tracking
Also include photographs of skin lesions, lab results, and personal symptom diaries documenting flare-up patterns and their impact on work.
Tips To Strengthen a Psoriasis Disability Claim
Whether you are just beginning to apply for a claim or are in the process of appealing a denial, you can take actionable steps to improve the chances of an approval.
Stay Persistent With Treatment
You must follow up on the treatment prescribed by your doctor and document all non-responsive treatments. Such a paper trail demonstrates that you are actively seeking treatment for your condition and that current therapies are ineffective. Proving that your current therapies are ineffective is a core requirement under listing 8.09.
Log Daily Impacts of the Condition
While more subjective, keep a journal documenting your symptoms, job absences, pain levels, and activity restrictions. A journal provides a comprehensive timeline of your worsening condition and its impact on your daily and professional life.
Get Legal Help From a Disability Advocate
Filing a claim for disability benefits can be an intimidating endeavor. Support from a professional can help you build the strongest claim and ensure sufficient documentation is included. Work with Disability Advice to improve approval odds, especially after a denial. Our compassionate team will be by your side from start to finish, ensuring you have the best chance at a successful case. We can also help you explore other benefits you might be entitled to.
Get Help Filing for Disability With Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis can be a disabling condition that significantly affects your daily life and finances. However, you do not need to face the process of filing for disability benefits alone. Disability Advice is here to help. Reach out for assistance with your claim or appeal today. Our knowledgeable team can guide you through this complex process, provide sound advice, and advocate for you throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis and Disability
Does Psoriasis Qualify for Disability on Its Own?
Psoriasis may qualify for disability on its own if it meets the requirements needed. It must be expected to last a minimum of 12 months and significantly limit your ability to work. In addition, you need to prove these requirements through medical evidence.
To meet Listing 8.09 with psoriasis, your symptoms must include extensive skin or mucous membrane lesions. These must last at least three months, despite ongoing, prescribed treatment, and cause significant limitations in functioning, including the ability to walk, use your hands, and perform job tasks.
Can Psoriatic Arthritis Increase My Chances of Getting Approved?
Yes, if you develop psoriatic arthritis, you are more likely to qualify for benefits. This is because psoriatic arthritis contributes to functional limitations that impact your ability to work. A psoriatic arthritis diagnosis provides you with additional objective evidence, such as medical reports on joint damage and inflammation, that may show your condition prevents you from working.
How Much Does SSDI Pay For Psoriasis?
SSDI payments for any qualifying disability are not based on the condition but on your earnings and work history.
The SSA determines your Primary Insurance Amount, or PIA, using your highest 35 years of earnings. This calculation results in a monthly benefit, which becomes your SSDI payment once approved. As a result, two individuals with the same condition may receive completely different monthly benefits.
What if My Psoriasis Is Triggered by Stress at Work?
If you believe that your psoriasis is a result of work-triggered stress, you can use this as evidence for your claim. However, you will still need to show that the physical symptoms of your psoriasis are severe and functionally limiting.
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- What Is Psoriasis?
- Can You Qualify for Social Security Disability With Psoriasis?
- Medical Evidence You Will Need To Prove Your Claim
- Tips To Strengthen a Psoriasis Disability Claim
- Get Help Filing for Disability With Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis
- Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis and Disability
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
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