Does Psoriasis Qualify For Disability?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, leading to red, itchy, and scaly patches. For some individuals, the severity of their psoriasis symptoms may impact their ability to work, raising the question of disability eligibility.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system triggers the skin to overproduce skin cells. This causes a buildup of skin in some regions of the body, usually seen as red patches covered in flaky white bumps or scales. While they can occur anywhere in the body, the most common places are on the scalp, lower back, and joints like knees and elbows. Patches may heal and reappear throughout the person’s life.

The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which causes red patches covered by white, flaking skin. Pustular psoriasis causes red skin with pus-filled pustules on the hands and feet. Guttate psoriasis mainly affects children and adolescents and is characterized by small red spots on the limbs and torso. Inverse psoriasis causes bright red sores in the folds of the skin and armpits. Erythrodermic psoriasis causes large-scale skin shedding and extremely red sores over most of the body. It must be treated immediately to prevent severe illness.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition, and its symptoms are mild for many people. However, even though psoriasis is not contagious, people with psoriasis can suffer from the stigma that a visible skin condition carries. People with severe psoriasis may suffer from social isolation or feel that they cannot participate in activities like swimming or sunbathing, leading to depression and anxiety. Psoriasis may also lead to psoriatic arthritis, which causes swollen and painful joints.

Diagnosing Psoriasis

Diagnosing psoriasis can be as simple as a clinical exam by a physician, usually a primary care physician or dermatologist. They will ask about your symptoms and whether you have recently experienced an illness or otherwise experienced stress. The doctor may ask about the patient’s family history to see if any family members have psoriasis. Some medicines are known to trigger psoriasis outbreaks, so a medical history will also be taken. Diagnostic testing or imaging is usually unnecessary, though skin biopsies may be taken to rule out infections.

Treating Psoriasis

Treatments for psoriasis can improve symptoms, but the condition cannot be cured. Treatments can slow the growth of new skin cells, treat itching and pain, or suppress the immune system.

Topical treatments include steroid creams, moisturizers, and coal tar (usually for scalp psoriasis). Prescription creams include retinoid creams, vitamin D ointment, and more robust coal tar solutions. Oral medication may be used alone or in tandem with topical treatments. Because of the high risk of side effects, oral medication is generally only used in moderate to severe cases. Light therapy can be used with other therapies for any level of severity.  

Besides treating symptoms, psoriasis patients should avoid triggers that can cause flare-ups. Common triggers include cold weather, stress, infections, and injury. It may be necessary to cut out triggers such as alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications. Some people find relief by following low-inflammation diets.

Does Psoriasis Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Many people find their psoriasis inconvenient and uncomfortable, but some are unable to work or perform everyday life activities because of their symptoms. Patients with severe pain, skin infections, and joint pain may be prevented from continuing employment. Patients who cannot work because of their psoriasis must apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. The insurance company will review their claim to see if they qualify under the conditions of that plan.

Definition of Disability

Most LTD plans consider a person disabled if they have a medical condition that causes them to 1) be unable to perform their work duties for the first two years of the policy and 2) be unable to complete the work duties of almost any occupation for the years following the initial 2-year period. Each LTD plan defines disability as slightly different, so look over your plan policy to see how your plan determines “disabled.”

Evaluating Disability for People with Psoriasis

Psoriasis is not a condition that is considered automatically disabling. Patients are assessed on how their symptoms prevent them from working on a case-by-case basis. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which handles Social Security Disability claims, considers psoriasis under its dermatitis listing. To qualify under this listing, the person must have extensive skin lesions lasting at least three months and have not responded to any treatments. Even if you do not qualify under the listing, you may still be eligible for benefits based on other symptoms and conditions or by proving how your symptoms affect your life.

Patients seeking disability payments for their psoriasis will have to prove that their condition impacts them in a way that prevents them from performing their old job or any job they could be trained to do. To qualify for disability benefits, the condition must prevent the person from working for at least one year. If they do not meet the qualifications set by the SSA, they will need a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment that indicates how their symptoms affect and limit their life activities.

What the Insurance Company Needs from You and Your Medical Providers

You should tell the insurance company about any doctor who has treated you for your psoriasis and obtain all relevant medical records to provide a complete picture of your health. Submit complete exam notes and pertinent medical testing and lab results. You will need to provide proof of your diagnosis and your ongoing symptoms, as well as proof of how your symptoms affect you.

Providing detailed documentation is critical to a successful claim. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessments determine how you are affected by the condition and what you can do despite your limitations. They also determine what jobs you may still be qualified to perform. Make sure that you are as honest as possible with your doctors so that they can complete an accurate RFC for you.

Working with a Disability Attorney

Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your psoriasis. Even if you have been denied benefits, your chance is not over. Many people are denied benefits the first time they apply. You have the right to file an appeal and try to get more information that may help your case. Getting expert help is often the difference between being denied and being approved for benefits.

While the process can be daunting, your expert disability attorney will be able to guide you through the process. They do not get paid until you win your case. You can seek help without worrying about upfront costs or unexpected bills.

The Ortiz Law Firm has successfully represented people in disability cases across the United States. If you would like to talk to one of our experienced disability lawyers about your psoriasis and its impact on your ability to work, call us at (888) 321-8131. We would be happy to evaluate your case and discuss how to help you through the appeal process.