Individuals who suffer from one of the many Bullous Diseases often endure painful and debilitating symptoms. It can be hard for these people to function in day-to-day life, let alone maintain the responsibilities of a full-time job. If an individual is unable to work due to their Bullous Disease condition, it can cause serious financial devastation. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can sometimes offset the financial burden caused by these conditions. If you are living with a Bullous Disease and are wondering whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help you understand the disability claim process and how your condition may qualify you for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Bullous Diseases - Condition and Symptoms

Bullous Disease is a general term given to a number of conditions that result in elevated, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. There are a number of distinct conditions that are diagnosed as a Bullous Disease. These conditions include bullous pemphigoid, linear immunoglobulin, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, dermatitis herpetiformis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and other disorders of the skin.

While some cases of Bullous Disease are mild, others can be very extreme and may result in variety of medical complications. In cases of pemphigus vulgaris, for example, patients may experience extensive erosion of the skin that results in the skin or mucous membranes sliding of and leaving raw and painful sores behind. These sores are often prone to infection and people who suffer from them must dress the wounds properly and avoid exposure to unprotected environments. When the condition affects the mucous membranes it is often difficult for the individual suffering from the condition to eat and swallow. While cases of pemphigus vulgaris used to be fatal in many cases, treatment with corticosteroids can often help individuals who are suffering from the condition.

Patients who suffer from Bullous Diseases often experience severe itching and burning in the affected regions of the skin. When the mucous membranes of the mouth are affected the mouth may burn and the individual may be sensitive to acidic foods. If the inner nose is affected, spontaneous nosebleeds may occur.

If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from a Bullous Disease he or she will order a biopsy to diagnose the condition. A variety of treatments may be prescribed to treat Bullous Diseases including steroids, immunosuppressants and antibiotics. Although treatment for Bullous Disease is available, responses to treatment are erratic and some patients may not respond to treatment or may experience significant side effects.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Bullous Diseases

When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits due to a Bullous Disease, you will need to prove that your condition prevents you from performing any work activity. Because Bullous Diseases vary from case to case, you will need medical documentation proving the severity of your condition. It is important that you discuss how your condition interferes with your ability to work when visiting with your doctor. This will help you obtain the medical documentation you need to prove your case to the SSA.

Bullous Diseases do fall under the SSA's published listing of impairments under Section 8.03 of the guidelines. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under these guidelines, your condition must have resulted in extensive skin lesions that last for three months or more. You must also have evidence that you have undergone treatment for the condition and that the treatment has been unsuccessful in alleviating the symptoms of the Bullous Disease. When submitting your application for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you provide the SSA with information regarding the size and location of your sores, a detailed medical history and information about your ability to function outside of a sterile environment.

Bullous Diseases and Your Social Security Disability Case

The severity of Bullous Diseases can vary drastically from one individual to the next. Because of this, not all claims for Social Security Disability benefits will be approved at the initial stage of the application process when an individual applies for benefits due to a Bullous Disease. In fact, only 30 percent of disability applications are actually approved at the initial application stage. Unless your case of Bullous Disease is very severe, you will likely need to file an appeal in order to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

If your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. Statistics show that applicants who have legal representation during the Social Security Disability appeal process are more likely to be awarded benefits than those who do not. A consultation with an attorney prior to filing your initial claim will increase your chances of being awarded disability benefits as well.

Ichthyosis is a rare medical condition that affects the skin. In severe cases, Ichthyosis can be very debilitating and difficult to live with. Those who suffer from extreme cases of Ichthyosis are often unable to work due to the symptoms the condition causes. The inability to earn an income combined with mounting medical bills can wreak havoc on an individual's financial well-being. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may offset some of the financial burden caused by the Ichthyosis condition. If you are living with Ichthyosis and are wondering whether or not your condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information may help you through the disability application process.

Ichthyosis - Condition and Symptoms

Ichthyosis is a term given to a broad range of skin disorders. Many of the skin disorders that fall under the Ichthyosis definition are genetic in nature. All forms of Ichthyosis are characterized by dry, scaly, flaky or thickened skin.

The word “Ichthyosis” derives from the Greek word “ichthys”, which means “fish”. This is due to the way the skin looks when a person suffers from the condition. The flaky, scaly skin can resemble fish scales, hence the name of the condition.

The severity of Ichthyosis will vary from case to case. Some individuals will suffer only mild symptoms while others may experience extreme cases of Ichthyosis, such as harlequin Ichthyosis. In the most severe cases, an Ichthyosis condition may even be life-threatening. Most of the people who suffer from an Ichthyosis condition suffer from the variety of Ichthyosis known as Ichthyosis vulgaris. This type of Ichthyosis makes up more than 95 percent of documented Ichthyosis cases. Most of these individuals will not qualify for disability benefits. If you suffer from a severe form of Ichthyosis, however, you may be entitled to disability benefits.

In a healthy individual the body constantly renews the surface of the skin. As new skin cells are created, older ones shed from the surface of the skin. When an individual suffers from Ichthyosis, the balance is interrupted because the skin is either creating too many skin cells or because the old skin cells do not shed properly. The resulting accumulation of cells causes thick flakes of skin to develop, resembling the scales of a fish.

In most cases, the effects of Ichthyosis are mostly cosmetic in nature. In severe cases, however, the Ichthyosis may interfere with the body's ability to protect itself against infection, regulate its temperature and may cause dehydration. Symptoms of Ichthyosis often include body odor, itching of the skin, wax buildup in the ears and a severe dryness and flaking of the skin. These symptoms will often be worse in the winter months and in dryer climates.

Ichthyosis is often diagnosed through a physical examination, although a biopsy may be ordered to conclude a doctor's findings. While there is no cure for the condition, medications are available to assist in maintaining the moisture levels of the skin and to help the body shed older skin cells.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Ichthyosis

Fortunately, the Ichthyosis condition is included in the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s listing of impairments. This listing is what examiners refer to when reviewing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. The condition of Ichthyosis is covered under Section 8.02 of the impairment listings, which can make qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits easier.

If you suffer from Ichthyosis and your condition results in extensive skin lesions that persist for 3 months or more, even though all prescribed treatment has been followed, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under Section 8.02 of the disability listings. You will have to prove, however, that your disability prevents you from being able to perform any work activity. This can be done by providing the SSA with comprehensive medical records and statements from your treating physicians during the application process.

Ichthyosis and Your Social Security Disability Case

If you are suffering from Ichthyosis and are unable to work due to the condition you should consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits. It is important to understand, however, that only 30 percent of applications are approved at the initial stage of the application process. The remaining 70 percent of applicants must go on to file an appeal in order to obtain disability benefits.

Because cases of Ichthyosis can be complicated, it is not uncommon for an applicant suffering from the condition to have their initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits denied. If this happens, you will need to go through the disability appeal process and should consider hiring a Social Security Disability attorney to represent you during your appeal. Statistics show that individuals with legal representation during the appeal process are more likely to receive Social Security Disability benefits than those who do not have a disability attorney representing them in their disability claim. A consultation with an attorney prior to filing for benefits will increase your chances of being approved at the initial claim stage as well.

Coagulation Defects and Hemophilia can cause severe medical complications. Unfortunately many of the people suffering from these conditions are unable to work due to their disability. The financial stress caused by this lack of income is often compounded by medical bills that are incurred due to the condition. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can often offset the financial burdens created by this situation.

Sickle Cell Disease, also referred to as sickle cell anemia, can be a severe and debilitating condition. In some cases, individuals suffering from the condition are unable to work due to the “episodes” the disease causes. This inability to work, combined with the medical bills incurred due to the condition, often create severe financial hardships for individuals suffering from Sickle Cell Disease. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help ease the financial burden caused by this disability.

Phenylketonuria (also known as PKU) can be a very severe and debilitating condition. Oftentimes the people who suffer from the effects of untreated Phenylketonuria are unable to provide for themselves. Managing day-to-day life responsibilities can be a challenge, let alone the responsibilities of a full-time job. Because of this, the families of individuals with PKU are often left supporting the family member who suffers from the effects caused by the condition. This can result in a significant financial burden.

Caudal Regression Syndrome, also known as sacral agenesis, is a rare congenital disorder that only occurs in about one in every 25,000 live births. While some cases of Caudal Regression Syndrome are mild with no noticeable side effects, other cases of the condition may be very severe and can result in a permanent disability. People who suffer from severe cases of Caudal Regression Syndrome often have a very hard time managing the day-to-day activities of everyday life and full-time employment is nearly impossible.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (also known as FAS) is the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States. It is estimated that approximately one in every five-hundred babies born develop the condition in the womb. While the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome vary from case to case, a severe case of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can make it impossible for an individual to work and generate enough of an income to support themselves. This inability to generate an income or obtain necessary medical insurance can cause significant financial stress.

Fragile X Syndrome, also known as Martin-Bell syndrome, is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disability. While cases of Fragile X Syndrome vary from individual to individual, some of the people who suffer from the condition are unable to work because of it. This can cause serious financial hardships. Unable to produce an income or provide for themselves, the individuals suffering from severe Fragile X Syndrome often face overwhelming stress and financial burdens.

People who suffer from Spinal Arachnoiditis can experience severe symptoms that may never go away. These symptoms can interfere with an individual's quality of life, making it impossible to work. The inability to work, combined with the suffering caused by the Spinal Arachnoiditis condition, can prove to be unbearable. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can help an individual suffering from Spinal Arachnoiditis make ends meet and cover basic living expenses.

Spine Disorders can be debilitating conditions, forcing those who suffer from them to face excruciating pain on a daily basis. Needless to say, those who suffer from Spine Disorders are often unable to work, as the condition affects their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of day-to-day life. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can often offset the financial hardship faced by those who live with Spine Disorders.