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.

Sarcoidosis can be a very debilitating and painful condition. While each case of Sarcoidosis is different, some of the individuals who suffer from the condition often find it impossible to work due to the symptoms caused by Sarcoidosis. The inability to earn a substantial gainful income can result in serious financial hardship for the disabled individual, which is only compounded by medical bills incurred due to the condition. In some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can offset the financial burden caused by Sarcoidosis. If you are suffering from Sarcoidosis and are wondering if you may qualify for disability benefits, there are a few things you need to know. It is important to understand how your Sarcoidosis condition affects your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. The following information can help you with your Sarcoidosis Social Security Disability claim.

Sarcoidosis - Condition and Symptoms

Sarcoidosis is an auto-immune disease that causes swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, eyes, lungs, skin and other body tissues and organs. The exact symptoms of Sarcoidosis will vary from case to case, depending on which part of the body the Sarcoidosis is affecting. Those who suffer from Sarcoidosis in the lungs will often experience a dry cough, shortness of breath, discomfort behind the breast bone and abnormal breathing sounds. Individuals who suffer from Sarcoidosis of the skin will often experience rashes, raised scars, sores, lesions and hair loss. Those who suffer from Sarcoidosis of the nervous system frequently experience headaches, facial palsy, seizures, burning and itching of the eyes and dry eye. General symptoms of the condition include dry mouth, nose bleeds, fatigue, fever, weight loss and joint pain.

In order to diagnose a Sarcoidosis condition, your doctor may order a variety of tests. These tests may include chest x-rays, CT scans, lung gallium scans and a variety of blood work panels. Biopsies may also be ordered to diagnose a Sarcoidosis condition.

While many cases of Sarcoidosis get better on their own without treatment, there is no actual cure for the condition. For patients whose Sarcoidosis condition does not improve, treatment for the symptoms of Sarcoidosis are available. These treatments include corticosteroid treatment, medications that suppress the immune system and, in severe cases, organ transplants. While these treatments can address the symptoms of Sarcoidosis, they can not address the underlying cause and there is currently no long-term treatment that is able to prevent Sarcoidosis from getting worse over time.

In severe cases of Sarcoidosis, the condition can interfere with an individual's ability to work. Because of this, many of the individuals who suffer from Sarcoidosis consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits to help offset the financial burden caused by the condition.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Sarcoidosis

The Social Security Administration's listing of impairments does not include a specific entry for Sarcoidosis. That does not mean, however, that you can not receive Social Security Disability benefits if you are unable to work due to Sarcoidosis. If the condition is causing a long-term or permanent disability, it is still possible to obtain disability benefits if you can prove this disability to the SSA.

In order to obtain Social Security Disability benefits for Sarcoidosis you will need to prove, beyond a doubt, that your condition is preventing you from performing substantial gainful work activity and that the disability will last for a minimum of twelve months. Make sure that you discuss the limitations the Sarcoidosis is causing when you visit your doctor. You will want any and all limitations recorded in your medical records in order to provide the SSA with the evidence they need to approve your Social Security Disability claim. Also include all of your lab work and test results with your application when applying for disability benefits.

Sarcoidosis and Your Social Security Disability Case

The chances of your application for disability benefits being approved at the initial stage of the Social Security Disability application process are very slim when filing a claim based on the Sarcoidosis condition. Overall, the SSA only approves approximately 30 percent of Social Security Disability applications including applications for conditions that are actually listed in the SSA's listing of impairments.

If your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you will need to file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the determination letter from the Social Security office. The first stage of the appeal process will usually include a request for reconsideration. These appeals, however, are rarely successful.

If your request for reconsideration is denied (and most are), the next step of the appeal process is the Social Security Disability hearing. The good news is that approximately two-thirds of appeals are won at the hearing stage of the appeal process. In order to increase your chances of a successful appeal, you may wish to hire a disability attorney or advocate to represent you in your disability claim due to Sarcoidosis.