Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Genetic Photosensitivity Disorders
Photosensitivity is a term that is used to describe an increased reactivity of light from exposure of an individual’s skin to the sun. There are literally hundreds of things that can cause photosensitivity, including: exposure to chemicals, certain prescription drugs and even some ingredients in perfumes. In some cases, however, an individual’s case of photosensitivity is caused by genetic factors. There are many different types of genetic photosensitivity that an individual may suffer from, such as phenylketonuria, albinism, familial porphyria, cutanea tarda, xeroderma, erythropoietic protoporphyria and Kindler syndrome. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 8.07 of the Blue Book.
Do Genetic Photosensitivity Disorders Qualify for Disability?
While most every case of genetic photosensitivity will impact an individual’s lifestyle in one way or another, not all of the conditions that fall under this diagnosis are severe enough to prevent an individual from performing substantial gainful work activity. However, the Social Security Administration does recognize that some of these disabling conditions can be very severe and do warrant Social Security disability benefits. As a result, they have included genetic photosensitivity in their published Medical Listings under Section 8.07.
According to Section 8.07 of the SSA’s Blue Book Listings, an individual may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they suffer from xeroderma pigmentosum or other genetic photosensitivity disorders that result in extensive skin lesions that have lasted (or are expected to last) for a period of at least twelve months. A person may also qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration if they suffer from a form of genetic photosensitivity that prevents them from functioning outside of a highly protective environment for a continuous period of at least one year.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with a genetic photosensitivity disorder and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
