Disability Benefits for Xeroderma Pigmentosum

About Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic skin disorder in which the body is unable to repair damage inflicted by ultraviolet light. The disorder most commonly affects sun-exposed areas such as the skin and eyes. Without the proper protection, sun exposure can cause severe damage to the body as well as increase the risk to develop skin cancer. As a result, all exposure to the sun is avoided to prevent further complications. There is no cure for the condition and protection from ultraviolet light (sunlight through windows, fluorescence lightbulbs) is generally required.

Symptoms of Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)

Several symptoms of XP originate from exposure to the sun while others may occur regardless of exposure. Symptoms include but are not limited to the following:

  • Blistering of the skin
  • Fatigue
  • Development of freckles
  • Inflammation of the skin
  • Severe sunburns
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin discoloration
  • Spider veins
  • Weakness

Eye-related symptoms
Xeroderma Pigmentosum causes the eyes to become extra sensitive to ultraviolet light as well. Sun exposure can result in several other symptoms related to the eyes and vision. They include the following:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Eye irritation
  • Cornea may become cloudy
  • Loss of eyelashes
  • Abnormal eyelid curvature
  • Eye cancer
  • Vision loss

 

Qualifying for Disability with Xeroderma Pigmentosum

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will award benefits to an individual with XP as long as he or she has medical documentation proving they have the condition. This is stated in the Blue Book under 8.00E in the skin disorder category. The actual listing for XP is under 8.07 Genetic Photosensitivity Disorders.

8.07 Genetic Photosensitivity Disorders

A.) Xeroderma pigmentosum as described in 8.00E

8.00E:
What documentation will the SSA need?

The SSA will require documentation from an acceptable medical source showing the applicant has XP supported by genetic laboratory findings indicating chromosomal changes appropriate for XP.
 

Compassionate Allowance List

Xeroderma Pigmentosum is included in the Social Security’s List of Compassionate Allowances Conditions. This list was created to quickly identify and evaluate severe conditions that obviously meet disability qualifications. Social Security speeds up the process for those applicants with conditions under this list to ensure they receive the disability benefits they deserve as soon as possible. To learn more, check out our page on Compassionate Allowances.