Severe psoriatic arthritis and joint pain can be quite severe and when it causes an individual to be unable to work, they can be considered for disability benefit. There is no disability listing for psoriasis but Social Security Administration (SSA) will classify any disability that results from it under dermatitis. Individuals that suffer from a case of psoriasis which meets the requirements for disability benefits due to dermatitis will be approved for social security.
How Psoriasis And Arthritis Are Related And Effects On Social Security Disability
Psoriasis may at times be coupled with arthritis which is then referred to as psoriatic arthritis. If a case of psoriasis is not approved for disability benefits under dermatitis but there is a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, the applicant may qualify for disability benefits based on the severity of the effects of arthritis.
The level of incapacitation as a result of psoriasis is caused by severe joint dysfunction. Joint pain becomes severe when the extent of the pain causes loss of function in the affected joints. In qualifying an applicant for disability benefit the examiner does not consider the cause of the joint dysfunction but it is important that they establish that the joint is deformed. In addition to the pain, it must also be established that the joint pain has been ongoing for a while and there are stiffness and diminished movement or 
abnormal motion. This level of severity is only possible to establish using x-ray imaging as well as nerve reflex analysis.
In the worst cases of psoriatic arthritis, it may be necessary to do reconstructive surgery on the knees, ankles or hips. The purpose of the surgery is to relieve the amount of pain that an individual goes through and this increase the joint functionality making it unnecessary to apply for disability. Reconstructive surgery does not always lead to the desired outcome especially when a mistake is done. This makes the situation worst and most applications made under these circumstances are approved.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Joint Pain and Eligibility for Social Security Disability
Spinal injury is listed under disability and this is often a result of psoriatic arthritis which may affect the spine. A spinal injury which restricts work related movement may be a qualifying condition for disability. The SSA will analyze the requirements for the criteria but approval will be offered as per the guidelines on the section of back problems.
People who suffer from psoriatic arthritis can also be approved for disability under the inflammation listing if a joint is too inflamed as to lose its function. In cases where the resultant condition does not fall under any disability listing, the SSA will assess an individual’s RFC to establish eligibility.