What does SSA require to approve a claim for bullous disease (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa)?

Under SSA Blue Book Listing 8.03 (Bullous disease (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa)), a claim meet all of the criteria below. There is 1 criterion, and much of the medical evidence must be documented (imaging, labs, or specialist reports). Meeting a listing is one route to approval; claims can also be approved on medical-vocational grounds.

Listing 8.03 · Skin disorders

Bullous disease (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa)

To be approved under this listing, a claim must meet all of the criteria below — and the medical records have to prove it.

A
Extensive skin lesions persisting at least 3 months despite treatment.
In plain terms: Do you have widespread, persistent bullous lesions despite at least 3 months of treatment?
Evidence required:Biopsy reportTreating physician report

Read the official SSA text for Listing 8.03

Estimate the odds

Historical approval rates for a claim like this — by state, age, and stage.

Approval odds by condition

How claims for this body system fare through the process.

Other skin disorders listings

Ichthyosis Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes Dermatitis (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis)Hidradenitis suppurativa Genetic photosensitivity disorders (xeroderma pigmentosum, etc.)Burns

Source: SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 · Updated 2026-07-31. Criteria paraphrased for readability; see the official SSA text linked above. Not legal or medical advice — whether a specific medical record meets Listing 8.03 is an individualized judgment SSA makes on the evidence.

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