Can skipping medication affect your Social Security Disability case? Social Security looks at whether you follow your doctor’s advice, especially if the treatment might help you work again. Today, I will explain how medication use factors affect your claim and when there may be valid reasons for not taking it. You’ll also find out how prescription side effects can support your case. Learn what to watch for so you can avoid common mistakes in my latest video.
If you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits, taking your prescribed medications can play a big role in your case. Social Security expects you to follow your doctor’s advice, especially if the treatment might help you feel better or return to work. Here’s everything you need to know:
It’s important to remember that you need a valid reason for not following medical advice. For example, if you have a back problem or carpal tunnel and your doctor recommends surgery or medication, Social Security will want to see that you’re following through. If you don’t take your medication, you need a clear reason. Simply not liking the idea isn’t enough.
This comes up often in mental health cases like schizophrenia. Some people avoid medication because it makes them feel tired or not like themselves. But if it helps control symptoms, Social Security sees that as important.
There are also cases where the medication itself contributes to disability. Some cancer survivors, for example, are on long-term chemotherapy drugs that result in severe, ongoing side effects. In these cases, the disabling condition may stem not just from the illness but also from the treatment, and Social Security takes this into account.
For others, like those dealing with chronic pain or seizure disorders, medication may offer enough symptom relief to maintain some level of work capacity. A person with seizures, for instance, might experience improved control with a medication like Keppra, which could affect the outcome of a claim.
Ultimately, medication is just one piece of a disability case. Compliance with a doctor’s recommendations is important, but it’s not the only factor Social Security considers. In some situations, a person may not take certain medications and still have a strong case based on the overall medical evidence.
If you have questions or need guidance, give us a call at (800) 419-7606. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
