In the United States, substance abuse is currently a hot subject, especially in light of the opioid epidemic. Many people have opinions on this matter, frequently without comprehending the underlying factors that influence people’s decisions to consume alcohol or illegal narcotics.
It’s pretty typical for people to use alcohol and over-the-counter medications to deal with the agony of a chronic condition. However, consuming drugs or alcohol while filing for Social Security disability payments can seriously harm your claim. Read on to learn more and then contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for help.
There are two main ways substance abuse can affect an SSDI claim
As skilled SSDI lawyers, we are aware of the regulations the Social Security Administration (SSA) must adhere to in determining whether a claimant (someone asking for Social Security disability payments) is disabled and in approving that claim.
First off, if a claimant refuses to adhere to therapy without a valid excuse, the SSA will not deem them disabled. Second, if drug or alcohol abuse is deemed to be a “contributing factor material to the finding of disability,” the claimant cannot be found to be eligible to benefits.
What this means in practice
So what does this actually mean to someone who is requesting SSDI benefits? In essence, it means that you might not be considered disabled under SSA guidelines if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, such as by drinking alcohol while taking medication that clearly instructs you not to do so.
It also means that your claim can be rejected if it turns out that you have a drug or alcohol addiction, which is one of the contributing factors to your impairment. For instance, since alcohol is a depressant, it may be argued that habitually drinking it to deal with your depression is a contributing reason to your disease.
Let us help you through this difficult situation
It is crucial to have a knowledgeable SSDI attorney represent you at every stage of the procedure because many people are unaware of these regulations or how they may affect an SSDI claim. A knowledgeable SSDI lawyer can help you avoid potential issues with your SSDI claim, for instance, if you are taking a sleep aid that was not prescribed to you (such as one that was given to you by a family member or friend) by having you speak with your doctor about whether this medication is appropriate for you and your condition, and if so, getting a prescription.
Similarly, your SSDI lawyer could talk to you about the legal repercussions of taking marijuana to treat a medical illness. Despite the fact that many states have legalized marijuana usage for medical and recreational purposes, using the drug remains illegal under federal law. The easiest method to prevent having your disability claim denied on the basis of illicit drug usage is to only use marijuana as recommended by a licensed health care professional and in compliance with state law when applying for SSDI benefits.
Alcohol and non-prescription drug use can frequently cause issues with your Social Security disability claim. The best course of action is frequently to abstain from using any substances that are prohibited or that have not been prescribed for you, and to only consume alcohol in moderation when your doctor has approved it. By doing this, you can prevent your claim from being rejected because of your drug or alcohol usage.
The lawyers at PLBH can assist you if you’re thinking about applying for SSDI benefits. From the initial application to the appeals process, we have extensive experience managing all aspects of Social Security disability claims. To learn more about how we may assist you, call us at (800) 435-7542 or send an email to info@plblaw.com right now.