In order to avail Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it is important that you fulfill all the basic requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This includes meeting the definition of a person with a disability, income limits, asset limits, age limit, etc. In addition to these basic eligibility requirements, the SSA requires you to show proof of medical compliance. Failure to produce evidence of being compliant with your medicines regimen may result in rejection of your SSD benefits claim.
The SSA utilizes a degree of medical compliance as an indicator of the severity of your disease or disability. If you have not seen a physician or if you do not take the medicines prescribed by the physician regularly, the SSA may conclude that your condition is not as severe as you say it.
Acceptable Reasons for Failing to Comply with Medicines Regimen
The SSA does not reject your claim solely on the basis of failure to seek or comply with treatment. The association considers whether there were any good reasons for this behavior. The following reasons are considered acceptable by the SSA:
- The applicant did not see a doctor because of non-affordability or lack of insurance coverage.
- The applicant stopped taking medicine because the side effects were worse than the disease symptoms.
- The applicant was told by the physician that no effective treatment is available for their situation.
- The applicant is able to get by without any treatment by structuring their activities.
- The applicant is unable to comply with treatment because it is against their religious beliefs.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a SSD Benefits Claim?
Seeking assistance from a SSD attorney can help you understand the process of filing a claim and considerably increase your chances of winning. A SSD attorney helps you prepare for your hearing. They conduct a practice hearing session where you are required to answer certain questions commonly asked by the agency to determine an applicant’s compliance to treatment.
In order to make a successful SSD benefits claim, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information about your medical condition. Make sure to list the name of all providers you have sought medical assistance from. Do not forget to include the names and details of your mental health counselors, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, social workers, and anyone else who has provided you any kind of mental or physical treatment.
If you are using any alternative treatment or any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, make sure to provide complete information to the agency regarding its use. The use of OTC medicines such as painkillers significantly influences your ability to win the SSD benefits claim. Alternative treatments may include acupuncture, yoga, massage, and other therapeutic exercises.
To know more about what details your medical record should contain, you should contact Brock and Stout Attorneys at Law. We have experience in handling some of the most complicated Social Security Disability benefits claims. You may talk to our experienced attorneys by calling us at 1-800-884-9600.