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If you’re applying for disability benefits but not complying with the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor, Social Security may be able to deny your claim for “treatment noncompliance.” Social Security may be able to make the case that treatments could reverse the outcome. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it is important to follow your physician’s prescribed course of treatment to the extent possible so that you can avoid this matter entirely.
If you fail to follow prescribed treatment, take prescribed medication or undergo recommended surgery, this may prevent you from getting Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but only when the following four criteria are met:
There are several important points to remember here. First, the treatment or medication in question must be prescribed by the doctor who treats you, not by a consulting examiner or a physician for Disability Determination Services (DDS). Also, the treatment instructions must consist of something more specific than general lifestyle advice. If your doctor has advised you to lose weight, and exercise more – and whose hasn’t? – this advice does not constitute prescribed treatment. If, however, your doctor advises you to stop using drugs and alcohol, failure to follow this advice could certainly impact your claim.
Also note that the treatment or medication your doctor has prescribed must be clearly expected to restore your ability to do full-time work. It literally must be able to make the difference between whether or not you can work. For this reason, a minor deviation from your doctor’s prescribed treatment is usually not a sufficient basis for Social Security to deny your claim.
If Social Security determines that you meet the four criteria above, the agency can deny your disability claim unless you can show that you were justified in failing to follow treatment. Here are several situations in which your failure to follow treatment will not be held against you:
While these are some of the most common justifications, this is not an exhaustive list. If you haven’t been compliant with the treatment recommended by your doctor but can provide evidence that your refusal is justified, Social Security may still approve your claim.
At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we know what to expect and can help you present your very best case. We are experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate. For more information about our award-winning firm, visit jandils.com or call us at 877.526.3457. You can also fill out this form and we will respond to you shortly.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law