Can My Medication Make Me Too Disabled to Work?
January 19, 2016
Social Security Disability benefits are granted to people with conditions or illnesses that make it impossible for them to do work. But what about people whose illness is not the primary cause of their disability? In other words, what happens when you are taking a medication for one condition, and as a result it makes you unable to work because of a cognitive impairment?The answer is, maybe – it depends on why you are taking that other medication. If you are taking pills that make your head feel “fuzzy,” but you do not have to take them for a long time, then no; you cannot collect Social Security Disability in Philadelphia based on memory loss. But if your memory loss is part of an underlying condition and is exacerbated (made worse) by the medication you must take, then you could qualify for benefits.
Common conditions with cognitive impairment
Some medical conditions are already considered “good candidates” for Social Security Disability benefits. These conditions might already be listed in the “blue book,” and their effects might be worsened by the medication you take. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Cancer, especially when a patient is undergoing chemotherapy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia, and other conditions which cause chronic pain
- Lupus
- Lyme disease
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
Conditions like these already meet the criteria for SSD, so the effects of your medication may make your claim stronger, especially if there are no other medications you can take for your illness or condition.
What to do if you cannot work
If you have a medical condition or impairment that leaves you unable to work, one of the smartest things you can do is work with a Philadelphia Social Security Disability lawyer who has experience in helping people apply for benefits. Our team at Larry Pitt & Associates can help you through the process by:
- Documenting your condition
- Working with your doctors
- Helping you gather medical and, in some cases, educational histories
- Double-checking your application for errors or mistakes
- Filing the application the correct way
Our team of Philadelphia Social Security Disability attorneys knows how to help people just like you get the benefits they need. If you cannot work, we encourage you to contact Larry Pitt & Associates today, and to make an appointment at one of our offices serving clients in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.
