• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

Has your disability claim been wrongfully denied or terminated? Call us today for help!  (888) 321-8131

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

OLF Ortiz Law Firm National Disability Attorneys

Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.

  • ABOUT US
    • Nick Ortiz
    • Our Team
    • Case Results
    • Testimonials
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Long Term Disability
      • Long Term Disability Appeals
      • Long Term Disability Lawsuits
      • Lump Sum Buyouts/Settlements
    • ERISA Disability Claims
    • Individual Disability Insurance
    • Social Security Disability Claims
      • Initial Applications
      • Request for Reconsideration
      • Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
    • Personal Injury Claims
  • DISABLING CONDITIONS
    • Long Term Disability
    • Social Security Disability
  • INSURANCE CARRIERS
    • View All
    • Insurance Company Tricks And Tactics
  • RESOURCES
    • Blog
    • Get Free Resources
    • Lump Sum Disability Buyout Calculator
    • Long Term Disability FAQs
    • Social Security Disability FAQs
    • Long Term Disability Glossary of Key Terms in a Policy
    • Long Term Disability Case Summaries
    • Abbreviations in Social Security Disability Claims
  • Search
  • CONTACT

Mobile Menu

Call us today for help!

(888) 321-8131
  • ABOUT US
    • Nick Ortiz
    • Our Team
    • Case Results
    • Testimonials
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Long Term Disability
      • Long Term Disability Appeals
      • Long Term Disability Lawsuits
      • Lump Sum Buyouts/Settlements
    • ERISA Disability Claims
    • Individual Disability Insurance
    • Social Security Disability Claims
      • Initial Applications
      • Request for Reconsideration
      • Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
    • Personal Injury Claims
  • DISABLING CONDITIONS
    • Long Term Disability
    • Social Security Disability
  • INSURANCE CARRIERS
    • View All
    • Insurance Company Tricks And Tactics
  • RESOURCES
    • Blog
    • Get Free Resources
    • Lump Sum Disability Buyout Calculator
    • Long Term Disability FAQs
    • Social Security Disability FAQs
    • Long Term Disability Glossary of Key Terms in a Policy
    • Long Term Disability Case Summaries
    • Abbreviations in Social Security Disability Claims
  • Search
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / Social Security Disability Frequently Asked Questions / Why is My Attorney So Concerned About Drugs and Alcohol in My Disability Claim?

Why is My Attorney So Concerned About Drugs and Alcohol in My Disability Claim?

The claimant’s use of alcohol and/or illegal (or “street”) drugs is one of the single greatest problems in getting claims approved. Why is it such an issue?

Drugs and alcohol are a problem because the Social Security Administration may deny benefits where it finds such use is a “material contributing factor” to the disability.

Standard of Review

First, Social Security must determine whether there is “medical evidence of Drug Addiction and/or Alcoholism (“DAA”).”

“Medical evidence of DAA” means that the evidence is from an acceptable medical source; and is sufficient and appropriate to establish that the individual has a medically determinable substance use disorder.

If there is medical evidence of DAA, the SSA must then determine whether the DAA is material to the claimant’s disability. DAA is material only when the evidence establishes that the individual has medically determinable DAA as described, and would not be disabled if he or she stopped using drugs or alcohol.

According to the guidelines, the key factor Social Security must consider when making a material determination is whether it would still find the individual disabled if he/she stopped using drugs or alcohol. In doing this, SSA must decide which of the current physical and mental limitations would remain if the individual stopped using drugs or alcohol; and whether any or all of these remaining limitations would still be disabling.

Examples of When DAA Is Material

The following are some examples of when DAA is material.

1. The only impairment is a substance use disorder.

2. The individual’s other impairment(s) is by itself not disabling; e.g., a hearing impairment that is “not severe.”

3. The individual’s other impairment(s) is exacerbated by DAA and the evidence documents that, after a drug-free period of 1 month, the other impairment(s) is by itself not disabling.

If the evidence in file is sufficient and consistent to establish that the individual is disabled but does not establish that the individual has DAA, then no additional development of the DAA is required, and SSA should make a disability determination based on the evidence in file.

For additional information, visit the following pages on Social Security’s website:

POMS Section DI 90070.050

and

20 CFR § 416.935.

The “Reality” of DAA

Now I have to tell what I believe to be the “reality” of DAA in disability claims. Many Judges are very hesitant to award benefits to claimants with a drug and/or alcohol history. Even if the use of drugs and alcohol is not “material” to the claimant’s disability, many (if not most) Judges will not award benefits to individuals where the Judge believes the claimant will use government benefits to consume illegal drugs or alcohol.

FacebookTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail

Primary Sidebar

Top Ten Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Social Security Disability Claim

Get Free Resources

"I can’t say enough good things about Mr. Ortiz and his team of professionals. They were dedicated to helping me win my Social Security Disability case. Through the entire process, they were there to answer any questions I had and made it so easy for me. I can’t thank them enough."

Felicia B.

Recent Posts

  • Long Term Disability Insurance Policy Provisions – Part II
  • Long Term Disability Insurance Policy Provisions – Part I
  • Filing for Disability While A Jones Act Maritime Injury Case Is Pending
  • How To Collect Medical Records Without Breaking the Bank
  • How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability Back Pay?

Footer

Contact Us

316 S Baylen St., Ste 590
Pensacola, FL 32502
(888) 321-8131
[email protected]
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Free Resources
  • Client Testimonials
  • Case Results
  • Nationwide Representation

Claims Handled

  • Long Term Disability
  • ERISA Disability
  • Individual Disability Insurance
  • Social Security Disability
  • Florida Personal Injury
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Site Footer

© 2023 Ortiz Law Firm

Sitemap | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!