Help! I have a Disability Hearing!
Medications and Treatments… what the Judge wants to know.
Most people with disabilities have been prescribed a number of different medications. They have visited several doctors. And they have tried MANY different types of treatment. Often, claimants have a history of trying a variety of different things, just looking for relief. The judge (or your lawyer) is going to ask what you have tried in the past, and what you are doing now.
Each case is different, with each claimant trying to prove different disabilities. You will probably be asked some of these questions, but not all of them. You may also be asked some different questions, depending on what you are trying to prove.
About Medications:
- Are you taking any medications?
A note about medications: Be sure to include all prescription AND over the counter medications or supplements!
- What are they, and why do you take them?
- Who prescribed or recommended this medication?
- How is your pain (or other symptom) affected by this medication?
- Do you have side effects from this medication?
A note about side effects: most medications have *some* sort of side effects. Claimants often mistake side effects for new or worsening symptoms. You can learn more about your medications (and possible side effects) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This library of medicine provides information for prescription and over-the-counter medications.
About Treatments:
- How often do you see your doctor?
- How is your doctor treating this ailment, symptom, or problem?
- If you are not seeing a doctor? Why not?
Potential reasons someone might not see a doctor: lack of health insurance, too expensive, cannot drive, no transportation.
- What other types of treatment have you tried (other than medication)?
- How much have these things helped?
Examples of other types of treatment: TENS unit, physical therapy, massage, psychological therapy, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, exercises, injections.
- What home remedies have you tried?
- How much have these things helped?
Examples of home remedies: hot baths, stretching, heating pads, ice, ointments
It is a good idea to make a list of your medications before your disability hearing. Write down the name of each prescription medicine, over the counter medicine, and vitamins or supplements that you take. Include the name of the doctor who prescribed (or recommended) the medication, why you take it, and what side effects each medication causes. Even if you know all of this information by heart, it is easy to forget when you are nervous. It is okay to pull out your list at the hearing, and refer to it.
Here is a sample list:
|
My Medicine List |
|||
| Name of Medicine | Doctor | Why I take it | Side Effects |
| Clonazepam | Dr. Who | To control seizures | Joint pain, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness |
| Flexeril | Dr. Who | For pain in my muscles | Drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach |
| Nexium | Dr. Who | For acid reflux | Headache, constipation |
| Ibuprofen | Dr. Who | Pain in my muscles, swelling in my joints | Constipation, dizziness, upset stomach |
| Lisinopril | Dr. Watson | High blood pressure | Dizziness, headache, fatigue |
| Losartan | Dr. Watson | High blood pressure | Weakness, heartburn, muscle cramps |
Remember to take your list with you! You will need it during your hearing!
Of course, it is unlikely that you will be asked ALL of the above questions. And, you may be asked different questions. But, this gives you a good idea of what kind of information you will be expected to provide.
More articles in the “Help! I have a Disability Hearing!” series:
More articles coming soon...
If we have not answered your questions about what to expect at your disability hearing, please keep checking back! Or, leave your question in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
Best wishes on your upcoming hearing!
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Originally published: September 26, 2016
Last updated: September 26, 2016 at 18:23 pm