Veterans who have served in the military often struggle with health conditions related to their service. Servicemembers could develop hernias due to heavy lifting. They might have conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety because of the challenges they faced while serving.
Veterans are often eligible for medical benefits and treatment provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In some cases, veterans may also be eligible for disability benefits if their health challenges affect their ability to work. During a claim for veterans’ disability benefits, medical compliance is an important consideration. The proper use of medication could influence the outcome of a disability claim.
Failing to follow instructions could impact benefits
Veterans seeking disability benefits must undergo thorough evaluations. The goal is to establish the percentage of their disability. Some veterans may worry that if medications control their symptoms too effectively, they may lose out on the benefits that they require.
However, compliance with the approved treatment plan is a key component of any veteran’s disability claim. Generally speaking, veterans need to take their prescribed medications as recommended by their health care professionals to qualify for benefits.
Veterans living with PTSD symptoms may have prescriptions for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Doctors may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines. Mood stabilizers, sleep aids and antipsychotics are also common medications.
Beyond psychiatric drugs, veterans may also have prescriptions for opioids, muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Heart health, blood pressure, digestive health, thyroid and anticoagulant medications are also common. Many of these medications are only effective when taken for multiple days or weeks consistently.
If veterans do not follow prescription recommendations, they may struggle to control their symptoms. They may also end up denied benefits by a judge until they come into compliance with their treatment plan, as their refusal to take medications as directed could impact their ability to work or their overall medical condition.
Having support while pursuing veterans disability benefits can help former service members improve their chances of success and optimize the benefits that they receive. Veterans who understand the rules that apply to disability points can avoid mistakes that might put them at a disadvantage or limit the benefits that they are otherwise eligible to receive.