Smoking and alcohol can affect a claim for Social Security Disability

When filing for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, you can bet that if you are a smoker and/or like to partake in occasional "social" cocktails, you will likely be questioned about those habits by the Social Security Judge if required to go to hearing. The significance of these habits will depend on the medical conditions you are alleging causes your disability. For example, if you are alleging disability due to COPD or some other pulmonary dysfunction, and you still smoke...well, you are unlikely to garner any sympathy from the Judge. Likewise, if you have chronic liver problems, such as cirrhosis, and you still drink...again, not great facts for the Judge to consider. However, even if your disability does not involve the above, many Judges (some more than others) have a real problem with smokers and drinkers. Even if you are alleging a disabling back condition, many Judges feel that smoking exacerbates your pain. I have had this happen, even when the Judge's medical expert testifies that there is no relation between increased pain and smoking. In short, it is generally advisable to try and quit or cutback on these perceived "bad habits" prior to going before the Judge. Although smoking and drinking may have no affect on your medical condition, Judges can still be prejudiced against those habits, thereby creating an extra obstacle in obtaining disability.