I remember sitting down in the dining room at night, while waiting for dinner to be ready, and my dad watching “Dr. House” on TV.

Hugh Laurie certainly did a wonderful job bringing this ironic, sometimes annoying, but still lovable, genius doctor to life in this medical drama.

Now, interestingly, Dr. Gregory House had a problem with his leg and used a walking stick because of that. We could argue that, if he wanted, he could have applied for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance).

However, there are some key reasons why he would have been denied disability benefits, and today, Indianapolis disability attorneys help us understand the problems with Dr. House’s SSDI case, and what you can learn about this hypothetical situation.

Let’s go.

Analyzing Dr. House’s SSDI Claim

First of all, let’s understand Dr. House’s condition.

Due to a problem of blood supply, he suffered an infarction in his right leg, and then, after certain medical interventions, he can still walk but limping, which is why he uses a walking stick, and he also has chronic pain.

Because of this constant pain and mobility issues, we could think he can apply for SSDI. However, he would be denied disability benefits immediately.

#1 Problem: Working Impediment

For the SSA (Social Security Administration) to consider you need the SSDI benefit, you have to prove that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months or that the condition will result in death.

The first problem with Dr. House is that he continues to work. His limp does not impede him from doing his job as a doctor, or even from working in other areas, if that were the case.

So, strike one for our doctor.

#2 Problem: Substantial Gainful Activity

Gregory House continues working, and we can say that, as an experienced doctor, his earnings cannot be that bad.

Well, that is problem N°2 for his SSDI claim. The concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) in the context of disability refers to work done for the sake of earning money. 

If your income is higher than the monthly amount set by SSA, this automatically disqualifies you for this disability benefit.

Strike 2, House.

#3 Problem: Use of Painkillers

Our beloved doctor uses Vicodin, a painkiller, to cope with his problem, eventually becoming addicted (though he frequently denies it).

What is the matter with SSDI and substances? You have to prove with medical evidence that you follow the treatment according to the doctor’s recommendations, and that substances do not contribute to exacerbating the disability.

In this case, it is necessary to show that an individual follows doctors’ prescriptions and treatments to effectively demonstrate that his disability affects his life and capacity to work. 

Failure to demonstrate the severity of the condition and treatment compliance can lead to a claim denial.

Verdict: Benefit Denied

Gregory House, we’re sorry, but your claim is denied (you can insert one of his ironic responses here).

But not everything is lost in this case, because we have something to learn from House’s disability claim.

When applying for an SSDI benefit, having a disability is not an instant reason for case approval.

Only around 30% of SSDI claims receive an approval on the first try. The rest are denied.

One of the main reasons SSDI claims are denied is related to a lack of relevant evidence. Medical evidence is necessary to show how your condition affects your ability to perform a Substantial Gainful Activity and how it also affects your daily life.

Records of how your symptoms affect you, the progress of your condition, and successful adherence to treatments will contribute to a successful case.

And do what your doctor says, kids. Here, following medical recommendations can make a real difference, as if you don’t comply with the treatment, the SSA interprets that the situation is not that bad for you to stop working and receive the benefit.

When Everything Fails, Look for Professional Legal Assistance

Many claimants present their SSDI cases on their own, but they forget they can hire a lawyer to make things easier.

Hiring a disability lawyer for SSDI claims can increase your chances of getting the benefit, as they know how to make a convincing case, gather all the evidence you need, and have knowledge of the process and applicable law.

Disability attorneys also represent you at hearings; they can take care of the communications, and if your case was initially denied, they can appeal.Though he is an interesting character, don’t be like Dr. House. You can get your SSDI claim approved with adequate evidence and legal help from a disability attorney.