Playing video games is generally a fun way to pass the time. Unfortunately, some individuals develop addictions to video games that interfere with their ability to function in their lives, including making it hard for them to hold down steady employment. People in this situation or their loved ones may wonder if this addiction is covered under Social Security disability. The short answer is no, but it may be possible to still get payments.
Addiction is Not Considered a Disability
The primary reason why a video game addict may not be approved for Social Security disability benefits is because the agency doesn't consider any addiction to be a disabling condition. It doesn't matter if the source of the addiction is drugs, alcohol, gambling, or video games; the agency will automatically deny any application listing addiction as a reason for the disability.
Another reason a person may be denied Social Security disability benefits for a video game addiction is because it's currently not recognized as a legitimate disorder by the American Medical Association (AMA). This is a problem, because recognition by reputable organizations like the AMA partly affects whether or not a condition or disease is accepted as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How You May Qualify
Although video game addiction doesn't qualify as a disability in and of itself, it may be possible to get approved for disability benefits for mental or physical problems that develop because of the addiction. In fact, this is how the Social Security Administration handles requests for benefits for drug and alcohol addictions.
It is well-known that drug and alcohol abuse can have a deleterious effect on the brain and body. If a person suffers a debilitating condition as a result of his or her consumption of these substances, the individual can apply for Social Security disability benefits based on that condition if it prevents him or her from working.
Likewise, people may qualify for disability benefits based on conditions they develop as a result of their video game addictions. Depending on the extent of the addiction, there are several mental and physical issues that can result from playing video games on a continuous basis, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mechanical injuries such as carpal tunnel from overuse of controllers
- Obesity from lack of exercise and over-consumption of foodstuffs
- Stroke, heart failure, and breathing disorders caused by blood clots that develop from destructive lifestyle choices inspired by the addiction
It's important to understand, though, the condition must be severe enough to prevent the person from working. For example, blood clots can form in the legs from sitting for long periods of time, which can lead to a condition called deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). This, in turn, can cause physical complications that make it difficult to stand, walk, or do other tasks necessary for employment. If you can prove to the SSA's satisfaction that you can't work because of DVT, then you may be approved for benefits.
Challenges to Getting Approved
Proving your case to the SSA may be challenging depending on the condition you're basing your application on. For instance, it can be difficult to get approved for disability for mental health disorders because it's not always easy to show how severe the condition is on an objective level.
As noted previously, video game addiction is not officially recognized by the AMA. It's also not well understood or known. So your claim may not be taken as seriously if you mention your injuries stem from this condition.
Getting approved for Social Security benefits can be hard for people who have known diseases and disabilities. It can be even more so for conditions that are unusual or extraordinary such as video game addiction. Work with a disability attorney who can provide you with sound advice to help you achieve the desired outcome. You can find a disability attorney online by visiting a site like http://www.johnehornattorney.com.
