Disability for Chronic Headaches

The physical pain and emotional anguish of living with a disability are often exasperated by a loss of income due to the inability to work. People who suffer from a long-term disability may want to work, but the limitations caused by their disability can make it impossible for them to effectively complete required job tasks. A loss of income at a time when medical bills are accumulating can be financially devastating. Social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits may provide relief.

SSDI is an insurance program that is funded through paycheck deductions. People must have worked in the past in order to qualify, so SSDI is a type of insurance that benefits only those who pay into it. The federal government manages the funds and makes payments to approved individuals. In order to apply for SSDI benefits, disabled individuals must provide detailed information related to work history and the nature of their disability.

What are Chronic Headaches?

Headaches are part of life for everyone, but there are some people who suffer from headaches on a daily basis. Some people who experience chronic headaches are able to effectively treat the pain with medication. However, there are some sufferers who find that treatment options do not eliminate the pain. These individuals are often unable to concentrate, and the constant pain may reduce quality of life.

Medical professionals may be unable to determine the cause of chronic headaches for some sufferers. It is believed that these headaches relate to conditions like inflammation in the brain, infections like meningitis, pressure inside the skull, a tumor or a brain injury. Chronic headaches may also occur when a person takes pain medication on a regular basis. Rebound headaches are painful and can develop when a person takes pain medication two or more days per week.

There are many medications that doctors can prescribe to help reduce the pain of chronic headaches. Antidepressents are used to treat anxiety and depression that can trigger headaches. Beta blockers may be used for people who have chronic migraines, and anti-seizure medications have been shown to reduce the instance of migraines and other chronic headaches. If the pain is related to inflammation in the brain, an anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed. People who do not respond to the medications listed above can receive Botox injections that work to block pain signals.

Getting Disability for Chronic Headaches

While there are treatment options available for chronic headaches, some people do not respond to these medications. When a person is suffering from debilitating headaches that cannot be effectively treated, the individual may be unable to concentrate on work tasks.

To prove that the headaches are severe enough to qualify a person for benefits, thorough medical records must be kept. Not only does an applicant have to prove that medical attention has been sought in relation to the headaches, but the individual must also show that all possible treatment options have been pursued.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review medical records to establish that a disability exists and is expected to last longer than one year. Work history will also be evaluated to determine if there are any positions for which an applicant is qualified that would accommodate the disability.

Getting Help from an Attorney

Going through the SSDI benefits application process can be frustrating. People who apply for benefits need the financial assistance to pay for basic necessities, and being denied much-needed assistance is stressful and upsetting. First-time applications may be denied in part due to errors made by the applicant, so it is recommended that applicants consult with a legal professional to avoid making these errors. Applying with the help of an attorney improves a person’s chances of being approved for benefits by eliminating errors, ensuring that adequate medical evidence is provided and ensuring that all deadlines are met. To get started, schedule a consultation with Disability Lawyers in Texas.