Social Security Disability for Migraines

Migraines may be viewed as just another type of headache by people who do not suffer from them, but sufferers know that the nausea, fatigue and sensitivity to light that go along with migraines can be debilitating. Chronic migraine sufferers may be eligible for social security disability (SSD) benefits.

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache that are known for causing a sufferer significant, throbbing pain in the head. People who suffer from migraines may be warned that a migraine is going to happen by experiencing a visual disturbance known as an aura. An aura can make it difficult for the sufferer to see, and migraine pain follows for most people who experience migraines. Some people only get an aura or a migraine instead of both.

People who suffer from migraines typically have a trigger that sets off their headaches, but these triggers cannot always be controlled. Women are more likely to suffer from migraines than man, and hormonal changes related to a woman’s menstrual cycle or pregnancy can be a migraine trigger. Other common triggers include caffeine, salt, medications, stress and physical exertion.

Can You Qualify For SSD Due To Migraines?

Many people suffer from migraines on occasion. While these people find that migraines are a minor annoyance, people who suffer from chronic migraines are faced with a debilitating, painful condition that can make it impossible for them to work.

The SSA does not consider migraines to be a qualifying disability unless the applicant can prove that the symptoms of migraines are so severe that suffering from migraines makes it impossible for the person to work. Symptoms of migraines may make it difficult for a sufferer to concentrate on work tasks or interact with other people in a professional setting.

Other injuries or conditions that make it difficult for a person to complete their work tasks may be taken into consideration when the SSA is determining whether migraines are severe enough to qualify a person for benefits. For example, a person who has migraines and is also suffering from back pain may be eligible for benefits based on the combination of these conditions. Even if the individual conditions do not qualify a person for benefits on their own, having both of these ailments may reduce a person’s ability to complete work tasks enough for the sufferer to be considered eligible for benefits.

The symptoms and complications of migraines can be difficult to pinpoint when accurate medical records are not kept. People who suffer from migraines are advised to keep a diary related to their migraines in order to provide medical professionals with important information that is needed to make a diagnosis. Sufferers should record suspected triggers, complications and symptoms of their migraines in order to paint a complete picture of their disability for the SSA.

Chronic migraines must be diagnosed by a medical professional in order for a person to be considered for SSD benefits. Make sure that doctors keep thorough records because these records are used to determine eligibility.

Getting Help With Your SSD Claim

The process of applying for benefits requires filing an application that includes thorough medical records. Many people find the process to be complicated and confusing, and it is not uncommon for people who should qualify for benefits to be denied because of an error in the application. The complicated nature of the SSD claim process makes it essential to hire a legal professional for help. An attorney who has experience with handling SSD claims will be able to provide advice and help clients gather the information necessary to prove their disability to the SSA. Contact a lawyer for a consultation to find out more.