Migraines can be debilitating to the point that sufferers aren’t able to work. They come with additional symptoms like vomiting, nausea and increased sensitivity to sound and light. Chronic migraines can result in frequent work absences, making it impossible to hold onto a job.
Although it’s hard to be qualified for disability benefits solely on the basis of migraines but a documented history of severe and persistent migraines that interfere with your work can get you approved.
Qualifying for social security disability
Occasional migraines can be an inconvenience but regular, severe migraines can make it extremely hard to perform everyday tasks. These headaches last for hours—even days—at a time and to make it worse, treatment medications aren’t always effective and can have serious side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Those who suffer from chronic migraines can consider applying for Social Security disability benefits.
Limitation on work activities
Although there aren’t specific guidelines by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that classify chronic migraines as a disability but if you prove that that the migraines affect your basic level of functioning to the extent of causing hindrance in work activities on a daily basis, you may be approved for disability benefits.
According to the SSA’s definition of inability to work, the sufferer must experience limitations in understanding instructions, concentrating, walking or standing. The SSA will make a decision based on the frequency of headaches and your work absences due to migraines(with proof) —evaluating your ability to perform ANY sort of full-time employment.
Vocational factors that weigh in
When making a judgment regarding your claim, the SSA will take your age, past employment and level of education into consideration. They evaluate the limitations caused by your migraines, seeing whether there’s any other work you do. Generally, people over the age of 50, who have a history of unskilled work and little education, get approved for disability benefits.
Required medical evidence
The SSA requires objective medical evidence of your migraines. Although, there isn’t a definitive test, you have to provide medical records that prove that you have been diagnosed with recurrent migraine headaches.
Medical records
Your medical file should include doctor’s notes highlighting the severity of your migraines, tried and tested treatments and test results that rule out other causes of headaches. Additionally, the SSA may seek input from friends and family members you encounter on a daily basis.
Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney in Little Rock, AR
Get in touch with disability lawyers to improve your chances of successful disability benefits based on migraines. Lisa Douglas, accident lawyer, medical malpractice attorney and personal injury lawyer has years of experience to help you with all sorts of legal claims.
