Do My Migraines Qualify Me for Disability Benefits?
If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. While people unfamiliar with migraines may think of them as “just a headache,” migraine sufferers may experience symptoms such as:
- Severe, throbbing pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
- Auras
- Visual disturbances
- Tingling sensations
- Difficulty speaking
- Dizziness / vertigo
Some episodes of migraine may only last a few hours, while others may last for days. Some people have success with migraine medications while others do not. In other words, some people may experience migraines as a sporadic interruption or treatable condition, while others may experience serious disruptions in day-to-day life.
If migraines prevent you from earning a living, you may be entitled to Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.
Demonstrating Disability to Qualify for SSDI
To receive SSDI benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled.” That means that your medical condition or conditions leaves you unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and that disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or to be fatal.
There are two different ways to demonstrate that you are unable to engage in SGA. The first, and simplest, is to meet the criteria for a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. Unfortunately, migraines are not listed in the Blue Book. That means someone pursuing SSDI for migraines must either meet the criteria for a different listing–perhaps an underlying condition that causes the migraines–or through a broad analysis.
When an SSDI applicant doesn’t qualify under a Blue Book listing, the SSA looks at the applicant’s residual functional capacity. That’s the maximum level of work the applicant can still perform despite their medical limitations. Then, the SSA looks to the appropriate grid to consider other factors such as the applicant’s age, the type of work they have done in the past, whether they have transferable skills and their highest level of education.
Get Help with Your SSDI Application for Migraines
Most SSDI applications are initially denied. You can improve your chances of approval on initial application or prevailing on appeal by ensuring that you provide exactly the type of documentation the SSA is looking for. At Disability Help Group, our advocates have developed deep knowledge of the application and appeals processes and the evidence required to establish various types of claims. To learn about how we can help you submit the strongest application or appeal possible, call 800-800-3332 right now or fill out our contact form here.
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