Migraines are a common ailment that can be annoying at best and debilitating at worst. According to the American Migraine Foundation, more than 39% of men and women in the U.S. are affected by migraines; of these individuals, 90% are unable to work during a migraine, sometimes for days at a time. If you’re a person who regularly gets migraines that are so severe it impacts your daily life, you may be wondering: can you get disability for migraines? The answer is that it’s complicated. We break it down below!
Can You Get Disability for Migraines?
There is no disability listing for migraines in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, but that doesn’t completely prevent you from receiving benefits. It means you will need to prove you’re unable to work and perform substantial gainful activities due to your condition. To determine this, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider the following factors:
- The severity and frequency, in addition to the duration of your migraine attacks
- Evaluate associated migraine symptoms, such as imbalance, fatigue, noise sensitivity, nausea, and so forth
- Look at your daily limitations, or how your migraines affect your day-to-day activities
- Examine medical evidence from treating physicians, such as diagnosis methods, imaging scan results, and prescribed medications
- Whether other causes for the headaches have been ruled-out
If the SSA finds with this evidence that you are proven unable to perform elemental job functions, you may be medically eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits with Migraines
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when applying for disability benefits for migraines:
Keep a Medical Journal – A journal that notes details about your daily struggles with migraines can be helpful to your doctors and your attorney. Your medical journal should be as detailed as possible. Include factors such as how often they happen, how long they last, tasks you may have to ask for help with during a migraine attack, symptoms, medications you take to help with symptoms, and so forth.
Demonstrate That You’re Unable to Work – Try to obtain proof that your migraines are severe enough to keep you from performing duties required for work. Documentation such as doctor’s notes to previous employers can be valuable supporting records. It is especially helpful if you see medical professionals while having a migraine.
Prove Your Impairment Severity – There are certain standards in the SSA Blue Book that explain the severity of various disabling conditions. Because migraines aren’t listed as qualifying neurological disorders this can be challenging, but try to compare to the most relevant listings as best as you can.
Appeal the Findings If Denied – It’s very common for initial Social Security disability applications to be denied, so try not to get discouraged. At this step, working with a disability lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and obtain all the documentation needed to move forward as successfully as possible.
Contact the Disability Attorneys at Woodruff & Mathis
If you still find yourself wanting to know more about the question “can you get disability for migraines?” reach out to our team at Woodruff & Mathis. We offer the resources and experience of larger firms with a more private feel, where we truly get to know our clients. With a reputation for offering some of the best client-centered disability attorney services in Central Maine, you can trust that Woodruff & Mathis will be there to support you throughout your Social Security disability experience.
To learn more about how we can help you, request a free consultation today!