Migraines are a serious medical issue that thousands of people suffer from. Whether it’s caused by seasonal allergies, sinus infections, exposure to light or any other cause; a migraine can ruin your day in a heartbeat. Many people who suffer from migraines find themselves holed up in bed with the shades drawn, the lights out, and little to no background noise. It can be a challenge to get out of bed in the morning when you suffer from migraines. But, can these severe headaches be serious enough to qualify you for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Defining a Migraine

We must first define a migraine before determining whether or not you can actually receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration for this illness. A migraine is defined as a pain that throbs on one side of the head, lasting for anywhere from four hours to a total of three days. A high percentage of people who suffer from migraines often experience a phenomenon known as a migraine with aura about 15 minutes prior to the migraine arriving. When the aura occurs, migraine sufferers will experience flashing colors, flashing lights or blurred vision in one or both eyes.

Migraines Can Prevent You from Working

Believe it or not, a migraine can easily prevent you from working. How? Migraine sufferers experience such pain throughout their head and neck that they cannot concentrate, cannot be around light and cannot be around loud noise. Now, do you think you’d be able to get through a work day while dealing with a migraine? The symptoms of a migraine can worsen with routine activity or any physical movements.

Seeking Benefits for Migraines

So, the question we are tackling today is whether or not you can receive disability benefits from the SSA for migraines. The short answer is that this is very difficult to accomplish, but it’s not impossible.

If you want to seek benefits for migraines, the SSA will need to review your individual case history since there isn’t a standard disability listing in the SSA Blue Book for migraines. The SSA will examine the following:

  • Examine the daily activities you perform, and the limitations caused
  • Take into account the severity and frequency of migraines you suffer
  • Take a look at the options you have for employment
  • Conduct a thorough review of your medical records

Once the SSA reviews all of the above, the agency will make a decision about your claim, which will either be denied or approved. In order for the claim to be approved, the SSA will need to rule that you are unable to perform essential job duties for any type of employment that you qualify for, which will lead to you being issued disability benefits for migraines.

How the SSA Looks at Migraines

The SSA will look at all of the following caused by your migraines:

  • Duration and frequency of symptoms
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Imbalance

The severity and frequency of the symptoms help the SSA understand how often you might miss work because of a migraine. The length of time you suffer a migraine can help explain to the SSA if you will be able to keep a consistent schedule at work or not.

Applying for Disability Benefits

If you suffer from migraines and have had trouble working, it’s time to consider applying for disability benefits. This is a lengthy process that cannot be completed overnight, so don’t expect to apply online and have an answer within 24 hours. It will be weeks before a decision will be made by the SSA about your application. Make sure you’ve been to the doctor for your migraines, have documented your symptoms, can show you’ve missed work and have all other documentation ready to submit to the SSA.

Speak with an Experienced Attorney Today

Do you suffer from migraines? If so, you might have a claim for disability benefits depending on how severe they are. It’s important that you discuss your situation with a doctor. Next, consult with an experienced Social Security Disability Benefits attorney from Walton Law, LLC in Mobile, Alabama. Call our office today at 251-455-5819 to schedule a consultation with a member of our trusted team.

Contents