Applying for Social Security Disability with Migraine Headaches

 Most of the time, headaches are not severe enough to stop a person from working. However, migraine headaches are more than just a normal headache. Migraine is a neurological condition that can prevent people from living their day-to-day life. If you are applying for Social Security Disability because of Migraine Headaches you should treat with a Neurologist or other specialist for them. SSA will not give Migraine Headaches as much weight if you just see your family doctor. 

People describe the pain they experience during migraine as:

1. throbbing

2. pulsating

3. pounding

Other symptoms that a person may experience with migraine include:

1. nausea

2. vomiting

3. sensitivity to light

4. sensitivity to sound

Visual disturbances are also common with migraine and can include:

1. loss of vision

2. flashing lights

3. zig-zag lines

For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking.

It is very important to document your migraine headaches. I tell my clients to keep a journal detailing their migraine headaches. The should write the date of the migraine headache; what happened before the migraine headache that may have caused it to happen; how long the migraine headache lasted; what symptoms did the migraine headache cause; where there any disturbances from the migraine headache; and last did you have any nausea or vomiting. 

The frequency and duration of your headaches and the extent of your migraine symptoms (nausea, fatigue, imbalance, light and noise sensitivity, etc.), tell the SSA how often you must miss work. The length of migraine attacks, which can average a few hours or several days at a time, inform the SSA about your ability to keep a consistent work schedule.

When it comes to evaluating daily limitations, the SSA will use your medical records and functional report forms that you and your doctor complete. Ensure you accurately reflect all of your limitations by thoroughly completing these forms and describing in detail the manner in which your headaches and other symptoms affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.

Medications can help prevent some migraines and make them less painful. The right medicines, combined with self-help remedies and lifestyle changes, might help.

To be approved for disability though, you’ll also need to show that your migraines prevent you from working in an office environment or sedentary position as well. This means they need to see evidence that you’re unable to effectively communicate, interact with others, look at a computer screen, or perform other essential job duties because of your headaches and other migraine symptoms.

If you need helping applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases. 

Location: United States

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