The majority of headaches are serious or occur frequently and prevent a person from going to work or doing daily activities. But, some migraines can be debilitating and cause nausea and sensitivity to both sound and light. This kind of migraine can last for hours or even days. If you are suffering from frequent migraine headaches, you may usually have to be absent from work, making it hard to keep your job. But, you might be able to secure Social Security disability benefits. You just have to give sufficient medical evidence that shows you have persistent, serious migraines that seriously interfere with your everyday life. An experienced phoenix social security disability lawyer can help you with this. Often, a consultation with an attorney won’t cost you anything.
How Migraines Can Affect Your Life at Work and Home
Migraines are a neurological condition, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Also, you may see flashing lights, colored vision, or blurred vision. Because of this, you may develop sensitivity to light and sound. And because of the throbbing, debilitating pain associated with migraines, you may choose to isolate yourself from others, staying in a dark and quiet room until your migraines subside.
Migraines can also have symptoms that may worsen as you try to perform physical or routine activities. If you have chronic migraines, you may not be able to perform significant work.
Does the SSA Blue Book List Migraine?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book lists medical conditions that may qualify people for disability benefits. Although the agency does not have a specific listing for chronic migraines, you may still be eligible for disability benefits. The agency will review your medical evidence to know if your condition is serious enough to be disabling. You should offer the agency sufficient documentation that demonstrates your migraines’ side effects to increase your chances of getting approved.
Sometimes, chronic migraines may be a result of an underlying condition such as traumatic brain injury, meningitis, brain tumor, stroke, and others. You may equal a listing if you can show that your symptoms are equally as serious as a listing found in the SSA Blue Book.
To prove that you have disabling migraines, you can use your treating physician’s observations and opinions. Also, you must provide relevant medical records to help the SSA get an accurate picture of your migraines. Make sure you keep a journal that notes your conditions and symptoms when you have migraine episodes. A skilled attorney can help you collect this documentation.
