Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for Migraine Headaches?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. In this video, we will discuss receiving Social Security disability benefits for migraine headaches.
1. Visit a Healthcare Professional and Obtain a Diagnosis
You want to visit a healthcare professional and obtain the official diagnosis of migraines. Ensure that the diagnosis is detailed, including the frequency, severity, and duration of your migraines. This may also be noted in the notes within your medical chart.
2. Maintain Thorough Medical Records
Keep a comprehensive record of all medical appointments, including visits to doctors, specialists, and any therapists that may be involved. Document all medications prescribed, treatments received, and any side effects experienced as a result of your medication.
3. Follow the Prescribed Treatments
Demonstrate that you have followed your provider’s recommended treatment plan on a consistent basis. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending scheduled doctor’s appointments, using certain assistive devices, or trying alternate therapies.
4. Seek Medical Specialists
If your migraines are severe and difficult to manage, consider seeking out specialists in neurology or headache medicine. Having a specialist evaluation and treatment plan can help to strengthen your disability case.
5. Keep a Migraine Journal
Maintain a detailed record of your migraine episodes, including the dates, times, symptoms, any triggers that you notice, and how they impact your daily life and ability to work. This journal may help to serve as evidence in the frequency and severity of your migraines. It’s important to note that this journal should be kept contemporaneously with the migraines—not after the fact.
6. Collect Supporting Evidence
When applying for disability benefits, gather any medical documentation you have that supports your case, including any MRI or CT scan results, blood tests, or other diagnostic tests. Additionally, collecting statements from family members, friends, and co-workers that have witnessed the impact of your migraines on your ability to function can also be helpful as well.
7. Consult a Disability Attorney
You may want to consider consulting with a qualified disability attorney who focuses their practice on Social Security disability cases. They may be able to guide you through the application process, help you gather the necessary evidence, and represent you in the event of an appeal.
8. Be Thorough in Your Application
When filling out the Social Security disability application, ensure that you’re providing accurate and detailed information regarding your migraines and the impact that they have on your ability to function on a day-to-day basis and work. You want to make sure to note how your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity on a consistent basis.
9. Cooperate with the SSA
Cooperate with the Social Security Administration. Respond promptly to any requests from the Social Security Administration for any additional information, including medical records or when they schedule you for a consultative exam. Provide all requested documentation to support your claim.
10. Be Prepared for a Potential Denial and Appeal
Understand that initial disability claims are often denied. If this happens, don’t get discouraged, but it might behoove you to reach out to an attorney to work with you on the appeal process. You want to make sure you pay attention to the specified appeal timeframe and provide any additional evidence or address concerns that were raised in the denial letter.
Remember, each case is unique, and the process can be complex. Consulting with a disability attorney can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help you to navigate the Social Security Disability benefits application process successfully.
Thanks so much for watching.
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