It can be devastating to live with migraines. These severe headaches can cause disabling symptoms such as severe head pain, visual problems and hypersensitivity to light or sound.
Unfortunately, that means that those who suffer from migraines may find it difficult to maintain employment. The unemployment rate for those struggling with migraines is high, because they may miss work often or struggle to get work done on time.
Migraines cause disability
It’s the truth that migraines can lead to disability. Living with them can be a struggle, especially if medications don’t work to prevent or treat them. On top of that, migraine symptoms aren’t always apparent, and that can make those around you question why you can’t work or why you miss out on the things happening around you.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can pursue Social Security disability benefits if you have migraines that make it impossible for you to hold a job.
What do you need to do to get Social Security disability due to migraines?
As with any claim, it’s important for you to file only once you have enough evidence that your condition impacts your ability to work and that it will last for at least the next 12 months. You should gather medical notes, have tests performed and be ready to answer questions about what you’ve done to try to treat the condition.
Even though this is an “invisible” disease, you should be able to collect imaging scans and medical notes that describe what you’re going through. You may also want to include letters from past employers or from those around you who describe how often you are debilitated by migraine symptoms.
The Social Security Administration will recognize your condition as disabling if it is interfering with your everyday life and making it impossible for you to work. You need to convince the Social Security Administration that you need this support to live and that getting it will help you find a treatment or work to alleviate your symptoms.
Not all people with migraines have their applications approved the first time. If you want the best chance of approval, make sure you are thorough and fill out the disability application correctly. If you are denied, then you should look into making an appeal. Having an attorney represent you is generally helpful.