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Headaches May Result In SSDI Benefits
When asked about the types of disabilities they think might qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), most people would not include headaches. However, some people who suffer from neurologically based headaches can receive SSDI benefits. If you suffer from migraine headaches that make it impossible to regularly perform basic work, find out whether SSDI benefits may be in your future.
Migraine headaches are neurologically based and range from mild to debilitating. Increased sensitivity to sound and light, nausea, and vomiting are several of the accompanying symptoms. A migraine headache may last for only a few hours or linger for several days or longer. People who experience severe migraines on a regular basis may have difficulty functioning. Even medication may not be an effective treatment and could induce side effects including drowsiness or dizziness.
To qualify as Social Security disability diseases, migraines must significantly limit the ability to walk, stand, lift, concentrate, understand instructions, and deal with other people. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the frequency of migraines and how often the sufferer cannot work in any capacity due to these headaches. Type of work considered is based on age, educational level, and previous employment.
There is currently no test to definitively diagnose a migraine. The SSA will resort to reviewing a physician diagnosis and may review MRI or CAT scan tests used to rule out other causes for these headaches. Medical documentation should indicate the severity and frequency of the migraines, relevant emergency room or hospitalization records, and treatment and medication lists and outcomes. The SSA may ask the treating physician to complete a questionnaire or provide a report regarding the medical condition.
Doctors prescribe pain, anti-nausea, and headache-preventative medications to treat migraines. In some cases, they will prescribe an anti-depressant or a beta-blocker, which can help reduce migraine symptoms. The SSA will request information about all treatments used for these types of disabilities because this establishes the credibility of the SSDI claim. A claims examiner may conduct a telephone interview with the applicant or may request an additional examination by a physician.
Individuals suffering from headaches that may qualify as Social Security disability diseases should review the Social Security website to learn how to file an SSDI claim. Since so much medical documentation is required to prove these types of disabilities, they should also consider hiring an SSDI lawyer. An attorney will assist with the application process so the claims will not be rejected.
