Winning a claim for Social Security Benefits based on MIGRAINE HEADACHES is sometimes more challenging than for other impairments. This is because HEADACHES are not necessarily a disabling condition if well-controlled with medication or treatment. Moreover, there may not be a diagnostic study to prove the existence of severity of the impairment.
A diagnosis of migraine headaches not enough to win your disability claim. You will need to prove that your headaches interfere with your daily activities and ability to work on a full-time basis.
Migraine headaches may not occur in the presence of others or require immediate medical attention, the following tips may be helpful for applicants who are trying to get disability benefits based on a chronic headache impairment.
- Make sure to report your severe headaches to your doctor and try to describe them in as much detail as possible.
- Keep a diary of your headache episodes including pre and post-headache symptoms.
- Stay compliant with medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Make sure to get the necessary lab work done to show that your medications are at therapeutic levels.
- Make sure family members and friends are aware of your symptoms and if possible, record their observations.
Why are these tips important?
Disability applicants who experience headaches on a regular basis often do not visit their doctors or the local emergency room. Although, these visits may seem inconvenient or impractical from a practical standpoint, this can provide important documentation in terms of the frequency, nature and post-seizure symptoms associated with your condition. A headache diary, completed shortly after the headache, can also provide valuable information in regard to headache patterns, duration and symptoms. Many times, this valuable information is forgotten if a diary is not maintained. Disability Advocates Group has a headache diary template on our website resources to help you with this issue.
Claimants with chronic headaches who wish to follow their doctor’s prescription but lack of finances or medical insurance should seek local assistance from county health departments, municipal free clinics, and drug manufacturer’s assistance in obtaining needed medications.
Disability examiners and judges will review your medical records to learn if you have been prescribed medication. They will also look at whether your file indicates that you are using drugs are alcohol that can interfere with the prescribed medications.
When medical records indicate that prescriptions have been written, but the applicant has not been compliant in taking the prescribed medicine, it becomes difficult to win an approval.
Call Disability Advocates Group at 919-815-4889 or Email us Below To Get Started:
Kim Engler / Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates Group has been championing the cause of the disabled for over 20 years. We view each claim as a unique challenge and entitled to individualized strategy to help ensure a successful outcome. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you get paid!