Can You Get Disability If You Have Chronic Migraines?

Completely debilitating and incredibly disruptive migraines are far more than an ordinary headache. These painful headaches can come along with a list of other symptoms, including nausea and disorientation for some people. If you have problems with chronic migraines, it could very well interfere with you maintaining a stable job because there is no way you can work when you feel so bad. As someone who is struggling to keep a job because of chronic migraines, you may be wondering if you could possibly get Social Security Disability (SSD) for the condition to help you get by. Here are a few things you should know. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn't recognize migraines as a disability. 

The SSA has a list of conditions that can automatically be considered for SSD. Some of the conditions listed may cause migraines, but just having chronic migraines alone may not be enough to warrant any serious consideration by the SSA. The condition is not listed, but that does not mean that you do not have a chance of applying for and getting approved for your disability. It does mean, however, that you may have a harder time getting approved and will definitely need the help of disability lawyers

The SSA will look at several factors beyond just the migraines. 

Even though migraines are not listed as a condition in the SSA's Blue Book, there can be factors associated with the condition that will help you win your claim. For example, the SSA will look at: 

  • How often you have migraine headaches
  • How many times you have been to the doctor regarding the issue
  • If you have lost employment due to problems with migraines
  • If the migraines affect your capacity to work on a daily basis
  • Whether there are jobs you can do with the migraines you are experiencing

Having chronic migraines paired with another condition may help your claim. 

If the chronic migraines are not the only problem you are having, it is important to include this information when you file your claim. For example, if you have chronic migraines and it affects your ability to interact with others and get out in the sunlight, you may develop clinical depression as well. Make sure any additional issue is properly diagnosed by your medical provider so it can be notated in your claim. These additional issues will only help prove that your migraines are debilitating enough to affect your life pretty drastically. 

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