Headaches and Migraines Can Still Qualify You for Social Security
When it comes to understanding your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits, there’s one source that tells you pretty much everything you need to know: the Blue Book. Officially known as the Listing of Impairments, this guide spells out every medical condition that’s officially recognized by the Social Security Administration as a potential disability that can qualify you for benefits. It also explains what criteria you need to meet if you have these conditions to receive benefits. However, some situations may not be listed in the Blue Book but could still count for disability benefits in certain cases — for example, severe headaches and migraines.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of headaches or migraines that cause you to be unable to work, consider applying for Social Security benefits to help pay for your medical and living expenses. Migraines typically cause throbbing pain in your head and temples, as well as other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Headaches can sometimes become severe enough to make it difficult to work and carry out your normal daily activities, but because they are usually considered temporary rather than chronic, they are not included in the Blue Book currently.
However, the SSA also allows you to apply for disability benefits with any condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working, even if it is not officially listed. Because the SSA does not have an official description and definition of headaches or migraines, however, this makes providing proper medical documentation all the more crucial, as this is what the SSA will use to determine the severity of your condition.
When applying for benefits, therefore, make sure to provide reports from a doctor who treats your condition — such as a headache or pain management specialist or a neurologist — detailing your symptoms and describing their effects on your life. You should also provide details of your migraines, including how frequently they occur, how long they last, where you feel them the most, and how intense they are. Therefore, consider keeping a journal to document all these details. Finally, you’ll want to show what kinds of medications you’ve taken and treatments you’ve tried, whether they worked or not.
