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How To Apply For Disability Benefits Due To A Migraine?

On Behalf of | Jan 14, 2022 | Psychological Impairments And SSD

As anyone who struggles with migraines probably knows all too well, they are often much more than a “headache”.  A typical headache may be a nuisance, but a migraine can be a seriously debilitating condition, depending upon its severity. In some cases, migraines may be so disabling that they prevent an individual from being unable to hold a steady job or enjoy many of the activities of everyday life.

Often, those who struggle with migraines wonder if they may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, and if so, how they should apply for those benefits. These are important and entirely reasonable questions to ask. Regardless of the condition, whether a migraine or otherwise, in order to be approved for Social Security disability benefits an individual must generally prove the following:

A Qualifying Medical Condition:

In considering an application for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will first seek to determine whether the applicant has a medical condition that qualifies for benefits. To make that determination, the SSA will review the medical evidence presented, and consult what is known as its “Listing of Impairments,” or “Blue Book” of medical impairments. This is a guide that the SSA uses to review various conditions and their symptoms and determine if an individual’s particular condition meets the requirements. Some conditions are specifically listed in the SSA Blue Book, while others are not. While migraines are not specifically listed as a qualifying medical condition in the Blue Book, this does not necessarily mean that the condition will not qualify for benefits. Migraine headache sufferers may “equal” a listing if it can be demonstrated that their symptoms are equal in severity to a listing for a similar condition. For this reason, it will be important to present comprehensive medical proof describing your migraines, their severity, and the accompanying symptoms.

The Condition Is “Disabling”:

In the eyes of the SSA, “disabling” essentially means that the condition has rendered the applicant unable to work for a period of at least one consecutive calendar year. To be approved for disability benefits, an individual must be unable to work and earn an income as they otherwise normally would. Officially, the SSA refers to this as being unable to perform “substantial gainful activity.” An applicant may prove this through medical records, notes from an employer, or any other evidence that an attorney believes will be helpful.

The Applicant Qualifies For Benefits By Being “Insured” Or By Virtue Of Limited Resources:

There are generally two types of disability benefits provided by the Social Security Administration for disabled individuals – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. While both types of benefits are intended to provide help for those struggling with a disabling condition, a primary difference between the two is that to receive SSD benefits, an individual must be “insured”. In essence, this means that the individual worked a job through which he or she paid money into the Social Security system for a sufficient amount of time. If the applicant did not do so but nevertheless earns income and resources below a certain level, he or she may qualify for SSI benefits instead. Ultimately, talking with an attorney regarding your particular circumstances and which type of benefits you may qualify for is essential.

Generally, if an applicant can establish an ongoing migraine condition that satisfies the foregoing criteria through sufficient medical proof, he or she may be approved for benefits. It is important to understand that the process of applying for these benefits is not always easy, however. Like any legal matter, the process of applying for disability benefits can be complex, and for that reason, it is important to have an attorney who knows and understands the law and can guide you through the process. That’s why the knowledgeable and experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Daniel Berger is here for you.

The Law Office Of Daniel Berger – Here For You

Regardless of whether you struggle with migraines or another debilitating condition, the last thing you need is to add legal stress to your list of concerns. You deserve to focus on treating your condition, caring for your health, and enjoying life with those you love.

Instead, you can leave those matters to the knowledgeable and experienced team of disability attorneys at The Law Office of Daniel Berger. When you do, you can feel confident and reassured that your case is in good hands. We understand every aspect of the process of applying for benefits, and we will pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.