Does the SSA Qualify Chronic Migraines as a Disability?

With the recent ruling, individuals suffering from chronic headaches such as migraines and cluster headaches may now be eligible for disability benefits. To qualify under the 11.02 listing of epilepsy, applicants must demonstrate that their life-impacting head pain equals or exceeds what is specified by paragraph B or D in regards to dyscognitive seizures.

How Do I Get Approved for Benefits with Chronic Migraines?

If you suffer from migraine headaches, the Social Security Administration has specific criteria for receiving disability benefits. To qualify, you must have suffered at least one migraine per week over a three-month period even while following your prescribed treatment or once every two weeks if they cause severe limitations in physical functioning, understanding and using information, interacting with others socially; concentrating on and completing tasks quickly; adapting to change or managing emotions; taking care of yourself.

Having a doctor’s opinion and supporting medical evidence of your migraines can be the key to giving you an edge when it comes to getting disability benefits. A clear description of how frequent and severe your chronic headaches are, as well as proof that they’re just as disruptive or limiting at epilepsy listed in SSA standards — supported by a lawyer who specializes in disabilities could make all the difference for success.