Do Migraines & Chronic Headaches Count as an Impairment for SSDI?

Migraines & Chronic Headaches – Summary

Headaches are considered “chronic daily headaches” when they occur a minimum of 15 days each month. Chronic headaches, also known as chronic daily headaches, include a wide variety of types of headaches, such as cluster, medication overuse-related, migraine and tension-type headaches.

The symptoms of chronic & migraine headaches can be debilitating and, in some cases, cause individuals to be bedridden for days at a time. If chronic headaches are left untreated, it is believed these headaches, even mild ones, can possibly cause long-term changes to the brain. If you have chronic headaches, you may be eligible for SSDI.

Migraine & Chronic Headaches Symptoms and Treatments

Chronic headaches are not just a minor irritation that go away with over-the-counter medication. These types of headaches can last for days at a time and disrupt your life in every way, including your professional, family and social life. The types of chronic headache you have may vary, such as a chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, a new daily persistent headache or hemicrania continua headache.

Headaches symptoms will vary based on the type of headache; however, you can expect some of the following symptoms: Pulsating or throbbing sensation, moderate to severe pain, nausea or vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, pressure and tightening, restlessness, eyelid drooping or nasal congestion. Some migraines involve visual disturbances which can make otherwise simple tasks such as reading, walking, or driving suddenly impossible for some part of the day.

The most common type of treatment for such headaches is preventative care. Some people might find success with prescribed medications chosen by their doctors. Certain people might benefit from alternative medicine, including acupuncture, massage and electrical stimulation. Other preventive care includes eating right, exercising, avoiding triggers, sleeping enough and more. These treatments may not eliminate chronic headaches; however, they might minimize the symptoms. Only your treatment provider can determine what treatments you should try, and it’s important to see your doctor if you are having chronic headaches.

Do Chronic Headaches Qualify Me for Disability Benefits?

Chronic Headaches are not specifically listed in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” listing of disabling conditions – but you may still qualify for benefits.

Because, at the end of the day, what the SSA generally cares about most is whether or not your chronic headaches meets certain requirements, including:

• That it rises to the level of a “severe impairment”, meaning it impacts your ability to do work;
• That it, combined with any other impairments you may have, prevent you from sustaining work;
• That it has affected you, or is expected to affect you, for at least one year (or to result in death).

If that is the case, then you may very well qualify for monthly disability benefits.

Next Steps

If you suffer from chronic headaches and are considering a claim for disability benefits, we recommend you read our articles about the process of applying for SSDI and the way the Social Security Administration uses their Sequential Evaluation Process to determine disability.

This article is presented for general information purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Medical decisions (including whether to start, stop, or modify any treatment plan) are extremely important and should always be made with the advice and counsel of a qualified medical professional.

About Citizens Disability, LLC:

Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been America’s premier Social Security Disability institution. Our services include helping people in applying for SSDI benefits, managing the process through Reconsideration, and representing people in person at their Hearing, and if necessary, bringing their case to the Appeals Council. Our mission is to give a voice to the millions of Americans who are disabled and unable to work, helping them receive the Social Security Disability benefits to which they may be entitled. Learn more about us and disability benefits like SSDI & SSI or give us a call at (800)492-3260.

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