I have had migraines for over 30 years, and am at the point where I can no longer take triptans, which had previously been successful in relieving them. I have been on extended FMLA a few times because of the migraines. Has anyone had any experience in applying for/receiving disability for migraines? I have several types of migraines/headaches which are dibilitating to my daily life. Thank you for any/all answers and help provided!
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Q: Disability for migraines..has anyone had experience here?
Answers (5)
7/ 2/09 10:59pm
Hi cmusicj,
Are you talking about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI?) I have recently been approved for SSDI, not soley for Migraines though.
What makes a world of difference is if you have your doctors backing the fact you qualify for SSDI. They need to be behind you 100% to make it work. The process seems to take about two years and works better with a lawyer.
When you fill out the paper work, they need to know what you can't do, not what you can do. How many days a week will you miss because of Migraine attacks? How many days a week will you miss due to treatments for your Migraines? How often do you need to lay down during the day so you don't get a Migraine ? Things like this. The more specific the better.
I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, let me know, ok?
Nancy
7/ 9/09 9:38pm
Hi,
I live in Canada and have been off of work now for just over 2 years because of my migraines. I get 1 - 3 migraines/week lasting 1-3 days with vomiting and diarrhea which makes it difficult to work. I was easily approved for the government disability which is usually VERY VERY VERY DIFFICULT to get approved for. On the other hand I have been paying into a personal long term disability program monthly for over 8 years now and the quickly declined me and I have hired a lawyer to see what he can do for me. The reason they gave me for being declined was "Lack of worked hours" the point we are trying to fight is that I have chronic migraines which make me sick and they were fully aware of the situation when I applied for the insurance and they approved to take my money monthly without any problems. Now that it is time to pay the excuses just keep coming. The lawyer(which I have also been paying for myself) has been dealing with this just over a year now and still no resolution. I don't know if that helps but this is my experience.
7/ 9/09 10:18pm
Hi cmusicj,
I was recently approved for SSD mostly for migraines, I also have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. But almost 99% of my medical documentation was for migraines, the EDS is just a triggera and makes it harder to treat my migraines because of the EDS. I can not take triptans because i had a small stroke, which had nothing to do with applying for SSD. So everytime I get a migraine i have to go to the doctor to get abortive shots, which happens quite often. This was easy to prove because i turned in tons of proof that migraines affected me every week if not more. Nancy gave very good advice, the only thing I would add is to don't get discouraged about the process, it takes forever and can be grueling at times. Don't give up appeal as many times as you can. Get a doctor on your side, if you can find one or have one that has written letters for SSD before that will work wonders.
7/10/09 11:11am
I applied for Social Security Disability after having debilitating migraines for around five years. It took me a 3 years and a lawyer to be awarded SSDI. Under Social Security guidelines, I made an an attempt to return to work. It failed and so I remained on SSDI. However, I was also able to get Long-Term Disability from my employer under their insurance policy. If you are at first denied, appeal immediately. If your appeal is denied, get a lawyer immediately. Under government regulations, the lawyers' fees are capped pretty low. When I did get my award, I also received 3 years of back SSDI income. Go for it and hang in there.
7/13/09 10:34pm
I too have had migraines for many many years. I also went on FMLA's. I went on my last leave Oct. 10th, 2007. 6 wks later i had disability granted for migraines.
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By cmusicj— Last Modified: 11/16/10, First Published: 06/27/09
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Hello, Nancy!
Thank you so very much for answering my question. Yes, I would be applying for SSDI (this is the only disability I am aware of that I would be eligible for - no company or other type of disability applies that I know of). I am currently in between jobs and I believe I was chosen for "reduction in workforce" layoff (with no re-hire options to those laid off, in the same department of the university I used to work for, for anyone that was laid off). I was one of several laid off, but seniority did not apply in my case - I was laid off before others that were hired after me - I was there 7 years. I had missed quite a bit of work (more in the past 2 years), that was covered by FMLA for my migraines, and in the last instance was off for 8 weeks for a combination of migraines, high blood pressure, and PRES Syndrome for which I was hospitalized for 4 days, in an induced coma. I have not applied for any disability as of yet, but I will surely take your suggestions into consideration. They are all very good points. Again, Thank You!
Carol