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Call for Questions: Migraine Disability Coverage

We want to hear from you! We're hosting a Q&A with 2 Migraine.com health leaders on the topic of navigating disability coverage for migraine and would love to answer some of your questions.
What questions do you have about disability coverage? From securing disability to dealing with insurance, no questions are off limits.
Share your questions below and keep an eye out this fall for our Q&A!

  1. In California how do I get on disability for my migraines

    1. Hi
      I am not in the state of California but what I did was to document all my migraines. When I would have them, what time they occur and how long they lasted, how bad they were, what I took for them, if I went to the ER with them, and if I remembered what I was doing before I had them. I also documented which side they were on and also the pain that I was in. I did this fight to get disability for my migraines it took at least 6 times applying for disability to get it. I didn't use any lawyer. I even went in front of a federal judge and with the Voc tech person telling the judge there is no place that will let her lay down for 4 hours and go back to work well they denied me. After that I got a call from someone saying she get headaches I told her to multiply hers by 10 you have mine the next day I got my disability for them. I also learned I could have gotten disability from the military service that I was in, which I applied for because they were the ones that diagnosed me and I am getting it now only years later.

      I turned all the documents into social security when I applied for disability. When I was done I have at least 10 notebooks and stacks of paperwork.

      What you also have to do is keep those records because you will be re-evaluated in 3 to 5 years. And that is what I did. I had at least 4 notebooks and I printed out a calendar for the whole year that I would put times on that I had my migraines. The notebooks would have what I took, when I took it and if it helped.

      I have had my migraines now for 50yrs and at that time they didn't have a class for my migraines now it would be chronic migraines. I have been put on so many drugs and experimented with. I now take only sumatriptan shots, use peppermint oil and sometimes caffeine. My bed is still my best friend. I had a doctor once tell me they will go away once you are in menopause didn't happen.

      I hope this helps you. Prayers that you get it. I wouldn't wish these on anyone.

    2. Thank you I do keep logs

  2. I suffered a severe TBI in 2001 due to closed skull fracture. Migraines have been so bad since. I have 2 neurologist and the headaches are horrible. Lasting days. Do I need lawyer to get disability? I'm 52 & can't keep a job.

    1. first, I am so sorry to hear of your skull fracture and issues you've since had. I know that is tough. Has either of your 2 neurologists said they think you should go onto disability. Even if not, they could possibly write a letter in support for you. That is what my neurologist did for me. I wanted to share this with you also: https://migraine.com/resources-ssdi. I wish you the best in this journey. (Tonya, team member).

  3. , I forgot to state that when filing you do not have to have a lawyer. Some suggest that having one to help in the beginning is best, while others only use one to appeal, if they are denied. I did not use a lawyer. (Tonya, team member).

    1. Thank you VERY much Tanya for your kind words & help!!

      1. you are welcome. Keep us updated on the progress with this. Again, sending you my best for a great outcome!! (Tonya, team member).

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