getting SSDI for migraines
I have suffered from migraines for 31 years. I have a constant low lying headache daily and can run the meter up to an 8 or 9 at least 3 to 5 times a week. My neurologist and pain specialist has deemed me as 100% disabled based on the fact (among others) that I am a unreliable employee. I can not promise to work a 4 or 8 hour shift at any specific time due to my migraines. I work as an esthetician now for myself very part time because it requires no bending, lifting or straining. I have to herniated cervical discs and a syrinx in my spinal fluid. I also am able to schedule clients far apart, take medications as needed, and also reschedule clients if migraines are too severe. I also am allowed to work in a very quiet, low light area which is great. Trying to survive financially is not so great. I am without an income and there seems to be no help in sight because I "own a business", even with the profit loss showing a deficit as I have only been doing this for one year and my husband left me with the house etc. Does anyone have any way of explaining migraines to disability so that they understand that when you literally throw up if you try to move or stand, you are not really a employer's top choice? I need help.
Thanks. Lynne63
I'm very sorry to hear this Lynne. I can empathize with you. I know that funds are tight but have you tried speaking to an attorney that deals with SSDI. I'm sure you will have many more comments from the moderators soon. They are all very helpful. I hope you find the help you need soon.
Michelle
Lynne63 - I am really sort of the medical person here, as that is where my experience is. Not ssdi. To be honest, when I needed it, I was so sick that I couldn't even fill out the paperwork for unemployment, let alone fight in court for myself for disability. Ended up in the hospital and recuperating for months from surgery. That said, we have on a.ma.zing attorney advocate here and I'll tell her about this conversation and see if she can help you some. Her name is Diana...
~Ellen
Lynne63- I tried this a few years ago. The lawyer said that it could take two to three years to get qualified under SSDI for migraines, and a LOT of documentation would be needed from my doctors. However my migraines are not daily, or even close to what you experience so you may have better luck getting qualified. The worst part is you can't work, have a business, or be collecting unemployment while you wait for a decision.
We have some overview information about Social Security Disability that I highly recommend you read as you're able on the Migraine.com Blog.
There are two important keys to getting the Disability examiner to understand how Migraine makes it impossible for some of us to function:
(1) The cooperation of our doctors in describing the ways in which we are unable to do the requirements of a job.
AND
(2) The way WE as applicants describe the factors and conditions that make it impossible for us to hold and work at a job in the materials we fill out. It is extremely important to spell it out for them. Don't expect them to read between the lines.
Here are some articles to start with:
https://migraine.com/blog/social-security-disability-insurance-benefits-the-basics/
https://migraine.com/blog/can-you-receive-disability-benefits-if-you-have-migraine-disease/
https://migraine.com/blog/common-myths-about-applying-for-social-security-disability-benefits/
