If you’re one of the 28 million Americans who suffer with migraines, you know the signs when you’re getting one. Lethargy, increases in pain and the so-called “auras” are sure indicators that it’s about to happen. You may have stressors or triggers that bring on a migraine (like a smell or bright light) that tell you it’s coming. Once that happens, you know you’re down for the count until it passes.

You may have relatives, friends or coworkers who don’t offer support. You may even hear the comment, “but you don’t LOOK sick.”  You know you’re in pain, even if they don’t. Medications have varying degrees of effectiveness; some don’t help at all. And if you go to work anyway, instead of staying home, you know your quality of work will suffer until it passes. Meantime, you manage the best you can.

What Is A Migraine?

A migraine is a headache and condition that can seriously impact your quality of life. According to Migraine.com, migraines are the 7th leading cause of disability worldwide. Common symptoms include:

• Light and/or sound sensitivity
• Throbbing headaches
• Blurred vision or other visual disruptions
• Nausea
• An “aura”—visual disturbances that includes blind spots, flashing lights, zig-zagging lines, and/or “seeing stars”

There may be other accompanying symptoms, such as fatigue and/or lethargy. Migraine episodes typically last 4 hours to 72 hours. These symptoms can also make work, social events and other everyday activities difficult or impossible to engage in.

Proving The Disability

Getting disability for migraine conditions can be difficult, even though one in four households are likely to have someone who suffers with it. As a neurological condition that’s not visible or diagnosed by a regular blood test, filing for long-term disability can be more difficult.

Note that “self-reporting” your condition may severely limit your benefits, or see them declined Migraines aren’t obvious or detectible through conventional medical testing. Supplying sufficient evidence to prove your inability to work is essential, so you’ll need to use other means of reporting to support your claim. Insurance companies want objective evidence for your diagnosis. A series of documentation will be required to successfully defend your claim, including:

·         Your own journal: record everything related to your condition truthfully and thoroughly—pain, frequency, intensity, severity, treatment, and your level of difficulty. Include dates, times, duration, and other relevant details, i.e., hospital visits, treatments given, side effects of medicines, etc. Your physician may include a review of your notes in your patient record, making it part of any claim evidence.

·         Work with your doctor: you’ll need your doctor’s support for your claim, so you’ll need to follow his or her instructions, including taking prescribed medications. If you’re unable to comply with your physician’s instructions (i.e., side effects of medication) make sure to inform him or her of these difficulties. Their records should indicate that you are doing your best to follow their instructions.

·         Other documentation to support your disability claim: this should include days missed from work, test results taken to rule out any other conditions, any treatments or medications you tried, their effectiveness, and any side effects

·         Testimony from family/friends supporting your activities that are limited by the headaches

·         Your doctor’s notes about your migraines (intensity, frequency, severity, etc.), and if these headaches are compounded by other illnesses or injuries.

·         Records of any hospital visits (including ER) related to your migraines

·         If you’re a veteran, medical evidence verifying the service-related connection, such as an incident that occurred during service time, or that it’s related to another service-related condition.

Migraines As A Catalyst

As painful as migraines are, they can also be a catalyst for additional conditions, such as fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, additional pain as well as other conditions.  If you also experience the “aura” symptoms, you may also be at increased risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Houston’s Attorney For Long-Term Disability Help

Filling for LTD can be a chore under the best of circumstances. With a condition like migraines, it’s more complicated, and of course, can be more difficult. But an attorney experienced in disability filings and appeals can help you gather the necessary information needed to file and increase your chances for a successful outcome.

Over 4,000 Houstonians have received the LTD benefits they need, and we can help you too. The Herren Law Firm can help you with your application, appeals and help you through the process so you can concentrate on getting better. Contact us today at 713-682-8194 to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no up-front fees.  We only collect if we win your case.