While it’s possible to receive long-term disability benefits for chronic migraine headaches, being approved for long-term disability for migraines requires a lot of time and diligence.
Below, we explore some tips that can help you increase your chances of receiving a long term disability claim approval. At Jonathan M. Feigenbaum, Esquire, we understand what it takes to secure long-term disability benefits when your disabling symptoms are caused by migraines. Contact us today for a complimentary assessment of your claim from an experienced LTD attorney.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines are one of the most debilitating medical conditions you could have the misfortune to endure. They are neurologically-based with symptoms that make it extremely difficult to work, and sometimes just to minimally function.
Chronic migraines can have an even worse impact. The nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound associated with chronic migraines can last hours or even days. This results in an inability to focus, to communicate, and to perform simple tasks that may be part of your job.
Migraines can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, foods, smells, weather, and bright lighting. These are often present in the workplace, making you susceptible to a migraine event.
Filing for Long-Term Disability for Migraines
If you suffer from chronic migraines and seek long-term disability benefits, be ready for a demanding and a difficult experience. Once filed, a claims examiner will review your long-term disability claim and make a determination based on evidence you present. During the process, they may call you for an interview, have you complete forms, or make you see a doctor. Because there is no “objective test” like an X-Ray which can show a broken bone, too often claims adjusters are skeptical.
Most long-term disability claims for chronic migraines are denied. When this happens, your next course of action is to appeal. This will require more time and patience as you attempt to win the long-term disability benefits you deserve.
4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Long-Term Disability Case
You’ll be approved for long-term disability if you take proactive steps now. The following four steps will help demonstrate that your chronic migraines have rendered you unable to work:
1. Keep a Journal or a Pain Tracking Worksheet
Your claim for long-term disability requires documentation of the frequency and severity of your migraine symptoms. One way to provide this evidence is to write everything down in a daily migraine journal.
Your journal should state exactly how your migraines limit your capacity to regularly work and to perform simple activities. So, describe how your migraines constrain your abilities to concentrate, to comprehend, to remember, to communicate, to walk, and to stand.
Your journal should also note how long the symptoms have lasted, any medication you may have taken, and the medication’s effects. Don’t forget to include dates and times of your headaches and when you’ve had to miss work because of them.
2. Obey Doctor’s Orders
The long-term disability claims examiner will want to know that you’ve received regular treatment for your chronic migraines. They’ll also want to know that you’re listening to your treating physician.
So, take medication that is prescribed for you and listen to directions you’re given to manage your symptoms. This could include pain medications, injections, anti-nausea medications, beta-blockers or anti-depressants.
If, for any reason, you aren’t able to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment, tell them as soon as you can. You need to show through medical records that you’re doing your best to get adequate medical care.
3. Gather Objective Medical Documentation
Long-term disability insurers give greater weight to objective medical evidence that supports your claim. So, gather witness statements, records from work of the days you’ve missed, and your medical records.
Your medical records should show that your doctor diagnosed you with recurrent migraine headaches. They should also include notes about the timing and severity of your migraines, test results, and prescribed medications and treatments. If you’ve had to go to the hospital because of your migraines, be sure to include those records too.
4. Hire a Long Term Disability Attorney
A long-term disability lawyer with experience handling migraine-related cases can be of enormous help. They can help gather all the documentation needed to file a complete claim that stands the best chance of approval. They can also file an appeal if your claim is unfairly denied.
Learn More About Long-Term Disability for Migraines
If you’re considering filing for long-term disability benefits for your chronic migraines, or if you were denied benefits, we can help. The experienced disability attorneys at Jonathan M. Feigenbaum, Esquire may be able to help you win the benefits you deserve. Contact us today.
