When Migraines Become Disabling
Migraines are one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, yet they are also one of the most misunderstood. Far beyond a “bad headache,” migraines can cause severe pain, visual changes, nausea, dizziness, brain fog, light and sound sensitivity, and an inability to manage even simple tasks, let alone maintain full-time employment.
For individuals with chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more headache days per month, the impact on daily functioning can be profound. Many people experience multiple migraines per a week that force them to miss work, leave early, or struggle through the day with significant impairment. When migraines reach this level, long-term disability (LTD) benefits may be essential. Unfortunately, migraine-related claims are often met with skepticism from insurance companies.
Why Migraine-Related LTD Claims Are Frequently Denied
Despite being a well-established medical condition, migraines are frequently dismissed by LTD insurers. Common denial reasons include a lack of “objective medical evidence” of impairment (see also “More Than a Diagnosis: The Objective Evidence Gap That Sinks LTD Claims), the claim that symptoms are only “self-reported,” and the argument that the medical records don’t support a level of frequency or severity of migraines that would preclude full-time work.
These arguments often ignore how disabling migraine symptoms can be in real-world workplaces, but the right responses can increase the case of turning a denial into an approval.
What Medical Evidence Strengthens a Migraine Disability Claim
Beyond medical records, the following evidence can be helpful for supporting a claim for these benefits:
- Headache Diaries or Migraine Tracking Logs: Daily documentation of migraine frequency, duration, symptoms, and functional impact gives insurers clear, consistent evidence of how often you’re impaired.
- Digital App Reports (e.g., Migraine Buddy): Exported summaries from tracking apps provide time-stamped, organized data that show patterns and treatment response over weeks or months.
- Detailed Provider Statements on Functional Limitations: Statements or paperwork explaining how your migraines affect concentration, screen tolerance, and attendance, help connect your symptoms directly to work restrictions.
- Records of Missed Work or Reduced Hours: Attendance logs, HR records, or supervisor notes showing missed days or performance issues help demonstrate the real-world impact of your condition.
- Documentation of Cognitive Symptoms: Evaluations showing brain fog, slowed processing, or trouble with multitasking help insurers understand the full impact of your condition.
- Information on Side Effects of Medication: Records showing drowsiness, dizziness, cognitive impairment, or other side effects help explain why even “successful” medications may not make full-time work feasible.
- Co-Existing Conditions: Documentation of related conditions (such as vestibular disorders, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain) can help paint a fuller picture of your overall functional limitations.
- Personal and Witness Statements: Your description of how your conditions impact your ability to work and specific descriptions of what you can and can’t do helps the insurer understand your condition in a way that the medical records may not show. Family and friends can also submit statements confirming what they have observed in regard to your functioning.
We Can Help With Migraine-Related LTD Claims
Migraine disability claims are often denied at first, but they are winnable with the right evidence. An attorney can help you:
- Organize medical documentation and get clear responses from your treating providers
- Strengthen symptom tracking and headache diaries
- Explain functional limitations tied to your specific job
- Address insurer arguments about “lack of objective evidence”
- Appeal denials and pursue benefits through all available avenues
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to help you protect your health and financial stability. Contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to assist with your claim.