Chicago, Illinois, Chronic Headache and Social Security Disability Lawyers
Living with chronic headaches can be unbearable. Trying to work and handle daily job responsibilities with chronic headaches is often impossible. At the Des Plaines, Illinois, law firm of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we serve SSDI and SSI claimants in Chicago, Illinois and across the nation. We have effectively assisted many clients in pursuing successful Social Security Disability claims related to chronic headaches.
Chronic Headaches and Social Security Disability
A majority of all initial Social Security Disability claims are rejected. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has compiled a list of medical conditions that are so severe that a person who suffers the condition automatically qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits. Unfortunately, chronic headaches are not on that list. This means that almost all initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims involving chronic headaches are denied. We are committed to helping people suffering from debilitating headaches get SSDI or SSI benefits.
Getting SSDI and SSI Benefits for Unlisted Disabilities
The first step in getting Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for debilitating chronic headache pain is proving that the headaches are equal in severity to a medical condition that is on the SSA list of approved SSDI conditions. To make this determination the SSA will:
- Review the medical notes and reports of the treating and examining physicians. In headache cases, SSA will give significant weight to the treating headache specialist, neurologist, and/or pain management specialist
- Review the claimant's description of the location, duration, frequency, and intensity of the headache pain, and how it affects daily activities
- Review the type of medications being used, their effectiveness, and side effects
The application process for SSDI and SSI is intended to allow claimants to handle their own claims. However, with a majority of legitimate initial claims rejected and only 15% of claims approved upon reconsideration, it can be extremely helpful to have a knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer skilled at handling chronic headache cases.
The SSDI and SSI Application Process for Chronic Headaches
Initial applications for SSDI and SSI benefits for chronic headaches are almost always denied. We recommend hiring an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer early in the application process. In our experience, the earlier a Social Security Disability attorney becomes involved, the greater the likelihood of success. We hope to be retained as soon as someone has filed an application for benefits.
It is best to file applications for SSDI and SSI in person, at a local Chicago SSA District Office. This will typically expedite the process. You will need a birth certificate, a list of physicians and medications used to diagnose and treat your chronic headaches, and a work history. If you receive a denial letter, you have 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration.
If an appeal for SSDI or SSI benefits related to chronic headaches is denied, you have 60 days to file for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often the best chance of getting SSDI or SSI benefits for chronic headaches. However, even an ALJ's decision can be appealed to an Appeals Council and U. S. District Court. However, this is not likely to be successful.
Des Plaines, Illinois, SSDI and SSI Lawyers Experienced in Cases involving Chronic Headaches
Some of the common types of headaches that can cause permanent disabilities defined by the SSA as a chronic condition that will "last or expected to last not less than 12 months or result in death" include the following:
- Tension-Type Headaches
- Migraine Headaches
- Chronic Cluster Headaches
- Hormone Headaches
- Chronic Progressive Headaches
- Hemiplegic Migraines
- Ophthalmoplegic Migraines
- Retinal Migraines
- Basilar Artery Migraines
- Abdominal Migraines
- Post-traumatic Headaches
Contact our Experienced SSDI and SSI Chronic Headaches Lawyers
If you are experiencing chronic headaches that prevent you from working, please contact the Chicago SSI and SSDI lawyers at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. We can be reached by phone toll free at 1-888-LAW-0600 and locally by calling 847-299-0008. Our attorneys can also be contacted by e-mail or by filling out the intake form on our Contact Us page.
