Monday, April 7, 2014

Migraine and Social Security Disability

For the first time since 1985 (29 years), the SSA is currently revising neurological disorders listed in the Blue Book. This provides the chance to change the rules on how disability is determined for people with migraine disorders. Currently there are no rules. Instead, a person is judged against the disability standards used for seizures. But that's like saying, "we're going to pay your insurance claim based on how badly your neighbor's house burnt down." Migraine is a different disease, treated far differently than seizure disorders. The rules for disability should also be separate.

Now is the perfect opportunity to raise our voices as one and insist they make this highly necessary change.

Please take action by submitting a comment to the SSA at this address: http://1.usa.gov/1gQS89a

You must take action by Monday, April 28, 2014, for your comments to be taken into consideration in decision making about revision of the neurological disorders portion of the Blue Book.

If you don't know what to say, feel free to use this below:

I would like to share my support for listing migraine and especially chronic migraine as its own disorder in the Blue Book. Chronic migraine has symptoms and limitations that make it on its own a fearsome disease. We can help ease the burden of those who suffer from it by giving them their own listing, instead of a lengthy approval process where they must "prove" they're as sick as someone else with a completely different disease. This helps no one, and costs the government money in the appeals process. Please consider changing the listing for migraine & chronic migraines.

Thank you for raising your voice!

2 comments:

  1. Voicing out your concerns is a great way for the SSA to understand your needs. Because Social Security Disability benefits are very helpful for a lot of people who are unable to work due to a long-term disability. So if they consider this, hopefully, it might mean that more people will receive financial help.

    Brad Post @ Jan Dils

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    1. It didn't make it this year, but we can always try for next! Migraines are the 2nd most prevalent disease world-wide (according to the WHO), second *only* to cavities (yes, the kind in teeth).

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