What are the odds of getting disability for my 21 yr old son who has severe, intractable daily migraine headaches? I know when you hear migraines you think just get over it but these are so bad and so consistent he rarely is able to get out of bed. He is not able to work and has yet to finish a full semester of college since graduating from high school. Where do I start? My wife has started the paperwork but it is slow going. We are still waiting on some medical records from one of his neuros.
kdh1984

Hi kdh,

It's a slow process for most of us.

Having adequate medical documentation is crucial. Are his doctors supportive of his claim of total disability ?

Pretty good if your adult son has....................

VERY IMPORTANT: Medical documentation to back up his claim from Neurologists that specializes in headaches/migraines and/or medical facilities where testing or hospitalization was required.

I am on SSDI solely for migraines.


The only downside I see for your son is his age -21. He may get rejected the first 2 rounds (initial & reconsideration). Your son will have an excellent chance in the ALJ process. If you do not already have an attorney, suggest that you talk w/one about your son's chances. Speak w/an attorney that only deals w/SSD cases. The initial consultation is FREE!

Good luck!

I want to welcome you to Neuro Talk. I also hope alot of others will respond to you. You need to know that SSD is being denied alot these days. It usually goes to a final court hearing. Please keep all medical records and document all of his condition. If I were to attempt this with my adult child, I would definately get a lawyer who works with SSD and nothing else. In my case I had a rep. for a lawyers service that represented me for the entire time it took for me to receive my disability. It took me almost 4 years. The lawyer can help keep the case moving though the system. Be awhere, that some are not moral, and will drag their feet during the process, there by collect more in their fees when you case if finally heard. That issue of trust, and having one of the good attorneys is critical. They usually do not get a fee, unless you case is won. I really am sorry you have to go through all this with your son. It is not an easy journey, no matter what the medical problem is. His young age works against him. The more physicians he sees, to try and help him the better, such as a neruologist, PCP, and pain specialist. It will take alot of documention to achieve what you need to do. Keep coming back here with any questions you may have, and visit the Dissability forum. There will be others to help you along the way. I do wish you all the best. ginnie

thought i might like to jump in to.i have to agree with what everyone here says so far.after going thru that nitemare myself.one of the things that will work against him is his age.have to agree with everyone here about that.and the documenatation from the doctor is very important.and being so young they may try and see i he can do something else.if that's the case ,a good attorney is definetly a must!!.that to me will be the biggest deciding factor