West Virginia Social Security Blog

People sometimes make the mistake of assuming that a migraine is just a headache that perhaps lasts longer than you would expect or does not respond as well to medication and painkillers. While both of those things may be true, it's important to note that it's far more than a headache. Migraines can be so severe that they make it impossible to do anything -- hobbies, work, exercise, etc.

The issue is that the severe headache caused by a migraine may also come with some of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling very cold
• Feeling very warm
• Extreme sensitivity to light,
• Extra sensitivity to smells and noises
• Throbbing pain that may move around your head
• Belly pain and upset stomach
• Nausea and vomiting

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very serious condition that many veterans suffer from when they return from combat. It can make it hard for them to integrate back into civilian life. They may find it hard to socialize, work and even connect with loved ones.

First and foremost, it's important to note that PTSD is different for everyone. It may show different symptoms and may be tied to exactly what type of experiences the soldier lived through. With that in mind, some potential symptoms include:

• Having flashbacks
• Feeling jumpy
• Having trouble concentrating
• Having trouble sleeping
• Being easily startled
• Having nightmares
• Always feeling irritated
• Suffering from mood swings
• Lashing out angrily at others, even loved ones
• Always feeling on guard or in danger
• Becoming upset by anything that reminds you of the event
• Suffering from vivid memories
• Feeling numb and emotionally distant from others
• Not caring about things you once loved

West Virginia residents with back or spine problems that make it impossible to work may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Ideally, applicants will be able to provide 12 months of medical records detailing the extent of their health problems. Those who don't have recent medical records will likely be asked to submit to a consultative evaluation (CE). The CE is designed to give an examiner an idea of the applicant's current medical status rather than diagnose a health condition.

It is also worth noting that a chiropractor is generally not considered to be a valid source of medical records. However, images taken by a chiropractor may be used as evidence of a physical impairment. Individuals may be entitled to benefits because they meet listing criteria or qualify for a medical-vocational allowance. Generally speaking, those under the age of 50 are unlikely to be approved solely based on their back pain or spinal impairment.

Some West Virginia residents who find themselves unable to work due to degenerative disc disease may want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. In most cases, the Social Security Administration evaluates these applications according to its criteria for spinal disorders, including spinal stenosis and vertebral fractures in addition to degenerative disc disease. One section of the SSA's guidelines specifically addresses degenerative disorders of the spine, laying out criteria for the severity of the illness required to receive disability benefits.

According to the agency, applicants for SSD benefits must show that one of their nerve roots has been compromised by the disorder, such as the spinal cord or cauda equina. Evidence of nerve root compression may include some types of pain distribution, loss of motor function, limited spinal motion, muscle atrophy or weakness. For people with lower back degenerative disc disorders, they should be able to show positive straight leg tests conducted by a medical doctor when they are both sitting and laying down, which means that they have pain when their legs are held in a straight position.