4.2 Google RatedOur fibromyalgia SSDI lawyers represent people who are seeking disability benefits based on a disabling medical condition. If you are unable to work because of fibromyalgia, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. Our disability attorneys may be able to help.
Lawyers for Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability
Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys understands how important it is that you receive the benefits you have earned. If you need SSDI lawyers with expertise in fibromyalgia, we invite you to have a consultation about your rights and options.
Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder typically characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness. You may experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness, stiffness, cognitive dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. It is a chronic pain condition recognized by the American College of Rheumatology, American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, World Health Organization, and Social Security Administration.
The precise cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but research suggests it is related to problems with the central nervous system’s processing of pain. It manifests in ways that can limit your ability to work or perform routine activities. Providing evidence of your chronic pain is a necessary step in obtaining SSDI. That’s where a fibromyalgia disability lawyer can help.
Fibromyalgia and SSDI Disability Benefits
Fibromyalgia doesn’t appear in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments for disability insurance. However, people with the debilitating medical condition may receive disability benefits. The Social Security Administration has published detailed guidance on how they evaluate fibromyalgia claims, called the Policy Interpretation Ruling, Evaluation of Fibromyalgia.
A person with diagnosed fibromyalgia must prove the following to demonstrate the severity of their condition:
- History of widespread pain
- Other disorders and possible causes have been excluded
And one of the following:
- 11 or more tender points throughout the body, bilateral, both above and below the waist. Tests must be performed in a prescribed way with a certain amount of pressure.
- Six or more manifestations of symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive or memory problems, waking up unrefreshed, depression, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome
When evaluating an application for Social Security disability pay based on fibromyalgia, examiners look at whether the applicant is currently working and able to work. Their physical health condition must cause a severe limitation that has more than a minimal impact on their ability to work. They determine whether the person’s medical conditions equal a listing. As a result, it’s important to consult a fibromyalgia SSDI lawyer to ensure your approval.
Knowing that symptoms come and go, examiners will usually look at a longitudinal history. They may look at medical records further back than 12 months before the application when it is relevant to other health conditions and potential causes of symptoms. Examiners consider whether the person can maintain employment in any job that exists in significant numbers in the economy.
Legal Steps to Get SSDI Benefits for Fibromyalgia
When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance based on fibromyalgia, it may be beneficial to also reference any other concurrent medical conditions. Significant supporting evidence from non-medical sources, including witness statements from family, friends, neighbors, and clergy, that can speak to the person’s physical limitations, may help the application.
Medical tests and other evidence must be detailed and documented. It may be worthwhile to seek a diagnosis from a rheumatologist or orthopedist rather than a general practitioner.
Each situation is different, so it’s important to create an application based on the person’s individual situation.
Free Consultation – Apply for Social Security Disability for Fibromyalgia
Ask for a free consultation with our fibromyalgia SSDI lawyers. Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys can examine your situation and whether you may receive benefits. We assist clients with all stages of the application process. We are experienced courtroom and hearing attorneys, so we can continue to represent you through any appeals or court proceedings needed in your case.
Start your case today. Call or message us to talk about your situation.
SSDI for Fibromyalgia FAQs
Can you get SSDI benefits for fibromyalgia?
Yes. Even though fibromyalgia does not have its own listing in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments, a person in the United States may still get SSDI for fibromyalgia if they have severe symptoms of chronic pain that prevent them from maintaining employment. A fibromyalgia SSDI lawyer in Arizona can assist with navigating the process.
Is it hard to get disability for fibromyalgia?
Because fibromyalgia isn’t included in the Social Security Listing of Impairments, you must prove that your symptoms equal a listing. It’s not enough to submit only a diagnosis from a primary care physician or health professional. Significant medical records and factual information may be required to explain your health condition and how it causes a physical disability that prevents you from working.
How do you qualify for SSDI with fibromyalgia?
To qualify for SSDI with fibromyalgia, you must have sufficient work credits to receive benefits. You must also have fibromyalgia that is serious enough in severity and frequency to equal a recognized impairment. Your medical condition must have more than a minimal effect on your ability to work. With the help of a fibromyalgia SSDI lawyer at Pekas Smith, we can help you determine your eligibility.
How much disability is fibromyalgia?
The amount of disability income you may receive for fibromyalgia depends on your average earned work credits. If you can work in a limited capacity, your payment amount will be reduced. However, if you meet the disability criteria to receive benefits, the severity of your condition does not directly impact the amount you receive each month.
