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Our SSDI lawyers for fibromyalgia 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 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. When you need SSDI lawyers for 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, cognitive dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. It is a 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.
Fibromyalgia and SSDI Disability Benefits
Fibromyalgia doesn’t appear in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments for disability. 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 afflicted with 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 condition must cause a severe limitation which is more than a minimal impact on their ability to work. They determine whether the person’s medical conditions equal a listing.
Knowing that symptoms come and go, examiners will usually look at a longitudinal history. They may look at medical evidence further back than 12 months before the application when it is relevant to other medical conditions and potential causes of symptoms. Examiners consider whether the person can work in any job that exists in significant numbers in the economy.
Legal Steps to Get SSDI for Fibromyalgia
When applying for SSDI for fibromyalgia, it may be beneficial to also reference any other medical conditions existing concurrently. Significant supporting evidence from non-medical sources may help the application, including statements from family, friends, neighbors, and clergy that can speak to the person’s physical limitations. Medical 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 SSDI lawyers for fibromyalgia. 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 for fibromyalgia?
Yes. Even though fibromyalgia does not have its own listing in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments, a person may still get SSDI for fibromyalgia if they have severe symptoms that prevent them from working.
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 your primary care physician. Significant medical and factual information may be required to explain your condition and how it 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 have fibromyalgia that is serious enough to equal a recognized impairment. Your medical condition must have more than a minimal effect on your ability to work.
How much disability is fibromyalgia?
The amount of disability you may receive for fibromyalgia depends on your average earnings over time while you earned work credits to qualify for benefits. 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.
