Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability Benefits

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is typically accompanied by a long-term care plan, due to the nature of the condition. The ailment causes widespread pain all over the body, and makes joints extremely tender to use. Muscles ache, tendons throb, and the body fatigues to the point of stiffness. This condition has been linked to both rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, though it has also developed completely on its own. Clearly, someone with fibro may have difficulty working- but does fibromyalgia qualify you for social security disability benefits?

Fibromyalgia and the List of Impairments

Since the effects of fibromyalgia are considered long-term and verging on completely debilitating, one would automatically assume that the diagnosis of this ailment falls well within the range of acceptable ailments according to the Social Security Administration. However, one might be surprised to find that the condition itself is not currently on the administration’s disability List of Impairments. Most people have a difficult time understanding this, given the harsh nature of the condition.

However, although fibro isn't listed on the SSA list of impairments, there have been many people who have applied for disability benefits and been granted payment, though this doesn't come as easily as getting benefits does for those whose ailments fall on the Listing of Impairments.

In some cases, multiple appeals have to be filed in order for the individual with the condition to begin receiving benefits. Because of this factor, claimants with the condition should not give up on their case because of a denial. Instead, the individual should continue to apply for benefits through the appeals process.

How Disability is Determined

As in all cases regarding disability benefits, when a claimant applies for benefits their specific case is then handed over to a Disability Determination Specialist.

• This person is typically the one who will make the final decision regarding approval or denial of the claim.
• Approval or denial is determined using medical records and the claimant’s own application.
• The problem with this is, the administration doesn’t look at fibromyalgia in the same way as it does with other ailments that have made the Listing of Impairments.
• The claimant usually will have their initial claim denied unless the fibromyalgia is a condition on top of another, such as a degenerative bone disease. This is because of the nature of fibromyalgia by itself, since each case is specific to the claimant.

What To Do if a Claim is Denied

If you file a claim for disability benefits based on your fibromyalgia diagnosis and you are denied, contact the administration office in the jurisdiction of the claim and begin the appeal process immediately.

Getting Help

To maximize your chances of having your claim approved, you should consider getting the help of an experienced lawyer. Your attorney can assist you in proving your disability is severe enough to qualify you for benefits based on your fibromyalgia.