Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia

Receiving Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia

If you have fibromyalgia, you are very aware of how debilitating the condition can be and may wonder whether you could qualify for Social Security disability benefits. If your fibromyalgia significantly affects your ability to work and earn a living, as well as your day-to-day activities, you could be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SSA has strict requirements for both physical and mental impairments, using impairment listings to qualify applicants. Fibromyalgia and disability benefits can go hand-in-hand when you have an experienced SS disability attorney assisting you with your application and/or the appeals process.  

Only about a third of all initial applicants receive disability benefits. There are four levels of appeal following a denial of your SS disability application. This means you have four more chances to have your fibromyalgia and disability benefits claim approved. Carmichael Law Group focuses exclusively on Social Security disability benefits. We will work closely with you to ensure you receive the benefits you need and deserve and believe our experience will benefit your claim. 

At Carmichael Law Group we know how important the “storytelling” really is. This means that we know how to tell your story in a way that clearly shows the adverse impact your condition has had on your life and on your ability to work. We will ensure you meet the five-step review process, then add your story, told in a way that gives you every advantage when being considered for disability benefits. 

Social Security does not pay for partial disability or short-term disability—only total disability. SSA determines whether you are disabled by asking the following five questions:

• Are you currently working? If you are working, and you are consistently making more than $1,310 per month, you will probably not be considered disabled.
• Does your disability prevent you from performing basic work-related activities (walking, standing, sitting, remembering)? In short, is your condition considered “severe?”
• Does your disabling medical condition meet or equal the severity of a listing found in the Blue Book list of medical conditions?
• Are you able to do the work you did prior to your disability?
• Can you make an adjustment to do any other type of work?

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by crushing fatigue, pain, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”), and mood issues. While those with anxiety, depression, or PTSD are more likely to develop fibromyalgia, the medical community is not sure of the exact cause. Pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia, stemming from tender points on the body, usually around the neck, shoulders, back, elbows, chest, hips, and knees. While the pain can often feel as though it is originating from the joints, fibromyalgia is not joint pain. The pain of fibromyalgia also varies significantly from one person to another. Some report the pain as a deep ache, others report a burning sensation.

The pain of fibromyalgia can cause many sufferers to have difficulty sleeping as their sleep cycle is constantly interrupted by pain. Difficulty concentrating, as a symptom of fibromyalgia, is sometimes known as “fibro fog.” While the cause of fibromyalgia is not known, genetics, disease, trauma, illness, and repetitive injuries can contribute to the disorder. Women tend to be at a higher risk for fibromyalgia as are those with other rheumatic conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Fibromyalgia may have a genetic component, as those with a family history of fibromyalgia are more likely to develop the disorder. Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed via blood and urine tests, imaging tests, or physical exams, although these results can rule out other conditions. Treatment is generally limited to medication and self-care. Medications can include muscle relaxants, sleep aids, pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, and anti-depressants.