Can fibromyalgia be considered a disability?

The Social Security Administration recognizes arthritis and fibromyalgia (FM) as qualifying disabilities for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).


How hard is it to get disability for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the harder conditions to get approved for as a disability in the United States. Because the symptoms are often self-reported, you'll need medical documents and a doctor to support your case. However, it's possible to have a successful claim for FM.

How do I get proof of disability for fibromyalgia?

You can also complete you application online or call the SSA on their toll free number: 1-800-772-1213. You will need to prove that the symptoms of fibromyalgia prevent you from working, which requires specific details about your medical history and the pain and sensitivities you encounter due to the disorder.


Is fibromyalgia considered a long-term disability?

Yes, it is possible to qualify for long-term disability benefits due to fibromyalgia symptoms. In fact, it is common for severe pain, fatigue, and/or fibro fog to prevent an individual with fibromyalgia from working on a consistent basis.

What percentage of disability is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia may receive a disability rating of 40%, 20% or 10%. Some veterans have more than one service-related illness or injury. When that is the case, the VA considers all conditions to calculate a combined disability rating. This rating cannot exceed 100%.


Can Fibromyalgia Qualify A Person for SSDI Benefits?



What benefits am I entitled to with fibromyalgia?

You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for fibromyalgia. You may also be able to claim long-term disability benefits if you have disability insurance coverage through your employer or a private insurance policy. For disabled veterans, the VA follows a fibromyalgia rating scale ranging from 10% to 40%.

Can you work if you have fibromyalgia?

Many people with fibromyalgia continue to work full or part time. But the chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia often make working very difficult. If you are employed, it's important to learn about managing fibromyalgia symptoms and coping with pain and fatigue.

Does fibro get worse with age?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that is often a lifelong condition. But fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease, meaning it will not get worse over time. It also does not cause damage to your joints, muscles, or organs.


When did fibromyalgia become a disability?

In 1987 fibromyalgia was first recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a defined disease entity and cause of illness and disability.

How do I convince my doctor to give me disability?

4 Ways You Can Bring Up Disability With Your Doctors
  1. Show Them Your Disability Journal. We encourage our clients to keep a disability journal that tracks their symptoms and limitations. ...
  2. Ask for Work Restrictions. ...
  3. Explain Your Plan's Definition of Disability. ...
  4. Ask Your Disability Insurance Lawyer for Help.


How serious is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability, and a lower quality of life. US adults with fibromyalgia may have complications such as: More hospitalizations. If you have fibromyalgia you are twice as likely to be hospitalized as someone without fibromyalgia.


Why is it so hard to work with fibromyalgia?

Having fibromyalgia can make it difficult to carry out daily activities, including working at many types of jobs. Symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and widespread pain may make it difficult to get through the day due to lack of concentration, preoccupation with pain, and other challenges associated with assigned duties.

How do you describe pain to a disability judge?

Pain is often hard to describe, but you should do your best to relate your pain as specifically as possible to the judge. This would include telling the judge what type of pain you experience (burning, stabbing, etc.), how often you experience it, and how you would quantify it (for example, on a scale of 1 to 10).

What kind of doctor do you see for fibromyalgia?

Your family doctor may be able to tell you have fibromyalgia if they're familiar with the condition. But you'll probably want to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who's an expert in problems with joints, muscles, and bones.


What category does fibromyalgia fall under?

An Introduction to Fibromyalgia and Its Related Disorders

Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.

Can fibromyalgia affect your teeth?

Fibromyalgia commonly affects orofacial health, presenting with a variety of oral manifestations, including temporomandibular disorder, xerostomia, glossodynia, and dysgeusia.

Can fibromyalgia turn into MS?

While MS and fibro may have some symptoms in common, they are ultimately distinct conditions with very different causes and treatments. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are both chronic diseases with no cure. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis can both cause some of the same symptoms.


What triggers fibro flare ups?

Triggers for Fibromyalgia Flares
  • Physical or psychological stress.
  • Temperature and/weather changes.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Traveling and/or changes in schedule.
  • Changes in treatment.
  • Diet.
  • Poor sleep.


What is the number one symptom of fibromyalgia?

If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.

Should I tell my employer I have fibromyalgia?

It is important and helpful to be open with your employer about your fibromyalgia diagnosis. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.


Does fibromyalgia affect walking?

As a result, patients with fibromyalgia may lose their ability to walk faster or their capacity to maintain balance while standing as their gait changes, according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Science. They may also have difficulty moving about due to pain and stiffness.

Can fibromyalgia affect your eyes?

Fibromyalgia can be associated with ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, irritation) and visual disturbances (blurred vision), coexisting with dry eye syndrome and reduced corneal sensitivity. Cases of scleritis, including the necrotizing form, accompanying fibromyalgia have been reported.

Can you retire early due to fibromyalgia?

If you are unfit or unable to work due to fibromyalgia, you can claim an ill-health retirement claim, otherwise known as being 'medically retired'. This allows you to receive your pension benefits before the age of 55 if you are unable to work due to a permanent illness or condition.


What evidence do I need for disability?

Proof of identity

A current valid and in date passport. A birth certificate but ONLY if it features your current name. If you have changed your name, we will need to see a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, change of name deed or divorce certificate. A current driving licence.

What not to say to a disability doctor?

5 Things Not to Say in a Disability Interview
  • No one will hire me; I can't find work. ...
  • I am not under medical treatment for my disability. ...
  • I have a history of drug abuse or criminal activity. ...
  • I do household chores and go for walks. ...
  • My pain is severe and unbearable. ...
  • Legal Guidance When SSDI Benefits Are Denied.