Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability

A number of our Social Security Disability clients suffer from fibromyalgia. Individuals suffering from this disorder frequently experience the following symptoms:

∙           dull muscular pain,
∙           multiple tender points (e.g., between shoulder blades, upper chest, etc.), and
∙           fatigue or disturbed sleep.

The course of prescribed treatment can include medications which may include analgesics for pain and stiffness, antidepressants to promote sleep, physical therapy, and counseling. While not all individuals who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia will be found disabled under Social Security rules, one source of information for people with fibromyalgia that we recommend is Fibromyalgia Professional Resource Center. This is a non-profit wefull of information and resources to those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Recently we assisted numerous individuals with severe fibromyalgia in getting Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. Their cases were among the more severe of those suffering with the disease, and each had other co-existing conditions such as lupus and depression. The frequency and severity of an individual's symptoms are unique in each case and will determine, to a large degree, whether an individual claim will be granted benefits.

Some diseases are included in Social Security’s Listing of impairments, but fibromyalgia is not included on the list. In some instances, a disease, while not Listed, is addressed in a Social Security Ruling. The Rulings offer guidance but do not set out specific criteria for an award of benefits. Other diseases are not in the Listings or recognized in a Social Security Ruling.

Regardless of the disease, you or your lawyer should have the following:

∙           a good working list of your symptoms,
∙           a knowledge of the degree of certainty of your diagnosis,
∙           a general understanding of the consistency between your symptoms and your diagnosis,
∙           a good understanding of what evidence might best support your contention that your symptoms are disabling, and
∙           which legal theory will most likely be accepted by the Social  Security Administration given the particular facts of the entire case.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe fibromyalgia with dull muscular pain and multiple tender points, consider visiting the Fibromyalgia Professional Resource Center for additional information on the disorder. If you are considering a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.

Comments

[Ray Poll]

The TV commercials promoting Lyrica as a FDA approved treatment for fibromyalgia has added legitimacy to the sufferers of fibromyalgia. Sufferers are now getting some real treatment for their pain. Lyrica was not a good treatment for my wife who has suffered for five years, however other treatment regiments and protocols have.

Depending on the individual and treatments, the severely afflicted will receive only enough relief to be self sufficient in their daily needs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that goes hand in hand with fibromyalgia will limit the ability to perform well in any employment.

If you are applying for Social Security benefits be prepared for a long battle. Once you applied for SS benefits, do not drop your case if you are denied the first time through. I strongly advise that you seek legal counsel before appealing. Appeals may take up to a year to be placed back on the docket.

Goog luck and live well.

[Lisa Douglas]

Very informative post. Thank you for sharing and listing the fibromyalgia resource center.