While some fibromyalgia patients can continue to work on a full or part-time basis, others may not be able to. If you apply for disability with fibromyalgia, there are a few important things to note.
One, Social Security does not have a disability “listing” specific to fibromyalgia. Instead, the agency has a ruling that gives guidance to disability claims examiners and administrative law judges in assessing fibromyalgia cases.
Second, fibromyalgia symptoms tend to be subjective and misunderstood. Unfortunately, that can lead to a denial of disability benefits.
Fibromyalgia and Disability
Under the aforementioned ruling, for fibromyalgia to be a severe impairment, there must be evidence of chronic widespread pain. Further, a doctor must have ruled out other potential diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypothyroidism, via lab tests or x-rays. Additionally, the patient must either have: (1) tender points in at least 11 of 18 tender point areas (on both sides of the body and above and below the waist) or (2) repeated occurrences of six or more fibromyalgia symptoms (fatigue, memory problems, depression, anxiety, IBS, headaches, etc.).
If your fibromyalgia is considered a severe impairment, Social Security will then determine your “residual functional capacity” (RFC). The RFC is based on your medical records and outlines your ability to perform work at various exertional levels, including your lifting/carrying limitations, sitting/standing/walking limitations, and postural limitations (stooping, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, etc.).
When applying for disability due to fibromyalgia, seeing a specialist can be helpful to your claim. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by your primary care physician, ask if you can have a referral to a rheumatologist. Social Security may give more credibility to the rheumatologist, which may help your claim.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about applying for disability with fibromyalgia, contact a local attorney today.