According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by complex and widespread issues with musculoskeletal pain. People who are suffering from fibromyalgia also report dealing with chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping and mood disorders. Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our Social Security disability attorney, highlight three key things you need to know about fibromyalgia claims and disability benefits.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is also notoriously challenging to diagnose. There is not a single specific test that can be used to definitively determine if a patient has fibromyalgia. Because of the inherent ambiguity related to this medical condition, it can sometimes be difficult for people to obtain SSDI or SSI benefits. However, it is possible to get SSDI or SSI benefits for fibromyalgia. If your condition is severe to the point it prevents you from working on a full-time basis, you should be prepared to apply for benefits.
One of the things that makes fibromyalgia cases challenging is the patient’s symptoms are often self-reported. While self-reported symptoms — such as pain and fatigue are real and deserve to be taken seriously, you will also need compelling supporting evidence in order to build a successful Social Security disability claim. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better off you will be. Among other things, relevant medical evidence may include:
Social Security examiners are interested in more than whether your medical condition exists. Proving you are suffering from fibromyalgia is not by itself enough to recover financial benefits. You will also need to submit a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. Essentially, an RFC is used to determine what, if any, work you can reasonably do.
Should you still be able to perform your current position despite your condition, you will not be eligible for SSDI/SSI benefits. Further, if the severity of your fibromyalgia prevents you from staying in your current position, but you are still able to perform a less-intensive alternative position, the SSA may deny your Social Security disability claim. Notably, the older you are, the less likely the SSA will assess you can reasonably change careers.
Call Our Social Security Disability Lawyer Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., for Immediate Assistance
At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our Social Security disability attorney has the skills, experience and knowledge to effectively handle complex fibromyalgia claims. If you or your loved one is seeking SSDI or SSI benefits for fibromyalgia or any related conditions, we are ready to help. For a free, no obligation consultation, please contact our legal team today. We represent clients in the Chicagoland area and throughout the Central Midwest Illinois.
