Fibromyalgia is one of the most common debilitating medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately four million Americans are currently living with fibromyalgia. You may be wondering: Can I get Social Security disability benefits for fibromyalgia? The answer is “yes’—or at least it is possible to qualify for benefits. You must prove that you are qualified and that your fibromyalgia is a qualified disability. In this article, our Tucson Social Security disability lawyer provides an overview of fibromyalgia claims in Arizona.
What is Fibromyalgia?
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) defines fibromyalgia as “a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body.” It is often difficult to diagnose and there is no known cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a variable condition—in the worst cases it can be debilitating.
You Can File for SSDI or SSI Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia
If you suffer from fibromyalgia and are unable to work due to your symptoms, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) through either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. To be approved for benefits, you will need to demonstrate that your fibromyalgia significantly impacts your ability to perform substantial gainful activity. These are complex claims. Gathering strong medical evidence and working with a top Arizona attorney can increase your chances of success.
How to Prove that Your Fibromyalgia is a Qualifying Disability
To qualify for SSD benefits based on fibromyalgia, you must prove that you have a qualifying disability. As with other types of Social Security disability claims, medical evidence is key in these cases. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published some guidelines for proving that fibromyalgia is a qualifying disability. As a baseline, you should be ready to show that:
- You have a history of widespread, significant pain caused by fibromyalgia (more than three months);
- You can present medical evidence that “rules out” other disorders or conditions as the cause of the pain; and
- You have at least 11 different pain points or at least six different adverse manifestations of the condition (fatigue, anxiety, depression, etc).
It is important to emphasize that medical eligibility is one factor of an SSD claim. You must also prove legal/technical eligibility. For example, if you are applying for SSDI benefits for fibromyalgia, you must prove that you have sufficient work history based on your age.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Tucson SSDI & SSI Attorney Today
At Snow, Carpio and Weekley, PLC, our Tucson Social Security disability lawyers are skilled and effective advocates for our clients. If you have any questions about applying for SSDI or SSI benefits for fibromyalgia, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no commitment initial consultation. From our office locations in Tucson, Phoenix, Yuma, Flagstaff, and Lake Havasu, we provide Social Security disability representation throughout all of Arizona.
