Social Security Disability Claims Based on Fibromyalgia
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010
by Jonathan C. Ginsberg
Ginsberg Law Offices
Introduction to Fibromyalgia and SSDI Claims
When considering the symptoms of fibromyalgia in relation to the number of Americans who suffer from the disease, it is concerning how many Americans are in so much pain. Roughly three to six million Americans, which equates to about 1 in 50 Americans, suffer from fibromyalgia every day. For these Americans, the activities of everyday life including work activity - can be challenging, if not impossible. Fortunately, fibromyalgia sufferers who are no longer able to work may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. In this article, the disabling symptoms of fibromyalgia are discussed, along with information on applying for Social Security Disability based on fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is not what most people would consider an average ache or pain. In fact, fibromyalgia pain is distinguishable from other pain in many ways. Not only is the pain dull and constant, it is also widespread, often occurring on both sides of the body and above and below the waistline. Fibromyalgia pain is also associated with pain produced when firm pressure is applied to certain areas of the body, including the back of the head, between the shoulder blades, the top of the shoulders, the front sides of the neck, the upper chest, outer elbows, upper hips, the sides of the hips, and the inner knees. Fibromyalgia pain has detrimental and disabling effects on the body and mind. Some of these effects include chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. In addition to being a diagnosable illness in and of itself, fibromyalgia pain can be considered a symptom of other illnesses when the pain is characterized as such. Some of these illnesses include endometriosis, headache, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lupus, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, restless leg syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The causes of fibromyalgia are unclear, even today. However, fibromyalgia has been linked to genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma. Because the cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, treating the symptoms is the only option sufferers have for obtaining any relief from their pain. Medications such as analgesics, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure medications, as well as physical therapy and counseling, are often used in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits Based on Fibromyalgia
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to pay monetary benefits to qualified/disabled applicants who have worked long enough and paid their social security taxes. In determining whether you meet the qualifications, Social Security will look at your impairment (in this case, Fibromyalgia) and try to determine whether it renders you unable to work. If you can properly show that you are no longer able to work, then you can win benefits based on fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is not included in the Social Security Disability Impairment "Listings" Social Security's master list of physical impairments considered disabling. However, this does not mean that those who suffer from fibromyalgia cannot qualify for SSDI benefits. It just means you have to effectively prove that you cannot work. Your medical records and statements from treating physicians must support this argument, and it can also help to have a Social Security Disability lawyer on your side.
How is this done? The degree to which the disabling symptoms of fibromyalgia (or the side effects of the medications taken to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia) limit one's ability to work must be clear in the evidence presented in the case. Evidence needs to include medical records, employment records, medication lists, and statements from supervisors/co-workers and doctors. Once this information is collected, it is presented to the Social Security Administration for consideration in whole for determining a monetary award for benefits based on fibromyalgia.
If you have fibromyalgia and think you may have a claim for SSDI benefits, it is highly recommended that you contact a Social Security Disability attorney. An SSDI lawyer will likely have experience with fibromyalgia claims, and can thus help you maximize your chances of winning as well as the monetary benefits awarded in your fibromyalgia disability claim.
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