Fibromyalgia is a common condition primarily affecting women. Despite several theories, the cause remains unknown. Symptoms chiefly consist of various degrees of pain, often affecting the entire body including the neck, back, legs, and arms. In addition, chronic fatigue is often noted. It is important that during visits to your doctor, you stress the degree of pain you are experiencing and especially how fatigue affects your ability to carry out your daily activities.
Can You Get On Disability For Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
You should be very specific regarding pain and fatigue noting that you are barely able to do even basic daily activities and need to take frequent naps during the day. Your physician’s progress notes will be reviewed by social security doctors at the state level to determine if your fibromyalgia makes you eligible for disability benefits.
How To Prove Fibromyalgia Disability Claims
Your doctor may also provide what is known as an RFC which means residual functional capactity. In his report he may state what you may be able to do over an 8 hour day based on your degree of pain and fatigue. For instance, he may indicate that you could only stand and walk for less than 2 hours over an 8 hour period. In addition, the state may request a physical examination be done.
Fatigue And Fibromyalgia: Important To Help Your Disability Chances
At that time, your examination may be entirely normal, except for multiple tender points over various parts of the body which are commonly present in fibromyalgia. That is why the issue of FATIGUE is so very important and should be stressed as to how it affects your ability to carry out daily tasks. It would be very helpful if your physician would write a letter stressing that you suffer from extreme fatigue resulting in the need for taking naps or long resting periods during the day. It has been my experience that a complaint of pain may not result in an allowance, since on examination you may show good strength in all extremities and walk normally, but a complaint of extreme fatigue has a better chance for receiving an allowance if it is stressed in your medical record.
If you are denied benefits you can reapply or seek the assistance of a law firm familiar with disability cases.
I am a claims examiner who formerly reviewed disability cases for social security and understand the important information needed to improve one’s chances for receiving benefits.