Fibromyalgia is a complex medical condition characterized primarily by widespread pain in the joints, muscles, tendons, or nearby soft tissues that has persisted for at least 3 months. It is also associated with several “somatic symptoms,” including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, urinary frequency, anxiety, and depression. Symptoms sometimes worsen after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually build up over time. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men.
Social Security and Fibromyalgia
As a practical matter, the Social Security Administration does not easily award benefits to those suffering from fibromyalgia. Because there is no diagnostic or objective testing which can establish a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, many judges are hesitant to find that a person even suffers from the condition. Some in the medical community even disagree about the existence of the condition.
Fibromyalgia Can Be Disabling
Without a doubt, fibromyalgia can establish a strong claim for disability benefits from Social Security or a private insurance company. To show disability resulting from fibromyalgia, you should obtain ongoing treatment from a rheumatologist—the type of specialist who typically treats the condition. At the least, you should have the diagnosis confirmed by a rheumatologist and regular treatment from a pain specialist or primary care physician.
Our Knowledgeable Disability Attorneys Can Help
At Keller & Keller, our Social Security disability attorneys understand your medical condition and how it affects you. We understand the affect that severe pain has on your day-to-day life. We also understand how frustrating it can be to suffer from symptoms associated with fibromyalgia that doctors have no explanation for. Our attorneys have the experience to help you build a case for Social Security disability benefits based on this complex medical condition.
