How hard is it to get disability for fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the harder conditions to get approved for as a disability in the United States. Because the symptoms are often self-reported, you'll need medical documents and a doctor to support your case. However, it's possible to have a successful claim for FM.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are medically unexplained syndromes that can and often do co-occur. For this reason, some have posited that the two are part of the same somatic syndrome—examples of symptom amplification.
You can also complete you application online or call the SSA on their toll free number: 1-800-772-1213. You will need to prove that the symptoms of fibromyalgia prevent you from working, which requires specific details about your medical history and the pain and sensitivities you encounter due to the disorder.
Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are able to work and have a job that is flexible and meets their needs. However, if you have CFS and are unable to work, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Show Them Your Disability Journal. We encourage our clients to keep a disability journal that tracks their symptoms and limitations. ...
- Ask for Work Restrictions. ...
- Explain Your Plan's Definition of Disability. ...
- Ask Your Disability Insurance Lawyer for Help.
Many people with fibromyalgia continue to work full or part time. But the chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia often make working very difficult. If you are employed, it's important to learn about managing fibromyalgia symptoms and coping with pain and fatigue.
While MS and fibro may have some symptoms in common, they are ultimately distinct conditions with very different causes and treatments. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are both chronic diseases with no cure. Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis can both cause some of the same symptoms.
- Identify your triggers. Learning the triggers for fibro fatigue might help you combat it. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Change your diet. ...
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. ...
- Treat other conditions. ...
- Reduce stress. ...
- Consider alternative therapies. ...
- Nutritional supplements.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) is more often tied to immune-system abnormalities than fibromyalgia. And fibromyalgia is generally more painful than ME/CFS. But both conditions affect multiple systems in the body.
Fibromyalgia may receive a disability rating of 40%, 20% or 10%. Some veterans have more than one service-related illness or injury. When that is the case, the VA considers all conditions to calculate a combined disability rating. This rating cannot exceed 100%.
What if I cant work because of fibromyalgia?
You can contact the nearest SSA office to apply for disability benefits for fibromyalgia. Most of the information the federal agency collects can be done over the phone, as well as by mail and online. The key is to prove the symptoms of fibromyalgia prevent you from working your current job.
The Department for Work and Pensions currently recognises fibromyalgia as a potentially disabling condition. Under the definition of the Equality Act 2010, several court cases have also recognised that fibromyalgia meets the definition of a 'disability'.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping. Scientists do not fully understand what causes it, but people with the disorder have a heightened sensitivity to pain.