What You Need to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia
No one knows for sure what causes fibromyalgia. The symptoms can be widespread and challenging to define, making it difficult to diagnose. Struggling through that process makes the condition all the more isolating for those who suffer from it.
But there is hope. Social Security has laid out several symptoms it looks for when considering a diagnosis of fibromyalgia for disability benefits. They include:
- A history of widespread pain that has lasted longer than three months
- Pain or discomfort in at least 11 of 18 tender points on both sides of the body
- Fatigue
- Cognitive or memory problems, sometimes called “fibro fog”
- Waking up unrefreshed
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Your doctors must also rule out any other causes or conditions that could lead to these symptoms in order to qualify for disability benefits for fibromyalgia.
We can help you determine the strength of your case. Call our team of disability lawyers in Oregon to see what your options might be. We provide the initial evaluation at no cost to you.
How to Prove Your Fibromyalgia Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits
Fighting to have your fibromyalgia understood can be as frustrating as managing the pain coursing through your body.
Having an experienced disability attorney who can walk you through the Social Security Disability benefits application process can go a long way to relieving stress and giving you the best chance to win your claim.
To get there, you will need to collect extensive documentation about how fibromyalgia has impacted your life. Such records include:
- At least 12 months of medical evidence from your doctor
- Any evaluations from psychologists or other medical care providers to rule out other causes and determine the severity of your symptoms
- Statements from family, friends, former coworkers and others who can attest to how fibromyalgia has impacted your daily living
It isn’t easy to jump through all the hoops to win your disability benefits. And the added stress can make your fibromyalgia symptoms worse.
Take some of the burden off yourself. We help people in Eugene-Springfield, Albany, Roseburg, Coos Bay, Medford, and all over Oregon.
The experienced disability lawyers at Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor can help ease your mind and get you the financial support you need to get to a better place in life.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.
Have a Question about Disability Benefits?
Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:
Disability FAQs »
Hear from a Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor Client
“(My lawyer) did a great job getting my case ready, and the court settled in my favor. I highly recommend Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor.”
