Can You Qualify for Social Security Disability With Fibromyalgia?
Yes, you can get disability benefits for fibromyalgia (FM), but it requires strong medical evidence and proper documentation. People with fibromyalgia can successfully obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if their symptoms prevent them from working.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you likely have widespread pain, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. However, because fibromyalgia symptoms can be invisible and hard to measure, proving your disability can be challenging.
The key to getting approved is showing that your fibromyalgia causes severe limitations that stop you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), despite following prescribed treatments.
Is Fibromyalgia Considered a Disability by Social Security?
When people ask, “Is fibromyalgia a disability?” the answer depends on the severity of your condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that fibromyalgia can be disabling, and fibromyalgia disability benefits are available to those who meet strict requirements.
Fibromyalgia is not listed as a physical impairment in the SSA’s Blue Book of qualifying disabilities. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get benefits. Many people with fibromyalgia receive approval by demonstrating the severity of their symptoms.
How To Qualify for Disability With Fibromyalgia
Eligibility Criteria for Fibromyalgia Disability
The Blue Book is a guide that the SSA uses to review disability claims. It contains many disabilities that qualify for SSD, and specific medical criteria for claim approval.
Since fibromyalgia doesn’t have its own Blue Book listing, claims are often evaluated under other listings. For example:
- Listing 1.18 – Abnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremity
- Listing 14.09 – Inflammatory arthritis
- Section 12.00 – Mental Disorders (If you have severe depression, anxiety, or cognitive issues, like “fibro fog,” as a result of fibromyalgia.)
In addition to “equaling” a listing, a claimant may qualify for SSD by satisfying criteria under a special policy. This is the Social Security Ruling (SSR) 12-2p (Evaluation of Fibromyalgia). The SSA uses it to evaluate disability claims for fibromyalgia.
Under SSR 12-2p, fibromyalgia can be recognized as a “medically determinable impairment” (MDI) if you have:
- A diagnosis from a licensed physician
- A history of widespread pain for at least 3 months
- Evidence that other causes for your symptoms have been ruled out
- Either at least 11 of 18 specific tender points confirmed on physical exam, OR repeated manifestations of 6 or more fibromyalgia symptoms (such as fatigue, memory problems, etc.)
Qualifying For a Medical-Vocational Allowance With Fibromyalgia
A Medical-Vocational Allowance is how the SSA approves disability benefits for people whose medical conditions do not exactly meet or equal the criteria of any Blue Book listing. A Medical-Vocational Allowance considers how your condition affects your ability to work. The SSA reviews your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), along with factors like:
- Your age
- Education level
- Past work experience
- Transferable job skills
- The specific limitations caused by your fibromyalgia symptoms
If your fibromyalgia prevents you from performing past work and you cannot reasonably adjust to other types of work, you will qualify for benefits.
What Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Can Qualify You for Disability?
To qualify for disability benefits, your fibromyalgia must cause severe symptoms that prevent you from working. Common disabling symptoms include:
- Chronic widespread pain that limits your ability to lift, carry, sit, stand, or walk
- Unpredictable pain flare-ups
- Severe fatigue that makes it impossible to maintain focus or complete tasks
- Cognitive problems (“fibro fog”) affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making
- Sleep disturbances that worsen other symptoms
- Depression and anxiety related to chronic pain
- Muscle stiffness and weakness
- Headaches and sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
Living with fibromyalgia creates daily challenges that can make maintaining employment impossible. While your symptoms may be severe, it’s crucial to provide the SSA with evidence that supports your claim.
What Proof Do I Need for Fibromyalgia Disability?
Strong medical evidence is crucial for your fibromyalgia disability claim. Because the condition doesn’t show up on standard tests like X-rays, documentation from doctors is especially important.
Medical Evidence
Your claim should include:
- Diagnosis from a rheumatologist or other specialist who can document tender points and rule out other conditions
- Detailed treatment records showing ongoing care and various treatments attempted
- Medication history, including what you’ve tried and how you’ve responded
- Sleep study results, if sleep problems are part of your condition
- Mental health records, if you also experience depression or anxiety
- Physical therapy notes documenting your limitations and progress
Non-Medical Evidence
In addition to medical records, other evidence can strengthen your case:
- Symptom diary tracking pain levels, fatigue, and how symptoms affect your daily activities
- Statements from family members, neighbors, coworkers, etc., who have observed your limitations
- Work records showing attendance problems or performance issues related to your condition
A detailed record of your symptoms helps show the consistency and severity of your condition.
What Is the Difference Between SSDI & SSI Benefits?
Two main disability benefit programs are available through the SSA:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for disabled workers who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn work credits. Your monthly benefit amount is based on your past earnings.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is available to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI provides monthly payments to disabled, blind, and aged (65 and older) individuals.
For fibromyalgia, the medical requirements are the same for both programs. You must prove your condition prevents you from working.
Why Choose Drozdowski & Rabin for Your Fibromyalgia Disability Claim?
Getting approved for fibromyalgia disability benefits can be difficult because:
- The condition is largely invisible, and symptoms are subjective
- There’s no definitive test to prove fibromyalgia severity
- The SSA denies many initial applications
- The SSA may be skeptical about conditions that can’t be seen on imaging
Our experienced Tennessee disability attorneys understand these unique challenges and know how to effectively present fibromyalgia cases to maximize your chances of approval.
Contact Our Disability Law Firm Today
Don’t let the complexity of the disability process stop you from getting the benefits you deserve. At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate your fibromyalgia disability claim successfully.
Our unique advantages include:
- 100 Years of Combined Experience
- Flexible Meeting Options – We’ll travel to you and also offer video appointments.
- Skill & Knowledge – Emma Drozdowski Webb, our managing attorney in the Knoxville office, is a Certified Disability Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
We understand that fibromyalgia is a real condition that can make working impossible. Our team will gather evidence, work with your doctors to document your limitations, and present your case in the strongest possible way. With proper legal representation, you can focus on managing your health while we handle the complex disability application process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you take the first step toward getting Social Security Disability benefits while living with fibromyalgia.
