Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability Benefits

January 7, 2013

The American College of Rheumatology estimates that between three and six million Americans currently suffer from pain associated with fibromyalgia. For many, the pain is debilitating and leaves them unable to work. When a person is unable to perform a job, they are often left needing to file for Social Security Disability benefits; however, those suffering from fibromyalgia pain have historically had a difficult time getting their claims approved.

All that is about to change though. According to LawyersandSettlements.com, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued a ruling this past July that was intended to lay out the groundwork for how adjustors are to now handle cases involving fibromyalgia. The ruling stated that the condition only need to be found to be a “medically determinable impairment,” meaning the cause and diagnosis of a condition could be proven by a doctor.

In the past, fibromyalgia has been considered a “catch-all” condition when doctors are unable to explain a patient’s pain. This has led to many claim examiners denying claims for Social Security Disability benefits on the grounds there is no data to substantiate the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, or the associated pain, as accurate.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin acknowledge the complexities of getting a claim for Social Security Disability benefits approved. That is why the firm would suggest discussing your case with an attorney if you are preparing to file a claim or have a claim that has been denied in the past.