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Applying for Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia

Author: Gregory Dell
Published: 2011/06/29 - Updated: 2025/02/13
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Fibromyalgia - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This article provides valuable insights into the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. It details the specific criteria that the Social Security Administration looks for when determining eligibility, including documentation of widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, and other symptoms that must be consistently present for over three months. The piece is particularly useful for those navigating the complex and often challenging disability claims process, offering guidance on how to gather and present medical evidence effectively. It also touches on the psychological and physical toll fibromyalgia can take, which is crucial for seniors or the disabled who might be dealing with this condition, helping them understand their rights and how to advocate for themselves within the system. This resource can be a beacon of hope and practical advice for many, highlighting the importance of thorough documentation and persistence in the face of potential initial denials - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

There is an illness that affects many people all over the United States. If you were to pass one of the people with this illness on the street, you would think that they were perfectly healthy. They do not look any different from other people. They have no symptoms which are apparent to the casual observer. They look like any average person without health problems. But if you were to look closer, you might notice the person's careworn face, the bags under their eyes thanks to lack of sleep, and the subtle grimace of pain on their face. These are sufferers of Fibromyalgia.

Main Content

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes pain in the patient's body. Although it's not certain why some people contract fibromyalgia, there are some theories that there are contributing factors.

Testing for Fibromyalgia

When a doctor, usually a rheumatologist, suspects that someone may have Fibromyalgia, they will run a group of blood tests on the person to rule out other things. Even though there isn't a blood test for Fibromyalgia, the symptoms that a person who has Fibromyalgia can be due to other illnesses that should be ruled out before the doctor tests the person for Fibromyalgia.

One of the tests that a doctor is going to do is a simple trigger point test that involves the doctor applying pressure on different parts of the patient's body. These areas usually do not cause pain when pressure is applied to someone who does not have fibromyalgia, but it's excruciating for someone who has it. There are 18 trigger points bilaterally on the body that a doctor will test. Usually, a person who experiences pain or tenderness in at least 11 points will classify as a fibromyalgia patient.

Symptoms and Problems Associated With Fibromyalgia

Although most people associate pain with the illness of Fibromyalgia, this is not the only problem that people with Fibromyalgia suffer, although that in itself is bad enough.

Fatigue

One of the things that many people who have Fibromyalgia have is fatigue. This fatigue is due to three main things that Fibromyalgia patients deal with daily.

Cognitive Problems

A second item that many people with fibromyalgia have problems with is a cognitive dysfunction or something that many people who have fibromyalgia call 'fibro fog.' This means they have trouble remembering things, much like an older person. They have trouble finding the words they want when they are going to say something, they have trouble reading and understanding, and they can space out from time to time. There have been speculations in the medical community that this may be caused by the lack of sleep that a patient with fibromyalgia can get.

Digestive Problems

Doctors have discovered that many people with fibromyalgia also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This disorder causes different kinds of symptoms that vary from person to person. However, some of the most common symptoms that a patient with fibromyalgia may have are:

Facts about Fibromyalgia

Medications Used for Fibromyalgia

Many patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia find it difficult to work a regular job. However, they wish to have a normal life and have gainful employment. But there are quite a few reasons why Fibromyalgia patients find it hard to work.

Because many patients with the illness find it hard to work, they will usually try for long-term disability. But many times, they are rejected because some disability companies don't believe that fibromyalgia is a real disease. But there are some tips that patients with Fibromyalgia can use to increase their chances of getting long-term disability.

Even though Fibromyalgia is thought of as a pain condition, much more is involved. Patients with Fibromyalgia suffer digestive problems, cognitive problems, depression, and fatigue. They wake up every day not knowing how they will feel that day. It interrupts the patient's idea of a normal life, frustrates them, and upsets them because they cannot work and can't do anything fun either.

Patients with Fibromyalgia are often frustrated, depressed, and angry because of this disease. They are not lazy when they are trying to get long-term disability. They are simply trying to get some money to take care of their family and have money to make ends meet while at the same time dealing with a painful and debilitating disease.

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Cite This Page: Gregory Dell. (2011, June 29 - Last revised: 2025, February 13). Applying for Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved July 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-disability.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-disability.php">Applying for Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia</a>: Information regarding filing a disability insurance application for Fibromyalgia.

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