How does Social Security Disability view Fibromyalgia?

What exactly is Fibromyalgia and how does Social Security Disability look at it? Fibromyalgia is defined as a long-term chronic condition that causes multiple health-related issues. These include:

1. General fatigue

2. Pain and tenderness in the muscles and skeletal system

3. Disturbances in sleep and cognitive functions

The difficulty with fibromyalgia is that it is often difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often mirror other conditions, and there is no definitive test used to diagnose the condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Historically, individuals are diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they have confirmed pain in 11 out of 18 possible “tender points.” These tender points include but are not limited to the following:

1. Back of the head

2. Tops of the shoulders

3. Upper chest, hips, knees, and outer elbows

Pain in these trigger points varies case-to-case. The pain can range from a mild discomfort to a more intense, almost unbearable level. For example, if you or your spouse experiences pain that is best described as a sharp stabbing, throbbing, or accompanied by burning sensations.

Also, the pain can change depending on placement throughout the body. Other common symptoms include pain in the lower belly, depression, anxiety, focus problems, dry eyes, bladder issues, and non-restorative sleep.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) published a policy interpretation ruling, SSR 12-2p, in July 2012 that works as a guideline for how the SSA evaluates each fibromyalgia case. This ruling is also used to determine a medically determinable impairment.

To be established as a disability by the SSA, your fibromyalgia case must meet the following requirements:

1. Medical evidence from your physician showing that the fibromyalgia ruling is unanimous.

2. History of widespread pain throughout all parts of the body.

3. Evidence of tests conducted that ruled out any other diagnosis.

4. Must meet 11 out of the 18 tender points during physical examination.


If you need helping applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases. 

Location: Michigan, USA

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