Is Fibromyalgia a Disability?
If you live with fibromyalgia, you know the toll it takes—constant pain, unrelenting fatigue, and cognitive struggles that can make ordinary tasks feel impossible. While fibromyalgia is a disability for millions of Americans, proving that it qualifies for Social Security benefits can be challenging. The condition is not widely understood, so many applicants are unfairly denied disability benefits.
Our team makes the disability process more manageable for people with invisible illnesses such as fibromyalgia. When you turn to us for help, we’ll guide you every step of the way and fight for the benefits you’re entitled to receive.
On this Page
- Why Choose National Disability Alliance for Your Fibromyalgia Claim?
- Why the SSA May Recognize Fibromyalgia as a Disability
- Can You Get SSDI if You Have Fibromyalgia?
- What Evidence Do You Need To Prove a Fibromyalgia Disability Claim?
- How Long Does It Take To Get Disability for Fibromyalgia?
- Contact National Disability Alliance To Start Your Fibromyalgia Disability Claim
Why Choose National Disability Alliance for Your Fibromyalgia Claim?
Fibromyalgia claims often face extra hurdles, but we know how to overcome those barriers. We’ve helped countless people with complex chronic conditions present their cases clearly and persuasively to the Social Security Administration. With former SSA professionals on our staff, we understand how the agency evaluates evidence in these cases and where claims often fall short.
The SSA denies many fibromyalgia claims initially. We are prepared for that and are committed to seeing your case through to its conclusion. Our role is to challenge those denials head-on with strong evidence and personalized advocacy. This approach has earned us many positive client testimonials from people facing stressful disability claims.
With our team on your side, you’ll never have to face the system alone. And you pay nothing out of pocket for our services. If your claim is approved, Social Security will pay our fee out of your past-due benefits. Therefore, you can start working with us today without financial risk.
Why the SSA May Recognize Fibromyalgia as a Disability
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread body pain. Many patients also suffer from ongoing fatigue and brain fog. Together, these symptoms can limit mobility, focus, and stamina in ways that interfere with steady employment or managing daily activities.
Because fibromyalgia isn’t obvious just by looking at someone, it’s often considered an invisible illness, making it widely misunderstood. However, that doesn’t lessen its impact.
A person with fibromyalgia may start the day able to work but find their energy zapped within an hour. Widespread pain can also impact a person’s ability to sit upright, stand, lift objects, or interact with others. Brain fog can make simple tasks feel unbearably difficult, leaving someone unable to focus, recall details, or execute basic instructions.
When these limitations prevent someone from working consistently, the SSA may recognize fibromyalgia as a disability.
Can You Get SSDI if You Have Fibromyalgia?
The SSA assesses claims using its Blue Book, which lists qualifying conditions and their medical criteria. It is possible to get Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, for fibromyalgia, but the lack of a specific Blue Book listing makes these cases more challenging. Because fibromyalgia isn’t listed, there is no straightforward checklist for examiners to follow.
Instead, eligibility depends on demonstrating to the SSA how your symptoms affect your ability to work. That means proving that you cannot return to the type of work you previously performed and that your limitations prevent you from adjusting to any other type of work. You also must show that your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity.
Consistent documentation is necessary to prove these elements and your specific functional limitations. Our team can determine if your case meets the eligibility requirements and build an effective claim to prove it.
Why Are Fibromyalgia Disability Claims Often Denied?
Fibromyalgia symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and brain fog are quite subjective, and examiners may dismiss them without convincing supporting documentation. The fluctuating, unpredictable nature of these symptoms may also create the impression that the condition is less serious than it truly is. Examiners may see “good days” as evidence that you can work, even if they are followed by severe flare-ups that limit you for weeks.
Inconsistent medical notes can exacerbate this misconception. One doctor’s office visit might reflect improvement while the next shows a decline. To an examiner who’s unfamiliar with fibromyalgia, that inconsistency may look like progress rather than proof of the condition’s instability.
An initial denial is not the end of the road, however. Many fibromyalgia claims are approved on appeal once applicants add stronger evidence and clearer explanations to the record. Our team has extensive experience appealing SSA decisions, and we’re ready to fight for the benefits you deserve, no matter how long it takes.
What Evidence Do You Need To Prove a Fibromyalgia Disability Claim?
Fibromyalgia lacks a single diagnostic test, so the SSA relies on thorough documentation to evaluate your claim. When we build your case, we may gather, organize, and present a variety of evidence, such as:
- Medical records: Notes from doctors describing ongoing complaints of pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues
- Exclusionary tests: Tests that rule out other medical explanations for your symptoms
- Treatment documentation: Proof of consistent efforts to manage symptoms, even if treatment hasn’t provided full relief
- Symptom journals: Journals that track pain flare-ups, fatigue levels, and cognitive struggles and their impact on your day-to-day life
- Doctors’ statements: Written opinions from your treating providers describing how your symptoms limit your work capacity
- Third-party statements: Testimony from friends, relatives, or past employers describing your day-to-day functioning
How Long Does It Take To Get Disability for Fibromyalgia?
The timeline for a fibromyalgia disability claim depends on how far your case progresses. These claims also often take longer than those for other types of disabilities due to the amount of evidence they require. The SSA typically makes an initial decision within six to eight months of receiving an application. However, many fibromyalgia claims are denied at this stage.
Following denial, you may request reconsideration of the SSA’s decision, which adds an average of seven months to the process. If you need to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, it may take another six to 12 months. The final two levels of the appeals process, an Appeals Council review and a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court, also add significant time.
Thus, fibromyalgia claims can stretch over several years. These wait times can be discouraging, but we’re dedicated to reducing them as much as possible. Our firm aims to keep your case moving forward by anticipating what the SSA requires, addressing issues before they cause delays, and staying proactive at every stage.
Contact National Disability Alliance To Start Your Fibromyalgia Disability Claim
While fibromyalgia affects many people, the SSA doesn’t make it easy to get approved for benefits. With extensive experience supporting people with fibromyalgia and other hard-to-prove conditions, our team has what it takes to build a strong case and pursue the benefits you deserve. Our insider SSA knowledge means we know what the agency expects to see and how to present your symptoms in a way that claims examiners will understand.
If you’re struggling with fibromyalgia and can’t work, don’t wait to ask for help. We’re ready to guide you through the entire disability claims process, and there are no fees unless you win. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us online or call 833-693-4722 for a free consultation.
Helpful Resources To Get You Started
Types of Disabilities
Learn which conditions qualify for SSDI and SSI – and how medical documentation plays a key role.
Types of Disabilities
Disability Benefits
Explore the benefits available through Social Security Disability and what you can expect to receive.
Disability Benefits
Application Process
A step-by-step look at how to apply for disability benefits – and how we can help simplify the process.
Application Process
FAQs
Have questions? Find quick answers to the most common disability questions we hear from applicants.
FAQs
