what to tell lawyer when meetingfor fibromyalgia

How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?

Mar 20, 2019 · Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of chronic pain seen in rheumatology. It can affect up to 2% of the total population; with a higher percentage appearing in women than in men. If you believe this symptom has negatively impacted your ability to be remain employed contact our workers’ compensation office for a free consultation.

How do I talk to my boss about my fibromyalgia?

Dec 20, 2021 · More so than in other cases, hiring a lawyer to represent you at a hearing for fibromyalgia can be critical, since disability lawyers are familiar with the Social Security ruling on fibromyalgia (SSR 12-2p) and the latest court decisions …

What is fibromyalgia and how can it be treated?

I mention it only to tell you, you are not alone. That said, at your age, 39, it will be difficult to prove that you are entitled to disability benefits. If you have read the other information in this website, you will know that for people under age 50, they have to prove that they cannot do any full time work – no matter how easy.

Can a doctor see fibromyalgia in a blood test?

Jul 25, 2021 · The SSA uses SSR 12-2p to evaluate fibromyalgia cases. For example, in order to find disability under fibromyalgia a person must have the following:. 1. A history of widespread pain—that is, pain in all quadrants of the body (the right and left sides of the body, both above and below the waist) and axial skeletal pain (the cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine, or low …

How do I get proof of disability for fibromyalgia?

You have the best chance of getting disability benefits for fibromyalgia if you provide up-to-date medical records, a report from a rheumatologist who confirms your symptoms and/or trigger-point test results, and statements from family and former co-workers who know you suffer from fibromyalgia.

How hard is it to get disability for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the harder conditions to get approved for as a disability in the United States. Because the symptoms are often self-reported, you'll need medical documents and a doctor to support your case. However, it's possible to have a successful claim for FM.

Is fibromyalgia a permanent disability?

When you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or another chronic pain disorder it can feel like no-one believes you. These are serious conditions that can severely limit your ability to work and live a normal life. But insurance companies often deny long-term disability benefits for fibromyalgia or chronic pain.

How do I convince my doctor to give me disability?

Here are some simple ways you can start a conversation about disability with your doctors.Show Them Your Disability Journal. ... Ask for Work Restrictions. ... Explain Your Plan's Definition of Disability. ... Ask Your Disability Insurance Lawyer for Help.Oct 15, 2019

Can you get SSI for fibromyalgia?

Describing your fibromyalgia symptoms alone will not qualify you for Social Security disability. You have to be specific about signs and physical findings related to fibromyalgia and pain and how that impacts your ability to work. The Social Security staff will consider all your symptoms, including pain.Jun 15, 2021

Can fibromyalgia turn into MS?

Multiple Sclerosis News Today reported on a Canadian study in July 2018 that looked at the early warning signs of MS. Researchers found that fibromyalgia, a condition involving widespread musculoskeletal pain, was more than three times as common in people who were later diagnosed with MS.Feb 4, 2019

What kind of job can I do with fibromyalgia?

6 Jobs and Career Paths That May Be Great for People With...Teaching/Childcare. If you enjoy spending time around kids, you could consider working at a school or daycare, or even being a nanny or babysitter. ... Rideshare Driving. ... Writing/Transcribing. ... Social Work. ... Pet Sitting. ... Office Jobs.Oct 10, 2018

Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or neurological?

FACT: Fibromyalgia is a neurological disease affecting a person's sensory processing system. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or damage to joints. Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system.

Is fibromyalgia a mental illness?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain all over the body and tender points that are sensitive to the touch. It is not considered a mental illness, but many people with fibromyalgia also experience depression and/or anxiety.

What should you not say in a disability interview?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

What should you not tell a disability doctor?

Limit yourself to only talk about your condition and not opinions. Do not tell a disability doctor you think you are dying, that you think the examination is unnecessary, that you do not trust doctors, or that you believe your current medical treatment is not good.Nov 11, 2020

How much can I draw on disability?

SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month. The maximum benefit you could receive in 2020 is $3,011 per month. The SSA has an online benefits calculator that you can use to obtain an estimate of your monthly benefits.

How Does Social Security View Fibromyalgia?

Traditionally, when a disability claims examiner received a case in which the only reason for disability was fibromyalgia, the outlook for an initi...

How Can You Prove You Have A Medically Determinable Impairment?

To be considered for disability benefits, you must have an impairment established by medical evidence such as lab tests and medical "signs" of the...

What Happens If Your Fibromyalgia Is Found to Be A MDI

If the SSA determines that you have the medically determinable impairment of fibromyalgia, Social Security's evaluation is not over; in fact, it ha...

Get Help from Professionals

More so than in other cases, hiring a lawyer to appeal a denial of benefits for fibromyalgia can really help, since disability lawyers are familiar...

What are the criteria for fibromyalgia?

According to the ruling, for fibromyalgia to be considered a medically determinable impairment, the patient should have evidence of chronic widespread pain, including pain in the back, neck, or chest, and a doctor must have ruled out other diseases (such lupus, hypothyroidism, and multiple sclerosis) through the use of lab tests or x-rays. In addition, the patient must have one of the following: 1 Tender points in at least 11 of 18 tender point areas of the body, with tender points occurring on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist. (You can see a list of the tender points in SSR 12-2p, SSA's ruling on fibromyalgia.) OR: 2 Repeated occurrences of six or more fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly fatigue, cognitive, or memory problems (" fibro fog "), non-restorative sleep, depression, anxiety, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other possible symptoms include headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, Raynaud's phenomenon, seizures, and dizziness.

Why do people get denied for fibromyalgia?

Part of the reason is that Social Security doesn't have a disability "listing" for the condition. (Social Security's disability listings provide the criteria needed for many different impairments to be approved as disabilities.) The Social Security Administration (SSA) has, however, published a ruling giving guidance to disability claims examiners and administrative law judges (ALJs) as to how to assess fibromyalgia cases. This ruling has helped reduce the number of fibromyalgia claimants who are denied at the initial application stage and increase the number of fibromyalgia sufferers who file an appeal and eventually win disability benefits.

Where are tender points located?

Tender points in at least 11 of 18 tender point areas of the body, with tender points occurring on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist. (You can see a list of the tender points in SSR 12-2p, SSA's ruling on fibromyalgia.) OR:

Is fibromyalgia a medical condition?

According to the ruling, for fibromyalgia to be considered a medically determinable impairment, the patient should have evidence of chronic widespread pain, including pain in the back, neck, or chest, and a doctor must have ruled out other diseases (such lupus, hypothyroidism, and multiple sclerosis) through the use of lab tests or x-rays.

Is fibromyalgia a determinable impairment?

Social Security's published ruling explains when fibromyalgia should be found as a "medically determinable impairment ," which is the first test you must pass when applying for disability. (To be considered for disability benefits, you must have an impairment that has been established by medical evidence such as lab tests and medical "signs" ...

Who is Dianna Cannon?

Dianna Cannon has been a disability lawyer for over 30 years. She is admitted to the bar in Utah, Nevada, and California. Likewise, Brett Bunkall has won hundreds of cases in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and California. Andria Summers also has over 20 years of experience helping claimants win disability benefits. She also helps people understand Medicare benefits.

Is fibromyalgia a mental illness?

However, fibromyalgia is a separate diagnosis from these mental disorders and it is not a mental condition, it is a physical condition.

Can you get disability for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that the Social Security Administration recognizes for purposes of disability. You can obtain disability benefits from the SSA if you fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is known to be a disease of widespread body pain. People with fibromyalgia may have heightened pain response to pressure. Also, other symptoms include fatigue, sleep problems and trouble with memory. Some people also report restless legs syndrome. Additionally, bowel or bladder problems, numbness and tingling in arms and legs, and sensitivity to noise, lights or temperature can be part of the illness. Fibromyalgia may link to depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder.

What should employers consider when working from home?

Allowing periodic rest breaks. To address issues associated with sleep problems, employers should consider: Allowing flexible work hours and frequent breaks. Allowing the employee to work from home.

What happens if you don't get Social Security?

If it doesn't, your claim won't be considered. Instead, Social Security will find that you are not disabled. The combined effect of having multiple impairments is taken into account. That can be important for many people with fibromyalgia.

Can you get disability for fibromyalgia?

In addition, if you have tried different jobs and are unable to work, you might consider applying for disability. Disability may be difficult to get, however, because of rules about work capacity.

What is disability in Social Security?

The Social Security disability regulations define disability as "the inability to do any substantial gainful activity due to your medical or mental problem.". In addition, according to the Social Security Administration, your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities.

Can fibromyalgia make you work?

Fibromyalgia: Work and Dis ability. Many people with fibromyalgia continue to work full or part time. But the chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia often make working very difficult. If you are employed, it's important to learn about managing fibromyalgia symptoms and coping with pain and fatigue.

How do you know if you have fibromyalgia?

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are. Pain and stiffness all over the body. Fatigue and tiredness. Depression and anxiety. Sleep problems. Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration. Headaches, including migraines. Other symptoms may include: Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

Who treats fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia should be treated by a doctor or team of healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other types of arthritis, called rheumatologists. Doctors usually treat fibromyalgia with a combination of treatments, which may include:

What is fibromyalgia pain?

What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing.

How many people have fibromyalgia?

This is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed.

What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?

These possible risk factors include: Sex. Women are twice as likely to have fibromyalgia as men. Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Repetitive injuries. Injury from repetitive stress on a joint, such as frequent knee bending.

Can fibromyalgia cause pain?

Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability, and a lower quality of life. US adults with fibromyalgia may have complications such as: More hospitalizations. If you have fibromyalgia you are twice as likely to be hospitalized as someone without fibromyalgia. Lower quality of life.

What is CBT therapy?

CBT is a type of talk therapy meant to change the way people act or think. In addition to medical treatment, people can manage their fibromyalgia with the self-management strategies described below, which are proven to reduce pain and disability, so they can pursue the activities important to them. Top of Page.

How many spots in the body have to be tested for fibromyalgia?

In the past, at least 11 of these 18 spots had to test positive for tenderness to diagnose fibromyalgia.

When does fibromyalgia start?

In some cases, fibromyalgia symptoms begin shortly after a person has experienced a mentally or physically traumatic event, such as a car accident. People who have post-traumatic stress disorder appear to be more likely to develop fibromyalgia, so your doctor may ask if you've experienced any traumatic events recently.

Why does my fibromyalgia make me numb?

In some people, fibromyalgia causes numbness and tingling, symptoms that mimic those of disorders such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.

What is the cause of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia appears to be linked to changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. As a result, your doctor will usually rely on your group of symptoms to make a diagnosis.

What causes numbness and tingling in the body?

Mental health problems. Disorders such as depression and anxiety often feature generalized aches and pain. Neurological disorders. In some people, fibromyalgia causes numbness and tingling, symptoms that mimic those of disorders such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.

Can fibromyalgia come and go?

To make things even more confusing, fibromyalgia symptoms can come and go over time. That's why it can take a long time to go from fibromyalgia symptoms to a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Can fibromyalgia be caused by other conditions?

But all of these symptoms are common to many other conditions. And because fibromyalgia symptoms can occur alone or along with other conditions, it can take time to tease out which symptom is caused by what problem .

Why does my fibromyalgia hurt?

Patients with Fibromyalgia say they ache all over, as if their muscles are being pulled or overworked. The pain can be throbbing, shooting or stabbing. Some people experience more stiffness in the morning time, or in muscle groups that are used repetitively. Others with Fibromyalgia say their muscles twitch and/or burn.

What does FMS pain feel like?

Pain – The pain of FMS has no boundaries. People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. Intense burning may also be present. Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively.

How to file for SSDI?

A professional will help you at all levels of the administrative process to: 1 A representative will work with you and assist you with your initial SSI & SSDI application, with filing your request with Social Security Administration for reconsideration, requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge or filing an appeal with the Appeals council. 2 Analyze your case under Federal Social Security Disability Regulations. Obtain a copy of your file from the Office of hearings & Appeals to ensure that it reflects all your past medical treatment and that all records and documents contained therein are admissible as evidence. 3 Ask that any prior SSI & SSDI applications for benefits be reopened. 4 Protect your right to a fair hearing. 5 Make any necessary Social Security appeals. 6 A representative will work with you and assist you with your initial SSI & SSDI application, with filing your request with Social Security Administration for reconsideration, requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge or filing an appeal with the Appeals council. 7 We are not retained until the contract is countersigned.

What are the factors that contribute to flare ups?

Aggravating factors – Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, infections, allergies, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion may all contribute to symptom flare-ups.

Can fibromyalgia be considered for disability?

For a long time, people with Fibromyalgia would not qualify for disability benefits because many medical professionals and decision makers in the Social Security system did not know what this illness was. There is often no medical evidence, like x-rays or blood tests that can prove someone has Fibromyalgia.

Is fibromyalgia more common in women than men?

These symptoms vary from person to person. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men and it shows up in people of all ages. Chronic pain syndrome and the Gulf syndrome overlap with Fibromyalgia.

How to get rid of fibromyalgia?

1. Make a to-do list for tomorrow. Then, pick only four items on your list to accomplish. If you try to do more than that, the next day you can only do two things. With fibro, I have to carefully balance my activities and how much energy I expend every day.

What does it feel like to have fibro?

One of the most annoying symptoms of fibro just might be “fibro fog.” Some days, it feels like you’re living in a fog of confusion, and there’s nothing you can do to get yourself together. We’re talking putting your keys in the fridge, forgetting what year it is, and getting disoriented as you try to find your way home on a basic route you’ve driven hundreds of times before.

How to get rid of aching muscles?

Just go out and run it, no walking allowed. How your aching muscles feel the next day is how I feel most days when I get out of bed. That feeling continues through most of the day, and pain medication doesn’t help much. 6. Turn your thermostat down by 10 degrees.

Is fibromyalgia a mystery disease?

Fibromyalgia is still somewhat of a mystery disease: No one knows just why it occurs or how to treat it . Many doctors are so unfamiliar with it or don’t even believe it’s real that getting a diagnosis can be a marathon journey.

Can friends and family know I have fibro?

Unfortunately, even when friends and family know I have fibro, they can’t always understand how significantly it affects my life. This is a scenario that I’ve actually been through, and the fact that I’m no longer dating that person indicates just how well he reacted to the cancellation.

Is fibromyalgia challenging?

Fibromyalgia makes life insanely challenging, but it also brings its own strange advantages, like learning to be thankful for the small everyday beauties of life. One thing I’m grateful for are my loved ones who truly try to understand how I’m feeling, even though it’s challenging.

Is fibromyalgia invisible?

Since it’s largely an invisible illness, those who have it appear outwardly to be just fine. Unfortunately, that’s not actually the case. Fibromyalgia is particularly difficult to describe to friends and family, since its symptoms vary in severity from day to day.

How do you know if you have fibromyalgia?

Signs pointing towards fibromyalgia. Some signs may point out that you may suffer from fibromyalgia including, constantly feeling run down, worn out, and unwell. You never feel 100 percent, ever. Feeling like your muscles and joints are on fire and your bones are breaking inside your body with every move you make.

When is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Most people are diagnosed during 25 and 60 years of age ; although children are not excused. People with certain conditions are also more likely to have fibromyalgia, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or spinal arthritis. Women who have a family history of fibromyalgia are also more likely to have the condition.

Why is it so hard to diagnose fibromyalgia?

No one can tell just by looking at someone that they have fibromyalgia. Because symptoms are not visible, the condition is very difficult to diagnose.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Some conditions causing symptoms similar to fibromyalgia are listed below. 1. Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This disorder causes widespread pain and stiffness that come on quickly.

Where are the tender points in the body?

These tender points are located in the front and back of your neck, upper chest and back, hips, buttocks, elbows, and knees. Duration of pain: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition.

How long does fibromyalgia pain last?

Although the intensity of your aches may vary from one day to the next, if you have fibromyalgia you will suffer from some level of pain consistently for at least 3 months.

Is fibromyalgia a real condition?

It’s a very important topic because There is a view held by many who don’t experience fibromyalgia that fibromyalgia is not a “real” condition and that people who suffer from fibromyalgia are malingerers, or people who enjoy being ill for the concentration and attention it brings from others.