Disability Benefits For Fibromyalgia

• Jurisdiction: United States,Federal
• Law Firm: DeBofsky Law
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Discrimination, Disability & Sexual Harassment, Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Author: Mr Matthew Maloney
• Published date: 11 January 2023

Fibromyalgia is a common yet often misunderstood medical condition that affects approximately four million Americans. Fibromyalgia can be particularly complex within the context of disability benefits. If you are unable to work due to fibromyalgia symptoms, you should be familiar with the disease and how it is assessed in relation to disability benefits.

Table of Contents

• What Is Fibromyalgia?
• Can I Get Long-Term Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia?
• Why Is It Difficult to Prove Disability Due to Fibromyalgia?

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a physical condition that causes widespread muscle pain throughout the body, as well as fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, emotional and mental distress, and difficulty thinking and concentrating (a.k.a. "fibro fog"). Irritable bowel syndrome can also coincide with fibromyalgia. While fibromyalgia can affect individuals of all ages, it is more common amongst women and is most commonly diagnosed during middle age.

Doctors can confirm the presence of fibromyalgia via objective testing measures - more specifically - the trigger point test. This test can identify up to 18 tender points associated with fibromyalgia that produce localized pain when the doctor presses on the area with their finger. If 11 out of those 18 tender points elicit pain or tenderness, than a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is proper.

Can I Get Long-Term Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia?

Yes, it is possible to qualify for long-term disability benefits due to fibromyalgia symptoms. In fact, it is common for severe pain, fatigue, and/or fibro fog to prevent an individual with fibromyalgia from working on a consistent basis. You should submit a claim for long-term disability benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of your job due to any combination of those symptoms. However, it can be an uphill battle proving that your fibromyalgia symptoms prevent you from performing your job.

Why Is It Difficult to Prove Disability Due to Fibromyalgia?

Most disability insurers are skeptical of long-term disability claims filed by individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia due to the subjective nature of the disease. More specifically, insurers will typically deny payment of fibromyalgia-based long-term disability claims on the grounds that the claimant failed to provide an objective basis for their inability to work. While tender points are indicative of the presence of fibromyalgia, the severity of symptoms (namely pain, fatigue, and fibro fog) is...