How do I get Benefits for Fibromyalgia Disability?

Many people find themselves unable to work after receiving a fibromyalgia diagnosis, and therefore need to get fibromyalgia disability benefits to support themselves. If you are considering attempting to get disability payments for this medical issue, you need to first make sure that your doctor supports your case. You should also make sure that you have some credibility before requesting disability payments, which requires proving that you have worked for several years already, and have tried various types of treatment. Also, be sure to make it clear that you suffer from quite a bit of pain, as well as other medical conditions, to have the best chance of getting benefits for fibromyalgia disability.

Having a doctor's support for your claim is usually helpful, especially if you see a specialist who treats your fibromyalgia disability, such as a rheumatologist. Some doctors do not believe that this condition makes it difficult to work, so they may not be sympathetic to patients seeking benefits. This usually means they will not fill out the required forms for disability payments, making it difficult for you to win your case. One way to help get your doctor on your side is to avoid mentioning your intention to apply for benefits until you have had at least a few visits, and have tried the recommended treatments. Otherwise, your doctor may assume that you are more interested in getting payments than getting treatment, even if you have already tried various methods prescribed by other doctors in the past.

Once you have determined that the proposed treatment is not working well enough to reduce the symptoms of your fibromyalgia disability, and you have the support of your doctor, you should ensure that you have credibility according to a judge. The best way to be credible is to have worked for several years so that you do not look like you are seeking a handout that you have not earned through years of dealing with the fibromyalgia pain. Additionally, a judge will consider the treatment that you are on. If you are not currently taking any medications to control the pain, most judges will assume that you would rather get money than be treated. Be sure that your medical records show that you are taking medication and have several years of work under your belt so that you appear credible.

Finally, it is important that the judge understand the amount of pain that your fibromyalgia disability involves. Your doctor can help by documenting the severity, frequency, and nature of your pain. You should also include in your case any other medical issues that add to your discomfort while working, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, constant headaches, or any other disorders that make it nearly impossible to work.