SSA and Fibromyalgia: Is it Difficult to Obtain Social Security Benefits?

SSA and Fibromyalgia is an interesting topic. A recent issue of the NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) Social Security Forum had a interesting article on why claimants with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) oftentimes have a difficult time obtaining social security benefits. One reason is  due to the lack of objective medical findings inherent in these conditions. Let’s learn and discuss how a new Social Security Ruling could help overcome this obstacle.

On July 25, 2012 Social Security Ruling (SSR) 12-2p was issued. SSR-12p states that fibromyalgia may  be a “medically determinable impairment” when it is established by appropriate medical evidence and can be the  basis for a finding of disability. Once fibromyalgia is established as a “medically determinable impairment” it will be considered in the sequential evaluation process. Moreover, this is to determine whether the person is disabled. It is still the  claimant’s burden to provide “sufficient objective evidence to support a finding that the person’s impairment limits the person’s functional abilities. Furthermore, it must also  precludes him or her from performing any substantial gainful activity”.

However. in cases involving fibromyalgia and chronic  fatigue syndrome there is an exception. Once fibromyalgia and chronic  fatigue syndrome have been established, SSA will consider all of the  evidence in the case record. Furthermore, SSA will evaluate the intensity and persistence  of the claimant’s pain or other symptoms. Finally, this is to determine the extent to which the symptom’s limit the person’s capacity for work.

In addition to the physicians diagnoses based on objective criteria, Attorneys  with the San Diego  Disability Law Group  make sure that their clients provide  the administrative law judge with as much longitudinal evidence of symptoms and treatment as possible, as well as reports from family and friends of how the claimant’s impairments affect his/her activities of daily living or ability to work.

If you or a family member has  a question regarding Social Security Disability please contact the San Diego Disability Law Group at (619) 338-9000.

For more information regarding Fibromyalgia visit: www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia; www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromylagia; or www.rheumatology.org.