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By Michelle Shvarts
Principal Attorney

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to fibromyalgia can be a complex undertaking. At Disability Advocates Group Florida, our knowledgeable Florida SSDI and SSI Attorneys recognize the unique challenges individuals with fibromyalgia face, especially when it comes to proving the severity of their condition in a disability claim. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of demonstrating the severity of fibromyalgia and how our legal experts can guide you through this process.

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Challenges

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch. Unlike some other medical conditions, fibromyalgia lacks clear diagnostic tests or visible symptoms, making it particularly challenging to prove its severity.

The Importance of Demonstrating Severity

  1. Meeting SSA Criteria:
    • The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability claims based on the severity of the impairment.
    • Navigating the Maze: Proving the severity of fibromyalgia is essential to meet SSA criteria for disability benefits.
  2. Impact on Daily Functioning:
    • Fibromyalgia often affects an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain employment.
    • Navigating the Maze: Demonstrating how fibromyalgia impacts your daily life is crucial for a successful disability claim.

Challenges in Establishing Severity for Fibromyalgia

  1. Subjective Nature of Pain:
    • Pain, a primary symptom of fibromyalgia, is subjective and challenging to measure objectively.
    • Navigating the Maze: Providing detailed descriptions of the type, intensity, and frequency of pain is crucial in conveying its impact.
  2. Invisible Nature of Symptoms:
    • Many symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties, are invisible.
    • Navigating the Maze: Compiling comprehensive documentation to illustrate the invisible yet significant impact of fibromyalgia is vital.

Navigating the SSDI or SSI Claim Process for Fibromyalgia

  1. Accurate Documentation:
    • Our legal experts guide you in accurately documenting your symptoms and their impact on daily life.
    • Navigating the Maze: Accurate and comprehensive documentation strengthens your case and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
  2. Ensuring Medical Evidence:
    • Medical evidence is crucial in establishing the legitimacy of your fibromyalgia diagnosis.
    • Navigating the Maze: Our team works with medical professionals to ensure that your medical evidence aligns with SSA requirements.
  3. Describing Functional Limitations:
    • Clearly articulating how fibromyalgia limits your ability to perform tasks is key.
    • Navigating the Maze: Our experts assist in translating your experiences into language that effectively communicates the functional limitations imposed by fibromyalgia.

Navigating the maze of proving the severity of fibromyalgia for an SSDI or SSI claim demands careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the SSA’s criteria. Disability Advocates Group Florida is committed to helping you navigate this intricate process, ensuring that the unique challenges posed by fibromyalgia are effectively communicated in your disability claim. Whether you live in Hialeah or Cape Coral, contact us today, and let’s work together to secure the support you need on your journey toward disability benefits.

About the Author
Ms. Shvarts and the rest of the team at Disability Advocates Group Florida are dedicated to assisting individuals in Florida obtain Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. After several years of civil litigation, Ms. Shvarts decided to shift to a more personal type of law practice to help individuals who were struggling in their daily lives.