If you suffer from widespread pain, chronic fatigue, and neurological problems that interfere with daily life and work, you may be wondering “Can you get disability for fibromyalgia?” The short answer is yes. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and your condition significantly interferes with your ability to consistently perform any type of work, you may be eligible to draw disability (SSDI) benefits through the Social Security Administration. Not everyone with fibromyalgia will qualify, however. In Illinois, many people struggle to get approval because the condition is difficult to diagnose and prove.
If you’re in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois and wondering if you qualify, contact the Social Security Disability Attorneys at Ankin Law. Call 872-529-9377 for a free consultation.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, chronic fatigue, joint and muscle stiffness, insomnia, and neurological problems. The condition causes chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as problems with memory, mood, and sleep. Medical researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies pain throughout the body by affecting the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.
Fibromyalgia is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are associated with so many other illnesses and diseases. It’s common for fibromyalgia to co-exist with other medical conditions including anxiety and depression, cystitis or painful bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, joint disorders, migraines and other types of tension headaches, and postural tachycardia syndrome. All of these conditions are linked to pain, so a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is often overlooked.
Research shows that the risk factors for fibromyalgia are linked to factors such as sex, family history, and similar disorders that cause chronic long-term pain. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than in men, and you are more likely to develop the condition if a parent or sibling also has the condition. Since the main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain, people who have other chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia That May Lead to Disability
In some cases, symptoms of fibromyalgia begin after a major event, such as an infection somewhere in the body, a surgical procedure, physical trauma, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms may gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread pain that lasts for at least 3 months
- Chronic fatigue
- Stiffness in joints and muscles
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Cognitive problems with concentration, focus, and memory
- Neurological problems like depression and mood swings
Impact on Daily Life and Long-Term Effects
Chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive and neurological issues associated with fibromyalgia create a variety of problems that impact a person’s daily life. These conditions can interfere with basic skills and tasks, like making decisions, remembering to pay the bills, and holding down a job. Although fibromyalgia is recognized as a medical condition that causes serious impairments, getting a disability claim approved for fibromyalgia can be difficult without a disability lawyer.
How Is Fibromyalgia Evaluated for Disability?
To evaluate a fibromyalgia disability, a team of doctors who work with the SSA will assess your impairments. Physical impairments are measured by your ability to balance, bend, or crawl, lift and carry heavy objects, maintain attendance and punctuality at work, and walk, sit, and stand during an 8-hour work day. A neurologist may evaluate your mental impairments that impact your concentration, memory, and speech.
Establishing Disability for Fibromyalgia in Illinois
When reviewing your disability case, the SSA will decide whether you should get disability for fibromyalgia based on the following requirements:
- Symptoms of pain in your joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues that are severe and present for at least 3 months
- Six or more ongoing signs or symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Documented medical evidence that rules out other medical conditions
- Written statements by you and other people about your physical or mental restrictions to perform daily activities
- Written statements from your doctor and your employer about your inability to perform work
To qualify for fibromyalgia disability benefits, you must prove a disability based on the SSA’s Blue Book List of Impairments. To collect SSDI benefits for fibromyalgia, you must present all required medical evidence and show that your impairments have lasted or are expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
Why Fibromyalgia Disability Claims Are Denied
Many Illinois applicants with fibromyalgia are surprised when their claims are denied. The SSA often considers fibromyalgia “subjective” because there are no single lab tests that confirm the disorder. As a result, many claims fail due to insufficient medical evidence, inconsistent treatment records, or an application that does not clearly explain how symptoms limit daily life.
This does not mean fibromyalgia isn’t real. It means you need strong documentation. Working with an experienced fibromyalgia disability lawyer in Chicago ensures your case is presented with the detailed medical and functional evidence the SSA requires.
Evidence That Strengthens a Fibromyalgia Claim for SSDI Benefits
If you want to improve your chances of receiving fibromyalgia disability benefits, you need to present consistent, persuasive proof. This includes:
- A confirmed diagnosis from a rheumatologist or physician familiar with fibromyalgia
- Detailed treatment notes and medical records
- Documentation showing how pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues affect your ability to work
- A pain or sleep journal that demonstrates daily limitations
- Statements from family members, coworkers, or employers about how your condition affects your life
In Illinois, the SSA also looks at whether you have tried recommended treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or exercise. Demonstrating compliance with medical advice can strengthen your case. A Social Security disability attorney can help you gather and present this evidence so that your claim meets SSA standards.
How a Disability Attorney Can Help You Get Disability for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is real, but proving it to the Social Security Administration isn’t easy. The SSA often pushes back on these claims, questioning whether symptoms are severe enough to keep someone from working. An experienced SSDI attorney can help you overcome the barriers to getting Social Security disability for fibromyalgia.
Your attorney will help you understand how to get disability for fibromyalgia, and will increase your chances of success by:
- Handle all SSA forms and other documents so errors and omissions don’t cost you benefits
- Collect and organize medical evidence from doctors, specialists, and hospitals that support your diagnosis
- Communicate directly with the SSA to address concerns, reduce delays, and keep your case moving
- File timely appeals when claims are unfairly denied
- Stand beside you in hearings, presenting your case with the skill and authority that gets results
If you’re struggling to work, manage your health, and navigate a complex disability system at the same time, you shouldn’t have to do it alone. A Chicago disability lawyer can level the playing field and aggressively pursue the benefits you need to support yourself and your family.
FAQs About Disability and Fibromyalgia
1. Does the SSA recognize fibromyalgia as a disability?
Yes. The SSA recognizes fibromyalgia as a legitimate medical condition, but approval depends on documented medical evidence and functional limitations.
2. Why are fibromyalgia claims often denied?
Claims are often denied due to lack of consistent medical documentation, incomplete applications, or the SSA viewing symptoms as “subjective.”
3. How long does it take to get disability for fibromyalgia?
The timeline varies. In Illinois, it may take 3–7 months just to get an initial decision from the SSA. If your claim is denied and goes to appeal, the process can take a year or more. Solid medical documentation and legal guidance can help speed things up.
