Fibromyalgia Therapy How to collect Social Security Disability

How to Win Your Case for Social Security Disability Benefits If You Suffer From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia

When you want to win a Social Security Disability case from the suffering of Chronic Fatigue Disability Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia (CFIDS/FMS) it can be very difficult. With proper preparation and a lot of the right supporting documentation either you or your lawyer will often able to win your Social Security Disability benefits case. The case for proving a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia needs to show the following five factors.

1) They will want to know if the Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia was made by a doctor specializing in Fibromyalgia and Cfids or FM?

It always lowers your chances of winning when you file a claim and you are not being treated by a specialist in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia. The judge in charge of the case will usually prefer to see that you are being treated by a Rheumatologist. It is possible to win if you are working with both an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Neurologist. In most cases the diagnosis a primary care physician or internist is not sufficient to win in this type of case. The specialist attending you must give a favorable report for your being disabled. If you call a lawyer and you do not have a specialist working with you then, I suggest that you contact a local support group for a referral.

2) Your Doctor must have eliminated all other Diseases diagnostic tests before a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia has been made.

In order to provide a valid diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia medical tests will need to be performed which will rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. In most cases blood work done that excludes other Rheumatic diseases which may share symptoms with, or mimic, CFIDS/FMS. In cases of Fibromyalgia the Judge will look for a physical exam that finds and documents at least 11 of the 18 tender points. In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cases it is also a good idea to see that a Tilt Table Test has been done.

3) Are your Complaints Typical for Someone Who Suffers with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia and what is the severity of them?

Your medical records will need to show documented symptoms. Without this documentation, the diagnoses of CFS/FMS will likely be subject to disbelief by Social Security and they will always deny the first claim.

4) Have you been treated and undergone physical therapy along with your pain medication?

Your case will be handled by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and you will need to show that you have tried whatever treatment is available for your condition. Whether this is a series of physical therapy appointments, narcotic pain medications or even non-traditional treatments like biofeedback or acupuncture. You will need to show that you have tried everything to find relief.

5) Have you consulted with or been treated by a Psychiatrist or Therapist?

You do not want an ALJ to thinking that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia are mental conditions. If you can show the ALJ that you are either seeking treatment for depression or anxiety or have had these conditions ruled out by a mental health specialist and are still suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia that will support your case as well. Depression often comes with Fibromyalgia but generally follows the disease.  The more you hurt and feel bad the more depressed you get.  It can take 1-3 years to get a case done, but if you are not prepared it can take much longer and likely will never be accomplished.  Good Records from day one need to be kept. EVERY doctor’s appointment. every test needs to be documented.