Millions of Americans find that they feel tired or have muscle pain on a regular basis, but have no obvious cause for these symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health, these people may suffer from a condition known as fibromyalgia, and a diagnosis may make them eligible for SSD benefits.
What is fibromyalgia?
Those with fibromyalgia may have tenderness and pain on a regular basis throughout the whole body. They often have morning stiffness, painful menstrual periods, problems with memory and thinking, trouble sleeping, or tingling and numbness in the extremities. Fibromyalgia may also be diagnosed in addition to other chronic pain conditions, making the symptoms worse as the individual must deal with pain from both diseases. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can make it difficult to get to work and to earn a paycheck to support yourself and your family.
This condition can be caused by some diseases, genetics, repetitive injuries and trau matic or stressful events. It may flare up on its own without any precursor or apparent cause, and is much more common in women during middle age. Fibromyalgia can also have a genetic component, meaning that those with a family member with the disease are more likely to have it, particularly women.
Fibromyalgia is hard to treat, and most with the condition find it hard to perform normal daily tasks because of pain, tenderness and fatigue. A team of physical therapists and doctors may work on your recovery plan, and many seek treatment from a rheumatology or pain clinic.
Am I eligible for benefits?
In order to be eligible for SSD benefits with a fibromyalgia diagnosis, the condition must persist for at least three months. It must also be determined that there is sufficient evidence that you are unable to perform basic functions because of the condition. There may be a need for documents and evidence from doctors, family members, friends or employers to determine if you are unable to perform certain activities that warrant a medically determinable impairment.
Fibromyalgia is a medically determinable impairment when it has been established with appropriate medical evidence, and can often be the reason a person receives full or partial SSD benefits. Information from medical records regarding functional abilities and physical strength is studied to determine if the person is eligible.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, it’s easy to feel frustrated and hopeless about your inability to work or perform basic tasks because of the pain and fatigue in your body. Fortunately you may be eligible for benefits that allow you the freedom to care for yourself. An attorney may be able to answer any questions you have about fibromyalgia and SSD benefits.
