Disability - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Iloveturtles · 08-27-2007, 10:59 AM

Does anyone know how to go about applying for disability if you have fibromyalgia and depression? What are the chances of receiving disability?

Thanks

jam338 · 08-27-2007, 06:47 PM

Apply through your local social security office or online at social security website. Most applications are denied, and require appeals, some times twice or more. Don't expect a resolution for a couple of years, but if ultimately approved you will be compensated retroactively. There are rare exceptions with first time approvals, hopefully you will be among them

FM symptoms overlap many other disorders so work with your doctor to ensure all other similar symptom disorders are ruled out, particularly if you live in a Lyme Disease region. You will likely have to demonstrate to Social Security that all other conditions have been ruled out. Although Social Security Disability is a federal program, disbility claims received at the Federal level are then referred to and handled by your State Social Service Dept, utilizing their own processes.....so, specific processes are going to vary from state to state.

According to Endocrinologists, doctors who specialize in whole body systemic disorders, rule out tests should be done for similar symptom disorders, based on your particular symptoms, and if applicable:

Examples:
Blood Count for anemia, infection, inflammation
Chemistry Panel for liver, kidneys, lipid abnormality screening, diabetes, and chemical compositon of serum.
Stool Sample Test for candidas and parasites
Thyroid Ultrasensitive Test of TSH
Arthritis Panel, if over 50,include ERS rate check
Ultrasound Abdominal Cavity for liver, pancreas, spleen, & gallbladder
X-Rays
MRIs
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy

rosebuddy · 08-28-2007, 06:12 AM

I applied on line. I had to see a psychologist that worked for Social Security. I had 8 years of psychiatric medical records for depression, anxiety disorder. I had about 3 or 4 months of notes on fibro. I didn't have any of the tests listed in the last post. It took 6 months and I was approved the first time. Make sure that you give your doctors a list of your symptoms and what you are unable to do and ask them to intial it and keep it in your chart. There is a disability questionaire in Devin Starlanyl's books for fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain. My PCP and my rheumy both filled it out. I have a copy and one is in my chart for my 3 year review. There are alot of posts here about disability if you want to do a search. Good luck to you.

Iloveturtles · 08-29-2007, 07:41 AM

Thanks for everyone's responses. I have had depression, anxiety, OCD and an ED for years and have seen doctors for all of it. I know I could probably get all of the paperwork gathered, but I am afraid that if I collected disability, I wouldn't make enough money with not working. This may be a silly question, but a person still work and collect disability? I can't get into my new rheumatologist until November

goldyfm · 08-31-2007, 07:08 AM

Hi, the SSA will give information on their website on working while on disability. Generally it is a long process, I first filed 3 years ago and am awaiting a hearing on an appeal. So don't get discouraged if it takes a while.