fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia Message Board

hope cagle · 08-13-2002, 05:47 PM

does anyone know if a person with fibromyalgia can get on disability?

SamQKitty · 08-13-2002, 08:42 PM

Hope -
Yes. It's difficult, but many people, including myself, have been approved for SSDI based on having fibromyalgia.

Usually it takes anywhere from 8 months to about 18 months to get approved...they certainly make it difficult! The Social Security Administration expects you to give up and go back to work, and many people do this; however, if you truly are unable to work, you deserve the disability benefits which YOU paid in all these years!

One thing you need is a supportive doctor who will write the kind of letters you need. Eventually you may need an attorney, but not at first. And, if you do need an attorney, they get paid on a contingency basis (meaning only if you win the case), and then they get a percentage (usually 25-30%) of your initial award, not of any future income from SSDI.

I have so much info, I hardly know where to begin. Why don't you post back with specific questions and I'll try to answer them.

Ruth

hope cagle · 08-14-2002, 07:59 AM

Hi,
Thank you so much for responding to my question. The other thing is I have osteoarthritis as well. The specialist doctor I am going to for the arthritis is not very supportive he doesn't believe in social security at my age. I am 46. I worked for a company for 20 years and was let go on medical restrictions for the arthritis. I have been trying to work since but it is getting harder and harder. I hurt so bad sometimes and the headaches are so bad. I have an aunt who is around 50 I think she applied for social security at the end of april and received a letter last week that she had been approved. I have never heard of anyone getting it that fast and on the first time filing for it. Any more info you can give me would be great. Thanks again.. Hope

Modern_eyre · 08-26-2002, 06:00 AM

I am 29 and my doctor suggested disability (i'm still fighting to stay working, but in my 40s I doubt I will be if i'm this bad now). You don't even have to use the fybro! Find another doctor...the fybro alone is too hard to deal with let alone the other.

My doctor specializes in chronic pain and environmental illnesses.