The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 5 million adults in the U.S. are impacted by fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients suffer with significant pain. Treating and caring for fibromyalgia can be costly but Social Security disability benefits may be able to help. The CDC estimated in 2012 that the annual cost of treating fibromyalgia was close to $6,000.
Fibromyalgia entails widespread pain and can be diagnosed in different ways. Patients who test positive for 11 out of 18 tender spots may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In addition, fibromyalgia-related pain involves pain that last for 3 months or longer. Disability benefits are based on the existence of a physical or mental medical condition that prevents the sufferer from working and is expected to last for 12 months or longer. Necessary work history is also required for the receipt of SSD benefits. The Social Security Administration evaluates disability benefits.
Once an application is submitted, the SSA, along with doctors, will review the application and the documentation provided supporting the application. It is important to provide thorough documentation of the applicant’s medical condition. Providing detailed information can help expedite the processing of a claim. It is important to keep in mind that the claims process can take some time so promptly filing for disability benefits is important.
Applicants suffering with fibromyalgia or another disability should be familiar with the tools available to help them, such as Social Security disability benefits. SSD benefits may be able to help disabled individuals with the medical expenses they face and the costs associated with missed work.
Source: Healthline.com, “How to Apply for Disability Due to Fibromyalgia,” Kristeen Cherney, Oct. 11, 2013
