It can be very difficult to win Social Security disability benefits based on fibromyalgia. However,  it can be done!

While Social Security no longer considers fibromyalgia as a “imaginary” condition, or a “junk” diagnosis, you still need to make sure the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is backed up by medical findings.

I have reviewed many medical records which mention fibromyalgia, but don’t say how the doctor made the diagnosis. There is no mention of physical examinations or findings.  Social Security may throw out the diagnosis because of a lack of medical support.

Without a diagnosis, all you have are symptoms and Social Security cannot approve disability benefits on symptoms alone.

This can stop a case dead in its tracks!

So, what do you need to properly diagnosis fibromyalgia?

Continue reading →

eNewsMediaMagazine has some tips on building a strong Social Security disabilty claim:
Tip #1: Choose the right doctor(s).

Regardless of your specific disability, you will need medical documentation. The only way to do this is to visit at least one physician. Ideally, that would be an experienced, respected doctor in the field of your disability. The more specific the doctor to your disability, the more credibility he or she will have. For instance, if you claim to have back problems, but only see an MD for treatment, your records will probably not contain much useful information other than pain medication.
There is nothing wrong with this tip. However, for many people choosing which doctor they see, just is not an option.

Continue reading →