Can You Get Disability For Fibromyalgia Uk

Social Security Disability Benefits For Fibromyalgia

The Social Security Administration does not include fibromyalgia in its published Listing of Impairments. Even so, you may still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance . Social Security will evaluate your medical conditions to see if they meet or equal one of the listings. Even beyond that, you may qualify for disability benefits based on vocational standards.

Can You Qualify For Fibromyalgia Disability

Image: Shutterstock.com/Sajee Rod

Fibromyalgia is a disease that makes daily life hard. Even getting out of bed in the morning is a struggle with such a painful condition. And that makes it hard to handle your obligations at work if not impossible. But can you qualify for fibromyalgia disability?

What are disability benefits?

Disability benefits are payments you receive to protect you from the financial hardship of disability. The federal government is required to provide people with disabilities that prevent them from working with benefits under the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA.

So if you have a medically documented disability, you are entitled under the law to receive support from the government. And if you have private disability insurance through an insurance provider and become disabled, they are also required to pay you a portion of your lost wages. These benefits last until you reach retirement, or until you are no longer disabled.

Of course, with fibromyalgia, getting those benefits can be challenging.

Can you get fibromyalgia disability?

Technically speaking if any disease makes it impossible for you to work, then you qualify for disability. However, it is sometimes tough to prove to insurance providers or the government that your fibromyalgia meets that standard.

• The base of the skull
• The lower spine

• Anxiety disorder
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

How should you apply?

Is Fibromyalgia Classed As A Disability

In the UK, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities.

• substantial is more than minor or trivial, e.g. it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed
• long-term means 12 months or more, e.g. a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection

The Department for Work and Pensions recognises fibromyalgia as a real and potentially significantly disabling condition. Where a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia has been made full account will be taken of its functional effects when determining benefit entitlement.

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Can I Have Both Fibromyalgia And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Yes. It is common for patients who have an established form of rheumatoid arthritis to have fibromyalgia.

When doctors realize that you have a combination of both conditions, they will have to administer different therapy treatments that will counter both conditions at the same time.

Additionally, since there is no cure for both diseases, you need to work with medical professionals of both conditions to live a much more convenient lifestyle while living with both issues.

You will also need to follow each doctors appointment and dont forget to live a proactive life as much as you can.

Signs And Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Vs Fibromyalgia

Distinct Symptoms of RA

• RA symptoms flare up or periodically come and go.
• Tenderness, stiffness, and joint pains.
• Red joints that are swollen in your feet or hands.
• A sharp increase in intense symptoms that lasts for days or months before subsiding temporarily.

Inflammation can affect parts of the body such as:

• Mouth- infection or irritation of gums.
• Eyes impaired vision, sensitivity to light, and dry eyes.
• Skin tiny lumps on the bone regions.
• Lungs shortness of breath.
• Blood vessels nerve, skin, or organ damage.
• Blood anemia.

According to Mayo Clinic, about 40% of people suffering from RA experience the same symptoms, and when they go without treatment, their joints may move out of place.

Distinct fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia symptoms occur just like any other condition, but its pain is widespread, and it occurs in specific joints.

These points include:

• Sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, and temperature.
• Tingling or numbness.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.

Fibromyalgia can be present in the muscles and joints, but it cannot damage the joints the way arthritis does.

It also does not damage body soft tissues or muscles, although it can intensify pain worse than the pain experienced in arthritis.

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We Are Prepared For Every Attempt By The Disability Carrier To Invalidate Your Claim

One aspect of dealing with insurance companies is to be prepared for any tactics a disability carrier may use to deny benefits and to hold the company accountable for wrongful denials.

For instance, the disability company may try to claim:

• You were misdiagnosed
• There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your doctor
• You can still work in a sedentary capacity
• You arent being properly treated
• Insurers often use biased independent medical examination doctors to review and deny fibromyalgia claims

For every reason the carrier uses to deny a valid claim, our disability insurance lawyers work to reverse the denial with multiple arguments in your favor to help you win the disability benefits for fibromyalgia you deserve.

People With Hidden Disabilities Can Access Blue Badges For The First Time From Today

Fibromyalgia affects your bones and muscles and it is second most common condition. Yet its often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its classic symptoms are widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue. Theres no cure. But a combination of medication, exercise, managing your stress, and healthy habits may ease your symptoms enough that you can live a normal, active life.

What causes it is not known by doctors, but some think its a problem with how your brain and spinal cord process pain signals from your nerves. Fibromyalgia can feel similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But rather than hurting in a specific area, the pain and stiffness could be throughout your body.

No confirmation test is available that can tell you that you have fibromyalgia. Instead, because the symptoms are so similar to other conditions, your doctor will want to rule out illnesses such as an underactive thyroid, different types of arthritis, and lupus. Your blood tests may be done to check hormone levels and signs of swelling, as well as X-rays.

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Pip For Hidden Disabilities

Eligibility is not based on the condition you have, but rather the amount of help you need as a result of how your condition affects you. So there is no reason why people suffering hidden disabilities such as Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, chronic pain and other conditions of central sensitisation should not qualify for PIP.

In any event, last year, with cross-party support, Fibromylgia was finally recognised by parliament as a real and potentially disabling condition. Figures now show that people with Fibromyalgia account for 3.5% of all applications for PIP.

To be eligible for PIP, the rules say that as a result of your condition, you must:

• have had difficulties with daily living or getting around for 3 months and
• expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.

Although the assessment is based upon the level of help you require with specific activities, you can make a claim whether or not you receive help from someone else. The government website says:

How Fibromyalgia Is Treated

Although there’s currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.

Treatment tends to be a combination of:

• medicine, such as antidepressants and painkillers
• talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling
• lifestyle changes, such as exercise programmes and relaxation techniques

Exercise in particular has been found to have a number of important benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including helping to reduce pain.

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Dwp Working & Benefits

The Government recognizes fibromyalgia and other chronic fatigue syndromes as real and potentially disabling conditions. The Department for Work and Pensions perspective is in relation to state sickness and disability benefits.

In terms of state benefits, the Government remains committed to enabling people to remain in or return to work where possible and the ESA aim to provide additional help and support for people of working age with disabling conditions. Being in work can help to reduce social exclusion and social isolation, and to increase a persons sense of achievement and self-esteem and all of these can contribute towards development of positive coping strategies. But the Government recognizes that not every person with a disability will be able to work, so the safeguard of state sickness and incapacity benefits continues to exist. And disability benefits also continue to exist, for those who have significant problems with self-care or restricted mobility.

• DLA Disability Living Allowance

Claiming Veterans Disability Benefits For Fibromyalgia

If you have been denied VA disability compensation for fibromyalgia, or you are not satisfied with the disability pay you were awarded, you may want to work with an accredited veterans claims attorney. Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you develop your claim with the information needed for VA approval.

The VAs Schedule for Rating Disabilities evaluates fibromyalgia under The Musculoskeletal System: Diagnostic code 5025 Fibromyalgia , as follows:

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What Type Of Workplace Changes Can Help Someone With Fibromyalgia

First, openly discuss your fibromyalgia with your boss and coworkers. Talk about the symptoms of pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Explain how you may have good days and bad days.

Explaining fibromyalgia will give people at work a better idea of what you are feeling each day. Ask your boss if you can take rest periods on bad days. Or ask if you can take work home if you are feeling fatigued. Ask if you can come in on Saturday if you miss a day of work to make up the lost time and income. In addition, ask if you can put a cot in your office for a brief nap at lunchtime. Taking a midday nap helps many people with fibromyalgia and other chronic health conditions function on the job.

How Is Fibromyalgia Defined

What exactly is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is defined as a long-term chronic condition that causes multiple health-related issues. These include:

• General fatigue
• Pain and tenderness in the muscles and skeletal system
• Disturbances in sleep and cognitive functions

The difficulty with fibromyalgia is that it is often difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often mirror other conditions, and there is no definitive test used to diagnose the condition.

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How To Win A Fibromyalgia Disability Case

Are you filing a claim under your employers group disability plan due to suffering from Fibromyalgia? If so, then you must show medical evidence that supports your disability claim. For example, Fibromyalgia symptoms such as memory loss and irritable bowel syndrome can be clinically diagnosed. If these symptoms prevent you from performing the duties of your job, then you can base your claim for disability benefits on them.

Additionally, you must show that you are receiving treatment for your disorder. Treatments for Fibromyalgia will vary depending on which symptoms you are experiencing. However, in most cases, treatment for Fibromyalgia consists of a combination of non-drug therapy and medication prescribed by a rheumatologist. Your fibromyalgia disability insurer will want proof that you are consistently seeking the appropriate forms of treatment.

Further, you must show that your Fibromyalgia symptoms are severe enough to impact your workplace performance. Our attorneys will help you compile a list of job duties that are impacted by those symptoms, as well as giving you methods to document how your limitations impact how you do your occupation.

Even still, filing a successful Fibromyalgia long term disability claim is difficult. You should consult with an experienced disability law firm as soon as possible. The lawyers at Tucker Law Group can help you present your case in the best possible light.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

Historically, individuals are diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they have confirmed pain in 11 out of 18 possible tender points. These tender points include but are not limited to the following:

• Back of the head
• Tops of the shoulders
• Upper chest, hips, knees, and outer elbows

Pain in these trigger points varies case-to-case. The pain can range from a mild discomfort to a more intense, almost unbearable level. For example, if you or your spouse experiences pain that is best described as a sharp stabbing, throbbing, or accompanied by burning sensations.

Also, the pain can change depending on placement throughout the body. Other common symptoms include pain in the lower belly, depression, anxiety, focus problems, dry eyes, bladder issues, and non-restorative sleep.

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It’s Difficult But Not Impossible To Get Social Security To Grant Disability Benefits For Fibromyalgia

By Aaron Hotfelder, J.D., University of Missouri School of Law

Social Security disability claims based on fibromyalgia can be some of the most difficult cases for disability applicants to win. Because fibromyalgia’s symptoms are generally self-reported, disability claims examiners and administrative law judges are often reluctant to approve fibromyalgia claims, even when an individual has received consistent treatment from a physician who supports their case.

To give yourself the best chance of a successful claim for fibromyalgia, it’s essential not only to obtain treatment, but to obtain the right treatment. The Social Security Administration expects those with fibromyalgia to receive a proper diagnosis and regular treatment from a rheumatologist. You should also document your case to the fullest extent possible with relevant medical records, laboratory testing, opinions from doctors, and third-party statements from friends, family members, or former colleagues.

Why Should Fibromyalgia Be Considered As The Long

When the symptoms come and go, it makes the person much more exhausted and irritated.

Dealing with fibromyalgia sounds easier but people living with fibromyalgia would better understand that how they combat whenever the symptoms spike up.

The intensity and severity of the disease can leave a negative impact on your work performance.

While experiencing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, your desk job would be much more difficult than anyones expectation. Additionally, triggers can worsen your condition too.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia wont let you excel more profoundly and somehow, you would prefer resting at home instead of getting to work.

Any long-term problem needs the long-term support and care. But unfortunately, the people with fibromyalgia dont get the optimum level of attention.

Fibromyalgia is difficult to understand, not just because of its clinical signs, in fact, its relapse and remission phases are also confusing.

If you havent get thefibro flare up since a long time, youre lucky, but it doesnt mean that you wont get flare-up again.

And when symptom spikes up, it is terrible to even think about doing any task, either it is related to your work or house.

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Struggling To Work With Fibromyalgia Call Us Today For A Free Consultation

Have you recently received a Fibromyalgia diagnosis? Are your symptoms severe enough to prevent you from working? If so, then you may consider filing a Fibromyalgia long term disability claim. At Tucker Law Group, we can help you prepare the strongest claim possible. Our attorneys understand that Fibromyalgia long term disability claims are tough. Thus, we will put our decades of combined knowledge and experience to work for you.

For a free consultation, give us a call at . You can also message us through our online contact page. We provide counsel in all 50 states as our attorneys are licensed in Florida and many federal courts around the country.

How Long Benefits Will Be Paid For

You will be paid as long as you receive a relevant benefit or for the length of time of your disability benefit award – whichever is shorter.

If you have paid enough National Insurance contributions you can claim a contribution-based sickness benefit. Your benefit will be paid for as long as you stay insured from these contributions or for the length of time of your award if this is shorter.

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Rheumatic Arthritis And Fibromyalgia Connection

Healthy individuals have a defensive immune system that fights back against viruses, germs, and other invaders.

But when it comes to RA, it is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy body tissues and the joints. This results in swelling and painful experiences in the joints.

Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease even though it has similar symptoms to RA. But it causes fatigue, stiffness, and pain, even though doctors dont know what causes it.

The inter-link between the two conditions stems from the common risk factors. The body weight, lifestyle, and stress levels may raise the chances of getting both conditions.

Additionally, inflammation is a link between the two conditions. In RA, inflammation is the main problem, even though fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory condition Alternatively, chronic inflammation can play a role in it.

Is Fibromyalgia A Chronic Inflammatory Disease

Symptoms of fibromyalgia can mask a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the pelvis joints and the spine, according to Arthritis Care and Research study.

The study went ahead to highlight the importance of decisive management of fibromyalgia symptoms by patients and doctors, accounting for the possible presence of disorders caused by inflammation.

Fibromyalgia is totally different from other rheumatologic diseases because it is non-inflammatory in a natural way.

It has been reported to be caused by pain responses in nerves that have become hyperactive.

Individuals who are suffering from fibromyalgia can exhibit different kinds of symptoms, including morning stiffness, disturbed sleep, and chronic back pain that occurs at night.

However, symptoms also exist of axial spondyloarthritis which is an inflammatory condition.

SpA affects the pelvis, spine, and other joints. Although fibromyalgia and SpA are different diseases, they can share the same symptoms.

According to the presence of SpA in fibromyalgia patients, 99 patients suffering from fibromyalgia went through an MRI evaluation to identify the structural changes that are common in SpA chronic inflammation like sclerosis and bone erosion.

The test indicated that approximately 8% of the patients showed signs of pelvic joint inflammation, while 17% and 25% showed signs of sclerosis and bone erosion.

This conclusion suggests that SpA among patients with fibromyalgia can use CRP as a diagnostic tool.

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