| Since fibromyalgia is not in the American social security | | | | learn from the experience of other fibromyalgia |
| impairments or disability listing, you will need to file a | | | | sufferers. There is also a good chance that they will |
| case in order to get disability allowance. However, | | | | refer you to lawyers or counselors who could help |
| since you have the burden to prove that your | | | | you with your disability claim. |
| fibromyalgia should be considered as a impairment, you | | | | Be ready with your documentation |
| need to be fully prepared before you even start | | | | As mentioned earlier, you have the burden of proof, so |
| considering filing a petition for disability. | | | | it is very important that you have all the necessary |
| Firstly in order to be approved you will need to prove | | | | documents to show the court that you are indeed |
| that your fibromyalgia is both severe and either has or | | | | diagnosed with the condition, that you have been |
| will stop you working for 12 months in your current job | | | | suffering for more than 90 days, and that you are not |
| or one you're previously held or any other type of | | | | capable of performing any work or job. |
| suitable employment. | | | | The first document that you will need is a medical |
| Here are some tips that can help you with your | | | | record stating that you have been diagnosed with |
| fibromyalgia disability claim: | | | | fibromyalgia. Do not rely on having your diagnosis from |
| Do some research. | | | | a general physician. You will have a better chance of |
| A soldier will not go to battle without his gun or rifle. | | | | winning your disability case if the person who |
| The same is true for you. Before you even consider | | | | diagnosed you is a specialist. Since the American |
| filing a disability case, you need to learn about | | | | Chamber of Rheumatology established the definition of |
| fibromyalgia. You are probably already experiencing | | | | fibromyalgia, it would be advisable to get your |
| the pain all over and unexplainable tiredness, but are | | | | diagnosis from an expert in rheumatology. |
| you aware of all facets of your condition and do you | | | | Securing the diagnosis is not the only thing you need. |
| know why it should be considered as a disability? | | | | No matter how long it took you to get your diagnosis, |
| Ask your doctor to explain what you are suffering and | | | | your medical records should also prove that |
| what your options are for improving your symptoms. | | | | fibromyalgia is stopping you from performing or doing |
| What treatment should you be taking or trying? You | | | | your job well. In order to prove this you need to |
| can also surf the Internet to check about the latest | | | | constantly share your experience with your doctor. |
| articles and new developments about the condition. | | | | Explain to your doctor how often you feel the |
| Keep reading for more information on claiming disability | | | | symptoms, how severe each symptom is and how |
| allowance and to sign up for the free Fibromyalgia | | | | long each episode lasts. For example, you cannot just |
| newsletter offering natural ways to combat | | | | say, "I experienced aches and soreness all over my |
| fibromyalgia symptoms. | | | | body." Be specific. Describe the pain, tell him or her |
| Join fibromyalgia associations or organizations | | | | how many times you felt this pain since your last visit, |
| When you have a complex and fairly unknown | | | | and be sure to include the duration of the symptoms. |
| syndrome like fibromyalgia, you may find a support | | | | This way, you have documented your fibromyalgia |
| group useful to help you cope with your condition and | | | | disability so that you show you really are unable to |
| also assist with disability cases you might file in the | | | | perform any job because of your symptoms. |
| future. If you're a member of such groups, you can | | | | |