Can You Get Social Security Disability for Fibromyalgia?

Yes, you can get Social Security Disability for fibromyalgia. However, the application process isn’t always easy. 

Fibromyalgia doesn’t stop at chronic pain. It drains your energy, clouds your thinking, disrupts your sleep, and creates a daily struggle that affects every part of your routine. When these symptoms make work feel impossible, applying for disability benefits may seem like the only way forward.

A Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand what the Social Security Administration looks for in these cases and how to present your medical condition in a way that supports your claim.

Why Fibromyalgia Claims Face Extra Scrutiny

Unlike some physical impairments, fibromyalgia doesn’t show up on X-rays or MRIs. There’s no single test that confirms a diagnosis. That makes it easy for examiners to question whether your symptoms match the severity you report. They want more than a diagnosis; they want evidence that your condition prevents you from doing any substantial work.

Social Security treats fibromyalgia as a “medically determinable impairment” only when a licensed physician documents the right signs and rules out other conditions. That extra layer of proof puts fibromyalgia applicants under a different kind of microscope.

How the SSA Evaluates Fibromyalgia

The SSA issued a ruling—SSR 12-2p—that explains how disability examiners should evaluate fibromyalgia claims. Under this ruling, an applicant must meet one of two sets of criteria:

• Widespread pain for at least three months in all quadrants of the body, both above and below the waist
• At least 11 positive tender points, as verified by a doctor
• Repeated manifestations of six or more fibromyalgia symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive issues (“fibro fog”), depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, or muscle stiffness

Doctors must rule out other disorders that might explain these symptoms. You’ll also need evidence that the condition limits your daily activities and ability to sustain work.

Proving That Fibromyalgia Prevents You From Working

A successful claim must connect your medical condition to specific limitations on your ability to perform job tasks. This goes beyond simply telling Social Security that you’re in pain or too tired to concentrate. You need documentation, ideally from multiple sources.

Some examples of helpful documentation include:

• Treatment notes from rheumatologists, neurologists, or pain specialists
• A consistent record of complaints related to fatigue, cognitive problems, or sensitivity to touch
• Statements from doctors about how your symptoms affect your functioning
• Prescription records for medications such as Lyrica, Cymbalta, or Savella
• Notes about failed treatments or ongoing adjustments in your care plan

Keeping a symptom diary and asking family members to write down what they’ve seen can also help build your case. The goal is to show how fibromyalgia affects your ability to sit, stand, lift, remember instructions, or complete tasks reliably throughout the day.

Why Many Fibromyalgia Claims Get Denied

The SSA denies many fibromyalgia-based claims at the initial level. Some claims lack enough medical evidence. Others describe symptoms without tying them to specific limitations at work. In some cases, the SSA believes you could still do a less demanding job.

Applicants often get denied because they rely too heavily on the diagnosis without addressing how the condition impacts functional ability. Others make the mistake of leaving gaps in their medical treatment. Missed appointments, inconsistent follow-up, or a lack of specialist care can raise red flags.

Strengthening Your Application From the Start

You can improve your chances by building a solid foundation before you apply. That includes:

• Seeing a specialist: A fibromyalgia diagnosis from a primary care doctor carries less weight than one from a rheumatologist.
• Following your treatment plan: Regular appointments, physical therapy, mental health care, and documented medication trials all show that you’re taking the condition seriously.
• Describing your limitations clearly: Don’t just list symptoms. Explain how those symptoms prevent you from completing an eight-hour workday.
• Gathering third-party statements: Letters from friends, coworkers, or caregivers can support your story with real-world examples.
• Avoiding social media contradictions: Posts showing physical activity or travel may work against your claim.

A well-organized application that addresses the SSA’s specific criteria gives reviewers fewer reasons to reject your claim.

What Happens If SSA Denies Your Claim?

A denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You have the right to appeal the decision, and many applicants get approved at the hearing stage. That’s where a judge reviews your case, hears testimony, and makes an independent ruling.

At this point, legal representation becomes even more important. A Social Security Disability lawyer can gather missing records, prepare your testimony, and cross-examine vocational experts who might downplay your limitations.

Judges don’t expect perfection. They want consistency. If your story matches the evidence, and your credibility holds up under questioning, you stand a stronger chance of approval.

How Fibromyalgia Can Interact With Other Conditions

Many people with fibromyalgia also struggle with other physical or mental health challenges. These co-occurring conditions may strengthen your case, especially if they limit your ability to adapt to new tasks or workplaces. Some common comorbidities include:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression or anxiety
• Migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Arthritis or other autoimmune disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

When you list all of your impairments, the SSA must consider the combined effect on your ability to work. Even if fibromyalgia alone doesn’t justify a disability finding, the combination might.

The Role of a Social Security Disability Lawyer

You don’t have to figure out the SSA’s fibromyalgia criteria on your own. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand the process, gather the right medical evidence, and strengthen your case through every stage, from the initial application to a hearing or appeal.

At Pilzer Klein, we focus exclusively on disability law. That means we know what works, what doesn’t, and what judges look for in fibromyalgia cases. If your symptoms make it impossible to hold a job, we’re ready to fight for the benefits you need.

Call today to speak with a Social Security Disability lawyer who understands fibromyalgia and how to build a claim that speaks the SSA’s language. You don’t need perfect test results to win—just a strong, honest case backed by evidence that tells the whole story.