Is fibromyalgia preventing you from performing the functions of your job? If you are suffering from this debilitating condition, getting Social Security Disability benefits could be very challenging. It is crucial that you seek the advice of an attorney experienced with these kinds of disability claims.
At Crowe & Shanahan in St. Louis, we have achieved many favorable outcomes for clients throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois, providing service personalized to each unique situation.
Contact our St. Louis fibromyalgia disability attorneys online or call us at 314-231-6660 to schedule an appointment.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. While the exact cause is not fully understood, research suggests that fibromyalgia develops due to a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Recognizing these causes is important for acknowledging fibromyalgia as a serious and disabling condition, especially when applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in St. Louis.
One of the defining features of fibromyalgia is abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system (CNS). CNS dysfunction helps explain why fibromyalgia pain is widespread and persistent, even without visible tissue damage. Important points include:
Genetics can play a significant role in fibromyalgia susceptibility. Research shows the condition often runs in families, suggesting inherited traits influence the likelihood of developing fibromyalgia. While no single gene causes it, certain genetic variations may affect pain perception, stress response, and neurotransmitter function. St. Louisans with a family history of fibromyalgia or other chronic pain disorders are at higher risk for developing the condition over the course of their life.
Fibromyalgia is linked to disruptions in key neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the brain, that regulate pain, mood, and sleep. These imbalances can have wide-ranging effects on both physical and emotional well-being, including:
Many St. Louis individuals report that fibromyalgia symptoms began after a physical injury, accident, or surgery. While trauma alone does not cause the condition, it can trigger symptoms in genetically or neurologically predisposed individuals.
Research suggests that infections and immune system issues can contribute to the onset or worsening of fibromyalgia in susceptible individuals by:
Other factors may also be linked to the development of fibromyalgia. Discuss your symptoms with your attorney to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your challenges.
Although fibromyalgia is not classified as an autoimmune disease, there is evidence that immune system dysregulation and low-grade inflammation may play a role in symptom development. Some patients develop fibromyalgia after autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting overlapping mechanisms.
Dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) can play a role in fibromyalgia by affecting involuntary bodily functions. Impacts include:
Emotional stress and sleep disturbances are critical factors in fibromyalgia development and symptom exacerbation. Sleep disruptions, such as difficulty staying asleep, waking frequently, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, interfere with the body’s natural repair processes.
Both long-term stress and repetitive physical strain can contribute to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms. These triggers can include:
Fibromyalgia symptoms may begin after a serious illness, hospitalization, or surgical procedure. These events can place significant stress on the body and nervous system, potentially triggering long-term pain and fatigue in susceptible individuals.
Abnormalities in hormone regulation may contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms. Irregular cortisol levels, altered stress responses, and thyroid dysfunction have all been observed in people with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia often occurs alongside other conditions, and coexisting conditions can worsen pain and fatigue, potentially making treatment and symptom management more challenging. Common conditions that overlap with fibromyalgia include:
Many St. Louis residents with fibromyalgia are unsure whether they qualify for SSD benefits. While the application process can be challenging, knowing the requirements and types of evidence the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers can make the process more manageable. Some of the most frequently asked questions we get about this issue include:
Yes. St. Louisans with fibromyalgia may qualify for SSD if the condition significantly limits their ability to work. SSA evaluates claims based on the severity of symptoms, medical documentation, and functional limitations. Because fibromyalgia is an “invisible” illness, meaning it often does not show up on imaging or lab tests, SSA requires detailed records of medical visits, treatments, and how symptoms affect daily activities and employment.
The Social Security Administration requires detailed medical evidence to evaluate fibromyalgia claims. This includes medical records documenting widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues, along with a confirmed diagnosis from a physician, such as a primary care provider or rheumatologist. Treatment records showing medications, therapy, or other ongoing care are also important. Consistent documentation demonstrating how fibromyalgia limits daily activities and work-related functioning is critical to supporting a successful SSD claim.
Yes. SSA reviews how fibromyalgia affects your ability to perform work-related activities and your ability to do everyday tasks, including cooking, cleaning, childcare, and personal care. You should document your limitations, including extended periods of walking, sitting, or standing, lifting or carrying objects, mental concentration, memory, and your ability to manage stress or interact with coworkers.
The timeline for approval varies. Initial applications may take several months, including the time it can take to collect medical records, document symptoms and limitations, and establish a consistent treatment history. After filing the claim, the SSA may take several months to issue its decision. They may deny the claim, which can extend the process through appeals and hearings. An experienced disability attorney in St. Louis can support your claim from the start, help move the process forward, and request a hearing if the SSA initially denies your claim.
In a perfect world, fibromyalgia would be documented by medical experts, but the truth is that many people don’t have the resources to go to the specialists necessary to confirm the condition, such as a rheumatologist.
Regardless of the level of care you have received for this condition, our Social Security Disability benefit lawyers will work with your general practitioner or specialist to prepare the most convincing disability report possible. In many cases, we have also helped clients locate free and low-cost care when they cannot afford to go to a doctor’s office.
For more information on receiving disability benefits for fibromyalgia, contact us today to schedule an appointment. From our St. Louis office, we proudly serve clients throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
We take pride in the strong professional and personal relationships we build with each client. You will meet with the attorney early on and that same attorney will be with you throughout the process. You can rely on us to give you honest advice about your options because this is the right thing to do.
As your advocates, we will remain by your side throughout the process, developing a strategy that fits your specific circumstances. Your legal and financial issues are unique, so we tailor our advice according to your situation. Many individuals and families have benefited from this legal approach.
