Fibromyalgia is real. We make the SSA treat it that way.
Disability for fibromyalgia is winnable — with the right record. Widespread pain, crushing fatigue, fibro fog — and a condition that doesn’t show up on an X-ray. Fibromyalgia claims are among the hardest to win alone and the most dependent on doing the record right. No fee unless we win.
How the SSA evaluates fibromyalgia claims
Fibromyalgia has no SSA listing of its own. Instead, the SSA evaluates it under Social Security Ruling 12-2p, which sets out exactly how fibromyalgia must be established as a medically determinable impairment: a physician’s diagnosis consistent with the American College of Rheumatology criteria, evidence that other causes were ruled out, and a documented history of widespread pain.
Because there is no objective scan that proves fibromyalgia, these claims live or die on documentation discipline: longitudinal treatment records, consistent symptom reporting, and a treating physician’s function-by-function opinion. That is precisely the kind of record a lawyer builds and an unrepresented claimant usually doesn’t.
What the SSA looks for
SSA evaluates the functional impact of your condition — how it limits your ability to sustain full-time work — not the diagnosis alone.
Fibromyalgia-related limitations SSA evaluates.
These are the functional limitations that most often determine whether a fibromyalgia claim is approved.
Established diagnosis
A physician’s diagnosis under the ACR criteria, with evidence that other conditions were excluded.
Longitudinal record
Months of consistent treatment notes documenting widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms — not a single visit.
Function, not labels
Concrete limits: how long you can sit, stand, and concentrate; how often symptoms would take you off task or out of work.
Winning disability for fibromyalgia: what we do.
Disability law is all we do. Here’s how we build a fibromyalgia claim that wins.
Build the record
We organize your treatment history into the SSR 12-2p framework so the diagnosis itself can’t be questioned.
Functional opinion
We work with your treating physician on an opinion that translates fibromyalgia into work terms: off-task time, absences, concentration limits.
Hearing-ready
We prepare you to testify credibly about variability — good days, bad days, and why sustained full-time work is impossible.
Fibromyalgia SSDI questions.
Is fibromyalgia a disability?
Why are fibromyalgia claims denied so often?
What evidence wins a fibromyalgia case?
Do I need to see a rheumatologist?
What does it cost to hire you?
Fibromyalgia keeping you from working? Let’s review.
Free case review. No obligation. We respond within 2 business hours.