Many individuals throughout the Los Angeles area are dealing with the medical impacts of fibromyalgia. This serious condition may impact the way your body processes pain, leaving you with levels of pain that make it difficult to go about your daily life or hold a steady career.
The effects of fibromyalgia on your life may lead to you apply for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You could qualify for SSDI benefits, even if SSA initially denied your claim. Find out how by contacting the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to speak with a Los Angeles fibromyalgia lawyer. It is easy to reach us, just call (800) 794-0444.
We Understand the Severity of Fibromyalgia in Los Angeles
Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition that has a history of mischaracterization in the medical field. For a long time, medical professionals went back and forth regarding the accuracy of a fibromyalgia diagnosis and, even today, it may be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for this condition. Often this is because the musculoskeletal pain has no clear physical “source.”
Instead, fibromyalgia may be caused by an event that does not leave behind obvious physical damage. You could develop fibromyalgia after going through:
- Surgery
- A major infection
- Physical trauma
- Psychological stress
The fibromyalgia may remain even after you fully recover from all physical effects of another injury or illness. If you are dealing with fibromyalgia, you could end up experiencing other symptoms besides widespread pain across your body. You may also experience:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive issues including problems with your memory
Additionally, individuals with fibromyalgia could experience migraines, joint disorders, painful bladder syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome. These conditions are not side-effects of fibromyalgia; they are conditions that often exist alongside fibromyalgia.
How the SSA Establishes a Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
As we mentioned, it may be difficult to get a clear diagnosis of fibromyalgia in Los Angeles. To get compensation through the Social Security Administration (SSA), the organization must determine if your fibromyalgia is a medically determinable impairment (MDI). Generally, the SSA looks for:
- Evidence that you have felt widespread pain for a significant amount of time
- Proof that you have 11 tender points on both sides of your body and both above and below your waist
- Signs that a different disorder or condition do not cause your pain and symptoms
You should be aware that there are 36 possible “tender point sites” in the body used in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. There are 18 spots on each side of the body. They occur from the base of the skull down to the inside of your knee. For your fibromyalgia to be considered an MDI, you must demonstrate tenderness in 11 of these spots.
You must also be able to demonstrate a medical record showing that you experienced widespread pain for at least three months. You do not have to experience this pain at all times. However, it must be present with regular frequency for your fibromyalgia to qualify as an MDI.
For a free legal consultation with a Fibromyalgia Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Additional Difficulties Getting Benefits for Fibromyalgia
Due to the nature of fibromyalgia, it may be difficult to secure approval from the SSA. When you apply for benefits, you may need to provide extensive information to get your claim approved. The SSA may request information from your physician. However, in addition to the report from your healthcare provider, the SSA may want information from psychologists and nonmedical sources, such as your family, friends, teachers, or even past employers.
You may not have thought to include this information in your initial application for benefits. A Los Angeles fibromyalgia lawyer may be able to help you gather up supporting evidence to demonstrate that you have fibromyalgia and that the condition prevents you from working, so you are ready to file your application or appeal a denial of benefits.
Los Angeles Fibromyalgia Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
The Time Frame to Get Disability Benefits in Los Angeles
The SSA does not generally provide SSDI benefits right away when you develop a serious medical condition. In cases involving fibromyalgia, they may want proof that you have experienced symptoms for up to a year or will likely experience them for at least a year before they approve your claim. No matter your ailment, you will likely have to wait five months to begin getting benefits.
Additionally, you may have to demonstrate that your condition does not allow you to work. You must show that fibromyalgia may prevent you from working for at least a year to get SSDI benefits. Finally, you may not be eligible to receive SSDI benefits if you did not work in a job before developing fibromyalgia.
SSA funds SSDI benefits through payroll taxes. If you did not work in a job that required you to pay payroll taxes and you did not pay into Social Security in another way, you may be unable to receive SSDI benefits, regardless of the severity of your condition and the amount of time it may last.
Click to contact our Fibromyalgia Lawyers today
Appeal a Denial for SSA Benefits for Fibromyalgia
Securing disability benefits for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in Los Angeles may be difficult. It is not unusual to receive an initial denial of your claim. However, you may appeal the SSA’s decision with the help of a Los Angeles fibromyalgia lawyer.
Here at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we are not afraid to take on tough cases. Allow us to go over your medical records and to collect supporting documents for your SSDI application. We are standing by to begin working on your appeal right now, so reach out to us today.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact a Los Angeles Fibromyalgia Lawyer Now
Was your claim for SSDI benefits denied after you were diagnosed with fibromyalgia? Get help appealing your denial today by contacting the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. You may reach out to us for help by calling (800) 794-0444 or filling out our online contact form. Start working on your appeal with a Los Angeles fibromyalgia lawyer.
You can discuss the facts of your case with us now with a free consultation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
