Disability Lawyer Serving Orchard Park, West Seneca, Tonawanda, NY & Beyond
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, there is nothing worse than hearing someone say, “But you don't look sick.” People do not understand that crushing fatigue, feeling confused and spacey, and constant migrating pains are not visible to the eye. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome do not show up on x-rays and there is not a definite test to efficiently diagnose these diseases. It is also widely believed that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia disability are the same disease process.
In order to get benefits from these diseases, you have to establish a diagnosis in accordance with Social Security’s Medical Standards.
Did you know that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have different criteria for establishing a diagnosis for fibromyalgia and CFS?
The diagnosis of CFS can be made based on an individual's reported symptoms alone once other possible causes for the symptoms have been ruled out under the CDC. But Social Security has stated in SSR 99-2p that your inability to work must be due to a medically determinable impairment, the existence of which is established by medical signs and laboratory findings. Basically, that means that your reported symptoms may not be enough to prove that you suffer from CFS or fibromyalgia.
What Can Be Done
If your physician has diagnosed you correctly with CFS or Fibromyalgia, you may need to state that you have specific medical signs and laboratory results that the SSA recognizes in order to strengthen your disability case. This is where Diane S. Hinman Attorney at Law comes in. Our disability lawyers will work together with your physician to ensure that your medical records back up your case and you meet all of the SSA’s standards.
Overall, you will need to summarize how the disease is limiting the daily functions of your life. The SSA is interested in knowing the answers to these questions:
- On average how many days every month are you unable to function at home?
- How long do your debilitating symptoms last?
- Do you have difficulty planning or attending events because of unpredictable symptoms?
- Do any of the activities you try to do worsen your symptoms?
Contact Our Disability Lawyer to Schedule a Preliminary Consultation
If your fibromyalgia symptoms continue to hinder your day-to-day existence, it's imperative that you take action. Whether you're dealing with stiffness throughout your body or constant fatigue, there's simply no reason you should be forced to contend with this condition. Keeping this in mind, Diane S. Hinman Attorney at Law is constantly standing by to provide support. Our Social Security lawyer will ensure that you receive the proper compensation to help you get back on your feet again.
All you have to do is contact one of our knowledgeable representatives to schedule a preliminary consultation in the heart of Buffalo, NY. Our attorney is proud to represent clients throughout the Western New York region, including Amherst, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, Tonawanda, West Seneca, and beyond.