Fibromyalgia disability process: Difference between revisions

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Line 54: Line 54:


===== TMJ, tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness =====
===== TMJ, tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness =====
[https://www.everydayhearing.com/balance/articles/what-to-expect-at-your-vng-test/ What to Expect at Your VNG/ENG Test]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.everydayhearing.com/balance/articles/what-to-expect-at-your-vng-test/|title=What to Expect at Your VNG/ENG Test|last=Banks|first=Lindsey|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Feb 11, 2017|website=Everyday Hearing|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref>
:*An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) ([http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/otorhinolaryngology-ent/overview otorhinolaryngology]) examination and imaging may be ordered for [[temporomandibular joint disorder]] (TMJ).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verywellhealth.com/tmj-in-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-716175|title=TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment With Fibromyalgia and CFS|last=Dellwo|first=Adrienne|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Nov 29, 2018|website=Verywell Health|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780|title=Fibromyalgia - Symptoms and causes|website=Mayo Clinic|language=en|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref>  
:*An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) ([http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/otorhinolaryngology-ent/overview otorhinolaryngology]) examination and imaging may be ordered for [[temporomandibular joint disorder]] (TMJ).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verywellhealth.com/tmj-in-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-716175|title=TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment With Fibromyalgia and CFS|last=Dellwo|first=Adrienne|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Nov 29, 2018|website=Verywell Health|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780|title=Fibromyalgia - Symptoms and causes|website=Mayo Clinic|language=en|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref>  
:*[https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/infectious_diseases/lymphadenitis_134,80 Lymph infections],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verywellhealth.com/swollen-glands-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-3973026|title=Swollen Glands With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome|last=Dellwo|first=Adrienne|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Feb 13, 2018|website=Verywell Health|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref> and [https://www.onlymyhealth.com/symptoms-ear-nose-throat-infection-1305711488 ear, sinus, throat] and [[tinnitus]] can also be documented (although not found to be FM related.)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Iikuni|first=Fusako|last2=Nomura|first2=Yasuyuki|last3=Goto|first3=Fumiyuki|last4=Murakami|first4=Masato|last5=Shigihara|first5=Shuntaro|last6=Ikeda|first6=Minoru|date=2013-10|title=Why do patients with fibromyalgia complain of ear-related symptoms? Ear-related symptoms and otological findings in patients with fibromyalgia|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700040/|journal=Clinical Rheumatology|volume=32|issue=10|pages=1437–1441|doi=10.1007/s10067-013-2287-2|issn=1434-9949|pmid=23700040}}</ref>   
:*[https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/infectious_diseases/lymphadenitis_134,80 Lymph infections],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verywellhealth.com/swollen-glands-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-3973026|title=Swollen Glands With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome|last=Dellwo|first=Adrienne|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Feb 13, 2018|website=Verywell Health|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref> and [https://www.onlymyhealth.com/symptoms-ear-nose-throat-infection-1305711488 ear, sinus, throat] and [[tinnitus]] can also be documented (although not found to be FM related.)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Iikuni|first=Fusako|last2=Nomura|first2=Yasuyuki|last3=Goto|first3=Fumiyuki|last4=Murakami|first4=Masato|last5=Shigihara|first5=Shuntaro|last6=Ikeda|first6=Minoru|date=2013-10|title=Why do patients with fibromyalgia complain of ear-related symptoms? Ear-related symptoms and otological findings in patients with fibromyalgia|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700040/|journal=Clinical Rheumatology|volume=32|issue=10|pages=1437–1441|doi=10.1007/s10067-013-2287-2|issn=1434-9949|pmid=23700040}}</ref>   
:*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videonystagmography Videonystagmography] (VNG) testing if you experience [[dizziness]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verywellhealth.com/fibromyalgia-dizziness-balance-and-falls-4129174|title=The Risk of Dizziness and Falls in Fibromyalgia|last=Dellwo|first=Adrienne|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Jan 22, 2019|website=Verywell Health|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fibromyalgiaresources.com/fibromyalgia-dizziness-balancing/|title=» 10 Tips To Stop Fibromyalgia Dizziness and Balancing|last=Rana|first=M G|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref>
:*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videonystagmography Videonystagmography] (VNG) testing if you experience [[dizziness]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verywellhealth.com/fibromyalgia-dizziness-balance-and-falls-4129174|title=The Risk of Dizziness and Falls in Fibromyalgia|last=Dellwo|first=Adrienne|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=Jan 22, 2019|website=Verywell Health|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fibromyalgiaresources.com/fibromyalgia-dizziness-balancing/|title=» 10 Tips To Stop Fibromyalgia Dizziness and Balancing|last=Rana|first=M G|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-02-02}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.everydayhearing.com/balance/articles/what-to-expect-at-your-vng-test/|title=What to Expect at Your VNG/ENG Test - Everyday Hearing|last=Banks|first=Lindsey|date=2014-05-07|work=Everyday Hearing|access-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-US}}</ref>


Of course, one can have arthritis, [[sleep apnea]], [[Chronic lyme disease|chronic lyme disease]] or other diseases and still have FM, but there may be a treatable condition where a patient's overall health, including their FM, improves.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/common-misdiagnoses-of-fibromyalgia#1|title=Common Misdiagnoses of Fibromyalgia|work=WebMD|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/overlapping-and-related-conditions|title=Overlapping and Related Conditions {{!}} CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help|website=www.cfidsselfhelp.org|access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=22315|title=When Fibromyalgia Is More than Pain - Prohealth|date=2016-01-08|work=Prohealth|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref>
Of course, one can have arthritis, [[sleep apnea]], [[Chronic lyme disease|chronic lyme disease]] or other diseases and still have FM, but there may be a treatable condition where a patient's overall health, including their FM, improves.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/common-misdiagnoses-of-fibromyalgia#1|title=Common Misdiagnoses of Fibromyalgia|work=WebMD|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/overlapping-and-related-conditions|title=Overlapping and Related Conditions {{!}} CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help|website=www.cfidsselfhelp.org|access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=22315|title=When Fibromyalgia Is More than Pain - Prohealth|date=2016-01-08|work=Prohealth|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref>

Revision as of 20:02, February 2, 2019

The Fibromyalgia disability process page house the information on the United States SSI/SSD and LTD process for Fibromyalgia. Information on this page may help patients in other countries. This page is for information purposes only. It is not legal advice and it should not be relied upon in taking steps to file for disability.

United States[edit | edit source]

Preparing For Your Social Security Disability Hearing: What To Expect By Michles Booth (2015)

Please Note: The following is NOT legal advice and it should not be relied upon in taking steps for a disability case. Only Social Security and a disability lawyer can provide the most up to date and the correct legal avenue for bringing a disability case.

In the United States, Social Security Insurance and Social Security Disability (SSI) and (SSD) benefits are available for fibromyalgia. Generally, for SSI/SSD, notes and tests from a Primary Provider may be allowed for submission (if a specialist has reviewed the tests) but Specialists such as a rheumatologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, etc. are required for diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and completing SSI/SSD paperwork.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) now accepts a diagnosis of fibromyalgia with the 1990[1] or 2010[2] American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria.[3]

SSI/SSD information and help[edit | edit source]

For documentation of symptoms and co-morbidities of an FM diagnosis, you and your doctor should consider the following examinations and tests:

Examinations and tests[edit | edit source]

Not every test will be recommended by your doctor or be necessary if patient is not exhibiting certain symptoms.

A whole body bone scan (Bone scintigraphy) is a nuclear medicine test. Arthritis, avascular necrosis, bone cancers, cancers that have spread to the bone, fibrous dysplasia, fractures, infection involving the bone, and Pagets disease can be diagnosed using this scan.[7]
Bone Scan This video shows what people may experience when they are having a bones scan. By MFTNHS (2015)
Fibromyaglia diagnostic examination[edit | edit source]
  • Rheumatologist examination and diagnosis of FM. (Consider having a rheumatologist order tests and coordinate referrals of other specialists for examinations and testing. Only specialists can complete Social Security paperwork. A primary doctor cannot complete disability paperwork but may be able to forward test results they have ordered if a specialist has reviewed them.)
Arthritis[edit | edit source]
Blood tests[edit | edit source]
FM/a® blood test[edit | edit source]
Gastrointestinal[edit | edit source]
Mental health and cognition[edit | edit source]
Tilt Table Test This interactive video explains what you can expect during the tilt table test. By eMedTV (2009)
Orthostatic intolerance[edit | edit source]
Sleep dysfunction[edit | edit source]
Vestibular Tests: VNG - Boys Town National Research Hospital In our Vestibular Tests Video Series, Kristen Janky, Au.D, Ph.D., CCC-A, Vestibular Audiologist at Boys Town National Research Hospital, explains the VNG test. By BoysTownHospital (2015)
TMJ, tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness[edit | edit source]

What to Expect at Your VNG/ENG Test[34]

Of course, one can have arthritis, sleep apnea, chronic lyme disease or other diseases and still have FM, but there may be a treatable condition where a patient's overall health, including their FM, improves.[41][42][43]

There have been cases of vitamin D deficiency being misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia as a D deficiency can cause pain. Supplementation or prescribed D treatments may alleviate this pain. However, it is possible to have both a D deficiency and fibromyalgia and correcting the deficiency will only resolve the pain stemming from it.[44]

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

LTD claims[edit | edit source]

Fibromyalgia: Are Courts Starting To Favor Long Term Disability Claimants? By Disability Insurance Attorneys Dell & Schaefer (2017)

SSI/SSD legal process[edit | edit source]

Social Security Disability and Fibromyalgia: is there any Hope I can Win? By Social Security Disability videos (2014)
Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability: Doctor's Advice By LawMed Disability Attorneys (2018)

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Wolfe, Frederick; Smythe, Hugh; Yunus, Muhammad; Bennett, Robert; Bombardier, Claire; Goldenberg, Don; Tugwell, Peter; Campbell, Stephen (1990). "The American College of Rheumatology Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia" (PDF). rheumatology.org. Abeles, Micha; Clark, Patricia; Fam, Adel; Farber, Stephen; Fiechtner, Justus; Franklin, Michael; Gatter, Robert; Hamaty, Daniel; Lessard, James; Lightbroun, Alan; Masi, Alfonse; McCain, Glenn; Reynolds, W. John; Romano, Thomas; Russell, Jon; Sheon, Robert. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  2. "American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia" (PDF). fibroknowledge.com (PDF). 2010. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  3. 3.0 3.1 ORDP,OPPS (July 25, 2012). "Social Security Ruling: SSR 12-2p". www.ssa.gov. Retrieved August 9, 2018. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  4. Laurence, Bethany. "Social Security Disability (SSDI & SSI) for Fibromyalgia". www.disabilitysecrets.com. Retrieved August 9, 2018. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  5. "Fibromyalgia Disability". MDJunction. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  6. "Fibromyalgia Disability: Applying for Disability Benefits With Fibromyalgia". NewLifeOutlook | Fibromyalgia. October 3, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  7. Krans, Brian (December 13, 2017). "Bone Scan: Purpose, Procedure, and Risks". Healthline. Retrieved August 21, 2018. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  8. "Bone scintigraphy". Wikipedia. May 22, 2018.
  9. 9.0 9.1 perceptivadmin. "Home". EpicGenetics' FM/a® Test is FDA-compliant and has successfully diagnosed patients with fibromyalgia since 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  10. Diabetes, A. D. W. (September 1, 2015). "Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Diabetes". ADW Diabetes. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  11. Fogoros, Richard N.; Shomon, Mary (January 22, 2019). "The Connection Between Hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  12. "How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?". WebMD. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Mandal, Ananya (June 25, 2013). "Common Conditions that Mimic Fibromyalgia". News-Medical.net. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  14. Hughes, Grant; MD (November 16, 2018). "Can B12 Help With Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  15. Dix, Robin (February 10, 2017). "Vitamin B12 Deficiency Could Affect Your Fibromyalgia". Fibromyalgia News Today. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  16. "Vitamin D and fibromyalgia". Vitamin D Council. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  17. Hughes, Grant; MD (March 1, 2018). "What Vitamin D Can Do for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  18. Tweed, Katherine (October 17, 2017). "Fibromyalgia and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)". News-Medical.net. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  19. Mandal, Ananya (March 19, 2013). "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Fibromyalgia". News-Medical.net. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  20. Hughes, Grant; MD (June 8, 2018). "Gluten Intolerance in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  21. Garcia-Leiva, Juan Miguel (August 15, 2014). "Celiac Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Patients". Prohealth. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  22. Thomas, Liji (October 17, 2017). "Fibromyalgia and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)". News-Medical.net. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  23. "Fibromyalgia and Depression". WebMD. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  24. 24.0 24.1 "Fibromyalgia | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA". adaa.org. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  25. Sher, Daniel. "How Are Anxiety and Fibromyalgia Connected?". www.calmclinic.com. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  26. Mandal, Ananya (June 3, 2013). "What is Fibro Fog? - Fibromyalgia and Cognitive Dysfunction". News-Medical.net. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  27. Dix, Robin (June 20, 2017). "Fibromyalgia, Fibro Fog and Cognitive Dysfunction". Fibromyalgia News Today. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  28. Hughes, Grant; MD (March 7, 2018). "Orthostatic Intolerance Can Happen When You Stand Up Too Quickly". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  29. 29.0 29.1 Campbell, Bruce. "Overlapping and Related Conditions | ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help". cfsselfhelp.org. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  30. Zamunér, Antonio Roberto; Porta, Alberto; Andrade, Carolina Pieroni; Forti, Meire; Marchi, Andrea; Furlan, Raffaello; Barbic, Franca; Catai, Aparecida Maria; Silva, Ester (2017). "The degree of cardiac baroreflex involvement during active standing is associated with the quality of life in fibromyalgia patients". PloS One. 12 (6): e0179500. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0179500. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 5470709. PMID 28614420.
  31. Yun, Dong Joo; Choi, Han Na; Oh, Gun-Sei (2013-7). "A Case of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Associated with Migraine and Fibromyalgia". The Korean Journal of Pain. 26 (3): 303–306. doi:10.3344/kjp.2013.26.3.303. ISSN 2005-9159. PMC 3710947. PMID 23862007. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. Dellwo, Adrienne (November 16, 2018). "Living With Both Restless Legs Syndrome in Fibromyalgia". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  33. "Fibromyalgia and Sleep". www.sleepfoundation.org. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  34. Banks, Lindsey (February 11, 2017). "What to Expect at Your VNG/ENG Test". Everyday Hearing. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  35. Dellwo, Adrienne (November 29, 2018). "TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment With Fibromyalgia and CFS". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  36. "Fibromyalgia - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  37. Dellwo, Adrienne (February 13, 2018). "Swollen Glands With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  38. Iikuni, Fusako; Nomura, Yasuyuki; Goto, Fumiyuki; Murakami, Masato; Shigihara, Shuntaro; Ikeda, Minoru (2013-10). "Why do patients with fibromyalgia complain of ear-related symptoms? Ear-related symptoms and otological findings in patients with fibromyalgia". Clinical Rheumatology. 32 (10): 1437–1441. doi:10.1007/s10067-013-2287-2. ISSN 1434-9949. PMID 23700040. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. Dellwo, Adrienne (January 22, 2019). "The Risk of Dizziness and Falls in Fibromyalgia". Verywell Health. Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  40. Rana, M G. "» 10 Tips To Stop Fibromyalgia Dizziness and Balancing". Retrieved February 2, 2019. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  41. "Common Misdiagnoses of Fibromyalgia". WebMD. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  42. "Overlapping and Related Conditions | CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help". www.cfidsselfhelp.org. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  43. "When Fibromyalgia Is More than Pain - Prohealth". Prohealth. January 8, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  44. Shaw, Gina. "Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Chronic Pain?". WebMD. Retrieved August 9, 2018. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  45. Silver, Lily (April 17, 2017). "The Sleepy Girl Guide to Social Security Disability (U.S.) | #MEAction". www.meaction.net. Retrieved August 9, 2018. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  46. Skelton Preston, Patty (March 20, 2017). "How Patty's Lawyer Never Told Her What She Needed to Know". How to Get On. Retrieved August 9, 2018. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  47. "21 Sample Doctor Letters for Disability". How to Get On. May 1, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  48. Dell, George; Jessup, Stephen (March 15, 2017). "Fibromyalgia: Are Courts Starting To Favor Long Term Disability Claimants?". YouTube. Disability Insurance Attorneys Dell & Schaefer. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  49. Ginsburg, Jonathan (April 21, 2014). "Social Security Disability and Fibromyalgia: is there any Hope I can Win?". YouTube. Social Security Disability videos. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  50. Bohan, Anthony (March 23, 2018). "Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability: Doctor's Advice". YouTube. LawMed Disability Attorneys. Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)