The Social Security Administration has issued a ruling concerning the evaluation of fibromyalgia in claims for disability benefits. Effect July 25, 2012, the ruling states fibromyalgia is a medically determinable impairment. With appropriate medical evidence of the condition, there is a basis for finding of a disability.
Those claiming disability must have a diagnosis by a licensed medical practitioner. Criteria from either the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria or the 1990 American College of Rheumatology Criteria for Classification of Fibromyalgia must be used as evidence of the diagnosis.
The Social Security Administration recognizes the symptoms of fibromyalgia will vary in severity over time and may even not be present on some days. The SSA will consider additional medical evidence including a review of doctor’s notes and the symptoms experienced by the claimants. Once a diagnosis has been established, the SSA will consider it during the regular evaluation process for determining whether a person is disabled.
