Living with chronic pain or fibromyalgia can be exhausting — physically, emotionally, and financially. If you’re in Miami and struggling to work because of ongoing pain, you may be wondering if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
The good news? Yes, it’s possible to get approved for disability benefits for chronic pain or fibromyalgia — but the process can be complicated. Here's what you need to know and how disability lawyer in Miami, FL, can help you succeed.
🌴 Why It's Harder to Get Approved for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain
Unlike some conditions that show up clearly on lab tests or X-rays, fibromyalgia and chronic pain are often considered “invisible illnesses.” That means:
- There’s no single test that proves you have it
- Symptoms are often based on how you feel, not what a doctor can measure
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) is very strict about proof
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck — it just means your case needs to be built carefully with the right evidence.
🏥 What the SSA Looks for in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Cases
To qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) in Miami, you need to show that your condition:
- Has lasted (or will last) for at least 12 months
- Makes it impossible to do your past work or adjust to new work
- Is backed up by strong medical documentation
For fibromyalgia specifically, the SSA follows guidelines that require:There’s no single test that proves you have it
- A diagnosis from a rheumatologist or other specialist
- Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body
- At least 11 out of 18 positive “tender points”
- Ongoing symptoms like fatigue, memory problems, or sleep disturbances
- Has lasted (or will last) for at least 12 months
🗂️ Building a Strong Disability Case in Miami
Here’s how to improve your chances of getting approved:
1. Regular Medical Treatment Go to your doctor consistently. If you’re not being treated regularly, the SSA may assume your condition isn’t severe.
2. Specialist Support Seeing a specialist (like a rheumatologist, pain management doctor, or neurologist) adds credibility to your diagnosis.
3. Detailed Medical Records Make sure your records explain how your pain affects your daily life — like walking, sitting, sleeping, or focusing.
4. RFC Form (Residual Functional Capacity) Ask your doctor to complete an RFC form, which outlines exactly what you can’t do physically or mentally. This is one of the most powerful tools in your case.
⚖️ Why a Miami Disability Attorney Can Help
Here in Miami, the SSA offices and hearing offices handle thousands of disability cases — and unfortunately, many get denied the first time around.
An experienced Social Security Disability attorney in Miami can help you:
- Gather the right medical evidence
- Get helpful forms and statements from your doctors
- File an appeal if you’ve been denied
- Represent you at your hearing and fight for your case
And the best part? You don’t pay anything upfront. Attorneys only get paid if you win your case.
✅ Final Thoughts
Dealing with chronic pain or fibromyalgia is hard enough — trying to convince the government you deserve help shouldn’t make it harder. If you live in the Miami area and are thinking about applying for disability benefits (or have already been denied), we’re here to help. An experienced attorney knows how to build strong cases for chronic pain and fibromyalgia — and we’re ready to stand by your side.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is right now being investigated in patients having different types of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathy.
