Question:
I applied for disability on January 4th this year after having been out
of work since October 1996. I recently found out after a telephone
inquiry to Social Security for case status that they are proceeding to
investigate my application based on obesity because that is easier to
prove than fibromyalgia!!!
I gained 50 pounds after an auto accident that resulted in a lower back
injury and fibromyalgia. Prior to that I had held my weight at the same
level for 15 years or so by walking and roller skating. Of course, with
the Catch-22 of FM, I can't do those activities at the levels that
maintained my weight back then.
Has anyone been approved for Social Security Disability benefits based
SOLELY on a diagnosis of fibromyalgia??? Has anyone applied for benefits
with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia only to be approved for another
underlying condition that they feel should not be the basis of
benefits?
Answer:
I have received disability from Social Security for fibromyalgia and the
resulting depression. I was denied the first 2 levels. I asked for a hearing
but did not need one after someone in the judge's office read my file. It took
me approximately 14 mos from start to finish. They will be doing frequent
reviews as they feel that I could recover from this disease.
I would love to do something from home. Any ideas? Prior to becoming
disabled, I had worked with gang involved and at-risk youth and their families.
I don't have my degree because all my time was spent working. I, too, am
looking for an employer that would allow me to rest or go home as needed; that
will allow me unlimited sick time; that would not be offended or concerned when
brainfog sets in, and would not be worried about the amount of narcotics I need
to take to manage the pain.
If anyone has any ideas please throw them this way. I can logically understand
the pain and px problems with this DD. I am having a lot of trouble
emotionally with the pain, the horrible downturn my life has taken due to the
disease and the feelings of uselessness that have reared their ugly head.
