Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences navigating the challenging process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits with fibromyalgia, with... Read more

Members shared their experiences navigating the challenging process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits with fibromyalgia, with the overwhelming consensus being that hiring a disability lawyer is essential and that approval typically takes two to three years, often requiring multiple denials and appeals before success. Several members emphasized that having multiple diagnoses alongside fibromyalgia significantly strengthens a case, that younger applicants face more difficulty than those over 50, and that maintaining consistent medical records and doctor appointments is crucial for demonstrating the severity of symptoms. A recurring theme was persistence in the face of repeated denials, with members encouraging each other to keep reapplying, noting that many disability lawyers work on contingency and only get paid a percentage if the case is won.