Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CF) are characterized by extreme exhaustion, very poor stamina and problems with short-term memory and concentration. Other symptoms may include severe joint and muscle pain, tender lymph nodes, unrefreshing sleep, headaches and a sore throat.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are now a recognized medically determinable impairment by Social Security. Fibromyalgia is pain in several areas or all over body with no functional or structural disease to explain the pain. The American College of Rheumatology defines fibromyalgia as a history of widespread pain lasting longer than 3 months, with pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points, and the pain cannot be attributed to another illness mimicking fibromyalgia. You should be diagnosed and seen regularly by a rheumatologist the diagnosis should include a physical and neurological exam including trigger points.  Social Security will accept a diagnosis of fibromyalgia if a physical and neurological exam is taken by a rheumatologist.  Symptoms include but are not limited to headaches, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, multiple trigger points (tender), fatigue, numbness, depression, difficulty with memory or concentration, sleep disturbance, and vestibular dysfunction.  The disease is usually caused by some trauma such as sexual or physical abuse, or illness.

Social Security Ruling SSR99-2p addresses fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.  This ruling clearly shows Social Security now considers fibromyalgia to be a medically determinable impairment.  To see this ruling go to Social Security’s web site by clicking on the ruling SSR99-2p.