sample fibromyalgia disability letter

Breiz Heurope

3 min read

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10-03-2025

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Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Securing disability benefits can be crucial for managing the financial burden of this illness. A well-crafted disability letter is a critical component of your application. This guide provides examples and advice to help you create a compelling letter supporting your claim. Understanding how to write an effective letter significantly increases your chances of approval.

Understanding the Purpose of a Fibromyalgia Disability Letter

Your disability letter serves as a crucial piece of evidence to support your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It's your opportunity to comprehensively describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The goal is to convince the disability examiner that your fibromyalgia prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Key Elements of an Effective Fibromyalgia Disability Letter

A strong letter focuses on the impact of your symptoms, not just a list of diagnoses. Here's what to include:

1. Personal Information and Contact Details

• Start with your full name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and claim number.
• Clearly state the purpose of the letter: to support your disability claim for fibromyalgia.

2. Detailed Description of Symptoms

• Describe your pain: its location, intensity, frequency, and duration. Use descriptive language ("burning," "stabbing," "aching"). Avoid vague terms like "moderate pain."
• Explain other symptoms: fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction ("fibro fog"), headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other related conditions.
• Quantify your limitations: "I can only stand for 15 minutes before needing to sit," or "I experience severe fatigue after only 2 hours of light activity."

3. Impact on Daily Activities

• Describe how your symptoms affect your ability to perform daily tasks: showering, dressing, cooking, cleaning, working, socializing, and engaging in hobbies.
• Provide specific examples: "The pain in my hands prevents me from gripping a pen for more than a few minutes," or "My fatigue makes it impossible for me to maintain a consistent work schedule."

4. Medical Evidence and Treatment

• Reference your medical records, including diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and doctor's notes.
• Mention specific treatments and their effectiveness (or lack thereof): medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.
• Include the names and contact information of your doctors.

5. Functional Limitations

• List specific tasks you can no longer perform due to your fibromyalgia.
• Use the language of the disability criteria: describe limitations in lifting, carrying, standing, walking, sitting, reaching, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crouching, and other physical activities. Refer to the SSA's Blue Book.

6. Conclusion

• Reiterate your inability to work due to your severe and persistent fibromyalgia.
• Request approval for your disability claim.

Sample Fibromyalgia Disability Letter Snippets

Here are some examples of phrases you can adapt for your letter:

• Describing Pain: "I experience constant, widespread pain that fluctuates in intensity throughout the day. The pain is often described as a deep, aching sensation, most pronounced in my lower back, hips, and shoulders."

• Describing Fatigue: "My fatigue is debilitating. Even after a full night's sleep, I wake up feeling exhausted and struggle to perform simple tasks."

• Describing Cognitive Dysfunction: "I frequently experience 'fibro fog,' characterized by difficulty concentrating, remembering things, and processing information. This significantly impacts my ability to perform any job requiring mental focus."

• Impact on Daily Life: "Due to the constant pain and fatigue, I am unable to perform many daily activities independently. Simple tasks such as showering, dressing, and cooking require significant effort and often take much longer than they should."

Important Considerations

• Medical Documentation: Your letter should complement, not replace, medical evidence.
• Honesty and Accuracy: Be truthful and accurate in your descriptions.
• Professional Assistance: Consider consulting a disability lawyer or advocate for assistance with your claim. They can help you navigate the complex process and ensure your letter is as strong as possible.

This guide provides a framework for writing a compelling fibromyalgia disability letter. Remember to personalize it with your specific experiences and medical history. Thorough documentation and a well-written letter significantly increase your chances of a successful disability claim. Consult with your doctor and a legal professional for personalized advice.