Can You Get SSDI for Chronic Pain or Fibromyalgia?

 Posted on December 07, 2025 in Social Security Disability

Living with chronic pain or fibromyalgia can create daily challenges. Tasks that used to be easy, like driving and working, can become overwhelming. If you are living with one of these conditions, you may be able to access benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The process can be confusing because pain and fatigue are hard to measure, but we can help. Our Collin County, TX SSDI lawyers can help you understand how the system works, improving your chances of approval.

Does the SSA Recognize Fibromyalgia as a Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes fibromyalgia as a possible disability under Social Security Ruling (SSR) 12-2p. To qualify, you must have medical evidence from a licensed doctor, usually a physician or rheumatologist. Your medical records need to show that you have widespread pain lasting at least three months. They should also describe symptoms such as fatigue, memory problems, or difficulty sleeping.

The SSA will look for consistent treatment notes, test results, and medical opinions that confirm your diagnosis. If the documentation shows that your symptoms limit your ability to work, your condition may meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Can You Get SSDI for Chronic Pain Without a Specific Diagnosis?

It is possible to get benefits without a specific diagnosis, but it is more difficult. Chronic pain can qualify for disability benefits even when doctors cannot find a single cause. However, the SSA must see medical evidence that clearly shows how the pain affects your ability to work. You can submit any relevant medical testing, such as MRIs or X-rays that help rule out other conditions, along with blood tests or detailed treatment notes from your doctor.

The SSA uses a rule found in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529 to review symptoms like pain by comparing medical findings with your own reports about how you function day to day. Your doctor may also complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. The form describes what you can still do, such as lifting, standing, or concentrating, despite your symptoms. Regular medical visits and follow-ups can show that your pain is ongoing and serious enough to affect your ability to work.

What Medical Records Help Prove Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain?

The most significant evidence you can provide for an SSDI claim is medical records. Information that can help strengthen your claim includes:

• Notes from your treating doctors or pain specialists

• Records from physical therapy or rehabilitation

• Lists of prescribed medications and their side effects

• Written statements from family, friends, or coworkers who see how your condition affects your daily life

Strong and consistent records help prove that your condition is real, ongoing, and prevents you from working full-time.

Why Might Disability Claims for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Be Denied at First?

Many valid SSDI claims are denied at first. The SSA might say that the medical records are not detailed enough or that they do not show how the symptoms prevent the person from working. Some claims are denied because the SSA believes the evidence does not meet the strict definition of disability under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a), which states that a disability must prevent substantial work activity for at least 12 continuous months.

If your claim is denied, do not lose hope. Many people are approved after filing an appeal, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Dallas, TX SSDI Attorney

With six decades of experience behind them, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd have built a strong reputation for guiding Texans through the Social Security Disability process. Their dedication to clients has earned them numerous honors and leadership positions in professional groups such as the National Association of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives and the Dallas Association of Social Security Claimants’ Attorneys.

To learn more about how you may qualify for SSDI benefits, contact our Collin County, TX SSDI lawyers today. Call 972-671-9922 to schedule your free consultation.