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Can You Get Disability Benefits for Fibromyalgia in Florida?

If you live in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, or anywhere on the Space Coast and you’re unable to work because of constant pain or mental health struggles, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Does Social Security actually pay for ‘invisible’ conditions like mine?” The short answer is yes — but only if you know exactly how to prove it.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues like “brain fog,” though the exact cause is unknown. It’s still a mystery to health professionals world-wide. It is estimated that 2% to 8% of the U.S. adult population suffers from fibromyalgia, which translates to about 10 million people. Globally, the prevalence is estimated to be around 2.7%. Fibromyalgia disproportionately affects women, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 55.

This disease is especially hard to nail down and get approved by the SSA. Fibromyalgia remains one of the most denied conditions at the initial and reconsideration levels in Florida — roughly 62-72% denial rate statewide. But at the hearing level in front of an Administrative Law Judge, the approval odds flip dramatically. Why? Because most people submit the wrong evidence or lack evidence.

The #1 mistake Melbourne-area claimants make: relying only on their primary-care doctor. Judges in the Fort Myers ODAR (the office that handles all Brevard hearings) give far more weight to rheumatologists.

Basically, following the correct path from your PCP to one or more specialists helps eliminate doubt in the reviewer’s mind. The point of the application is to prove you have fibromyalgia and that you are unable to work. Never assume that the SSA employee will spend extra time to perform their own due diligence in order to help you. It all needs to be there in black and white.

Real 2025 Melbourne win: 44-year-old former teacher from Cocoa Beach — diagnosed with fibromyalgia + chronic migraines. After we obtained a 4-page treating-source statement from her rheumatologist and submitted a 147-page pre-hearing brief, her case was approved on-the-record (no hearing needed) in just 11 weeks.

You can start receiving disability benefits if you suffer from this condition. You just need to have the right evidence to prove your case. That’s what disability attorneys like us do so well. Contact us today for help.