Fibromyalgia
Helping clients prove how fibromyalgia impacts daily life and work
Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. It causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties known as “fibro fog.”
Symptoms can vary from day to day and often flare without warning. Many people with fibromyalgia struggle with concentration, memory, and maintaining a consistent work schedule due to pain and exhaustion.
At Eric Buchanan and Associates, we understand that fibromyalgia is a real and disabling condition even though it does not always show up on traditional medical tests.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Widespread pain and stiffness
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue and low energy
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
These symptoms can limit physical activity, focus, and productivity in full time work environments.
Fibromyalgia Disability Claim Examples
Our Client v. BellSouth Long Term Disability Plan for Management Employees
No. 1:05-CV-546-BBM, 2006 WL 8431915 (N.D. Georgia 2006)
Our client filed for and received benefits from Broadspire after becoming disabled due to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome but later was terminated after the company claimed she was no longer disabled. We sued for the recovery of our client’s benefits, arguing that she was disabled under the definition of her plan. The court ruled that Broadspire acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner when denying her benefits, requiring the company and her previous employer to pay our client past disability benefits due plus interest.
How Insurance Companies Deny Fibromyalgia Disability Claims
- Medical Records: Denied due to lack of objective findings
- Symptom Variability: Flare ups used against you
- Doctor’s Opinions: Pain complaints minimized
- Vocational Analysis: Claims you can still do light work
Insurance companies often label fibromyalgia as subjective and exaggerate your ability to work. They downplay fatigue and cognitive struggles even when they prevent consistent job performance.