Veterans: Unlocking VA Benefits — How to Get Approved for Fibromyalgia as a Secondary Condition to PTSD

Introduction: A New Hope for Veterans Battling Fibromyalgia and PTSD

Many veterans return from service carrying not only visible wounds but also invisible battles like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over time, some of these veterans begin experiencing chronic pain throughout their bodies — pain that doctors may later diagnose as fibromyalgia.

What many veterans do not know is that fibromyalgia can be claimed as a secondary condition to PTSD under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability system. This approach has become a powerful tool for veterans seeking increased disability compensation and recognition for their suffering.

This article offers a complete guide to understanding, documenting, and getting approved for fibromyalgia as a secondary condition to PTSD in your VA disability claim.

Why Fibromyalgia is Connected to PTSD in Veterans

The Body’s Stress Response and Chronic Pain

When the body is exposed to long-term stress, like what occurs in PTSD, it can trigger complex changes in the brain and nervous system. These changes often lead to conditions like:

Increased pain sensitivity
Nervous system dysregulation
Muscle stiffness and tenderness
Fatigue and sleep disturbances

This pattern of symptoms closely resembles fibromyalgia, which is why many veterans with PTSD later develop this painful disorder.

VA’s Recognition of Fibromyalgia as a Secondary Condition

Fibromyalgia in VA Disability Claims

The VA recognizes fibromyalgia as a diagnosable condition eligible for disability compensation. While fibromyalgia is commonly listed as a primary condition, veterans can file it as secondary to PTSD when they can show a clear medical link between the two.

This is important because claiming fibromyalgia secondary to PTSD may increase a veteran’s overall disability rating, leading to higher compensation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Veterans Can Get Approved

Step 1: Obtain a Clear Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

To begin your claim, you must have an official diagnosis of fibromyalgia from a medical professional. This diagnosis should include:

Description of symptoms
Duration of symptoms (usually more than 3 months)
Evidence of widespread pain
Trigger points on examination
Sleep issues or cognitive difficulties

Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence Linking Fibromyalgia to PTSD

The success of a secondary condition claim depends on showing a direct connection between your PTSD and your fibromyalgia. This evidence may include:

Medical records showing PTSD symptoms predating fibromyalgia
Notes from your physician linking stress from PTSD to chronic pain
Expert opinions from doctors or psychologists
VA medical literature that supports the PTSD–fibromyalgia connection

Step 3: File a Secondary Service Connection Claim

When filing your VA claim, be sure to:

List PTSD as your primary service-connected condition
Add fibromyalgia as a secondary condition
Attach all medical evidence
Submit a Nexus Letter from your doctor, if possible, stating that your fibromyalgia is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by PTSD

What the VA Looks For When Reviewing Your Claim

Critical Factors in the Approval Process

Consistent documentation of PTSD diagnosis
Medical proof of fibromyalgia diagnosis
Strong medical evidence connecting the two
Symptoms impacting daily life and work
Statements from friends or family (buddy letters)

Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Fibromyalgia

The VA rates fibromyalgia under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5025. Ratings typically fall into:

10% — Symptoms only episodic with long periods of remission
20% — Symptoms more frequent but controlled by medication
40% — Symptoms constant or nearly so, refractory to therapy

Adding fibromyalgia as a secondary condition could significantly increase your total disability rating, especially when combined with PTSD.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing

Failing to provide a Nexus Letter
Incomplete medical documentation
Not linking fibromyalgia clearly to PTSD
Assuming VA will automatically make the connection without evidence

FAQs About Fibromyalgia as a Secondary Condition to PTSD

1. Can stress from PTSD really cause fibromyalgia?

Yes, chronic stress from PTSD can change how the brain processes pain, contributing to fibromyalgia.

2. Do I need a separate diagnosis for fibromyalgia?

Absolutely. You must have a clear and documented medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

3. Can I claim fibromyalgia as a primary condition?

Yes, but claiming it as secondary to PTSD strengthens your case for higher ratings if PTSD is already service-connected.

4. Does the VA automatically consider fibromyalgia secondary to PTSD?

No, you must file it specifically as a secondary condition and provide supporting evidence.

5. Can I still work if I have fibromyalgia rated by the VA?

Yes, but severe cases may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

6. How long does the claim process take?

It varies, but most secondary condition claims take several months, depending on evidence provided.

Conclusion: Turning Invisible Pain Into Recognized Disability

Fibromyalgia secondary to PTSD is real, debilitating, and increasingly recognized by the VA. With the right documentation, medical support, and understanding of the process, veterans can secure the benefits they deserve. If you are a veteran living with both PTSD and fibromyalgia, do not give up hope. The road to recognition and compensation may be challenging, but it is absolutely achievable with persistence and the correct strategy.