Skip to main content

Evidence checklist

Fibromyalgia

DC 502538 CFR § 4.71aMusculoskeletal

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Rheumatology evaluation documenting fibromyalgia diagnosisCritical

Evaluation by a rheumatologist applying ACR criteria: widespread pain index (WPI) >=7 and symptom severity scale (SSS) >=5, or WPI 4-6 and SSS >=9, persisting at a similar level for at least 3 months.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking fibromyalgia to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your fibromyalgia to military service, including physical trauma, PTSD, TBI, or other service stressors. Fibromyalgia is frequently secondary to PTSD or TBI.

Private provider · independent opinion
Tender point examination findings or widespread pain assessmentCritical

Documented findings from tender point survey or widespread pain assessment. Under the 2010 ACR diagnostic criteria, 18 tender points are no longer required, but documentation of widespread pain and symptom severity scale is essential.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of associated symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive symptoms)

Medical records documenting fatigue, non-restorative sleep, cognitive difficulties ("fibro fog"), headaches, IBS, and other associated symptoms that affect the symptom severity scale score.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (medications, physical therapy, pain management)

Records documenting treatment trials including duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other interventions with response or lack thereof.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ FibromyalgiaCritical

Standardized form capturing widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender point findings, and functional limitations. VA rates fibromyalgia under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.