Does fibromyalgia class as a disability and can you get a disabled badge for fibromyalgia? Is fibromyalgia on the disability list for handicap parking? We’re here today to answer these questions and more.
A handicap sticker for fibromyalgia can make life easier for people who suffer from this medical condition. A fibromyalgia handicap parking permit entitles its holder to park in designated handicap spots and, in many jurisdictions, in on-street, metered spots for free.
Below, we will find out what fibromyalgia is, what its symptoms are, and if you can get a disabled parking permit for fibromyalgia.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a common chronic medical condition that affects muscles and bones. It has no known cure, but symptoms can be managed and eased with a combination of medication, exercise, stress management, and healthy habits.
The causes of fibromyalgia are not known, but it seems to be caused by problems with how the spinal cord and brain process pain signals from nerves.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia?
The symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Muscle pain, twitching, tightness
- Low pain threshold
- Tender points
- Fatigue
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating and remembering
- Insomnia or bad quality sleep
- Anxiety, worry, depression
Can I Get A Disabled Badge For Fibromyalgia?
Yes, you can get a disabled parking permit for fibromyalgia in all US states.
Is Fibromyalgia On The Disability List?
Does fibromyalgia class as a disability? Fibromyalgia is not on the list of qualifying conditions for disabled parking. But people who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to qualify for disabled parking under two of the official qualifying conditions:
- An inability to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
- An inability to walk without the aid of an assistive device
Why Would Someone With Fibromyalgia Benefit From A Disabled Parking Permit?
A disabled badge for fibromyalgia enables its holder to:
- Park in designated disabled parking spots
- Park in metered, on-street spots for free in most jurisdictions
How Do You Get A Handicap Sticker For Fibromyalgia?
To get a handicap sticker for fibromyalgia, you should have a telemedicine consultation with a medical professional in your state. Once the medical professional has verified your suitability, they will sign a DMV application and email it to you. You can then finish the form and submit it to your local DMV.
What Fibromyalgia Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?
Handicap parking permits for fibromyalgia come in several types. Each US state has its own menu of disabled parking permits. In most states, versions of the following types of permits are available:
- Permanent disabled parking placard (usually valid for four years)
- Permanent disabled parking license plate
- Temporary disabled parking placard (usually valid for six months)
- Disabled Veterans license plate (for people whose disability is mostly military service-related)
- Organizational disabled parking permit (for organizations and institutions that transport disabled people)
Who Can Verify An Application For A Handicap Sticker For Fibromyalgia?
The following types of medical professionals can verify an application for a handicap sticker for fibromyalgia in most US states:
- Licensed physician
- Physician’s assistant
- Nurse practitioner
- Podiatrist
- Chiropractor
- Military doctor
- Optometrist
What Other Medical Conditions Qualify For A Handicap Sticker?
Other than fibromyalgia, there is a long list of medical conditions that qualify a person to use disabled parking. The full list of qualifying conditions that apply in the vast majority of states is as follows:
- An inability to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
- An inability to walk without the aid of an assistive device such as a cane, crutch, wheelchair, another assistive device, or another person
- Lung disease
- Portable oxygen tank usage
- A heart condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association
- Legal blindness
- An arthritic, orthopedic, or neurological condition that severely hampers mobility
Where Are Handicap Stickers For Fibromyalgia Valid?
Handicap stickers for fibromyalgia, issued by any US state, are valid in the following places:
- All US states
- All overseas US territories
- The following countries: Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, EU, Great Britain
Do I Have To Renew My Handicap Sticker For Fibromyalgia?
Handicap stickers for fibromyalgia need to be renewed when they expire. Handicap parking permits in each state expire after different periods of time. In most states, permanent permits expire after four years and temporary permits expire after six months. To renew your handicap sticker for fibromyalgia, you need to submit an application to your local DMV.
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