Appendix C: Evaluation of Fibromyalgia’s Effects on LEO Ability to Safely and Effectively Perform Essential Job Tasks
Fibromyalgia has a wide spectrum of impairment ranging from no functional limitations to marked functional impairment including, but not limited to. Inability to perform strenuous physical activities such as running and jumping, and limited cognitive ability (e.g., difficulty with problem solving, inability to safely handle firearms, etc.). Such impairments may result in the inability to perform essential job tasks and may increase the risk of sudden incapacitation. Sudden incapacitation is defined as an abrupt loss or impairment of consciousness, control, or performance.17 All health care data obtained during the medical evaluation must be used in the determination of functional impairment to include risk of sudden incapacitation regarding the ability to perform all essential tasks of the LEO position. If there is any concern that the LEO might not be able to perform the essential job tasks of his/her position, then a job task simulation test should be performed (see Appendix F for additional details on the job task simulation test).
Any comorbidities, including:
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, psychotic conditions, and any suicidal or homicidal ideations
- GI conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome
- GU conditions such as interstitial cystitis
- Autonomic dysfunction such as orthostatic hypotension, altered heart rate variability, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and dry eyes
- Chronic inflammatory and auto-immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Hearing loss
- Environmental hypersensitivity such as increased pain and fatigue due to slight changes in the weather, sounds and light and medication use should be evaluated per the appropriate chapter in this guidance.