Mallorca court backs fibromyalgia benefit refusal

A 54-year-old travel agent has been refused permanent incapacity benefit despite fibromyalgia and polyarthralgia, meaning pain in several joints. Palma's Balearic Islands High Court upheld the decision on 7 September. It confirms an April 2024 ruling by a labour court in Menorca.

The man said his chronic, fluctuating illness had badly affected his working life and required treatment to ease symptoms.

The court did not dispute that he has the condition. But it found that it did not permanently limit his ability to work enough to qualify for permanent incapacity benefit.

Judges said he could instead take temporary incapacity leave during the most severe flare-ups. That was the key reason the Menorca court rejected his claim, and the High Court has now agreed.

The ruling is not final. He can still lodge a cassation appeal with Spain's Supreme Court.

Topics: Court cases

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com