Disability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder, which is characterized by extreme fatigue that may get worse with physical or mental activity.  There are many theories as to what causes this condition, ranging from viral infections to psychological stress.  Some studies suggest that CFS may be caused by inflammation along the nervous system.  Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role.  Experts believe that at least one million Americans have CFS and fewer than 20 percent of these cases have been diagnosed.

Symptoms and Impairments

Symptoms

People with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience a variety of symptoms that frequently come and go, often with no particular pattern.  There are eight symptoms that include:

• Fatigue or tiredness, lasting at least 6 months
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Painful and enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpits
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Pain that travels from one joint to another without redness or swelling
• Headaches different from previous headaches in quality and severity
• Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping an adequate amount of time
• Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise

Your symptoms may peak and become stable early on, and then come and go over time.  Some individuals may completely recover, while others get progressively worse.

Impairments

An individual with CFS feels completely worn out and overtired.  This extreme tiredness makes it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, or eating.  Sleep or rest does not make the tiredness go away. 

• Depression (related both to symptoms and lack of diagnosis)
• Lifestyle restrictions (some people are so fatigued they become essentially disabled)
• Side effects and adverse reactions to medication treatments
• Social isolation caused by fatigue
• Missing work or not being able to perform job duties

Getting Disability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

If you can’t work due to chronic fatigue syndrome, you should get in touch with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for help with disability benefits.  In order for you to classify as having CFS, you must have been extremely tired for over 6 months and tests don’t show a cause for this, and you have 4 or more of the symptoms listed above.  Social Security’s rules require that a disability be based on the existence of a medical impairment, which can be shown by medical evidence provided by your doctor.

Reasons for Denials and How to Appeal

Every person who has been unable to work for twelve consecutive months should immediately file a disability claim. You can apply directly online at the Social Security Administration website.  The disability process is time consume and often lasts well over a year.  These programs require applicants document their inability to work and chronic fatigue syndrome patients must gather extensive evidence regarding their limitations.  You should expect your disability claim to be denied at least twice.  People are often rejected at the initial application and reconsideration stage without a complete and fair review of their case.  It is usually during the third and last stage of the disability process at the administrative review before a judge that most chronic fatigue syndrome patients win their cases.

Getting Help from a Disability Attorney

After your claim has been rejected twice, you should strongly consider hiring a disability lawyer to present your case.  Most of these attorneys work on a contingency basis.  They are not paid unless they win, and then their fees are restricted to 25% of the award with a limit of $4,000.  These experienced professionals will be able to help guide you through the entire process.  Finding a lawyer knowledgeable in chronic fatigue syndrome can be extremely helpful.  Their job is to skillfully translate evidence from your doctor, co-workers, and family into a package that convinces a disability judge that you are unable to work, even in a simple, unskilled job.