Tips For Winning Disability For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complicated disease with no specific cause and a variety of signs. It is possible to qualify for social security disability if you suffer from it. However, the Social Security Administration is leery about giving disability to claims based only on CFS. In fact, it does not have a Blue Book listing for CFS.

You will have to testify at a hearing and prove your condition is severe enough to keep your from working. If you have been diagnosed with CFS, here are some tips to win your case.

Provide Medical Evidence

You have to show the SSA that CFS prevents you from working. The SSA will do an evaluation to see if you can still perform your job. They make this decision based on medical evidence you provide. You will not receive benefits if the SSA finds you are still able to do your old job.

You must exhibit the following symptoms for six months: issues with memory or concentration, multiple joint pain with no inflammation, a different type of headache, exhaustion that does not improve with rest, and muscle pain. Provide all medical reports, lists of medications, x-ray results, MRI results, and hospitalization records. Also include records of other mental and physical illnesses.

Get statements from former co-workers, friends, and family. Testimonies from third parties are helpful in proving your case. Keep a log of how the symptoms impact your life daily. Enclose this log in your letter to the SSA.

See Your Own Doctor

The SSA will suggest you get examined by their approved doctors. However, these doctors may diagnose you with CFS, but they are more inclined to say it isn't serious enough for social security disability. You are permitted to see your own doctor. Your own doctor is more likely to support your claim and try harder to help you validate it.

Give Specific Testimony

Do not just tell a judge at the hearing you get tired easily or in pain all of the time. Make you testimony specific. Judges need to know the specific symptoms and how it impacts your daily life. They hear enough of the usual complaints.

Pay attention to unique symptoms you experience and use them in your testimony. Some unique symptoms you will want to make note of include digestive issues, dizziness, blurred sight, and speech issues. Do not just say, "I cannot move very far without getting tired."  Say, "I get fatigued only walking to the mailbox and back which is just 20 yards away."

Be courteous at the hearing and answer all the questions asked. You are advised to hire a social security disability lawyer. A disability attorney, such as Bruce K Billman, can help you prepare your case and increase odds of getting approved.

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