Long-Term Disability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a medical condition characterized by severe and persistent fatigue of indeterminate origin that is not alleviated by rest. Physicians believe that the fatigue experienced by those who suffer from this condition can potentially be caused by a mix of Epstein-Barr virus exposure, immune system deficiencies, and gender, age, illness exposure, and stress. However, no one truly knows what causes CFS, and there is no known cure, which makes it challenging to diagnose and even more challenging to make a claim for long-term disability.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is an “invisible” condition, meaning that there are no visible, physical signs of the disease, and symptom complaints can be faked, considered fake, or do not have enough persistence or medical documentation to be judged a “disability.” Thankfully, at Rosen Moss Snyder LLP, our long-term disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, understand the challenges of having a CFS diagnosis and know how to work with insurance companies and employers to get LTD benefits for our clients.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The symptoms of CFS are many, and they vary from patient to patient, but there are a few that tend to crop up more often than others.

Some of these symptoms include:

  • Brain Fog (memory loss, decreased concentration, etc.)
  • Sore Throats
  • Muscle Pain/Weakness
  • Swollen/Tender Lymph Nodes
  • Pain in Joints without Swelling or Redness
  • Different-Quality Headaches
  • Sleep that does not refresh
  • Generally feeling unwell for 24+ hours after exertions

Proving Your Diagnosis

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), patients cannot be diagnosed with CFS unless they have experienced at least four of the above symptoms for a period of no less than six months. During those six months, if the patients endured those symptoms persistently, possessed exhaustive medical documentation consistent with their claims, and were deemed unable to perform the duties of their jobs sufficiently because of CFS, then they may have a strong chance at making a successful claim for long-term disability benefits.

Unfortunately, just because individuals are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome does not mean that insurance companies and employers will approve their request. That is why it is essential that objective medical evidence from the past six months — such as abnormal MRI results, physical examination findings, proven swollen lymph nodes, or a positive test for Epstein-Barr — is presented to the attorneys and the insurance providers.

Due to the mysterious nature of chronic fatigue syndrome, the inherent skepticism of insurance companies, and the distracting, painful, and debilitating symptoms patients endure, it is crucial that those with CFS who are looking to make a long-term disability claim consult a trusted LTD attorney. The Rosen Moss Snyder LLP ERISA disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, are skilled and committed to the success of their clients. If you or a loved one has chronic fatigue syndrome and LTD claims have been denied or terminated, do not hesitate to give us a call or fill out a contact form here today.