It is difficult to win Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cases under Social Security Disability rules.
I believe it is because that there is no specific explanation or reason for Chronic Fatigue and no test that defines it, and this creates suspicion among Social Security employees.
Symptoms may include fatigue, loss of memory, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle or joint pain, unrefreshing sleep, headaches, extreme exhaustion after activity.
Causes are thought to include viral infections, immune system problems, hormonal imbalance problems.
The medical testing will be conducted to rule out other diagnoses.
Treatment may include medications that address depression and better sleep, and physical therapy and mental health counseling.
In order to convince Social Security that you are disabled you will need to have a doctor who is willing to document all the tests and exams that she used to confirm her diagnosis.
Your doctor will also have to explain the severity of your condition including how much time during the day you will be able to stay on task for your daily activities.
You should keep a diary explaining how you Chronic Fatigue affects you each day.
If you can find a specialist in Chronic Fatigue or a clinic who does research regarding Chronic Fatigue so much the better.
The idea is to support your testimony and take Chronic Fatigue out of the category of a condition that is not supported scientifically or is a condition that is used by someone who does not want to work. Some Social Security Disability Judges think this way so you must address it head on.
Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.