Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Social Security Disability
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Social Security Disability
You’re always tired, no matter how much rest you get. After a hard day’s work you go home and get to bed early hoping to wake up feeling fresh and renewed. Instead, you wake up feeling just as tired, if not more tired, as the night before and frustrated. You head off to work and find that you cannot keep focused or on task. This is the life of someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, a disorder without a clear cause. Individuals who suffer from this are entitled to Social Security Disability benefits is they meet the criteria set out by the Social Security Administration.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fatigue is not the only symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome. The most alarming is the loss of memory or concentration, while sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, headaches, and unexplained muscle pains are also signs. Of course, the defining symptoms are unrefreshing sleep and extreme exhaustion that lasts for a day or more.
Filing
To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income your condition and any other condition you may suffer from must prevent you from substantial gainful employment. The Center for Disease Control has five defining characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome, saying that “the hallmark of [chronic fatigue syndrome] is the presence of clinically evaluated, persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that:
- Is of new or definite onset (this is, has not been lifelong)
- Cannot be explained by another physical or mental disorder
- Is not the result of ongoing exertion
- Is not substantially alleviated by rest
- Results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities”
Despite the first characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome, your disability does not have to new to file for Social Security Disability benefits. The disability must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months in order to file, however.
Call Jenkins Block & Associates For Help Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits!
When choosing an attorney to guide you through the process of Social Security Disability benefits, it’s important to hire an individual experienced with the program and its requirements. Consulting an individual who has insight on Social Security and the application process will prove to be extremely valuable in the long run, especially when questions arise or uncertainty on how to proceed.
Before trying to work out intricate Social Security Disability qualifications on your own, contact our office to make sure you understand the program and process. Protect yourself, know your rights: call us and Get JBA First!
Jenkins Block & Associates has 40+ years of experience in successful SSD/SSI cases in Maryland & Virginia, in addition to being a member of The National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives. Call us at 1-800-243-2439 or contact us online to begin the process of filing your Social Security benefits!
Sources:
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/01/SSR2014-01-di-01.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/basics/causes/con-20022009