Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) constantly face exhaustion even when they are well-rested. Getting a good night’s sleep does not help, and physical or mental exertion can make it worse. In addition to the constant fatigue, people who suffer from CFS can also experience a range of other symptoms including weakness, muscle pain, memory loss, an inability to concentrate, and even insomnia. This profound fatigue can make it very difficult to get through an entire day of work. As a result, people who suffer from CFS are often unable to work, making it very difficult to generate a reasonable income.

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration recently updated their policy for evaluating patients with CFS after the medical community finally accepted it as a legitimate condition. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits in Maryland, one or more of the following issues must be clinically documented over a period of at least six months in order to prove that the individual suffers from CFS:

  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes
  • Inflammation of the pharynx
  • Muscle tenderness and/or joint tenderness observed during repeated examinations
  • Other medical events that are known to trigger the onset of CFS, including:
  • Frequent viral infections that involve a slow recovery
  • Sinusitis
  • Ataxia
  • Significant weight fluctuation

Laboratory Results That Will Provide Evidence of CFS

 Certain test results can help establish the existence of CFS, including the following:

  • Elevated antibody titer to Epstein-Barr virus
  • Abnormal MRI Brain scan
  • Neural mediated hypotension determined by either a tilt table testing, or other clinically accepted form of testing
  • Other laboratory results that provide medically accepted evidence of CFS

When making a decision to grant or withhold benefits for a person suffering from CFS, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider the individual’s medical information, as well as the person’s work history and how significantly the condition limits the person’s ability to perform any type of work activity.

Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Clients with CFS Obtain Disability Benefits

If a debilitating condition like CFS has prevented you from being able to work, contact the skilled and compassionate Maryland Social Security disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will examine the details of your case so that we can help you obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-546-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to assist those who have been denied Social Security benefits throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.