Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers Discuss Disability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
January 13, 2016Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a serious and debilitating condition characterized by extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Other symptoms that commonly accompany CFS include weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory, inability to concentrate, insomnia and post-exertion malaise that lasts 24 hours or more.
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, the symptoms can affect every aspect of your life, making it difficult for you to perform at the level of activity you did before you became ill. If your symptoms become so severe that you are unable to work, you may qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How the Social Security Administration Evaluates Cases Involving Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome, you must satisfy the SSA’s basic eligibility requirements. When evaluating your claim, examiners for the Maryland disability determination services (DDS) will look at all of the available evidence as it pertains to your case. Then, they will consider the impact of the illness on each affected body system.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex illness marked by a variety of symptoms. Most of the time, a doctor’s diagnosis of CFS is based primarily on these symptoms after all other disorders have been ruled out. However, for the purposes of Social Security disability, the criteria for establishing true chronic fatigue syndrome are slightly more stringent. The determination is based on a combination of medical signs, symptoms and laboratory findings. While there is no definitive laboratory test for CFS, there are a number of tests that can help to establish the existence of the condition.
Though important, a documented diagnosis of CFS is only a small part of a successful Social Security disability claim. The most important factor you must prove is the impact the condition has had on your life. Be sure to keep detailed records of all physical, psychological and cognitive limitations and their severity. Even if you have already been denied benefits, it is important not to lose hope. A qualified Maryland Social Security disability lawyer can assist you at all levels of appeals and make sure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
Maryland Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight for Those Suffering From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Baltimore Social Security disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are committed to helping those who have been denied Social Security benefits. To learn how we can put our experience to work for you, call 800-547-4LAW (4529) today to schedule a free consultation or submit an online contact form.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson. We provide exceptional legal guidance in all Social Security disability matters for clients 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.