Is Chronic Fatigue considered a disability by Social Security?I took part in an online discussion recently and the individual who initiated the discussion professed a certain belief. Basically, he thought it should be easier to get approved for Social Security Disability or SSI on the basis of a medical impairment for which the cause is not completely known, such as chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. Is he correct in this belief? Is it easier (compared to other impairments) to get approved for disability on the basis of CFS or FMS? Not in my experience. Actually, the opposite is true. Because the etiology of conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are "up in the air", it's substantially more difficult to get approved for disability benefits on the basis of one of these conditions. For one thing, neither impairment is listed in the social security administration's medical impairment listing manual. That by itself is not an impediment to getting approved. However, there are, unfortunately, a number of doctors who do not believe in the validity of fibromyalgia or Chronic fatigue as a diagnosis. Unfortunately, as well, as a disability examiner, I found it fairly common for other examiners to give either condition little credence. Of course, with either condition the questions boil down to : 1. Can I win disability benefits based on chronic fatigue? 2. Can I win disability benefits based on fibromyalgia? And the answer to both questions is yes, because the social security administration looks for severity and functional limitations when medical evidence is evaluated. As I've said many times, the actual name of the condition is not so important. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: To file for disability with chronic fatigue Can you get disability for Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia? When you apply for disability with fibromyalgia Diagnosed with cfs and fm, would i be eligible for SSD? Getting approved for disability based on being blind Anxiety about a Social Security Disability medical exam Can you get disability for OCD? Can you get disability for Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia? Is Chronic Fatigue considered a disability by Social Security? Is an FCE the same thing as the RFC evaluation done by Social Security Disability? How is memory loss considered by Social Security Disability? Is Morbid Obesity Considered A Disability? SSDI Request for Reconsideration Social Security Disability Back Payment Lump Sum Appealing a Social Security Disability Claim decision SSI Reconsideration vs SSDI Disability Reconsideration These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida |
