Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a medical condition characterized by severe and persistent fatigue of indeterminate origin that is not alleviated by rest. Physicians believe that the fatigue experienced by those who suffer from this condition can potentially be caused by a mix of Epstein-Barr virus exposure, immune system deficiencies, and gender, age, illness exposure, and stress. However, no one truly knows what causes CFS, and there is no known cure, which makes it challenging to diagnose and even more challenging to make a claim for long-term disability.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, is an “invisible” condition, meaning that there are no visible, physical signs of the disease, and symptom complaints can be faked, considered fake, or do not have enough persistence or medical documentation to be judged a “disability.” Thankfully, at Rosen Moss Snyder LLP, our long-term disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, understand the challenges of having a CFS diagnosis and know how to work with insurance companies and employers to get LTD benefits for our clients.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The symptoms for CFS are many, and they vary from patient to patient, but there are a few that tend to crop up more often than others.
Some of these symptoms include:
- Brain Fog (memory loss, decreased concentration, etc.)
- Sore Throats
- Muscle Pain/Weakness
- Swollen/Tender Lymph Nodes
- Pain in Joints without Swelling or Redness
- Different-Quality Headaches
- Sleep that does not refresh
- Generally feeling unwell for 24+ hours after exertions
Proving Your Diagnosis
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determination, patients cannot be diagnosed with CFS unless they have suffered at least four of the above symptoms for a period no less than six months. In those six months, if the patients endured those symptoms persistently, possessed exhaustive medical documentation consistent with their claims, and were deemed unable to perform the duties of their jobs sufficiently because of CFS, then they may have a shot at making a successful claim for long-term disability benefits.
Unfortunately, just because individuals are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, does not mean that insurance companies and employers will approve your request. That is why it is essential that objective medical evidence over the past half-year (abnormal MRI, physical examination, proven swollen lymph nodes, positive test for Epstein-Barr, etc.) is presented to the lawyers and the insurance providers.
Due to the mysterious qualities of chronic fatigue syndrome, the insurance companies’ inherent skepticism and unwillingness to open their purses, and the nature and persistence of distracting, painful, and debilitating symptoms, it is crucial that patients with CFS who are looking to make a long-term disability claim consult a trusted LTD attorney to help make a case for them. The Rosen Moss Snyder LLP ERISA disability lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, are skilled and committed to the success of their clients. If you or a loved one has chronic fatigue syndrome, and LTD claims have been denied or terminated, do not hesitate to give us a call and fill out a contact form here today!