Can I get disability benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome?

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Yes, you can get benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but it is challenging and requires proving the condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. The process involves applying for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and providing extensive medical evidence, including a history of your illness, lab results, and proof of how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Working with a disability attorney can significantly increase your chances of approval. 

 

How to apply for and qualify for benefits

• Meet the duration requirement: 

  You must show that your symptoms have lasted for at least six consecutive months. 

• Gather extensive medical evidence: 

  This is the most critical step. You need to provide documentation that shows the severity of your condition. This includes: 

  • Your complete medical history, including diagnosis, onset, and prognosis. 

  • Longitudinal clinical records that show the progression of the disorder and your response to treatments. 

  • Detailed notes from doctors about your symptoms and limitations. 

  • Objective laboratory findings, such as abnormal blood tests, MRI scans, or exercise stress tests, as outlined in Social Security Ruling 14-1p. 

  • Evidence of cognitive dysfunction through neuropsychological testing. 

• Show functional limitations: 

  You must demonstrate how your symptoms prevent you from working. This includes limitations with tasks like sitting, standing, lifting, or concentration. 

• Consider a disability attorney: 

  An experienced disability attorney can help you complete the application, gather evidence, and navigate the appeals process, significantly improving your chances of a successful claim. They are often paid only if you win and receive back pay. 

• For veterans: 

  Veterans may have additional pathways, such as receiving a secondary rating if CFS is aggravated by other service-connected conditions like PTSD or depression. 

 

What to expect

• Difficulty and time: 

  Qualifying for benefits with CFS is difficult because the condition can be hard to diagnose and "see". The process can take months or even years. 

• Objective tests are helpful: 

  Medical evidence from objective tests, like a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) or functional capacity evaluation (FCE), can be very helpful in demonstrating the severity of your impairment. 

• Other conditions matter: 

  Be sure to include evidence of any co-occurring conditions, such as depression, as they can strengthen your claim.