 SSDRC What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability or SSI? If I am determined disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits? How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition? What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits How to File for Disability - Tips for Filing If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare? How much does a Social Security disability attorney get paid? Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security disability? What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability SSI and Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability SSI and Degenerative Disc Disease Can I Qualify For Disability and Receive Benefits based on Depression? Answers to questions about SSD and SSI disability What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability Status Social Security Disability Tips — how a claim gets worked on Social Security Disability, SSI Disability - Terms, Definitions, Concepts |
Chronic Fatigue, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is still quite misunderstood and has been the center of much debate. The disorder has no known causes, though it has some hypothetical causes, no definite tests to prove its validity and no known cures, though some treatments may help the disorder. Even the name of the disorder has caused much debate. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder that is has many signs and symptoms; the most common symptom being extreme fatigue for no reason that is not improved by rest and may get worse with light physical or mental activity. Other symptoms usually accompany chronic fatigue syndrome, such as muscle pain, insomnia or restless sleep, weakness, impaired memory and impaired concentration. Chronic fatigue syndrome usually must be present for at least six months before it is diagnosed and can last for years. When diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome the first thing a doctor must do is rule out other conditions since it is very similar to major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, bipolar affective disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities and many other conditions. Over one million people in the United Sates have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. It is most common in people aged 40 to 60, though other ages are susceptible to the disorder, and affects women four times more often than men. Some people are debilitated by the disorder and others are able to live productive lives. It has been reported that only 5 to 10 percent of sufferers are completely cured. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is usually intended to provide relief for symptoms individually, since there is no known cure. Drug therapies such as pain medication and sleep medication have been used to treat the disorder, as well as physical therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies and alternative and complimentary therapies. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, light exercise such as gentle yoga and plenty of rest have also proven helpful. There is a known pattern that the disorder usually begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms that do not go away and it is usually accompanied by a period of great stress in one’s life. When patients fall ill they think it will pass and was perhaps due to stress, but the disorder does not leave like a typical flu. There are cases of gradual onset, but they are reported less often. Chronic fatigue syndrome is not thought to be contagious or to cause early death. 
Return to: SSDRC, or the Questions, Answers, Tips, and Advice page Individual Questions and Answers SSD and SSI are Federal Programs The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here: Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state Special Section: Tips and Advice for Social Security Disability and SSI Claims |