Chicago Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Attorneys

Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex medical condition with varying symptoms that range in degree of severity.  Chronic fatigue syndrome is often misunderstood due to the fact that there is no standard diagnostic test to confirm the existence of chronic fatigue syndrome.  The most common symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is a general exhaustion that is exacerbated with light or moderate physical exertion.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes chronic fatigue syndrome as a medical impairment and looks to the definition of chronic fatigue syndrome established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when evaluating cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.  The CDC’s definition characterizes chronic fatigue syndrome as the presence of clinically evaluated, persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that is of new or definite onset, cannot be explained by another physical or mental disorder, is not the result of ongoing exertion, is not substantially alleviated by rest, and results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities.

For purposes of Social Security disability evaluation, the SSA requires that one or more of the following medical signs be clinically documented over a period of at least 6 consecutive months in order to establish the existence of a medically determinable impairment for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome:

• Palpably swollen or tender lymph nodes on physical examination;
• Nonexudative pharyngitis;
• Persistent, reproducible muscle tenderness on repeated examinations, including the presence of positive tender points; or
• Any other medical signs that are consistent with medically accepted clinical practice and are consistent with the other evidence in the case record.

Importance of Knowledgeable Legal Advice

Because chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult to accurately diagnose, it is important to include adequate medical documentation to support the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as necessary vocational documentation regarding your inability to work as a result of chronic fatigue syndrome.  At Ankin Law, our experienced Chicago social security disability attorneys understand the importance of providing the necessary medical and vocational documentation with your SSDI or SSI application.

Social Security Disability Experience You Can Trust

The experienced Chicago social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law understand the many various conditions that may qualify as a disability under social security laws, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic pain disorders.  We will take the time to learn about how chronic fatigue syndrome affects your ability to work and other aspects of your daily life.  After thoroughly explaining the social security disability laws and requirements to you, our Chicago SSDI and SSI attorneys will assist you with the application process. Contact one of the trusted social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your chronic fatigue syndrome and learn more about possible social security disability benefits.