Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes individuals to suffer from severe fatigue of an unknown origin. No amount of rest or relaxation can relieve the constant feelings of fatigue in most individuals who suffer from this medical condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, CFS occurs when people experience unrelenting chronic fatigue with no underlying physical or mental cause to the extent that it substantially interferes with their daily activities. Other symptoms that may characterize those who suffer from CFS include the following:

·         Worsening of symptoms after attempting to do routine mental or physical tasks

·         Sleep problems

·         Problems with thinking and memory

·         Orthostatic intolerance, or feeling dizzy, faint, weak, or lightheaded when sitting or standing up

·         Muscle, joint, and headache pains

CFS often prevents sufferers from performing their regular job duties on a full-time basis. Long-term disability insurance policies define disability differently and that definition may change over time. For instance, in many policies, individuals may be “disabled” for the purposes of long-term disability benefits if they can no longer perform the essential functions of their own jobs or positions. However, as time goes on, such as after receiving 24 months of benefits, the definition may change to whether individuals can perform the duties required for any type of job.

Most individuals will not be able to qualify for long-term disability benefits based on their self-reported symptoms alone. Thus, you may need medical evidence in the form of test results and clinical findings that you suffer from CFS. Medical evidence will help determine the existence, severity, and impairment level that CFS causes. In this respect, detailed findings and clinical notes from your treating physicians may be instrumental in making your claim for long-term disability benefits more successful.

Bonnici Law Group has handled the claims of countless individuals who have encountered difficulties in procuring long-term disability benefits under their employers’ ERISA-governed insurance policies. We will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf throughout every stage of the claims process. Call our office at 858-261-5454 to set up an appointment to speak with us today.