While the illness called myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been known by the medical community for decades, and descriptions resembling ME/CFS have been documented for centuries, it remains poorly understood. Unfortunately, there is are no diagnostic tests for ME/CFS, and it is only diagnosed through a process of elimination, when there is no underlying cause for the extreme fatigue and general feeling of being unwell. ME/CFS is a complex disease affecting million worldwide, but it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Many people who have ME/CFS are mistakenly diagnosed with mental illness. Some people with ME/CFS have clinical depression in addition to the ME/CFS, a disease which is physical in nature.
You may have ME/CFS if you have the following symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue that is worsened by exertion and does not improve with rest, known as post-exertional malaise – this is the hallmark symptom
- Flu-like symptoms, such as swollen glands, sore throat, and achiness
- Foggy memory and lack of concentration and cognitive impairment, and/or experiencing symptoms when upright that are alleviated when lying down, known as orthostatic intolerance
- Sensory sensitivities to light, noise, and chemicals
It can be challenging to diagnose ME/CFS, simply because patients often must be persistent in getting a definitive diagnosis if their physician is reluctant to diagnose a physical condition without diagnostic evidence, such as imaging tests or lab work.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Covered Under Long-Term Disability Insurance?
To add insult to injury, it can be even more challenging to prove ME/CFS to a long-term disability insurance company, despite the fact that it is just as disabling as any other chronic disease. Among the many chronic illnesses that may make someone want to take out a long-term disability claim, ME/CFS may be the most difficult to prove. The physicians hired by your long-term disability insurance provider will likely dispute your diagnosis, and claim the symptoms are not so disabling as to merit an insurance payout. To have better odds of successfully filing a disability claim for ME/CFS, you should compile all your doctor’s medical records, lab work, and letters from those who knew you before you experienced ME/CFS who can vouch for the fact that your condition is severe.
At Dabdoub Law Firm, we have handled long-term disability claims for a wide range of disabling medical conditions, including ME/CFS. We know what it takes to go toe to toe against them, and we can help you in the process of appealing a claim denial. Your best bet to getting the payout you deserve is to hire a skilled disability lawyer who is familiar with your specific condition and can fight for your rightful disability insurance payout. We can help you seek benefits that are rightfully yours, and we never collect payment from you unless you are awarded a fair sum from your insurance company.
If you have ME/CFS, contact us at Dabdoub Law Firm today by dialing (800) 969-0488. We offer free case evaluations, and can handle your claim no matter where you reside in the United States.
