Social Security Disability benefits cover a wide range of medical conditions, and one of them is chronic fatigue syndrome. According to the Social Security Administration, you may receive disability benefits if you suffer from CFS in Michigan. However, you may need to demonstrate that your case of CFS qualifies under SSA guidelines.
In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits, you first need to prove that your chronic fatigue syndrome is a medically determinable impairment. This usually requires a diagnosis from your doctor confirming that your fatigue is a new health development which does not get better with rest and is also unrelated to other medical conditions. Additionally, you might need to establish that symptoms such as muscle tenderness and swollen lymph nodes or a weight change have occurred over the past six months. These symptoms generally need to be clinically documented to determine that they are indeed related to your CFS and not to another condition.
Once you have demonstrated your case of CFS, the SSA typically determines your eligibility. Your family members might need to explain how you function on a day-to-day basis, and sometimes you are asked about your work activity. When combined with your symptoms, your level of activity helps the SSA assess whether or not your CFS is eligible for disability benefits.
The SSA may sometimes need to see the results of medical tests. These tests might include a brain scan or a stress test. You may also include documentation demonstrating that you have concentration or memory problems. There may be times when the SSA needs more information to determine whether or not your CFS qualifies for disability benefits. In these cases, you may need to supply more information or the SSA might ask your doctor for more medical records.
This information is meant to educate and should not be considered legal advice.
