When the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews claims, some conditions need more documentation than others as the diagnoses cannot be immediately be determined. Examples of these kinds of conditions include chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. If you suffer from either of these ailments, then our team of SSDI/SSI attorneys can assist you in providing the information necessary to support your case.
SSA Criteria
In order to approve a claim for chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, the SSA assesses several criteria in the award of benefits. These criteria include the initial diagnosis, how the condition is affecting an applicant’s ability to work full-time, and if the impairment meets the guidelines set up in SSA’s blue book of listings.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as the name suggests, is defined by excessive and continual fatigue and tiredness. What makes this disability difficult to assess is the fact that it can last for several months for no logical explanation.
However, the SSA does recognize the condition and applicants are rewarded benefits if the disability causes them problems in their daily work activities. Claimants must provide medical data that shows that the impairment is causing them headache pain, difficulty with focusing, insomnia, or muscle weakness and pain.
Fibromyalgia
Another condition that is hard to diagnose although very real to the patient, is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia affects tender points on the body that are situated in 11 to 18 locations.
Symptoms can vary per individual, but can include impaired cognitive ability, insomnia, fatigue and muscle pain. Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands is noted too. The condition can be so severe that some of the aforementioned symptoms make it impossible to work.
Autoimmune System Disorders
Lawyers at our firm also assist social security disability claimants in obtaining benefits for autoimmune disorders. Incredibly, almost 100 autoimmune disorders are known that break down the immune system by causing the system to attack and destroy tissue.
Some of the disorders under this category are passed on down from one generation to the next. Autoimmune disorders that are reviewed by the SSA include lupus, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV-AIDS and MS.
Whether you file for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security Income (SSI), both disability programs are based on the same criteria with the exception of an applicant’s lifestyle or resources. SSI-based filings are based on need while SSDI filings are designed for working applicants, 31 years or older, who have been contributing to the FICA payroll system for at least the past 10 years.
Therefore, filing for a disability claim, even if you have a more limiting condition, such as MS, can be complicated process. Plus, proving claims for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are more difficult given the mysterious nature of the two conditions. Our law firm is well equipped to assist in this respect.
