How To Win Your Case For Social Security Disability Benefits If You Suffer From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia

Winning a Social Security Disability case for someonetests need to be performed so as to rule out other
who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/orconditions. I usually like to see blood work done that
Fibromyalgia (CFS/FMS) can be very difficult.excludes other Rheumatic diseases which may share
However, with proper preparation I am often able tosymptoms with, or mimic, CFS/FMS. In cases of
win client's their Social Security Disability benefits. IFibromyalgia I look for a physical exam that finds and
approach a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgiadocuments tender points. In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
case using the following five factors:cases I also normally like to see that a Tilt Table Test
1) Was the Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome orhas been done.
Fibromyalgia Made by a Specialist?3) Are the Client's Complaints Typical For Someone
I am always very skeptical on my chances of winningWho Suffers With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or
when a person comes to me and is not being treatedFibromyalgia?
by a specialist in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/orBy now I can usually tell by interviewing a prospective
Fibromyalgia. I usually prefer to see that the client isclient if his/her complaints are typical. The client's
being treated by a Rheumatologist but I have beenmedical records should show documented symptoms.
successful in these type of cases working with anWithout this documentation, the diagnoses of CFS
Infectious Disease Specialist and a Neurologist. I feelFMS may be subject to disbelief by Social Security.
that the diagnosis of a primary care or internist is not4) Was the Client Treated With Physical Therapy and
sufficient in this type of case. It is also important, ofor Pain Medication?
course, for this doctor to be supportive of his/herI like to show an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that
patient's disability case and for me and the client tomy client has tried whatever treatment is available for
know this from the beginning of my representation. If ahis/her condition. Whether this is a series of physical
person calls me and does not have a specialisttherapy appointments, narcotic pain medications or
working with him/her, I suggest that they contact aeven non-traditional treatments like biofeedback or
local support group for a referral.acupuncture. I feel that the severity of my client's
2) Has the Client's Doctor Eliminated Other Diseasescondition will be supported by the fact that he/she has
Through Testing Before Diagnosing Him/Her withtried everything to find relief.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia?5) Has the Client Consulted or Been Treated by a
I feel that to provide validity to the diagnosis of ChronicPsychiatrist or Therapist?
Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia certain medical