Often times it can be confusing to determine if you are entitled to disability for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as the diagnosis and symptoms. In addition, there are different ways to prove your disability. Oftentimes, claims are denied for various reasons. The most common reasons include failure to establish a medical cause, and the inability to meet the VA’s definition of disability.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia can be hard to pin down. However, there are some ways to narrow down the confusion.
One way to narrow down the list is to keep a log of your symptoms. For example, if you suffer from frequent headaches, you may want to keep a detailed record of the days you woke up with a headache. This will show the doctor if your symptoms are being caused by a health condition.
Another way to narrow down your symptoms is to do a physical exam. For example, if you are experiencing pain in your neck and back, your doctor may use an x-ray or ultrasound to take a closer look.
You may also be referred to a rheumatologist, who will test your muscles and perform physical exams. They may also conduct lab tests to confirm your medical conditions.
If you have Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you may be able to get VA disability benefits. The VA will assign a rating based on the severity of your symptoms. The amount you get depends on the length of your symptoms and how often you have a period of incapacitation of at least one week.
The VA has a schedule for rating disabilities. It has been updated in 1999 and 2010. It is important to remember that a CFS diagnosis is not a guarantee of VA disability benefits. If your symptoms do not meet the criteria, you may have to file a separate claim for a service-connected disability.
A VA disability claim isn’t always easy to submit. However, there are ways to speed up the process. You should keep your medical records as up-to-date as possible, and you should always have copies of all of your non-VA medical records. These will be very helpful in the application process.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are very similar to those of fibromyalgia, but the two are actually different diseases. Symptoms of CFS tend to affect the immune system, central nervous system, and hormonal systems. The symptoms also tend to worsen with mental or physical activity.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious, debilitating disease that can last for years. Patients often suffer from sleep problems, anxiety, and pain. They may need a variety of treatments to relieve their symptoms.
Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is aimed at symptom relief. It may involve medications, supplements, and diet. It also may involve counseling to assist patients in coping with their symptoms. It is important that a person’s symptoms be diagnosed correctly so that they can receive treatment.
A diagnosis of CFS involves a review of the medical history and physical examination. The doctor must rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. He or she will ask about the intensity and duration of fatigue and the duration of symptoms. The doctor may also order blood and urine tests. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome must last for at least six months and occur at a substantial or moderate intensity.
If symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are found, then the doctor may order additional tests to rule out other possible causes. The tests may include x-rays, blood tests, and urine tests. The tests may also suggest abnormalities that could be causing the symptoms.
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome often have sleep problems. If sleep is affected, a doctor may order a sleep study. Sleep deprivation can worsen the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome are also depressed. A doctor may prescribe antidepressants to help them sleep. They may also recommend a change in their daily sleep routine.
Treatment
Getting VA disability for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia treatment can be challenging. There are many things to consider, including the severity of the symptoms and the rate of impairment. Having a professional VA disability lawyer on your side can help.
There is a lot of overlap between fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is widespread pain, mainly on the back and sides of the body, for three months or more. Symptoms of fibromyalgia must also be constant. The symptoms must also be refractory to therapy.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed under Diagnostic Code 5025. To be diagnosed, a patient must have pain on both sides of the body and pain below the waist. Symptoms of fibromyalgia may also be associated with depression and anxiety.
When applying for VA disability benefits, it is important to keep copies of your medical records. This will help to speed up the diagnosis process and avoid duplicating tests.
The diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is difficult because it shares symptoms with hundreds of other illnesses. The symptoms can include headache, recurrent sore throat, joint pain, memory problems, unrefreshing sleep, and more.
The symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be attributed to a variety of medical conditions, including sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux with a small hiatal hernia, and hypothyroidism. But the diagnosis of CFS is complicated because it has no single test. It involves a variety of tests and a lengthy history of symptoms over a period of time.
It is important to keep records of all your medical appointments and to get copies of your non-VA medical records. This is especially important if you have multiple CMIs. The records can help to satisfy the second part of the PTSD evaluation.
Longitudinal records
Those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia should obtain service connections for their condition. Longitudinal records should show the extent of their impairment. They should also contain detailed medical observations and treatment information.
A veteran of the Gulf War claimed to suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. He reported being too tired to do his duties at home. He also reported frequent muscle and joint pains. The Veteran claimed that he could not increase his exercise due to debilitating fatigue. He also said that his condition prevented him from playing with his children.
According to the Veteran’s medical records, he first experienced symptoms of fibromyalgia in February 2001. He also suffered from bilateral upper extremity paresthesias. His medical records also show that he was diagnosed with tennis elbow and possible carpal tunnel syndrome.
He had an EMG performed in June 2004 that showed mild median mononeuropathy in his right wrist. He also had an x-ray study in May 2004, which showed that his right wrist was normal. In December 2002, he fell and experienced pain. He visited a chiropractor. The chiropractor concluded that he had pain due to a fall.
The VA examiner noted that the Veteran had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2000. She also noted that he was in the National Guard and that the service may have aggravated his symptoms. The examiner also noted that he had other comorbid conditions.
The Board found that the October 2008 VA examination was competent evidence. The Board also found that the Veteran’s reported symptoms did not qualify for a 40 percent disability rating.
Frequently denied claims
Frequently denied VA disability claims for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are often due to insufficient medical evidence. These claims need to include sufficient evidence to meet the insurance company’s threshold.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to see vocational evidence. The claimant’s RFC assessment, age, and work experience are all considered. The SSA also looks at the severity of the impairment.
A claimant’s symptoms must be consistent and refractory to therapy. In addition to exertional limitations, symptoms can also cause non-exertional limitations such as environmental restrictions. This can include postural limitations and environmental restrictions at potential workplaces.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition. It involves multiple body systems and can be of infectious or immune origin. Its symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, sleep problems, and cognitive limitations. It can also produce depression. It is common among the general population.
The Social Security Administration does not include CFS in its published Listing of Impairments. However, the agency is not required to include fibromyalgia in the list. The SSA may decide to include fibromyalgia if the severity of the impairment is severe enough.
The VA has also made fibromyalgia presumptive for Gulf War veterans. However, the agency will not consider a claimant who is not disabled. This includes Gulf War veterans who are not serving in Southwest Asia.
The VA has also rejected a claimant’s request for a presumptive condition for migraines. Similarly, the agency denied a request for a presumptive condition related to brain cancer for Gulf War veterans. Similarly, the agency has not considered a claimant’s request for obstructive sleep apnea as a presumptive condition.
A claimant’s symptoms must have a measurable effect on their daily activities. This is a relatively new VA rule. However, the rule may improve the chances of obtaining disability benefits for fibromyalgia.
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Great read. It is a reminder to get test to get accurate treatments and don’t ignore your symptoms.