Veteran Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Claim Denial | File An Appeal

The selfless individuals who give their service to the military are put through a great deal of stress, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, many veterans suffer from physical ailments as a result of their military service. While most of these physical injuries are pretty straightforward when it comes to receiving diagnosis and treatment, others aren’t quite as straightforward. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one condition that often goes undiagnosed or even denied, leaving many veterans in a vulnerable position. Read on to learn more about veteran disability for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what to do if you received a denial on your claim.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). In order to receive VA disability benefits, you will need a current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) from your doctor. However, this is often easier said than done, as many medical professionals are hesitant to diagnose patients with this condition. While CFS is a serious chronic illness, common among both the general population and veterans, it is still a very misunderstood illness.

Even when obtaining a diagnosis, receiving proper treatment can be just as difficult due to the many unknowns that still exist around CFS. Unfortunately, with all the uncertainty surrounding CFS, many VA disability claims for CFS are denied. Due to the high chance of denial, it is in your best interest to work with a qualified VA disability attorney who can help you obtain service connection and the treatment that you deserve.

Along with having an experienced attorney on your side, it’s also important to understand how the VA rates CFS. In alignment with the current protocol, the VA disability ratings for chronic fatigue syndrome are:

10% Disability Rating For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

With a 10% VA rating, your CFS likely waxes, and wanes, leaving you with periods of incapacitation for at least a week but less than two weeks out of a year.

20% Disability Rating For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

With a 20% VA rating, your CFS can be felt nearly constantly, and it restricts your daily activities by less than 25% of pre-illness levels. You are likely to experience periods of incapacitation between two and four weeks out of the year.

40% Disability Rating For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

With a 40% VA rating, your CFS likely restricts your daily activities to 50-75% of your pre-illness level. You likely experience incapacitation between four and six weeks out of the year.

60% Disability Rating For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

With a 60% VA rating, your CFS likely restricts your daily activities to 25-50% of your pre-illness level. You likely experience incapacitation six or more weeks out of the year.

100% Disability Rating For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

With a 100% VA rating, your CFS is likely so debilitating that your daily routines and activities are almost completely restricted.

Essentially, this means that the more severe your CFS symptoms are, the higher the VA rating you will receive. The VA disability rating for CFS largely depends on the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of CFS include:

• Loss of memory or concentration
• Low-grade fever
• Unexplained muscle or joint pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
• Headaches
• Worsening of symptoms following physical or mental activity
• Fatigue or exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours