Info Library

Fatigue is one of the most common—and also one of the most difficult—symptoms to prove in a long term disability (“LTD”) claim. Whether it’s caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Long COVID, autoimmune disease, or another chronic condition, fatigue often lacks clear test results or visible signs. Because of that, insurance companies frequently question its severity or deny these claims altogether.

Below we’ll answer commons questions on building a strong LTD claim when fatigue is your primary disabling symptom.

Is dysautonomia disabling?

Yes, dysautomia can be disabling. If you are dealing with dysautonomia and struggling with dizziness, fatigue, or difficulty remaining upright, the issue is usually not just the diagnosis — it is whether your symptoms prevent you from working consistently on a full-time basis.

Dysautonomia claims are often challenging because symptoms can fluctuate, are not always visible, and may not be fully captured through standard testing. Insurers frequently argue that a claimant can perform sedentary work, without accounting for the difficulty of maintaining posture, concentration, or reliability throughout the day.

This page explains when dysautonomia can qualify for long term disability benefits, what evidence matters most, and why these claims are often denied.

Is POTS Syndrome a disability?

Yes. If you are dealing with POTS and struggling to remain upright, maintain focus, or sustain a full workday, the issue is usually not just the diagnosis — it is whether your symptoms prevent you from working consistently.

POTS claims are often challenged because symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog can fluctuate and are not always fully captured in objective testing. Insurers frequently argue that a claimant can perform sedentary work, without accounting for the difficulty of sitting upright, maintaining concentration, or functioning reliably over time.

While POTS may be a sole diagnosis, often it is found alongside other conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (“EDS”) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (“CFS”).

This page explains when POTS can quality for long term disability benefits, what evidence matters most, and why these claims are often denied.

On July 26, 2021, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services issued new guidance categorizing long COVID as a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

Below, we discuss the impact this guidance will have on long term disability benefits for COVID long haulers.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (known as “CPET”) can be useful for substantiating long term disability insurance claims.  The CPET is particularly recommended for conditions that cause fatigue as a major symptom.

Fatigue is commonly self-reported by claimants rather than objectively tested by their doctors.  Consequently, your insurance company may consider your reported fatigue as “subjective”.  Disability claims with subjective symptoms are more highly scrutinized and at higher risk of denial.

The CPET can provide evidence of your exertional limitations.  These objective results can help prove your disability to your insurance company.

Read below to learn more about the CPET and how it may help your disability claim.