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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.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (“CFS”), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (“ME”) or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (“SEID”), is a debilitating, often misunderstood disease.  It is generally characterized by severe, overwhelming fatigue that does not improve with rest, and post-exertional malaise – or the inability to recover normally from even minimal physical or cognitive exertion. Individuals with CFS/ME also experience general weakness, cognitive problems, un-refreshing sleep, muscle or joint pain and flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment to cure this disease. 

Those with fibromyalgia know how difficult daily living can be: coping with debilitating chronic pain, ending up exhausted for days from light activities, struggling to concentrate enough to complete even simple tasks. Many people suffering from fibromyalgia find themselves unable to continue working.

Is Fibromyalgia A Long Term Disability?

Fibromyalgia is difficult to prove as a disability since it is a condition with largely subjective symptoms.  Because of this, obtaining long term disability insurance benefits can be challenging.  Insurance companies are skeptical of claims based on self-reported subjective symptoms. They often insist that a claimant supply objective evidence in support of disability.

If you are disabled because of fibromyalgia, our disability insurance lawyers can help you assemble the evidence that insurers demand to approve a claim. 

See below for tips on filing for long term disability with fibromyalgia.