Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Disability: Can I Claim Insurance Benefits?

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Understanding chronic fatigue syndrome and disability in Ontario can be a difficult task. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not widely understood in the medical community. In fact, many doctors disbelieve the reported symptoms characterized by chronic fatigue syndrome as psychosomatic or exaggerated, and there is no diagnostic testing to prove or disprove a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. In the absence of a proper diagnosis and medical advice, patients can feel isolated and alone, without any hope of finding recourse or help.

In the modern computer age with ever-increasing use of mobile telephones, wireless devices, microwaves, and electronics, there is some evidence to suggest that chronic fatigue syndrome is linked to overexposure to these electronic fields. Many people spend all day sitting at a computer screen at work. Their office and home have wireless devices. They may sleep near a modem or router signaling to several wireless devices in the home on a continuous basis.

Most people don’t realize they have chronic fatigue syndrome. If they are involved in an accident, their symptoms may become more pronounced or manifested. These symptoms can become disabling. The disabled person may have difficulty sleeping. They may have a variety of diffuse pain symptoms and inexplicable fatigue. These symptoms and the unknown causes may produce psychological frustration and lead to anxiety and depression.

Proving Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Disability

An insurance claim for short-term and long-term disability benefits does not require proof of causation to succeed. A claimant need only provide medical evidence supported by their doctor or specialist to support their claim for disability.

In making an insurance claim after a car accident, showing the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome as a direct result of the car accident is difficult. In some cases, chronic fatigue syndrome is accompanied by a diagnosis of chronic pain or fibromyalgia and psychological problems. The onset or increase of symptoms relating to chronic fatigue syndrome may result in an aggravation of chronic pain and depression arising out of a car accident. These aggravating symptoms are also considered caused by the car accident.

Claiming Insurance Benefits

Insurance companies will obtain independent medical reports from doctors who will discount any diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. The claimant may be identified as a malingerer. The insurance doctors are often either general practitioners or orthopedic specialists. They do not have any expertise in chronic fatigue syndrome. Their opinion may not be relevant to your condition.

It is important to obtain medical opinions from doctors specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome and its causes to support your claim.

An experienced disability lawyer will have access to doctors with the expertise to provide a valuable opinion for your case. This is particularly important in an unusual condition such as chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to providing a valuable opinion, our expert will also make recommendations for treatment for your family physician to follow up on to improve your symptoms.