Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating yet little-understood condition affecting thousands of Gulf War veterans. Many veterans struggle with extreme fatigue and generalized muscle aches that make everyday tasks unmanageable and are unaware their symptoms may qualify them to receive VA disability benefits. This post will examine the VA disability ratings for CFS and how to qualify for compensation.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by acute onset and severe, debilitating fatigue that persists over time despite rest or sleep. It also includes other symptoms such as cognitive impairments, muscle aches, headaches, and joint pain. CFS can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may be similar to other conditions. The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but it is believed to result from environmental and genetic factors.
Understanding the VA Disability Rating System for CFS:
Gulf War veterans suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be eligible for VA disability benefits for their service-related condition. The final VA Disability Ratings for CFS are determined based on the symptoms’ severity, frequency, and duration. To receive a VA disability rating, veterans must prove their symptoms have an acute onset and began during or after their service in the Southwest Asia theater.
The VA Disability Ratings for CFS range from 10 percent for mild symptoms controlled with medication to a 100 percent rating for severe cases where generalized muscle aches, extreme fatigue, and other CFS symptoms almost completely restrict routine daily activities.
VA Disability Ratings for CFS are based on the overarching regulations and criteria established by the Department of Veterans Affairs and any evidence or other information provided by the veteran. Here is a breakdown of the VA Disability Ratings for CFS:
Severe cases of CFS with debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms restrict routine daily activities almost completely.
Patients with debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of six weeks total duration per year.
Veterans who experience debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms, which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities between 25 to 50 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of four to six weeks total duration per year.
Patients with debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of two to four weeks total duration per year.
Veterans with debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 10 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year; or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
Any veteran who believes their CFS is service-related can file a claim to receive VA disability compensation, with the rating based on their particular symptoms and the duration of military service. Veterans must provide sufficient evidence to establish a service connection for their CFS to receive VA disability benefits. If approved, veterans can receive monthly compensation payments, dependent upon the VA disability ratings assigned.
Tips for Gathering Medical Evidence to Submit to the VA
The VA requires substantial medical evidence to support a claim for CFS. To maximize the chances of having your claim approved, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible to prove your condition. Here are some tips for gathering medical evidence:
Obtain a copy of your complete medical records, including any physical examinations, laboratory tests, diagnosis, and treatment notes related to CFS
Provide information about medications you are taking for the condition
Ask your doctor for a comprehensive report about the limitations caused by CFS
Obtain information from friends and family who can attest to the impact of CFS on your life
Gather documents from employers or coworkers that show how CFS affects your performance at work
Ask your doctor for a letter of opinion that confirms the diagnosis and its relation to military service
Submit evidence of all other disabilities related to CFS
Submit copies of all lab tests, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging studies related to CFS
Attach any other relevant medical records that can support your claim.
How to File a Claim for Disability Due to CFS
Veterans must gather the necessary medical evidence to submit a valid claim and receive VA disability benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome. This requires the following three key steps:
1. Receiving and presenting a valid, current chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis.
2. finding a particular incident from one’s time in the military that led to or helped the condition develop.
3. Showing a medical opinion linking the in-service event to the diagnosis.
Medical Diagnosis:
Veterans must have a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome to be eligible for VA disability compensation. Some doctors can be reluctant to diagnose this condition as its symptoms can come and go. To ensure a valid diagnosis, veterans should look for symptoms such as reduced activity level, worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity, difficulty sleeping, cognitive impairments, and generalized muscle aches that have persisted for at least six months.
Service Connection:
Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations between August 2, 1990, and till date are usually entitled to a presumption of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome. In the absence of service during this period, we can assess individual cases to understand another route to prove service connection.
Linking Medical Opinion:
A linking medical opinion is unnecessary for veterans who qualify for the Gulf War presumption. Otherwise, veterans must obtain a medical opinion from a qualified physician stating that their chronic fatigue syndrome was caused or aggravated by the veteran’s military service. This medical opinion must take into account the veteran’s service records, medical history and other relevant evidence when making this link.
CFS and Gulf War Veterans
For Gulf War veterans, the VA assumes that any chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms they experience are connected to their military service during the conflict. This means Gulf War veterans do not need to prove a service connection to receive VA disability benefits. Instead, they only need to demonstrate that their condition meets certain criteria that allow an assessment of 10 percent or higher for VA disability ratings.
These criteria include having symptoms of extreme fatigue, debilitating fatigue, or both that have persisted for at least six months, in addition to other chronic fatigue syndromes symptoms such as generalized muscle aches and cognitive impairments. If the veteran meets these criteria and has evidence of active duty in the Southwest Asia theater from August 2, 1990, to till date, they may be eligible for VA disability compensation.
Understanding the Role of Secondary Conditions in Your Claim
Veterans who were not diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during their military service may still be able to receive VA disability benefits if the condition is linked to a service-connection disability. This is called secondary service connection, and it requires proof that the current disability was “proximately due to” or “the result of” another service-connected disability.
To qualify for secondary service connection, a veteran must have a medical diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in VA medical records or private records, evidence of a service-connected disability (such as PTSD) at any rating, and a medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional establishing a connection between the service-connected disability and the current disability.
It is important for veterans to understand how the VA evaluates secondary service connections to maximize their chances of receiving benefits. Suppose a veteran can prove their Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was caused or exacerbated by a service-connected disability. In that case, they may be able to receive VA disability compensation and the support they need to manage this condition.
Need Help with Filing a VA Disability Claim
If you are a veteran who needs help with filing for VA Disability for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or any other service-connected disability, the VetClaim solution can help. Our Vet claim coaches understand the VA Disability Claims process and are available to help you each step of the way. Our team has experience helping veterans file for VA disability compensation and can provide personalized advice and support. Contact us today to get started.
FAQ’s
1. Can you get VA disability for chronic fatigue syndrome?
A veteran can receive VA disability benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome if it is service-connected. For Gulf War veterans, the VA assumes any chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms they experience are connected to their military service, so they do not need to prove a service connection.
2. How do you prove chronic fatigue syndrome to the VA?
To prove chronic fatigue syndrome to the VA, a veteran must have a medical diagnosis of CFS in VA medical records or private records, evidence of a service-connected disability (such as PTSD) at any rating, and a medical nexus letter from a qualified medical professional establishing a connection between the service-connected disability and the current disability.