ME/CFS Claims
Long-Term Disability for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Ontario
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, debilitating illness, not laziness, not depression. Yet insurers treat it that way.
Common Denial Tactics
Why insurers deny Chronic Fatigue Syndrome claims
"No objective findings" (standard lab work is often normal)
"Fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis"
"You should improve with exercise" (ignoring post-exertional malaise)
Classified as a mental health condition to apply 24-month limitation
IME doctors unfamiliar with ME/CFS diagnostic criteria
The Misunderstood Condition
ME/CFS is one of the most misunderstood conditions in disability insurance because:
- Post-exertional malaise is the hallmark, but hard to measure objectively
- Severity can fluctuate significantly day to day
- Many physicians still don't understand ME/CFS
- Insurers often misclassify it as depression or deconditioning
Our Approach
How we prove Chronic Fatigue Syndrome disability
Two-day cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) showing reduced capacity
Detailed activity and crash logs documenting post-exertional malaise
Expert opinions from ME/CFS specialists
Tilt table testing for orthostatic intolerance
Neurocognitive testing for brain fog and processing speed
Sleep studies showing unrefreshing sleep patterns
Heart rate data from wearable devices showing autonomic dysfunction
Protect Your Claim
What insurers look for
What to Avoid
- Pushing through symptoms (this worsens your condition AND hurts your claim)
- Social media posts on better days
- Agreeing to graded exercise programs without medical guidance
- Gaps in specialist appointments
What to Do
- See ME/CFS specialists or knowledgeable physicians
- Keep detailed activity and crash diaries
- Document the boom-bust cycle of symptoms
- Follow pacing strategies recommended by specialists
Common Questions
Your questions, answered
Denied for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Let's talk.
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