Rainbow at shoreline

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

Article Index

by Scott E. Davis

Scott E. Davis, ESQ. is a Social Security and Long-term Disability insurance attorney in Scottsdale, Arizona. The majority of his disability practice is devoted to representing individuals with fibromyalgia (FM) and/or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Scott has extensive experience in handling FM/CFIDS cases and does represent individuals throughout the United States. In most cases he charges a fee only if his client obtains benefits.

In this 2009 article, Attorney Davis refers to ME/CFS as the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS). The article mentions the 1999 Social Security Ruling SSR 99-2, which was superceded in 2014 by SSR 14-1p “Titles II and XVI: Social Security Rulings: Evaluating Claims Involving Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” While the advice in this article is still germane, you should also read Ken Casanova's detailed article "Major 2014 Social Security Ruling Establishes New Standards for Documenting ME/CFS Social Security Disability Claims/Reviews." 

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.