Some of the more challenging disability claims involve impairment resulting from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  There are no tests for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and the impairment assessment often relies heavily on self-reported symptoms and…the credibility of the claimant and the treating physician.

But there are distinct ways to help the court assess these claims. This new case provides a helpful playbook of arguments to make in assessing chronic fatigue, or self-reported, disability types of cases. Lukianczyk v. Unum Life Ins. Company of America, 2020 WL 7122007 (E. D. Cal. December 4, 2020)(chronic fatigue syndrome case: “While there can be little doubt that plaintiff suffers from medical conditions that impair her to some degree, there is insufficient evidence to persuade the court that plaintiff was disabled…”)

FACTS: Lukianczyk, an accountant, sought ERISA-governed disability benefits primarily due to “fatigue” related to rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea and generalized anxiety disorder. Treating physicians initially stated Plaintiff was disabled because she “was unable to stay awake more than two hours at a time” and could not operate a computer. Plaintiff was able, however, to attend a wedding in Las Vegas, take long driving trips, and a cruise to Mexico, but she claimed she “slept a lot.”

During the review process, Plaintiff’s treating physician later agreed with a Unum peer review that Plaintiff could work in her own occupation. After Unum denied the claim, Lukianczyk appealed, submitting revised opinions by her treating physician, a Functional Capacity Exam, and reports from other rheumatologists indicating she was unable to perform her occupation.

ISSUE: Whether Plaintiff established her fatigue rendered her disabled?

DISTRICT COURT HELD: NO. “While there can be little doubt that plaintiff suffers from medical conditions that impair her to some degree, there is insufficient evidence to persuade the court that plaintiff was disabled…” Op. at 12

1. “While there are no test[s] for chronic fatigue syndrome, ‘there are a variety of tests and evaluations designed to measure an individual’s cognitive, psychological, and physical functioning.’” Op. at 20.
2. “While…evidence supports plaintiff’s diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome during the relevant time frame, it does little to confirm her contention that it was disabling.”  Op. at 21-22.
3. “Courts ‘have held it unreasonable to reject Plaintiff’s treating/examining physician’s notes of Plaintiff’s self-reporting and subjective observations…where, as here…the applicable Plan does not restrict the type of evidence that may be used to demonstrate disability.’”  Op. at 23.
4. “The credibility of the opinions of physicians and the weight to be accorded to those opinions ‘turns not only on whether they report subjective complaints or objective evidence of disability but on (1) the extent of patient’s treatment history, (2) the doctor’s specialization or lack thereof, and (3) how much detail the doctor provides supporting his or her conclusions.’”  Op. at 25.
5. “‘[T]he prospect of receiving disability benefits based on an ailment whose extent is objectively unverifiable provides a strong incentive to falsify or exaggerate…assessment of the claimant’s credibility thus becomes exceptionally important in such cases.’”  Op. at 26.
6. Lukianczyk’s activities were incongruous with the reported severity of her symptoms. She drove 12 hours to Utah, traveled to Grand Teton National Park, and took lengthy road trips to San Diego and Las Vegas.  Op. at 26-27.
7. “‘Courts discredit a plaintiff’s subjective belief that she is disabled if she refuses treatment or is not diligent in following a treatment plan that could alleviate her symptoms.’”  Op. at 27.  The court found she was not compliant with treatment plans.
8. A claimant’s credibility will be viewed as negative when the claimant’s alleged symptoms around the time of the elimination period are “not entirely consistent” with complaints during the appeals process. “[V]acillating explanations cast a negative light on plaintiff’s credibility….”  Op. at 30.
9. “The fact that plaintiff did not take large amounts of sick leave casts doubt upon her reports to both Unum and [her treating physician] where she stated she needed  to be on long term disability because ‘she has to call in [sick] so often….’”  Op. at 30-31.
10. The court did not find narrative statements (provided by claimant and her husband) persuasive because “plaintiff’s narrative…at times directly contradict contemporaneous statements [she] made to her physicians.” Op. at 32.
11. “‘[T]he mere existence of an impairment is insufficient proof of disability.’” Op. at 35.

Best holiday wishes!