Are MCS, FMS and CFS recognized by Social Security?
All three of these conditions have now been recognized by Social Security as “medically determinable impairments.” The descriptions for them are contained in the “Program Operations Manual” or “POMS.” There is an extensive POMS for CFS and shorter ones for MCS and FMS. They are still, however, considered controversial diagnoses. • How discouraged should I get if I am turned down the first time? Most people are turned down by Social Security the first time, especially if they have FMS, CFS or MCS. Usually the people approved at the first level with these conditions win due to accompanying mental impairments such as depression. There are three more levels of appeal after the first level, the second being “Reconsideration” where almost everyone is denied, and the third being the “Hearing” where the chances of winning are better than 50%. After that is the “Review” where the chances go down the single digits again. There are also federal court procedures that can be initiated once all aven
