Dysautonomia

According to Dysautonomia International, dysautonomia is when your autonomic nervous system (“ANS”) malfunctions. The ANS controls heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, pupil dilation and constriction, kidney function, and body temperature. A malfunctioning ANS can result in many problems, including double vision, incontinence, dizziness, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, syncope, vertigo, orthostatic hypotension, and weakness. ANS is usually incurable.

I represent a 57 year old former customer service representative with ANS. Despite providing treatment records, narrative reports and impairment questionnaires, the State agency denied my client’s application for Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits. However, shortly after submitting a functional capacity examination (“FCE”) report, the claimant’s SSD application was approved by the Social Security hearing office.

An FCE provides objective evidence to corroborate the opinions of doctors who provide physical restrictions and limitations. While the cost of an FCE can be substantial, it is recommended.