Use the CDC medicaly accepted definition of CFS.
The VA is still using outdated criteria to diagnose someone with CFS. Soldiers are being discharged from the Military, having been diagnosed with CFS, then when they go to the VA, they are told they do not meet the criteria.
VA definition.
For VA purposes, the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome requires:
(A) New onset of debilitating fatigue severe enough to reduce daily activity to less than 50 percent of the usual level for at least 6 months; and
(B) The exclusion, by history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, of all other clinical conditions that may produce similar symptoms; and
(C) Six or more of the following:
1. Acute onset of the condition
2. Low grade fever
3. Non-exudative pharyngitis
4. Palpable or tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
5. Generalized muscle aches or weakness
6. Fatigue lasting 24 hours or longer after exercise
7. Headaches (of a type, severity or pattern that is different from headaches in the pre-morbid state)
8. Migratory joint pains
9. Neuropsychological symptoms
10. Sleep disturbance
CDC, and the rest of the world (Except for the VA).
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by intense fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical activity or mental exertion. People with CFS often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before they became ill. The cause or causes of CFS have not been identified, and no specific diagnostic tests are available. Therefore, a CFS diagnosis requires three criteria:
The individual has had severe chronic fatigue for 6 or more consecutive months that is not due to ongoing exertion or other medical conditions associated with fatigue (these other conditions need to be ruled out by a doctor after diagnostic tests have been conducted)
The fatigue significantly interferes with daily activities and work
The individual concurrently has 4 or more of the following 8 symptoms:
post-exertion malaise lasting more than 24 hours
unrefreshing sleep
significant impairment of short-term memory or concentration
muscle pain
pain in the joints without swelling or redness
headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
a sore throat that is frequent or recurring
These symptoms should have persisted or recurred during 6 or more consecutive months of illness and they cannot have first appeared before the fatigue.