The Water Bearer

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Last Updated: 28 February 2009 28 February 2009

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on one end of a pole which he slung across the back of his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk home from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the water bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I must apologize to you," it said. "Why?" asked the water bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have long been able to deliver only half my load, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house," the pot answered. "Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts."

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion and wisdom said, "As we return to the master's house today, I want you to notice something: the beautiful flowers along the way."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of how the sun warmed scores of beautiful wildflowers on the side of the path, and this vision cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, the pot still felt bad about its "disability"—because once again it had leaked out half its load—and thus once again it apologized to the water bearer for its perceived failings.

The water bearer said to the pot, "Did you happen to notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, and not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we have walked back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. If you were not just as you are, he would not have such beauty to grace his house."

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Each of us has our own unique flaws; we are all, in some way, “cracked pots.” But, if we will recognize this and the potential benefits of those flaws, we will see that we can “grace the beauty of the master’s house.”

Don’t be afraid of your flaws or limitations. Acknowledge them and how they may confer advantages you may never have dreamed of in life’s pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in our weaknesses we often discover our strengths as well.

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Disability Handbook

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Last Updated: 05 November 2023 05 November 2023

The information in this booklet is invaluable to those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) who cannot work and are seeking financial stability. The Table of Contents is displayed below.

This booklet has been revised in 2021. However, some detailed information such as the income and asset eligibility for SSI change periodically. The revised booklet contains the new 2014 Social Security CFS Ruling which is now used for evaluating ME/CFS disability cases. The booklet also contains information on the 2012 Social Security Fibromyalgia Ruling. Note: Social Security Administration still uses the term "CFS" rather than ME/CFS.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

• Eligibility for Social Security Disability Programs
• Disability Eligibility Standard for SSDI and SSI
• Financial Eligibility Standards for SSDI
• Financial Eligibility Standards for SSI
• Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children Program (EAEDC)
• Food Stamps and Fuel Assistance

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits if You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I. The Application Process

II. When to Obtain a Lawyer

III. When to Apply for Disability

IV. Your Doctors' Letters to Social Security

V. Your Description of the Disabling Effects of Your Illness

VI. Contacting your Congressman about your Social Security DisabilityApplication

Appendix I: The 2014 Social Security Ruling for the Evaluation of CFS Disability Claims

Appendix II: Obtaining a CFS Diagnosis Using the 1994 CDC CFS Definition

Appendix III: Documenting Fibromyalgia to Social Security

Appendix IV: Helping Your Doctor Document Your Illness to Social Security (and to Other Disability Carriers)

A. Memo from a disability lawyer.; Recommended documentation of CFS Disability Claim to be Submitted to Social Security and/or for Private/Employer Disability

B. Checklist of ME/CFS Symptoms

C. Some Tests to be Conducted to Help Determine Objectivity of CFS and/or Disabling Symptoms

D. Excerpts from previous Social Security Administration Documents which provide guidelines for documenting CFS disability.

E. Incapacity Checklist

F. Sample Doctor's Letters Documenting CFS Disability

G. Helping Your Doctor Prepare Your Medical Report

Appendix V: How to Prepare for an Administrative Law Judge Hearing (3rd Stage)

• 3 Memos from a disability lawyer.
• Updated Specific Suggestions on Preparing for the Social Security Hearing
• Necessary Elements in Preparation for Social Security Appeal Hearing of a CFS Disability Case and Further Suggestions

Appendix VI: The Use of a Diagnosis of Depression or Other Mental Impairments in a CFS Social Security Application

Introduction

A. The "Legal Services" Position: The positive use of secondary depression and mental impairment in a disability application.

• Problems which may develop between CFS patients and their attorneys regarding documentation or submission of mental impairment, diagnoses.
• Issues of cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychological testing

B. The case for avoiding, if possible, the use of depression or other mental impairment diagnosis a CFS disability application.

Appendix VII: Landmark Federal Court Decision

• Establishes Right of Persons Diagnosed with and Disabled by CFS to Obtain Social Security Benefits.
• Additional Federal Court decisions granting CFS and fibromyalgia disability claims.

Appendix VIII: Disability Case Reviews

Appendix IX: Other Disability Insurance Programs

I. Disability Insurance through Your Employer

II. Disability Retirement Benefits for State Employees and Teachers (Massachusetts)

Addendum I: Plans for Achieving Self-Support While Receiving Supplemental Security Income