Mrs. Pettigrew was an employee of Pioneer Automotive Technologies, Inc from December 8, 2003 until May 15, 2006. Her most recent position was that of a senior engineer. Mrs. Pettigrew had been experiencing increasing pain and symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia and Radiculopathy. Because of the increasing problems Mrs. Pettigrew was facing, she was finally forced to stop working. On May 25, 2006 Mrs. Pettigrew submitted a claim for short-term disability benefits, claiming that she was unable to work due to fatigue, severe pain causing lack of concentration, difficulty sitting as well as standing.