Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS) occurs when a serious injury does not heal correctly. This syndrome is characterized by ongoing severe pain and sensitivity that persists long after the initial injury occurs. The symptoms of CRPS may include:
- Swelling and pain
- Changes in skin texture
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Joint stiffness or damage
- Muscle spasms
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome may be treated through physical therapy, surgery, or medications. However, for some individuals, this condition results in complications that cause chronic symptoms. If your CRPS symptoms keep you from working and are likely to last longer than twelve months, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
When applying for SSD benefits, it is important to order to provide strong medical evidence that documents the severity of your symptoms.
Qualifying for SSD Benefits with to Symptoms of CRPS
It is difficult to apply for Social Security Disability benefits with CPRS because it is hard to prove that an individual suffers from chronic pain. When evaluating an application, the SSA looks for evidence of a “medically determinable impairment”. This means that applicants must have medical documents that show clear evidence of the damage that is causing your chronic pain.
If your CRPS is causing ongoing chronic pain or weakness in any of your major joints, you may be able to qualify for benefits under multiple listings. Consider if the following statements are true:
- You cannot walk short distances at a reasonable pace without the assistance of a walker or two crutches.
- You cannot perform daily activities, lift, grasp, push, or pull with your arms because of major joint damage.
If you do not meet a specific Social Security Disability listing, you may still be able to receive approval for benefits by completing a physical residual functional capacity assessment, which will evaluate your ability to perform common job-related activities.
Medical Evidence Necessary When Applying for SSD Benefits with CRPS
When applying for SSD benefits due to CRPS, it is crucial to provide plenty of medical documentation that demonstrates that your symptoms are reoccurring, not responding to treatments, and severe enough to limit your ability to work. This evidence may include:
- Imaging results such as X-rays, CT Scans, or MRIs that show your damaged bone or tissue
- Physician’s notes that describe your symptoms and prognosis
- Summary of hospitalizations
- History of treatments and your response to those treatments
The Importance of Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney When Applying
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can be an extremely agonizing and limiting chronic condition, but that does not mean that it will be easy to receive benefits. If you would like to put together a strong application, and reduce your risk of rejection, enlist the services of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney.
