Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSDS/CRPS)

RSDS or CRPS is a chronic pain syndrome that can result from trauma to an extremity or some other part of the body. It can arise as the result of the trauma of surgery, some other disease process, or even from a minor injury. Symptoms include burning pain, swelling and extreme sensitivity of the skin, especially in the arms, hands, fingers, shoulders, legs and feet. The exact causal mechanism of RSDS/CRPS is not known, however it is thought to be related to damage to the sympathetic nervous system.

In 2003, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a special Ruling that sets forth guidelines regarding how they will evaluate disability claims based on RSDS/CRPS. This Ruling is published as SSR 03-2p. This Ruling states that RSDS/CRPS may be considered a “medically determinable impairment” and may provide the basis for a finding of disability if it is “documented by appropriate medical signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings”.

According to this Ruling, in order to establish RSDS/CRPS as a medically determinable impairment, the claimant must suffer persistent pain in the affected region of the body and, in addition, one or more of the following signs must also be present in the affected region:

1. Swelling,
2. Autonomic instability – seen as changes in skin color or texture, changes in sweating (decreased or excessive sweating), skin temperature changes, or abnormal pilomotor erection (gooseflesh),
3. Abnormal hair or nail growth (growth can be either too slow or too fast),
4. Osteoporosis, or
5. Involuntary movements.

Anyone seeking disability on the basis of RSDS/CRPS would need to carefully review this Ruling with their attorney in order to make sure that their medical evidence satisfies the stated criteria. After reviewing this Ruling, there might be a need to request additional information from your doctor(s) in order to meet the specific evidentiary requirements.

The rules and regulations used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are very complex. If you are attempting to obtain social security disability benefits based on RSDS/CRPS, you need the help of an experienced attorney. More information is contained in my website, lawyerbriantrandall.com. If you have any question, I can be reached at 864-420-0612.

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