Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome
Affecting approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. each year, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is a somewhat hard-to-pin-down chronic nerve disorder associated with injured soft tissue (such as a nerve) that doesn’t heal right. More commonly known today as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), RSDS usually affects the extremities but symptoms can show up just about anywhere in the body. The pain and difficulties that arise due to RSDS may or may not be in proportion to the magnitude of the injury. Then again, RSDS can develop without a “precipitating event.” To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Qualify for Disability?
While the SSA recognizes that reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome can be disabling, there is currently no listing for RSDS in the Blue Book. You will need more than a diagnosis of RSDS to be approved for disability benefits, but if you can prove that your functional limitations prevent you from working, and you have strong medical records, it’s possible that the SSA will grant your claim. You will need to submit the following information as part of your claim:
- Medical records covering months to years indicating ongoing medical evaluation and treatment;
- Doctors’ clinical notes detailing your medical condition and limitations;
- Medications taken and your response;
- Treatments followed and your response; and
- Whether your symptoms have remained stable, improved, or worsened
Your medical records must include complaints of persistent, intense pain that causes impaired mobility of the affected body part and must be related to swelling, changes in skin color or texture, increased or decreased sweating, changes in skin temperature, osteoporosis, or involuntary movements in the area of the initial injury.
Note, at least one of these symptoms needs to be present since the date of initial injury.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
