Minnesota RSD - CRPS Disorder


Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Reflex sympathetic disorder, now typically referred to as complex regional pain syndrome, is a chronic pain condition that affects many people living in Minnesota and millions of people around the world. It is characterized by continuous, intense pain that is out of proportion to the original injury. Social Security benefits are based on the severity of your RSD and how complications from the disorder affect your ability to function.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is now referred to as CRPS I and CRPS II. However, many people (and doctors) continue to refer to the disorder using both “RSD” and “CRPS”. A Minnesota RSD lawyer at Fields Law Firm can help you through every step of the disability process from initial application through appeals if you are unable to work due to the pain and disability caused by reflex sympathetic disorder.

What causes reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)?

No one knows exactly why a certain injury causes reflex sympathetic disorder or what causes CRPS. This makes proper medical documentation especially important in both documenting symptoms and in excluding other disorders. Social security will look most favorably on a diagnosis made by a specialist who is familiar with the diagnostic criteria for complex regional pain syndrome.

One theory of how reflex sympathetic disorder develops is by a dysfunction in the sympathetic nervous system. Another theory is that CRPS is triggered by the immune response which causes inflammatory symptoms such as redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected region. What is known is that the pain associated with CRPS is caused by some type of malfunction of the nervous system where constant pain signals are sent to the brain.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Stages

The symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome can vary in severity and length. Some CRPS experts think there are three stages associated with CRPS, marked by progressive changes in the skin, muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones of the affected area..

• Stage one - lasts from 1 to 3 months and is associated with intense, burning pain, along with muscle spasm, joint stiffness, rapid hair growth, and alterations in the blood vessels that cause the skin to change color and temperature.

• Stage two - lasts from 3 to 6 months and is characterized by increasing pain, swelling, decreased hair growth, cracked, brittle, grooved, or spotty nails, softened bones, stiff joints, and weak muscle tone.

• Stage three - the syndrome progresses causing irreversible changes in the skin and bone. Pain becomes persistent and may involve the entire limb or affected area. There may be marked muscle loss (atrophy), severely limited mobility, and involuntary contractions of the muscles and tendons that flex the joints. Limbs may become contorted.

You will not get approved for reflex sympathetic disorder SSA benefits based solely on a diagnosis. There is presently no social security RSD impairment listing. You will have a much stronger case if you can provide evidence of complications caused by your RSD or other conditions that in combination limit your activities of daily living.

A Fields Law RSD lawyer will assist you in getting the medical records and supporting documentation you need to provide the SSA with evidence of your reflex sympathetic dystrophy disability. If you are unable to work because of RSD we can help you apply for social security benefits. If you have been denied disability benefits we can appeal your case.

We offer a Free case review. Our Minnesota RSD lawyers understand how frustrating it is to have complex regional pain syndrome and be denied disability benefits when you are unable to work. There are never any fees unless we win your disability case.

Fields Law MN Disability Center

We are a Minnesota Disability Law Firm dedicated to helping people in Minnesota get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.

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