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Social Security Administration Ruling
In 1999, RSDSA contacted the Social Security Administration
(SSA) Office of Disability concerning the difficulties and
frequent denials that people with severe CRPS were experiencing
in getting approval for their claims. In October, 2003, The
Social Security Administration approved a Social Security
Ruling (SSR) on CRPS (click here
to read the ruling) This ruling explains the details of the
ruling. However, some highlights follow.
CRPS, when documented by appropriate medical signs, is a medically
determinable impairment that can last for 12 or more months
and be the basis for finding of “disability.” Disability may
not be established on the basis of an individual’s statement
of symptoms alone. Requirements for a Medically Determinable
Impairment include:
- The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity
(SGA) by reason of a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment that can be expected to result in death
or has lasted or can be expected to last for a period of
not less than 12 months
- The impairment must result from anatomical, physiological,
or psychological abnormalities that can be shown by medically
acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques
- An impairment must be established by medical evidence
that consists of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings
- CRPS can be established in the presence of chronic complaints
of severe pain disproportionate to the degree of documented
soft tissue injury and one or more of the following signs
in the affected region:
- Swelling
- Autonomic instability (In the affected regions there
may be color, temperature or trophic changes in skin
as well as changes in sweating or in the amount of goose
flesh?also called increased pilomotor erection)
- Abnormal hair or nail growth
- Dystrophic nails
- Osteoporosis
- Abnormal movement
The documentation of objective medical findings is critical
in establishing the presence of CRPS as a medically determinable
impairment. Your clinical records reflecting ongoing medical
assessment and treatment from your physician and other healthcare
professionals are extremely helpful in documenting the clinical
findings. Make every reasonable effort to secure all relevant
evidence to ensure appropriate and thorough disability evaluation.
Generally, you must have the evidence for the 12-month period
before you apply. You must go to your local Social Security
Office. If you can’t leave your home, call the office and
ask that a Claims Representative be sent to your home to complete
an application. You may be asked to place an application over
the telephone. Make sure to ask for copies of all documents
you sign. |
