General

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”) can be a basis for being found eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Complex Regional Pain is defined as a chronic pain condition in which high levels of nerve impulses are sent to an affected area of the body.

There is no cure for the condition.

There may be multiple causes of CRPS.

Often there has been some type of injury or trauma and then symptoms of chronic pain develop.

The symptoms include burning pain, swelling and stiffness of affected joints, decreased ability to move parts of the body, changes in nail or hair growth, temperature changes or color changes of the skin.

There is not a specific diagnostic test for CRPS. It is based on an initial injury, higher than usual pain for the injury, a change in the appearance of the injured area, and no other cause for the pain or change of appearance.

Treatment for CRPS is nerve blocks, pain medications, or electrical stimulators.

People who have a serious CRPS condition may be found disabled because the pain is so severe that it interferes with concentration, and limits the ability to sit, stand, walk, or lift, or handle, finger or reach.

Questions about your conditions and whether you qualify for disability? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Mental illness is a basis for Social Security finding that you are disabled.

It is usually in combination with physical problems, however, you may be found disabled based on a mental condition only.

The following treatment is usually needed to support your mental disability case:

Treatment with a psychiatrist. This is often helpful because they specialize in mental disorders.

Going for counseling sessions. This may show the frequency and intensity of your symptoms.

Medications. The need for medications may show the severity of your condition. The side effects of your medications may also reduce your concentration.

Electroconvulsive therapy. In very serious cases this treatment may be used in attempt to deal with depression with psychotic features.

Hospitalizations. Being placed in mental wards for extended periods due to threats to self or others, or episodes of decompensation.

You do not necessarily have to have all the above treatment to win your case.

However, a combination of some of the above types of treatment will be needed to show that you do not have the ability to remain productive to the extent necessary to work a job in the national economy, or that will cause you to miss work consistently.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case and mental illness? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.