People who suffer from long-term disabilities often find that they are unable to work. Anyone who is unable to work in any position for which they are qualified may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. This insurance program is run by the federal government and is funded through paycheck deductions. People who have worked in the past have paid into the program.
Unlike other types of assistance programs, SSDI is a benefit that is earned during a person’s working life. When the complications of a disability make it impossible for a person to work after they pay into SSDI, it is their right to apply for benefits to help make ends meet.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be caused by trauma, infections, strains, sprains, surgery, fractures or firearm-related injuries. There are two types of CRPS that may develop as a complication of one of the aforementioned circumstances.
– Type 1 CRPS is also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy. This condition develops after a person suffers from an illness or injury, but the affected body part is not directly connected to the injury or illness.
– Type 2 CRPS results when a body part has been injured. The nerve endings in the affected body part are damaged, and long-term pain results. While this type of CRPS is solely known as Type 2 CRPS now, it was once called causalgia.
Can You Get SSDI For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
The chronic pain of CRPS can make it difficult or even impossible for a person to work, but proving that the disability is debilitating may be a challenge. Since pain is measured subjectively, it is important for people who suffer from CRPS to seek medical treatment in order to have an accurate record of symptoms and treatment options compiled.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review medical records when making a decision about whether to approve an application, so it is essential for these records to be as complete as possible. CRPS sufferers should relay details about their symptoms to their medical providers whenever possible, and regular appointments are necessary to keep an ongoing record of disability. The date of diagnosis is an important component of these records.
While medical providers may prescribe medication in order to lessen the severity of symptoms, many CRPS sufferers find that the pain is still severe with treatment. The SSA will only approve a benefits application if a sufferer establishes that all treatment options have been exhausted, and there must be evidence that symptoms and complications are severe enough to make it completely impossible for the sufferer to work in any position for which he or she is qualified.
Getting Help From an Attorney
The complicated process of applying for SSDI benefits makes it an overwhelming task for many people. Disabled individuals who are struggling to make ends meet due to an inability to work may feel stressed by the process of applying for the benefits that they need. Understanding which forms need to be submitted can be confusing, and many first-time SSDI applications are denied due to a lack of supporting evidence in the form of medical records.
Anyone who is applying for SSDI benefits should consult with a lawyer before sending in the application. An experienced SSDI attorney is knowledgeable about the requirements of applying and is able to help clients navigate the process for a higher chance of success. Hiring a skilled law firm with SSDI experience takes the stress of applying for much-needed benefits out of the equation to allow applicants to focus on managing their condition.