West Virginia readers know that chronic medical conditions can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including a person’s ability to work. Even conditions that many consider to be relatively minor can have a significant impact on a person’s abilities. Some of these conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome, are chronic conditions that actually develop as a result of a previous injury.
Chronic pain is not just an inconvenience; it is a threat to a person’s ability to do his or her job. If you are struggling with CRPS, it is possible that you will not be able to hold gainful employment. In this situation, you may have a valid claim to disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
What is CRPS?
Complex regional pain syndrome is a medical condition that affects the nerves connected to a previous injury site. Often, this pain disorder develops after a serious injury or trauma, but it can happen after a minor injury such as a sprain or strain. While many misunderstand this condition, medical professionals believe that it is the result of damage to nerves and the central nervous system. This condition can impact a person’s job because of the following symptoms and effects:
- Excessive pain levels at the affected site
- Swelling of the skin
- Stiffness in the joints
- Difficulty moving and controlling muscle movement
- Jerking of the limb
- Inability to move or use the affected limb effectively
Depending on the nature of your job, one or multiple of these symptoms could impact your ability to hold gainful employment for a period of time or permanently. While this is a frustrating, even overwhelming, situation, you are not out of financial options.
Who gets CRPS?
It is not clear why some people get CRPS and some do not. It appears that, for most people with this condition, a traumatic physical event triggers its development. No matter the cause, you have the right to explore your potential claim for disability benefits.
If you believe that your CRPS makes you eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you do not have to walk through the claims process alone. You have the right to guidance and support for every step of the claims process, from the initial application to any necessary appeals. If you have CRPS, you have no time to lose in learning more about the legal options available to you.
