Disability Retirement Attorneys for
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Collecting Disability Retirement for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in California

When dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), the impact on your ability to work can be substantial. Pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, sweating, and limited range of motion can all impact your ability to do your job.

Yet collecting disability retirement in California for conditions like CPRS that are considered to have a variety of “subjective” symptoms can present challenges for injured public employees.

At Cantrell Green, our experienced disability retirement attorneys in Long Beach, California, are here to guide you through this challenging process. In this article our disability retirement attorneys explore both the challenges and the options for injured employees seeking to collect disability retirement benefits Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a neurological disorder that causes severe, chronic pain in one or more limbs. CRPS, is a chronic condition characterized by severe pain, sensitivity to touch or pressure, as well as swelling, changes in skin color, temperature, and loss of motor abilities.

It is most typically triggered by an injury, surgery, or trauma such as such as a fracture, dislocation. However, sometime there is no identifiable underlying cause or origin.

Who Suffers for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

It is estimated that CRPS affects 200,000 people in the United States each year. A study in the United States found that the incidence of CRPS was 26.2 per 100,000 person-years.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is more common in women than in men. Research conducted in the United States found that women were 3.4 times more likely to develop CRPS than men.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can occur at any age, but it is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60.

Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The symptoms of CRPS vary from person to person, but they can include:

• Severe, burning pain – usually in the limbs
• Changes in skin color and temperature
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty moving the affected limb(s)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can be a very debilitating condition. It can make it difficult to work, perform everyday activities, and even sleep.

Diagnosing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Diagnosing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome involves a comprehensive evaluation, medical history review, and diagnostic testing. Although there are not definitive tests that can quantify pain.

Medical professionals may use various imaging studies, such as X-rays and bone scans, to assess the affected areas. The ‘Budapest Criteria’ are often applied for diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. The symptoms and signs must be present for at least 3 months, and they must not be better explained by other conditions.

At least one symptom must be present in at least two of the four categories for a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome using the ‘Budapest Criteria’:

Pain and Sensory Issues: This may include having extreme pain when touched lightly, like by a pinprick, or experiencing pain even with things that shouldn’t hurt, such as a gentle touch, changes in temperature, pressure on the skin, or movement in joints.

Vasomotor Symptoms: Look for signs like one limb being noticeably warmer or colder than the other (more than 1°C difference), or changes in the color of the skin on one side, if you suspect you have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Swelling & Sweating Symptoms: Symptoms like swelling (edema) or changes in sweating, such as sweating much more or much less than usual, or differences between limbs can be symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Motor Symptoms: Noticing changes like reduced movement in a joint, difficulty using a limb, or issues like muscle weakness, tremors, or unusual skin, hair, or nail changes in the affected area, can also be signs of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

The Budapest Criteria have been shown to be more reliable and accurate than previous criteria for diagnosing CRPS. However, they are not perfect, and there are still some challenges in diagnosing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, especially in the early stages of the disease.

Seeing a Doctor for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options as soon as possible. Early intervention ensures the best change of recovery or managing symptoms.

Additionally, if you are considering filing a disability retirement claim for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome it is essential that you have timely and thorough medical documentation to support your claim.

Proving Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to Collect to Collect Disability Retirement

Collecting disability retirement for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome necessitates demonstrating that it prevents you from performing your job duties. This involves presenting substantial medical evidence, expert opinions, and documentation to establish the connection between your condition and your work environment.

However, gathering the required evidence can be challenging – especially in conditions involving pain, which is a “subjective” criteria. Insurance companies and retirement systems may dispute your claim, making it crucial to have a skilled disability retirement attorney advocating on your behalf.

Why Have an Attorney to Collect Disability Retirement for CRPS

Collecting disability retirement for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a complex and often adversarial process. Having an experienced attorney by your side is essential for gathering and presenting the necessary medical and legal evidence, navigating negotiations with the employer and insurance company, and protecting your rights during interactions with insurance providers and retirement systems.

Disability Retirement Attorneys for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The attorneys at Cantrell Green in Long Beach, California, understand the complexities of collecting disability retirement benefits for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. We understand that your pain, sensitivity, and other issues are not only very real, but that they can make it impossible for you to do your job.

If you’re dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, our dedicated team of disability retirement attorneys is here to support you throughout the process, ensuring you have the best chance of obtaining the benefits to which you are entitled.

Contact our California disability retirement attorneys today to discuss your case, so you can retire with the maximum retirement benefits for which you qualify and focus on your health and recovery.

Disability Retirement Attorneys: 562-622-4800

This article is general in nature. The rules, laws or regulations governing how each of California’s public retirement systems are administered will differ from system to system.  If you have questions about you public employee retirement system, find your system, below – or call our California disability retirement attorneys at: 562-622-4800