Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD)

DC 8599-8520Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8599-8520 (by analogy)

Chronic pain condition usually affecting a limb after an injury, featuring severe burning pain, swelling, skin color changes, and temperature sensitivity disproportionate to the original injury. Rated by analogy to the affected nerve.

Rating Levels

Complete functional loss — you have total disability of the affected limb and complete dependence for activities involving the affected extremity.

What the VA looks for

Total disability of affected limb documented
Complete dependence for activities involving affected extremity
Loss of use determination by examiner
Severe trophic changes and muscle atrophy throughout limb
Inability to perform any functional task with affected limb

Common Pitfalls

⚠CRPS is often underrated — push for the highest applicable analogy code. Document all functional limitations thoroughly to support the most accurate rating.
⚠Not obtaining a three-phase bone scan or other objective evidence — while CRPS is primarily a clinical diagnosis, objective imaging strengthens the claim.
⚠Not documenting skin, temperature, and color changes during the C&P exam — ask the examiner to note these findings as they are hallmarks of CRPS.
⚠The condition can spread to other limbs — document all affected areas, as each limb may warrant a separate rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

Complete functional loss — you have total disability of the affected limb and complete dependence for activities involving the affected extremity.

What the VA looks for

Total disability of affected limb documented
Complete dependence for activities involving affected extremity
Loss of use determination by examiner
Severe trophic changes and muscle atrophy throughout limb
Inability to perform any functional task with affected limb

Common Pitfalls

⚠CRPS is often underrated — push for the highest applicable analogy code. Document all functional limitations thoroughly to support the most accurate rating.

⚠Not obtaining a three-phase bone scan or other objective evidence — while CRPS is primarily a clinical diagnosis, objective imaging strengthens the claim.

⚠Not documenting skin, temperature, and color changes during the C&P exam — ask the examiner to note these findings as they are hallmarks of CRPS.

⚠The condition can spread to other limbs — document all affected areas, as each limb may warrant a separate rating.