Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

DC 8599Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8599-8520

A chronic pain condition usually affecting an arm or leg after an injury, causing severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. The VA rates CRPS by analogy to peripheral nerve conditions based on the severity of pain and functional impairment.

Rating Levels

Severe CRPS. You have incapacitating pain, significant atrophy and contractures, and marked disability in the affected limb.

What the VA looks for

Incapacitating pain documented by specialists
Significant muscle atrophy and contractures
Marked disability with severe functional loss
Multiple failed treatment attempts documented
Inability to use affected limb for most activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠CRPS does not have its own diagnostic code — it is rated by analogy, which means the VA must choose the most closely analogous code. Make sure the examiner documents this clearly.
⚠Not having a pain management specialist confirm the diagnosis using the Budapest criteria.
⚠Not documenting the triggering injury and its connection to service — CRPS typically develops after an injury, surgery, or other trauma.
⚠Not requesting bilateral ratings if CRPS has spread to multiple limbs (mirror-image CRPS).

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions (Not Including Diabetic Sensory-Motor Peripheral Neuropathy)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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