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Evidence checklist

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

DC 8599-852038 CFR § 4.124aNeurological

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 4 collected
Clinical documentation of Budapest criteria (pain, sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, motor/trophic)Critical

A specialist's documentation confirming CRPS meets the Budapest diagnostic criteria: continuous pain disproportionate to inciting event, plus signs/symptoms in at least 3 of 4 categories (sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema, motor/trophic).

Private provider · independent opinion
Three-phase bone scan or MRI showing CRPS changes

Three-phase bone scintigraphy showing increased periarticular uptake, or MRI showing bone marrow edema and soft tissue changes characteristic of CRPS. Supports the objective diagnosis.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking CRPS to service injury or service-connected conditionCritical

Medical opinion connecting CRPS to an in-service fracture, surgery, soft tissue injury, or other inciting event.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pain specialist or physiatrist evaluationCritical

Evaluation by a pain management specialist documenting allodynia, hyperalgesia, temperature asymmetry, skin color/texture changes, and functional impairment.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (sympathetic blocks, ketamine infusion, SCS)

Records of nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulator implantation, ketamine infusions, or other CRPS-specific treatments and response.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Photographic evidence of skin, color, and temperature changes

Dated photographs showing visible signs of CRPS including skin color changes, swelling, hair/nail growth changes, and temperature differences compared to the unaffected limb.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Peripheral Nerves ConditionsCritical

VA standardized form capturing sensory abnormalities, motor dysfunction, and trophic changes associated with CRPS, rated by analogy under 38 CFR 4.20 to the peripheral nerve serving the affected limb (DC 8599-8520 for the leg, DC 8599-8515 for the hand).

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of original in-service injuryCritical

Service treatment records showing the initial injury, fracture, surgery, or trauma that preceded the development of CRPS.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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