Can CRPS Qualify for a Schedule Award Under OWCP?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most challenging conditions an injured federal worker can experience. Often developing after a workplace injury, surgery, or period of immobilization, CRPS causes pain that is significantly greater than what would normally be expected from the original injury. In addition to severe pain, workers may experience swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, muscle weakness, stiffness, and loss of function. The condition is highly debilitating and impacts quality of life for those suffering from it. 

Because CRPS often develops after an accepted workplace injury, many federal workers aren’t sure whether it qualifies for additional compensation. In some situations, it can. 

Can CRPS Support a Schedule Award?

CRPS itself doesn’t automatically result in a schedule award. Instead, OWCP evaluates whether the condition has caused a permanent loss of function involving a scheduled body part, such as an arm, hand, leg, or foot. The pain associated with CRPS can be debilitating, but a schedule award is based on measurable permanent impairment rather than the pain alone.

CRPS Usually Develops After an Accepted Injury

One reason CRPS claims can become complicated is that the condition most frequently appears after the original workplace injury has already been accepted.

For example, a federal employee may fracture a wrist or ankle, undergo surgery, complete months of rehabilitation, then begin experiencing severe burning pain, temperature changes, hypersensitivity, and loss of function that is eventually diagnosed as CRPS.

CRPS commonly develops following trauma, fractures, surgery, or periods of immobilization. However, not everyone who experiences these events develops the condition, and early diagnosis and treatment generally produce the most desirable outcomes. Because CRPS develops after the initial injury, physicians must clearly explain why the condition is medically related to the accepted work injury. 

Establishing Causation Is Essential

One of the biggest challenges in a CRPS claim is proving causation. OWCP isn’t simply evaluating whether CRPS exists; the agency must determine whether the condition developed because of the accepted workplace injury or treatment required for that injury.

A clear physician narrative should explain:

• The accepted injury
• When CRPS symptoms began and became problematic
• How the condition developed
• Why the physician believes the CRPS resulted from the accepted injury, and how it has permanently affected the use of the injured extremity.

Without that explanation, even legitimate claims may face uphill battles and unnecessary delays; we consistently emphasize the importance of strong OWCP medical documentation throughout every stage of the claims process.

Maximum Medical Improvement Comes Before an Impairment Rating

Before permanent impairment can be evaluated, most workers must first reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Reaching MMI doesn’t mean CRPS has resolved. Many workers continue experiencing significant pain, sensitivity, stiffness, or loss of function long after their condition has stabilized.

The AMA Guides Help Determine Permanent Impairment

Once MMI is reached, a physician may perform an impairment evaluation using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (6th Edition). The physician evaluates the permanent functional loss involving the affected extremity. They use objective medical findings and supporting documentation to substantiate their rating. Because CRPS presents differently from patient to patient, complete medical records and detailed physician explanations are especially important.

Read our accompanying article on OWCP impairment ratings to learn why the first impairment rating isn’t always the final answer and why careful evaluation matters.

CRPS Schedule Award – Our Guidance Can Help

CRPS is one of the more medically complex conditions in federal workers’ compensation claims, and our entire team of OWCP lawyers sympathizes with any federal worker dealing with its symptoms. 

If you’ve developed CRPS after a federal workplace injury or surgery, our experienced team of federal workers’ compensation lawyers can help ensure your medical evidence clearly supports your claim and that we fully explore every available benefit.

Contact IFW Law Group to learn more about your options.