I think with any difficult or hard to prove claim an attorney is a must.
RSD is one of those difficult cases.

Be sure to interview many before choosing one, they will tell you all the good stuff they can get for you but skim over how long it all takes and the full downside...of the whole process...

You really need to find one that has an organized staff & office and is successful & highly skilled at what they do.

from how I understand it during my RSI/TOS claim.
If the dr has written you off work, you must continue seeing dr once a month during the wc claim.
And keep your employer updated weekly { that last part was my employers rule}

You cannot return to work until your dr writes that it is Ok to return to work. The dr will write some work restrictions or modifications if needed.

Then employer will decide if they can find work for you that fit to those requirements or not.

Also check your state website - employment /workers compensation section for state specific details - and you should be able to email or call someone from the site for more information too.

There might be a listing of wc attys on your state website.