Husband was diagnosed last week so we are very new. His symptoms all started in March 2012 after a tetanus vaccine. His neuromuscular doctor said he moved through the stages very quickly. He is now on short term disability because he is on weight restrictions with his arms (zero lifting with his left dominant arm and 15 pounds with his right arm). We are attempting PT to try to regain the strength, but at the end of 6 weeks if he is unable to lift 50 to 100 pounds he cannot go back to work as a machinist. The PT was amazed at the profound weakness in his left arm. We are hoping for the best, but starting to prepare for the worst that he will be unable to return to work. I'm wondering if anyone has received SS disability due to RSD and if so, how long did it take you to get approved? The worry is because he was the breadwinner. I work parttime from home as a medical transcriptionist with no benefits so in 6 weeks we could very likely only have my parttime income without health insurance. Thanks for any information! It is very appreciated

I got rsd June 09, and worked light duty until Jan. 2011. By April 2011 I filed for ssdi and was told that the only reason I got it was because I was on a rollabout. It was approved in August.

You will need proper documentation from the dr.'s. I also suggest seeing a physciatrist for depression. That should also be one of the things your husband lists as a dx.

Welcome to the forum..........

It is not at all uncommon to have to file for Social Security Disability with this condition.

There is a specific forum for Social Security Disability. Lots of good information on there. Here is a link.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

I would visit a lawyer who specializes in Social Security issues. This will cost you nothing. All moneys paid are a % from the SS settlement, by law. I would make this visit soon. It took my wife around 3 years for SSDI. However, many with RSD have received theirs fairly quickly. It can get cumbersome for some, documentation is key. This is why I'd advice getting an lawyer who knows this line of work.

Thanks for the information. Fortunately (or unfortunately) he already has a well-documented diagnosis of anxiety, which of course, the RSD is amplifying greatly

I filed for it last october, and was approved in december.. very quick but I also have multiple issues.(i used an attorney) I suggest you do the same. First thing I would suggest is see if his job offers short term disability as if they do offer it it will come much quicker. two I suggest you fill out a FMLA for and submit it . that is a Family Medical Leave Act form.. It allows you up to a year of medical leave before they can terminate his position. If he qualifies. also how many doctors has he seen do they all have him dx,d as RSD/CRPS? and the shrink will he document his in ability to work, PT will need to fully document and have this information readily available. and the dr,s prognosis must all say that he will be un able to work for at least 1-2 years.. as usually you cannot file until you are already out of work for a year unless you know you will be out longer... but again I suggest you use an atty as this is your best and least stressful way of dealing with this... good luck. and welcome to RSD forum and in the same breath. sorry to hear that your husband is sentenced to this beast.. my best regards for you and your husband .. be well and god speed.