Adjustment disorder - Chronic pain Factor
RMA definition
The RMA has defined chronic pain as meaning "continuous or almost continuous pain, which may or may not be ameliorated by analgesic medication and which is of a level to cause interference with usual work or leisure activities or activities of daily living."
There are several factors that can cause chronic pain:
- A person can have a disease that is characteristically painful for which there is no cure. Examples are arthritis, cancer, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.
- There are secondary perpetuating factors that are initiated by a bodily disease and persist after the disease had resolved. Examples include damaged sensory nerves and painful reflex muscle contraction.
A pain management plan may include medications, physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy, counselling and psychotherapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, exercise, electrical stimulation and surgery.
Last reviewed for CCPS 15 October 2008.
Preliminary questions [40209]
26047 the veteran has had chronic pain of at least three months duration at some time.
26048 the veteran's chronic pain of at least three months duration was materially contributed by an illness or injury which is identifiable.
26050 the identified illness or injury made a material contribution to the chronic pain of at least three months duration at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
40273 the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic pain and VEA service for the clinical onset of adjustment disorder.
40274 the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic pain and operational service for the clinical onset of adjustment disorder.
or
40275 the veteran has established the causal connection between the chronic pain and eligible service for the clinical onset of adjustment disorder.
Clinical onset and operational service [40274]
26058 the identified illness or injury that contributed to the veteran's chronic pain of at least three months duration is causally related to operational service.
Clinical onset and eligible service [40275]
40272 the identified illness or injury that contributed to the veteran's chronic pain of at least three months duration is causally related to eligible service.