![]() To determine RFC, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will review an individual’s medical records. An RFC assessment can help to support an application for a disability benefit when your symptoms do not sufficiently match the criteria in a Blue Book listing.Ī person’s residual functional capacity (i.e., residual functionality) regards the maximum amount of work they are capable of doing given the physical and/or mental limitations they are experiencing. Part of eligibility for a disability benefit being approved depends on proving that you are unable to continue gainful employment for at least the next 12 months because of your disability. Your ability to be able to learn new skills which you could use to do a job despite your disability may also be assessed. Mental tasks may include assessing how good your vision and hearing is, whether you can talk, remember and understand instructions. The actual physical parameters assessed will depend on the nature of your normal job and will test whether your disability is severe enough to prevent you from continuing in that job or equivalent jobs you are capable of doing. It may include measuring how long you can stand up, how much weight you can pick up or carry, whether you can push or pull objects, kneel and use your fingers to grasp objects. The physical tasks used in an RFC assessment depend on the medical condition with which you have applied for a disability benefit. In this case you may be required to complete a RFC assessment made by an examining doctor appointed by the SSA’s own Disability Determination Services. It is usually something which is completed by your own physician on request, but in some cases, where the SSA examiners decide they need more evidence of your inability to continue in employment, may be requested by them. Your residual functional capacity (RFC) is an assessment made of your maximum capacity to perform a series of physical and (in some cases) mental tasks despite your disabling medical condition. For example, factors such as whether a person can follow directions, maintain levels of concentration, or get along with others all play a role in determining your residual functional capacity. The residual functional capacity is also used for individuals who may have been diagnosed with brain injury, limited mental functioning, or intermittent brain seizure activity. If you've had a lower back injury or hip injury, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to sit for long periods. On the other hand, you may have been placed on medications that make it difficult for you to focus or concentrate on your computer or paperwork. Are you able to use your fingers, balance, kneel down, or reach for or handle large objects, as determined by your job function in a workplace environment?įor example, you may have a herniated disc and have a limitation on the amount of poundage you can carry or lift.How long can you perform physical activities such as standing, walking, sitting, pushing or pulling?.Are you able to cope with changes to your job or a workplace setting or environment?.Are you capable of understanding, remembering, and carrying out tasks as they have been directed to you?.Are you able to concentrate and focus on your work?.For example, some of the things that the Social Security Administration may look at in regard to residual functional capacity include but are not limited to: ![]() More specifically, the residual functional capacity measures your ability to engage in gainful employment or work even taking into consideration any medical condition. In layman's terms, residual functional capacity defines your capability to engage in functional activities or tasks that you can still accomplish despite a physical or mental work limitation. Your residual functional capacity is the maximum you'll still do in spite of your restrictions. Anything that may cause physical and mental restrictions that influence what you'll do in a work setting. The Residual functional capacity evaluation looks at your impairment(s), and any related indications, such as pain. One of the ways in which the Social Security Administration evaluates a disability claim is through the residual functional capacity, known as RFC. The Social Security Administration requires individuals applying for disability benefits to meet various eligibility criteria.
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