Social Security Administration Baltimore: Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) and Your Claim

There are different factors that determine whether or not you are approved to receive Social Security disability benefits. It is not only based on your disability alone, but whether your disability prevents you from working. Social Security will do an evaluation to determine your ability to work by evaluating your residual functional capacity or RFC.

It’s important to understand your own residual functional capacity even when you are just in the application stages. This will help you anticipate any problems going forward. Make sure to describe your disability in how it relates to your residual functional capacity.

What is RFC?

1) Residual Functional Capacity.
RFC is the activities that you are able to perform for work on a regular and continuing basis. It is evaluated based on a full 40-hour work week.

2) It can prove or deny your disability claim.
If you are proven to be both physically and mentally able to perform a job, then your claim will be denied.

How is this determined?
1) In general.
Your impairments as well as any related symptoms may affect what you’re able to do in a work setting. RFC is the most that you’re able to do in spite of these limitations.

2) Your RFC is determined based on all of the relevant information in your case record.
This would include any medical evidence that you submitted from your clinic and doctor directly.

3) If you have multiple impairments.
All of your impairments will be considered, even if they are not severe, when RFC is accessed.

4) What evidence is used.
You should include as much current and relevant information that is possible when you submit your application or when it is requested. If a consultative examination is necessary, it’s important that you arrange for that in addition to supplying your medical history. Statements provided from medical staff will also be considered.

5) What else is considered.
You ability to meet the mental, sensory, physical and other requirements of work will be considered. The other things considered are skin impairments, vision impairments, epilepsy, hearing and others have impose environmental restrictions.

There are many things that go into determining your residual functional capacity and this is at the heart of what goes into determining if you’re eligible for benefits. Please contact us with any questions about the process.