Residual Functional Capacity

When you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits, you need to present persuasive evidence to show that you meet the qualifications. Quite often, applicants need to undergo a physical or psychological Consultative Examination to determine your residual functional capacity.

While this evaluation is performed by medical professionals, the team at Burgess & Christensen can help with guidance and support as you prepare for the evaluation. Our goal is to help you provide an honest representation of your abilities and limitations so that you can receive an accurate assessment that demonstrates your need for disability benefits.

What is Residual Functional Capacity?

Residual functional capacity is your ability to perform activities necessary for work despite your disability. 

Work-related activities include actions such as:

• Sitting—can you sit for an extended period at a desk or do you need to lie down?
• Standing—can you stay on your feet long enough to work at a counter?
• Walking—how far can you walk? Do you need an assistive device?
• Manipulating objects—can you use your fingers to write or type?
• Moving—can you lift things? Can you climb stairs? Can you crouch down or kneel?
• Using your senses—how are your sight, hearing, and speaking abilities?
• Focus—can you concentrate on a task long enough to complete it?

In addition, other abilities will be analyzed which are more subtle to detect. This includes your abilities to cope with change, get along with others, and respond appropriately in different situations.

The Social Security Administration will also consider your ability to tolerate certain environmental conditions. For instance, a lung condition could prevent you from being able to work in environments with limited ventilation or high humidity.

How Does Social Security Evaluate Your Residual Functional ?

Examiners start the process of assessing your ability to work by reviewing medical, school or vocational records. 

SSA will ask you for an explanation of your limitations and how your condition has affected you in a form called a Function Report. SSA will also ask you to identify a family member or friend who can fill out a Third Party Function Report, which asks about your limitations and how it appears that your condition has affected you.  

The Social Security Administration considers the effects of all impairments together, not just the most severe, when determining your residual functional capacity. 

How is the Residual Functional Capacity Determination Used?

The Social Security Administration first determines what jobs are included in your past relevant work. Past relevant work consists of the jobs that you have performed over the past five years. When SSA looks at those jobs, they determine what skills and level of physical exertion are required to perform those jobs. Next, they look to see if your functional capacity would allow you to perform the requirements of any of those past jobs.

If they determine that you are not able to perform the requirements of your past jobs, then they look to see if you are able to perform any other jobs given your residual functional capacity. 

Burgess & Christensen Can Help You Demonstrate That You Should Be Receiving Disability Benefits

At Burgess & Christensen, we understand how to use your residual functional capacity to demonstrate the full extent of your disabilities and to why you are unable to work. We can assist at any stage in the process, whether you are preparing to submit an initial claim, you are in the midst of the process, or you have received a denial and need to appeal. Contact us for a free case evaluation and consultation to learn more about how we can help you obtain the benefits you are entitled to.