Understanding Residual Functional Capacity

In order for the Social Security Administration to make a decision about whether an applicant for Social Security Disability benefits has a disability that will keep them from being able to work, they must figure out what the applicant can do given the limitations of their current state of physical and mental health. To answer this question, a claims examiner at Disability Determination Services (DDS) will conduct a Residual Functional Capacity assessment. The RFC, as it is commonly called, is “a medical assessment of what an individual can do in a work setting in spite of the functional limitations and environmental restrictions imposed by all of his or her medically determinable impairment(s). RFC is the maximum degree to which the individual retains the capacity for sustained performance of the physical-mental requirements of jobs.”

How are RFC ratings used to determine what kind of work you can do?

The DDS evaluates your medical evidence and they rate your limitations both physical and mental. They compare your ratings with the kinds of work you have done for the past 15 years before you became disabled. They also look at whether or not you are capable of a type of work that you have not done before.

Your exertional level for your physical RFC

For those with physical disabilities, your physical RFC has a rating for the exertional level of work you can perform given your limitations:

• Sedentary
• Light
• Medium
• Heavy

Your mental RFC

The mental RCFC form refers to the claimant’s limitations from a mental diagnosis. It includes any factors that could limit you in the cognitive aspects of your work. It covers issues such as:

• Memory
• Ability to understand and follow directions
• Ability to work on team or work with the public, etc.

If a therapist has filled out your mental RFC, make sure you get a psychiatrist to fill one out and sign it for you. Some of the issues in your mental RFC could be instrumental in winning your SSD claim.

The SSA does not have a corresponding set of rules for mental RFCs. They compare the limitations revealed on your RFC with the tasks required in your old job to see if you could handle that job. If not, they will look at other jobs to match you with work that might be less mentally demanding that also fits with your physical limitations. If your mental and physical limitations don’t allow you to perform even the simplest, unskilled work then you may be found to be disabled.

For more information about RFC forms, please contact the Memphis law firm of Bailey & Greer, PLLC. We are proud to helps clients in need of Social Security Disability benefits throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.