Residual Function Capacity in Social Security Disability Claims

If you’re a claimant, the person claiming to be disabled, you need to know what social security is looking for in your file to make a determination. Along with your diagnosis, which must be severe, and symptoms, Social Security will look at your residual function capacity. Also known as RFC, residual function capacity is the maximum a Social Security Claimant can perform with the diagnosed impairments.

Understanding how this works and what Social Security looks at for the determination can be confusing. In some case, a claimant, the person filing for Social Security Disability, may be successful in the claim based off the diagnosis. However, the majority of diagnosis require additional information to determine if the symptoms reach a serve limitation.

For example, PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, can be an impairment, but most people can still perform a basic sedentary job with this diagnosis. A claimant must prove to Social Security that beyond the diagnosis, the symptoms create an RFC preventing any possible work.

We can provide diagnosis specific forms, known as Medical Source Statements, for your medical providers to fill out that will detail your RFC. RFC may include how long a claimant can sit, stand, walk in an 8 hour day. How much the claimant can lift and carry. It may also include if the claimant will be off task or miss days because of symptoms.

Keep in mind that the FRC for is not the only document Social Security will look at to determine your SSDI claim. You need regular and consistent medical visits with well detail medical notes. If your medical notes contradict the Medical Source Statement, Social Security has the right to follow the lesser RFC.

Documentation is key to helping your case with Social Security Administration. Contact Patrick B. Long today at 619-855-5155