A residual functional capacity or RFC is a statement of the most that a claimant can do in spite of his or her impairments. An RFC must be established before Social Security can either approve or deny your application for disability benefits.
A typical RFC might be as follows: This individual is capable of performing work at a light exertion level. He can stand 6 hours out of 8 hours, can sit 8 hours out of 8; he can lift 10 pounds frequently and 20 pounds occasionally. This person can frequently balance, bend and kneel and can occasionally crawl and climb ramps,ladders or stairs. He can never climb ropes or scaffolds. He can maintain concentration, persistence and pace sufficient to complete 8 hour workdays.
An RFC can be established in two ways:
One way is for the Social Security Administration to establish your RFC. This is something you don't want. If Social Security establishes an RFC similar to the one above, the claimant will be denied because the RFC poses no real restrictions in performing work related activities.
The second way is for the claimant's own doctor to influence the RFC. Simply put, get one of your treating doctors to tell Social Security, in writing, what your limitations and restrictions are. There are forms for this purpose. Caution: Your doctor must be very specific about what activities you can and cannot do and the degree to which each activity is restricted.
It does very little good for your doctor to write a letter that says you are disabled, you are not able to work, you need to be on disability, etc. This is NOT an RFC and will probably be given little or no weight by Social Security.
An RFC form from your doctor will not guarantee approval, of course. But going into a disability process without an RFC from your doctor might very well guarantee that you will be denied.
If you are represented, your representative will advise you about how important the RFC is and help you approach a strategy to get a fair evaluation.
A typical RFC might be as follows: This individual is capable of performing work at a light exertion level. He can stand 6 hours out of 8 hours, can sit 8 hours out of 8; he can lift 10 pounds frequently and 20 pounds occasionally. This person can frequently balance, bend and kneel and can occasionally crawl and climb ramps,ladders or stairs. He can never climb ropes or scaffolds. He can maintain concentration, persistence and pace sufficient to complete 8 hour workdays.
An RFC can be established in two ways:
One way is for the Social Security Administration to establish your RFC. This is something you don't want. If Social Security establishes an RFC similar to the one above, the claimant will be denied because the RFC poses no real restrictions in performing work related activities.
The second way is for the claimant's own doctor to influence the RFC. Simply put, get one of your treating doctors to tell Social Security, in writing, what your limitations and restrictions are. There are forms for this purpose. Caution: Your doctor must be very specific about what activities you can and cannot do and the degree to which each activity is restricted.
It does very little good for your doctor to write a letter that says you are disabled, you are not able to work, you need to be on disability, etc. This is NOT an RFC and will probably be given little or no weight by Social Security.
An RFC form from your doctor will not guarantee approval, of course. But going into a disability process without an RFC from your doctor might very well guarantee that you will be denied.
If you are represented, your representative will advise you about how important the RFC is and help you approach a strategy to get a fair evaluation.
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