ResidualFunctional Capacity

You may think that having a diagnosis of a disability is enough to obtain Social Security disability benefits. However, the assessment of your residual functional capacity is highly significant because the Social Security Administration requires this assessment to be completed in addition to a diagnosis of a disability in many cases. Benefits cannot be awarded to you without this assessment, which measures your ability to perform work-related activities.

Physical residual functional capacity is the ability to carry out physical activities demanded by various types of jobs. Physical disabilities potentially affect a person’s ability to sit at a desk or stand to do a job. Other physical activities that are measured include, walking, lifting, carrying, and pushing or pulling items. Not only does physical residual functional capacity involves the ability to perform the physical functions listed but also the amount of time in which the person can sustain the activity. Additionally, the level at which a person can carry out work-related activities is measured and categorized into an exertional level, which is explained more below

Mental residual functional capacity involves the kind of work activities a person can still perform despite impairment and treatment for mental health-related disorders. For instance, you may be treated for depression with medication, and the level at which you perform with the treatment determines whether you will still be able to work or be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. If you are seeking benefits based on a mental disorder, the focus of the residual functional capacity assessment will be on the mental tasks you are or are not able to complete. The areas of understanding and memory, social interaction, the ability to concentrate, and the ability to adapt are all critical. Your limitations will be categorized based on your abilities in mental and social functioning depending on whether you are “not significantly limited,” “moderately limited,” “markedly limited,” or if there is not sufficient evidence to categorize your ability. This categorization will determine whether you can obtain Social Security benefits. It is typically difficult to receive benefits in this type of situation unless you are determined to be “markedly limited.”

Yes. You may be assessed for more than one impairment, and the combination of your impairments may make you eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits.

Exertional Level refers to the difficulty of a job in terms of the range of strength activities it requires. There are several levels, including sedentary, light, medium, heavy, and very heavy. While a sedentary exertional level would require only occasional lifting of a maximum of ten pounds at a time, a medium level of exertion could require lifting up to 50 pounds along with much more stooping and bending to complete that type of job. The exertional level you are assigned will be used to determine your eligibility for disability benefits.

If you are “markedly limited” by a mental-health related impairment, it means that the Social Security Administration has determined that you are unable to perform even simple work that requires unskilled labor. It is important to know that if you are only moderately limited, you may be deemed to be able to do unskilled work even if you previously worked in a job requiring specific skills.

It is critical that the doctor filling out the residual functional capacity form has a thorough understanding of your medical history and your disability. Any doctor is capable of assisting with the form. If necessary, try to see a specialist for your type of impairment who will listen to you, pay attention to details, and understand more completely the issues you are facing.