Other physical demands of work include manipulative or postural functions, such as reaching, handling, stooping or crouching.
SSA will consider ability to perform certain physical demands of work such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or other physical functions. To determine physical RFC, SSA will assess the nature and extent of physical limitations and then determine the candidate’s RFC for work activity on a regular and continuing basis. SSA will also examine descriptions and observations of limitations caused by impairments-such as pain and fatigue-that the applicant and friends, neighbors, and others familiar with the applicant may provide. This includes not only an individual’s medical records, but statements from doctors concerning his or her limitations. In order to determine an individual’s RFC, a disability claims examiner from Disability Determination Services (DDS), an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), or other decision-maker will consider all relevant evidence in the disability claim. This is because SSA uses RFC in evaluating whether or not someone can perform “past relevant work” (step four) or any other work given the person’s age, education, and past relevant work (step 5). However, if an impairment(s) does not meet or equal a listing, the SSA must then determine the individual’s RFC before moving on to steps four and five. If the individual has an impairment(s) that meets or equals one of SSA’s listings, then the candidate will be found disabled. If an adult does not have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that has lasted or is expected to last at least a year, then the candidate will not qualify as disabled.Īt step three, SSA will again consider the medical severity of the applicant’s impairment(s). At step two, SSA considers the medical severity of impairment(s). If an individual is currently performing “substantial gainful activity,” SSA will find that he or she is not disabled. At step one, SSA considers work activity. The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether or not an adult is disabled under the Social Security Act. To understand RFC, a little background is helpful. These limitations can affect what you can do in a work setting. Your residual functional capacity is the most you can do despite the limitations caused by your impairments and any related symptoms such as pain. An individual’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) may play a critical role in his or her Social Security disability claim.