What is Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) or What is Functional Capacity
Your residual functional capacity is the most you can still do despite your limitations.
The Social Security Administration Defines Residual Function Capacity. Link Here for: What is Residual Functional Capacity. The problem with Social Security Information is that there is so much of it, it is so dense and not easy to find that it is difficult for the claimant and potential claimant to find a simple answer — even when they land on the right page.
Functional Capacity Questions Addressed by the SSA
Functional Capacity Questions are answered here by the SSA. Again, good information from the SSA, it is just hard to find in their thousands and thousands of pages.
Section 416.945. Your residual functional capacity. of the Code of Federal Regulations states in part:
(a) General—(1) Residual functional capacity assessment. Your impairment(s), and any related symptoms, such as pain, may cause physical and mental limitations that affect what you can do in a work setting. Your residual functional capacity is the most you can still do despite your limitations. We will assess your residual functional capacity based on all the relevant evidence in your case record. (See § 416.946.)
(2) If you have more than one impairment. We will consider all of your medically determinable impairments of which we are aware, including your medically determinable impairments that are not “severe,” as explained in §§ 416.920(c), 416.921, and 416.923, when we assess your residual functional capacity. (See paragraph (e) of this section.)
What is Functional Capacity in Terms of a Functional Capacity Exam
In an ideal world there were be two or three recognized Functional Capacity Exams for each impairment and all doctors would be familiar with these exams – and happy to perform them.
In the real world there a ten commonly used functional capacity evaluations and most treating doctors have no interest in them. Fortunately, for the Social Security Disability claimant this is understood.
The ten commonly used functional capacity evaluations include the Blankenship, Ergos Work Simulator and Ergo-Kit variation, the Isernhagen Work System, Hanoun Medical, Physical Work Performance Evaluation (Ergoscience), WEST-EPIC, Key, Ergos, ARCON, and AssessAbility.
Social Security Physical Ability Assessment Defines Your Functional Capacity:
Physical abilities.When we assess your physical abilities, we first assess the nature and extent of your physical limitations and then determine your residual functional capacity for work activity on a regular and continuing basis. A limited ability to perform certain physical demands of work activity, such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or other physical functions (including manipulative or postural functions, such as reaching, handling, stooping or crouching), may reduce your ability to do past work and other work.
Social Security Mental Ability Assessment Defines Your Functional Capacity:
Mental abilities. When we assess your mental abilities, we first assess the nature and extent of your mental limitations and restrictions and then determine your residual functional capacity for work activity on a regular and continuing basis. A limited ability to carry out certain mental activities, such as limitations in understanding, remembering, and carrying out instructions, and in responding appropriately to supervision, coworkers, and work pressures in a work setting, may reduce your ability to do past work and other work.