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Understanding Residual Functional Capacity for Disability Claims

Are you applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Bentonville? If so, you must be prepared to present comprehensive medical documentation that establishes the existence, seriousness, and impairing nature of your injury or illness.

A residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment is one of the main ways that the SSA evaluates your limitations. In this article, our Bentonville Social Security disability attorney explains what an RFC form is and how it can affect your ability to get SSDI benefits in Arkansas.

An RFC is Documentation of Your Physical and Mental Limitations

Simply described, a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment provides documentation of what an individual (SSDI applicant) is and is not currently capable of doing. Among other things, an RFC form provides documentation of the following types of restrictions and physical limitations:

  • How much (if anything) the individual can lift;
  • Any restrictions on the frequency someone can lift things;
  • Physical restrictions on push/pull ability;
  • How long an individual can reasonably stand up for;
  • How long an individual can reasonably sit for;
  • Any limitations related to movement (kneeling, bending down, etc);
  • Any limitations related to hands and fingers;
  • Visual impairments; and
  • Hearing impairments.

Do you want to know what an RFC form looks like? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a copy of the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form.

Your Physician Completes the Residual Functional Capacity Evaluation

You have the right to have your RFC assessment completed by your doctor (treating physician). As a general matter, it is better to have a comprehensive, thorough RFC evaluation completed and submitted to the SSA relatively early on in the claims process. If you have medical restrictions and/or physical limitations that make it difficult, unsafe, or impossible for you to return to work, it is imperative that the information is properly documented in an RFC form.

An RFC Form Serves as Supplemental Documentation (Other Medical Records Matter) 

An RFC assessment may be an important form of medical evidence in your SSDI claim. That being said, it is generally not the only type of documentation that should be provided. It is supplemental documentation that should be assessed along with other medical information that clarifies the severity and disabling nature of your condition. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your RFC form or your medical eligibility in general, reach out to an experienced Social Security disability attorney near you for legal guidance.

Set Up a Free Consultation With a Bentonville, AR Social Security Disability Attorney

At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, our Bentonville Social Security disability lawyer has the legal expertise that you can trust. If you have any specific questions or concerns about RFC assessments, medical evidence more broadly, or any other social security disability insurance-related matter, we can help. Contact us by phone or send us a direct message to set up your free initial consultation. We handle SSDI claims in Bentonville, Benton County, and throughout Northwest Arkansas.