At some point during the processing and evaluation of a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim the term Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is likely to come up. So, what is an FCE and is it helpful in proving a disability claim?
An FCE is a test and evaluation designed to objectively determine a disability applicant’s ability to perform physical activities as it relates to work. The reason this is important is because a Social Security disability applicant must prove that their disabilities prevent them from working at a “Substantial Gainful Activity” level. After an FCE, the report should identify which of five categories a disability applicant falls into:
- Able to perform heavy work – The ability to stand up to six hours in an eight-hour work day and the ability to lift heavier than ability to perform medium work.
- Able to perform medium work – The ability to stand up to six hours in an eight-hour work day, ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.
- Able to perform light work – The ability to stand up to six hours in an eight-hour work day, lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 20 pounds occasionally.
- Able to perform sedentary work – The ability to sit up to six hours in an eight-hour work day and lift objects up to 10 pounds frequently during a work day.
- Unable to perform sedentary work – The inability to perform the sedentary duties listed under sedentary work.
An FCE can be performed by a rehabilitation agency, a physical therapist or a physician. If a formal FCE is completed, it can take several hours to complete, but your physician may be able to answer questions, commonly asked as part of an FCE, through treatment history of you disabling conditions.
