In a disability case, whether it be a claim for Social Security disability benefits based on physical limitations or on mental limitations, a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation can be very helpful in winning a case and qualifying for benefits. Below is a description of how Social Security considers RFCs related to disability claims.
How we will use our residual functional capacity assessment. We will first use our residual functional capacity assessment at step four of the sequential evaluation process to decide if you can do your past relevant work.
If we find that you cannot do your past relevant work, you do not have any past relevant work, we will use the same assessment of your residual functional capacity at step five of the sequential evaluation process to decide if you can adjust to any other work that exists in the national economy. At this step, we will not use our assessment of your residual functional capacity alone to decide if you are disabled. We will consider our residual functional capacity assessment together with the information about your vocational background to make our disability determination or decision.
An RFC may be done by your own doctor. For a physical RFC a doctor will determine some of the specific limitations a claimant may have. This might include the amount of weight a claimant can lift, amount of time a claimant may be able to be on their feet or sitting, and other potential postural limitations. For a mental health RFC questions will focus more on emotional and or cognitive limitations a medical provider might be able to identify. A medical provider is not mandated to provide an RFC on a disability claim, but it is a good idea to speak about these types of assessments with a medical provider if you have filed for Social Security disability or plan to.
