Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is a key concept in disability determinations. Understanding RFC helps you present your case effectively to SSA.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What RFC means
- How RFC is determined
- Physical vs. mental RFC
- Why RFC matters for your claim
1. What RFC Means
Definition: Residual Functional Capacity is the most you can still do despite your limitations from your medical conditions.
What it measures:
- Your remaining abilities
- Physical capabilities
- Mental capabilities
- Sustained work capacity
How it's used:
- Determines what work you can do
- Compared to job requirements
- Critical for step 4 and 5 decisions
- Basis for approval or denial
Key concept:
- Not about what you CAN'T do
- About what you CAN still do
- Maximum sustainable capacity
- Over full 8-hour workday, 5 days/week
2. How RFC Is Determined
Sources of information:
- Your medical records
- Doctor opinions
- Consultative exams
- Your statements
- Other evidence
Who determines RFC:
- Disability Determination Services (DDS)
- State agency personnel
- ALJ at hearing level
- Based on all evidence
Factors considered:
- Nature of your impairments
- Severity of symptoms
- Treatment effectiveness
- Objective medical findings
Credibility matters:
- Your description of limitations
- Consistency with evidence
- Daily activities
- Work history
Important: RFC is based on what you can sustain, not just what you can do occasionally or briefly.
3. Physical vs. Mental RFC
Physical RFC categories:
- Sedentary work (lift 10 lbs, mostly sitting)
- Light work (lift 20 lbs, some standing/walking)
- Medium work (lift 50 lbs)
- Heavy work (lift 100 lbs)
- Very heavy work (over 100 lbs)
Physical limitations assessed:
- Sitting, standing, walking
- Lifting, carrying
- Pushing, pulling
- Climbing, balancing
- Stooping, kneeling, crouching
- Reaching, handling, fingering
Mental RFC areas:
- Understanding, remembering, applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, maintaining pace
- Adapting, managing oneself
Mental limitations assessed:
- Following instructions
- Working with supervisors
- Working with coworkers
- Dealing with work stress
- Maintaining attention
- Completing tasks
4. Why RFC Matters for Your Claim
At step 4:
- RFC compared to past work
- Can you do jobs you've done before?
- If RFC allows past work: Denied
- If not: Move to step 5
At step 5:
- RFC compared to other jobs
- Jobs that exist in national economy
- Consider age, education, experience
- RFC limits the jobs considered
Lower RFC = Better chance:
- More restrictive RFC
- Fewer jobs you can do
- Higher chance of approval
- Especially if sedentary or less
Age matters:
- Over 50: Rules more favorable
- More restrictive RFC + age + factors
- Medical-Vocational Guidelines (grid rules)
- Can lead to approval
Getting Favorable RFC
Work with your doctors:
- Ask for RFC opinion
- Detailed functional assessment
- Specific limitations
- Work-related restrictions
What to document:
- Specific time limits (sit X minutes)
- Need for breaks
- Need to elevate legs
- Need to lie down
- Concentration difficulties
Be consistent:
- Same story everywhere
- Activities match limitations
- Medical evidence supports claims
- Credibility is key
Don't forget mental health:
- Physical and mental combined
- Mental limitations often overlooked
- Affects RFC significantly
- Report all issues
How Purple Helps
Purple supports you through the process:
- Manage finances during claim
- Track medical expenses
- Be ready when approved
- Simple banking
- Early access to benefits