Residual Functional Capacity
Los Angeles Residual Functional Capacity & SSD Attorney
The Social Security Administration (SSA) grants Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income (SSD/SSI) benefits based on an applicant’s ability to perform his or her past relevant work or a different job. To make this determination, the SSA looks at the applicant’s residual functional capacity. The SSA defines residual functional capacity as “the most you can still do despite your limitations.”
Many applicants have questions about this step of the SSD/SSI process. We understand how confusing this can be. At the Disability Rights Law Center, the attorney and staff have helped thousands of people through this process. We know what type of information and documentation the SSA wants to see. Let us help you with this critical step. Please call our Los Angeles office at 213-784-4386 to schedule an appointment. Your consultation is free.
The Importance of the Medical Report
To qualify for SSD/SSI, you must have one or more of the conditions on the SSA’s listing of impairments. This list includes physical and mental illnesses, disorders and injuries.
To determine your residual functional capacity, the SSA requires medical evidence from acceptable medical sources, which they define as: licensed physicians, licensed or certified psychologists, and in some cases, licensed optometrists, licensed podiatrists and qualified speech-language pathologists.
The SSA requires the medical reports to include the following:
- Medical history
- Clinical findings (examination results)
- Laboratory findings (blood tests, MRIs, etc.)
- Diagnoses
- The prescribed treatment(s) as well as responses and prognoses
- A statement about your residual functional capacity, based on the findings on the above factors
In addition, for adults, this statement should describe the claimant’s ability to perform work-related activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, handling objects, hearing, speaking and traveling.
For adults with mental impairments or mental functional limitations, the statement should describe the claimant’s capacity to understand, carry out and remember instructions, and to respond appropriately to supervision, coworkers and work pressures in a work setting.
We understand the details of these reports and statements. With our help, your application will include the necessary information. For a free consultation, call 213-784-4386 or contact us online.