The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses an applicant’s ability to work in several ways. Often, they are looking for the “Residual Functional Capacity.” Also referred to as RFC, an applicant’s residual functional capacity shows how much the worker can do considering their disability. The SSA typically requires that a residual functional capacity questionnaire is submitted.
Completed by a Doctor
The residential functional capacity questionnaire (the “questionnaire”) is completed by a doctor. Sometimes your personal doctor may fill out the form. However, a Disability Determination Services doctor or other physician may perform the assessments needed to fully complete the questionnaire.
It’s also interesting to note that there are forms covering different medical conditions, such as:
- Physical condition,
- Mental function,
- Fibromyalgia,
- Chronic fatigue syndrome,
- And so on.
The questions posed to the doctor may vary, then, according to your disability. In general, though, the doctor will be asked to provide:
- A primary diagnosis,
- Any secondary diagnoses,
- Other alleged impairments,
- An assessment of the patient’s ability to lift weight, walk, sit, move hands and feet,
- Limitations the patient experiences for things like holding, reaching, vision, hearing, and toleration of environmental factors.
The form, again, is not completed by the applicant, but by a doctor.
Importance of Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaires
Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance submit medical records. These records prove the applicant’s physical condition or disability. And this is a necessary part of the process.
However, residual functional capacity questionnaires show how your condition impacts your ability to work. Some people may have disabilities that don’t prevent them from working. To receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, applicants must prove both disability and impairment of ability to work.
How Should Applicants Handle the Questionnaire?
People applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits should cooperate fully with their medical providers.
Once the questionnaire has gone to a doctor to complete, applicants may have to follow up to make sure the form was completed and submitted to the Social Security Administration. However, the questionnaire is lengthy so it’s best to give the doctor a reasonable amount of time to complete it.
When an applicant does not agree with the answers on the questionnaire,
Have Your Questionnaire Reviewed by an Attorney.
The application process can be long and frustrating, so you need someone on your side. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100 or use our convenient Contact Form. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
