Your residual functional capacity (RFC) is an assessment of what you can still do in spite of a disabling medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your physical and mental abilities to determine your RFC. They don’t just look at whether you can work—they consider how much you can lift, how long you can sit or stand, and whether you can follow instructions or handle stress. Your RFC is meant to provide an overview of what you can still manage in a regular workday, and this assessment can play a significant role in your SSDI claim.
Why RFC Matters in New York SSDI Claims
The SSA uses a five-step process to decide if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. RFC becomes important at steps four and five. At step four of the process, Social Security looks at whether you can still do your old job. If not, they move on to step five to evaluate whether you could do a different job. Your RFC helps the SSA answer both questions. If your RFC indicates that your condition limits your ability to do basic tasks, it could strengthen your case substantially. If not, the SSA might say you can still work, even if you know you can’t hold a full-time job.
How RFC Is Determined by the SSA
The SSA reviews many types of information to decide your RFC, including your medical records, test results, treatment notes, and doctors’ opinions. They also look at what you say about your symptoms and daily life. They might consider statements from friends or family, too. Sometimes, the SSA will ask you to attend a special exam with one of their doctors. They won’t rely on only one single piece of evidence. Instead, they’ll pull together all the details to see how your condition affects your work abilities.
The Role of Medical Evidence and Professional Opinions
Medical evidence is essential in RFC determinations. The SSA will review records from your doctor, hospital visits, test results, and notes about your symptoms. They will also consider opinions from professionals who treated or examined you. These opinions can show how your condition limits your daily activities. SSA doctors and psychologists might give their own opinions, too. The SSA compares all this information when deciding your RFC. If one doctor says you can’t work and another says you can, the SSA will explain which opinion they believe and why.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Strengthen Your RFC Evaluation
An experienced disability lawyer can help you collect and organize the right evidence for your RFC. They know what the SSA looks for and how to show that your condition limits your ability to work. Your attorney can request detailed reports from your doctors and make sure those reports clearly explain your physical or mental limits. They can also review the SSA’s records to check for missing or incorrect details. If the SSA asks for a medical exam, your lawyer can help you prepare. With the right legal guidance, you can give the SSA a clearer picture of your situation and increase your chances of receiving the benefits you need.
Contact a New York SSDI Attorney
If you need help with your SSDI claim, Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, can help you gather the right medical records and facilitate a strong RFC assessment. Contact us today to learn more in an initial consultation with our attentive team.
