SSDI CLAIMS ARE DENIED FOR ONE REASON: THIS IS IT.

The simplest definition of "Residual Functional Capacity" (RFC) is:  "The most you are able to do in spite of your impairments."

If Social Security finds that you are indeed impaired, but that you still retain an RFC which allows for some types of full-time work, they will generally deny benefits.  Age can play an important factor as well.

When Social Security considers whether you are able to work or not, they will consider the following:

EXERTIONAL FUNCTIONS:  Standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

POSTURAL FUNCTIONS:  including, reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, grasping, handling, feeling, etc.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS:  including concentration, persistence, pace, remembering, understanding and carrying out instructions; the ability to respond appropriately to supervision, co-workers or the general public; the ability to make simple and complex work-related decisions, and the ability to adjust to normal workplace routines and stress.

"Social Security will always determine the claimant's Residual Functional Capacity before making a decision.  The RFC will be formed in 1 of 2 ways:"


1)  The administrative law judge or Social Security decision maker will form the RFC that determines your decision, or

2)  You or your representative/attorney will present an RFC that determines your decision.  A representative will work with your doctors to try to obtain an RFC that will prove that you do not have the capacity to perform work.  If you fail to do so, your case will be denied.

It is always dangerous to fail to provide a solid medical case for a limited Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).  In fact, I believe this is the ultimate reason that all SSDI cases get denied--failure to prove a limited RFC with medical evidence.

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