Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms can be among the most supportive documents a treating physician can complete. This form shows the treating physician’s opinion of an individual highlighting the various limitations due to medical conditions. Many people often assume that if a physician is supportive that in itself means that you are disabled. However, this is not correct. It is very important for a claimant to obtain a written statement from the physician elaborating on the limitations regarding functional capabilities. Social Security wants to know exactly what conditions prevent a person from working and this document is the best way to show those limitations. The RFC should also explain why a person is limited in other areas as well. There are two different types of RFCs, physical and mental health.
The physical RFC is used to determine different types of physical limitations. The RFC has various boxes to check that show limitations. After a series of questions and boxes for the physician to mark, the form asks questions about medical or clinical findings that support a physician’s conclusion. For example: Are lifting and carrying affected by the claimant’s impairment? Occasionally (very little up to 1/3 of 8 hour work day) less than 10 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs or more. Frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of 8 hour work day) less than 10 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs or more. Your doctor will check off which lifting limitation applies to you.
The mental RFC is used to determine how a psychiatric condition limits the ability to work. This form is very similar to the physical RFC except the questions are different and geared towards mental health limitations. Generally, there are a series of questions for the physician to answer about the claimant’s ability to carry out very short and simple instructions and other mental health capabilities in a work place setting.
