JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

If your medical condition doesn’t match one found on the Social Security Administration’s List of Impairments, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your ability to do any of the jobs that you have held in the past 15 years. If you cannot do any of your prior jobs, the SSA will perform a medical-vocational analysis to determine if there is any other work you can learn to do.

In order to determine what work you can do, your disability claims examiner will ask a medical consultant to perform a residual functional capacity assessment on your claim. The medical consultant will look at your medical records, your doctor’s notes, and other documentation of your condition. He will use that information to determine your residual functional capacity or RFC.

Your physical RFC will determine your physical limitations, including the exertion level of which you are capable. Here are the exertion levels that may be listed on an RFC.

Sedentary work

• Sedentary work is mostly sitting with occasional standing or walking
• You may lift or carry small objects
• You may lift no more than ten pounds at a time

Light work

• Light work requires frequent walking or standing
• You may have to push or pull with your arms or legs
• You may frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds
• You may lift up to 20 pounds occasionally
• You can do sedentary work

Medium work

• You may frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• You may lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• You can do light or sedentary work

Heavy work

• You may frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• You may lift up to 100 pounds occasionally
• You can do medium, light, or sedentary work

Your RFC will also include any non-exertional restrictions, such as not being able to remember instructions, difficulty communicating, or not being able to bend, as well as any requirements for rest.

If you have not provided adequate documentation of your disability and how it affects your life, your claim may be denied—even if you are unable to work. You have 60 days to appeal the SSA’s decision. Our Philadelphia disability benefit lawyers can help. To schedule a free consultation, contact Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo at 888-807-WORK.