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An RFC form is a Residual Functional Capacity form. The purpose of an RFC form is to rate the residual functional capacity of an individual. RFC forms are used mainly by Disability Determination Services (DDS). A Residual Functional Capacity form is basically a summary of your ability to perform certain tasks. There are 2 types of Residual Functional Capacity Forms, Physical and Mental.
Physical RFC forms will address questions such as: - How much weight can you lift?
- How much weight can you carry?
- How many minutes can you sit, stand and walk?
- How often can you reach and push/pull (with arms and legs)?
- How often can you operate foot pedals?
- How often can you climb, kneel, stoop, balance, crouch and crawl?
- How bad is your hearing?
- How bad is your vision?
- Do you have any environmental limitations? (cold, heat, heights, noise, etc…)
- And some other questions about your ability to physically perform tasks
Mental RFC forms will address questions such as:
- Can you remember, perform, and make decisions on simple instructions?
- Can you remember, perform, and make decisions on complex instructions?
- Can you interact appropriately with the public, supervisors, and co-workers?
- Can you respond appropriately to work situations and to changes in a routine work setting?
- And some other questions about your ability to mentally perform tasks.
When you file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a DDS examiner will review your medical records and will either approve or deny your claim. However, before your case can be closed, the examiner must take your case to a DDS medical or psychological consultant and have him/her complete an RFC form. This RFC form is filled out by a DDS doctor that has read your medical records but has never examined you.
At the time of a hearing before an administrative law judge, you can present an RFC form to a judge that has been completed by your physician rather than a DDS medical or psychological consultant. Having a detailed RFC form filled out by your doctor will greatly increase your chances of winning your disability hearing.
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