North Carolina disability attorneys explain “residual functional capacity”

If you believe you would be unable to work in even an unskilled, sedentary position, call a North Carolina disability attorney at (704) 815-6055.

Your current ability to work is a key piece of the puzzle in your claim for North Carolina Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration calls your current ability to work your “residual functional capacity” or “RFC.” Your RFC is your ability to perform work-related functions despite the physical and/or mental limitations caused by your impairment. The Social Security Administration measures RFC in terms of work levels:

Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying of lightweight items, such as files or small tools. Walking and standing are required only occasionally. Most unskilled sedentary jobs involve repetitive hand-finger actions.

Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Frequent walking and/or standing is required.

Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Medium work generally requires standing or walking for approximately 6 hours per day; flexibility of the knees and torso; and good use of the arms, hands and fingers.

Your RFC will be an issue at your disability hearing, and your testimony in this regard will play a key role in the outcome of your North Carolina disability benefits case. To help the administrative law judge understand just how restricted your ability to work is, you need to be prepared to testify to your ability (or inability) to sit; stand, walk; alternate sitting, standing and walking; lift and carry; bend and stoop; pull and push; grasp and turn objects; and manipulate small objects with your hands and fingers.

An experienced North Carolina disability attorney can help you present your best testimony. Please contact us if you would like to talk about your ability to work and your impairment-related limitations.