What is an RFC form?
RFC forms are used mainly by Disability Determination Services (DDS).
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.