Residual Functional Capacity in Denver SSDI Claims
When trying to acquire social security disability benefits, you may be confronted with the issue of determining your residual functional capacity. This plays a significant role in your SSDI claim. When determining disability benefits a judge would review this capacity in order to gauge your ability to perform your job. However, it is important to contact a skilled injury attorney before allowing a judge to do so. A lawyer could prepare you for what the exam would consist of and assist you in the completion of any paper relevant to residual functional capacity in Denver SSDI claims.
Defining Residual Functional Capacity
Residual functional capacity in Denver SSDI claims refers to the claimant’s ability to perform activities following an injury or illness. For example, if a person is claiming social security benefits because they got into a serious car accident and they injured their back prior to the accident, they may have been able to lift 50 pounds before the crash, but following the accident, they may be only able to lift 5 pounds. That is one of their residual functional capacities.
Significance of Residual Functional Capacity When Determining SSDI Benefits
When trying to obtain SSDI benefits, a judge would review the residual functional capacity of the claimant. For example, if a person was a cement worker, and their job required them to lift 50 pounds or more, and this person is left with a residual functional capacity of 5 pounds, they would not be able to do their past work. Past work is one of the considerations that social security would use in determining whether the claimant is capable of substantially gainful employment.
Evaluating Residual Functional Capacity
A claimant’s residual functional capacity is evaluated by physicians. Various tests would be conducted in order to figure out what a person’s restrictions are on walking, bending, stooping, and standing. A physician would try to analyze how long somebody is able to stay seated, how long somebody is able to stay standing, and how far somebody is able to walk. These are all considerations that a judge would undertake in determining whether a person is capable of substantial gainful employment. This test could last about four hours.
How a Lawyer Could help
An experienced Denver social security benefits lawyer could help someone navigate the terminology of their social security disability benefits. Throughout the course of a social security claim, claimants are not only sent various questionnaires regarding their functional capacities, but they are typically sent a denial letter. Many claimants are also overwhelmed with the technical language and do not have a complete understanding of what they are required to do to keep their case active.
By way of example, many people are not aware that they did not file their paperwork on time. They think they have an active claim when they actually have to start over at the beginning because they missed deadlines and did not understand the terminology that was in the documentation that was sent to them by Social Security.
In regards to residual functional capacity in Denver SSDI claims, it is imperative to contact a lawyer for legal assistance. For more information, consult with a lawyer today.
