How does Social Security Assess your Physical and Mental Limitations?

Indiana Social Security Administrative Law Judges are not alone when it comes to looking at a claimant’s limitations because of their disability. Your impairment or disability, and any related symptoms, may cause physical and mental limitations that affect what you can do in a work setting. These limitations are called Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is supposed to look at your limitations due to your disability.

To assess your RFC, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at all available medical evidence to determine what they believe your restrictions might be. The ALJ and the SSA will also consider statements and observations of your limitations by you, your family, neighbors, and friends.

The SSA will consider things such as, but not limited to:

• How long you can sit, stand, and walk;
• Your inability to lift or carry objects over a certain weight;
• Your inability to use your hands and/or limbs for grasping, holding objects and other repetitive motions;
• How long you can concentrate, and/or keep up with a task;
• Whether you can remember and/or understand instructions;
• Your inability to interact with others, or work under supervision; and
• Various other work related restrictions.

When you hire Indianapolis Social Security Attorney Scott Lewis, he understands how important a completed Residual Functional Capacity Assessment can be at the Administrative Law Judge Level. When this type of assessment is completed by your health care provider, Scott Lewis will strive to make sure it is brought to the Social Security Administration’s attention and he will argue why your restrictions prevent you from being a productive employee in the work force.