When the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your disability claim, one of the first things they look at is how your condition affects what you can actually do. To qualify for benefits, you need to show that your symptoms make it hard to work full-time in any consistent way. Your physical impairment is evaluated using medical records, past job experience, and how your daily life is affected by your condition.
Evaluating Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) for Physical Impairments
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, the SSA does not just look at your diagnosis. They want to know what you can still do despite your condition. This part of the claims process is called your Residual Functional Capacity, or RFC, and it is a key factor under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545 when deciding whether your condition qualifies as a disability.
Assessing Your Ability to Do Sedentary, Light, or Medium Work
The SSA looks at how much physical activity you can handle, including sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying. If you are limited to mostly sitting with very little movement, you may be placed in the sedentary category.
If you can do more physically demanding tasks, you may be classified under light or medium work. The goal is to determine whether you can consistently perform the physical requirements of a job.
Factoring In Pain, Fatigue, and Inconsistencies in Physical Endurance
Disabling conditions often come with symptoms that are hard to measure, like pain, exhaustion, or flare-ups that vary from day to day. These issues can make it difficult to keep a regular work schedule, even if you are technically able to perform a task once.
The SSA needs to see how your condition affects your ability to function over time, not just in a one-time evaluation. This is why we make sure your full story is backed up by clear, honest medical documentation.
Considering Medical Evidence and Clinical Support
When you are applying for disability, it is not just about your diagnosis. The Social Security Administration looks closely at your medical records to figure out how your condition affects your daily routine.
Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513, your eligibility often depends on whether your clinical records back up the limitations you have described. Here are some types of medical evidence that may help support your claim:
- Objective exam findings from treating physicians
- Surgical history and recovery timelines
- Range of motion measurements
- Physical therapy progress notes
- Specialist evaluations
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Statements from occupational therapists
- Neurologist documentation related to brain injuries
- Long-term follow-up records
What matters most is that your records tell the full story. If your doctor has consistently documented pain, fatigue, or mobility issues over time, that can be a big help in showing how your condition affects your ability to work. The more clearly your records match the limitations you are experiencing, the stronger your case will be when the SSA reviews your eligibility.
Determining Whether You Can Perform Past Work or Adjust to New Work
One of the final steps in your disability review is whether the SSA thinks you can go back to your previous job or adjust to a new one. Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1560, they look at your medical limitations, your work history, and the kinds of tasks you are still able to do.
Many denied disability claims happen because this part is not clearly explained, even when someone truly qualifies for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI).