Functional limitations are used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine the significance of a person's ability to work due to their condition. Based on the symptoms of the disabling condition you are experiencing, this can impact your ability to work, making it hard to earn a decent living wage.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits With a Functional Limitation
You will need to use the Blue Book as a guide to determine if your condition qualifies. In the Blue Book, the functional limitations of your condition will be explained. You will find what test results, symptoms, treatments and more that you will need to be eligible for benefits. Use the Blue Book as a guide to determine what medical information and documentation needed when applying.
If you do not meet a Blue Book listing, you may still be eligible for benefits. You can request a Medical Vocational Allowance. This will demonstrate that although you do not meet a listing, the condition you are experiencing will keep you from working in your trained occupation for at least one year.
Apply For Benefits with a Medical Vocational Allowance
When you request a Medical Vocational Allowance, a doctor will fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). The RFC is a form that will be filled out by a healthcare professional. Within the form, a doctor will go over extensively how your disabling condition impacts your ability to work. Things like how long you can stand, sit, and walk will be evaluated. It will also explain if you can type, how much weight you can carry or how environmental limitations may impact your work ability.
For more information on the functional limitations of a specific condition, see below:
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Anemia
- COPD
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Heart Failure
- Herniated Disc
- Liver Disease
- Lumbar Stenosis
- Lupus
- Meniere's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spinal Fusion
- Stroke
- Thyroid Gland Disorder
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Vision Loss