Physical RFC for SSDI Appeals: What to Request
TL;DR: A physical RFC form is completed by your treating physician and specifies exactly what you can physically do: how long you can sit, stand, walk; how much you can lift; whether you need a sit/stand option; whether you need to elevate legs or lie down; hand use limitations; and expected off-task time and absences. Use specific numbers, not vague categories. Bring the blank form to your appointment and explain what the SSA needs. Your specialist's RFC carries more weight than your PCP's for specialized conditions.
The physical RFC is the backbone of most SSDI appeals for physical conditions. It translates your diagnosis into the specific functional limitations the SSA uses to determine whether jobs exist for you.
Who Should Complete It
The specialist treating your primary condition: orthopedist, pain management doctor, rheumatologist, neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist. A PCP RFC is useful but specialists carry more weight for specialized conditions.
What the Form Should Cover
| Item | What to Specify |
|---|---|
| Sitting | Maximum minutes at one time, total hours in 8-hour day |
| Standing | Maximum minutes at one time, total hours in 8-hour day |
| Walking | Maximum minutes at one time, total blocks/distance |
| Lifting/carrying | Maximum weight occasionally and frequently |
| Sit/stand option | Frequency of position changes needed |
| Lying down | Need to recline during the day, frequency and duration |
| Hands | Grasping, gripping, fine manipulation, reaching |
| Bending/stooping/crouching | Frequency allowed (never, occasionally, frequently) |
| Leg elevation | Need to elevate legs, height and frequency |
| Off-task time | Percentage of workday off-task due to symptoms |
| Absences | Days per month unable to work |
| Environmental restrictions | Heat, cold, humidity, heights, vibration |
Tips for Getting a Good RFC
- Bring the blank form to your appointment
- Explain that the SSA needs specific numbers, not general impressions
- Ask your doctor to base opinions on clinical findings and their longitudinal treatment relationship
- Ask them to note which conditions support each limitation
- If your doctor is reluctant, explain that the SSA's doctors (who have never met you) will fill out their own RFC if your doctor does not
Common Mistakes
- Vague limitations. "Limited" or "moderate" is useless. "Can sit for 20 minutes at a time, 3 hours total in 8-hour day" is useful.
- Missing off-task and absenteeism. These are the items that most often win cases. Do not leave them blank.
- Only addressing one condition. If you have multiple physical conditions, the RFC should reflect the combined limitations.
For the overall physical evidence strategy, see strengthening physical evidence.
Get the Right RFC
ClaimPath's Appeal Pack ($49) includes physical RFC guidance and form templates.
Start your appeal preparation now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about physical rfc for ssdi appeals: what to request?
TL;DR: A physical RFC form is completed by your treating physician and specifies exactly what you can physically do: how long you can sit, stand, walk; how much you can lift; whether you need a sit/stand option; whether you need to elevate legs or lie down; hand use limitations; and expected off-task time and absences. Use specific numbers, not vague categories. Bring the blank form to your appointment and explain what the SSA needs.
Who Should Complete It?
The specialist treating your primary condition: orthopedist, pain management doctor, rheumatologist, neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist. A PCP RFC is useful but specialists carry more weight for specialized conditions.
What should I know about common mistakes?
For the overall physical evidence strategy, see strengthening physical evidence.
What should I know about get the right rfc?
ClaimPath's Appeal Pack ($49) includes physical RFC guidance and form templates.