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What are the physical exertion requirements for SSD benefits?

On Behalf of | Feb 21, 2019 | Social Security Disability, Social Security Disability

When people in Fayetteville and throughout Georgia suffer from an illness, injury or condition that they believe warrant Social Security disability benefits, there are many federal regulations and requirements they must understand during the application process. One that is often misunderstood is residual functional capacity (RFC) and how it will impact whether the final decision for SSD benefits.

There are several considerations with RFC and one is if the person can complete the physical exertion requirements of a job. That, along with their work history, education, experience and skills are imperative to a claim. If they cannot complete the physical exertion requirements, it is a significant step toward being approved. Jobs are classified in the context of physical exertion as sedentary, light, medium, heavy and very heavy.

With sedentary work, the person would be asked to lift as much as 10 pounds at one time and be asked to carry light objects like files, books and small tools. Sedentary work is generally perceived as a job that requires the person to sit for a great deal of time, it is frequently necessary to walk and stand when performing certain duties. Light work will require the person to lift up to 20 pounds and frequently carry or lift items of 10 pounds. This job needs the person to stand or walk.

Medium work will require the person to lift as much as 50 pounds. There is the general need to lift or carry items that are up to 25 pounds. When someone can do medium work, they can also do sedentary or light work. Heavy work requires the lifting of up to 100 pounds. Often items that weigh up to 50 pounds must be lifted. When a person can do heavy work, they are considered able to do the other types of work leading up to it. Very heavy work requires the person to life more than 100 pounds and carry or lift items that are 50 pounds or more on a regular basis.

RFC is a key part of the decision as to whether a claimant is approved for SSD benefits. Part of that is the ability to do various types of work and the exertion people can withstand while doing these jobs. If there is a dispute over RFC and the amount of physical exertion a claimant is determined able to do, having legal assistance is helpful. When seeking SSDI benefits, calling for legal advice is a wise step from the start.

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