The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program that provides benefits to qualifying individuals whose health conditions or disabilities prevent them from or severely limit their ability to work. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you will need to move through the application process, which requires you to provide documentation that attests to the nature, extent, and severity of your disability or health complication. However, it’s not always easy to link the medical evidence you provide to its impact on your ability to work or earn an income, and this gap can lead to a denial of SSDI benefits. That’s where a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) comes in. An FCE is a series of standardized physical tests that measure your functional limitations of the disability in order to strengthen your SSDI claim in Washington state. Let’s take a look at how to prove functional limitations for Social Security Disability benefits and how enlisting the guidance of a highly qualified and caring Spokane SSDI attorney can maximize your chances of a successful claim.
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation For Disability?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a set of physical tests that have been standardized to provide more consistent and reliable measurements of several parameters, such as a person’s stamina, strength, range of motion, coordination, body mechanics, ability to perform repetitive tasks, and postural tolerance. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists are able to conduct FCEs, which can be tailored to assess your overall physical condition. For instance, you may be asked to perform a number of tasks, like lifting objects, sitting or standing for a specific amount of time, walking various distances, or completing cognitive tasks. Ultimately, the FCE can help determine your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which refers to the physical level of work that you can reasonably perform as an individual with a disability.
Why an FCE Matters in an SSDI Case in Washington State
When the SSA reviews an SSDI application, there needs to be a clear link between the documented medical condition or disability and the applicant’s inability to perform basic tasks required of them by their job. The results of an FCE can provide objective evidence of an individual’s physical or mental limitations, thereby strengthening their SSDI claim. An FCE can be particularly useful for assessing musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue-based conditions. To learn more about how to prove functional limitations for Social Security Disability, reach out to a trusted disability law firm for SSDI that proudly serves clients in Spokane and throughout Washington state.
Reach Out to the Best SSDI Attorney in Washington State Today
If you’re asking yourself the question, “Is there an SSDI lawyer near me in Spokane, WA,” then the answer is a resounding yes. At Schott Law, we believe in putting the needs of our clients above all else so that we can help you secure your desired outcome. When it comes to navigating the SSDI application process, you deserve high-quality guidance that’s tailored to address your specific needs and goals. Reach out to the dedicated legal team at Schott Law today by calling (509) 328-5789 to get started with an experienced and caring SSDI attorney.
