Using an RFC When Applying for Benefits With An Amputation

If you’ve had an amputation and you are having trouble finding a job that you can do but you don’t qualify for Social Security disability benefits you may still be eligible for benefits from the Social Security Administration. The SSA has an exception that can help people get benefits even if they don’t meet the Social Security Administration’s requirements for disability benefits. It’s called a Residual Functional Capacity exception.

What Is Residual Functional Capacity?

A Residual Functional Capacity exception will qualify someone to receive Social Security disability benefits even if they don’t meet the requirements that are listed in the Blue Book for that condition. The requirements in the Blue Book can be very specific and hard to meet. A Residual Functional Capacity exception allows your claim to be approved even though you haven’t met the Blue Book requirements. You will need to submit your medical records and a written RFC evaluation that is filled out by your doctor. If you have had an amputation the requirements in the Blue Book that must be met to qualify for benefits are very specific and state that you must meet one of these criteria: • Amputation of both hands • Amputation of one hand and one lower extremity at or above the ankle, interfering with the ability to walk • Amputation through the hip joint (hemipelvectomy) or pelvis (hip disarticulation) • Amputation of one or both lower extremities resulting in the inability to use a prosthetic device or a cane to walk properly Not being able to walk doesn’t qualify you to receive benefits if you can walk with a prosthetic or an adaptive device like a cane.

How To Use the RFC When You Have An Amputation

If you have had an amputation that doesn’t meet the requirements in the Blue Book you can submit a Residual Functional Capacity evaluation with your claim for benefits and your medical records. You can download a copy of the RFC evaluation form on the Social Security Administration website and give it to your doctor to fill out. Your doctor will need to write about your amputation and how it limits your ability your work in detail. For example, if you’re 45 years old and have just recently had a foot amputation but you can use a prosthetic you don’t meet the Blue Book requirements for disability. But if you work retail or in a restaurant and you need to be on your feet for entire shift every day you might not be able to your job anymore but with 20 years of experience in retail or restaurant work you don’t have the skills to do any other job.

What To Include With Your RFC For An Amputation

When you file a claim for benefits with an RFC due to an amputation you will need to provide medical records including X-rays and MRIs as well as surgical history and hospitalization records.

Get Help With Your RFC For An Amputation

Filing for disability benefits with an RFC can be tricky. It’s important to file as much documentation as possible that will help support the RFC and show the SSA that you can’t work because of your amputation. Working with a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability cases can help you get the RFC exception because lawyers who have worked extensively on Social Security cases know what kinds of documentation will help prove your case and they can help you make sure your claim is as airtight as possible.

Complete the Free Case Evaluation

Complete a free case evaluation today and find more about how a Social Security attorney can help you get Social Security disability benefits due to an amputation.