Here is a question I received from a blog reader:
I have been told I should qualify for disability because of my permanent restrictions set by my FCE. I was put in a light category. What do you think?
Here is my response:
First, let’s clarify what a functional capacity evaluation is and why it is important to Social Security. Functional capacity evaluations (abbreviated FCE) are a set of tests and evalautions designed to objectively determine your capacity to perform the physical demands of work [1. Here is Wikipedia’s definition of an FCE]. A physical FCE will categorize you as:
- able to perform heavy work
- able to perform medium work
- able to perform light work
- able to perform sedentary work
- unable to perform sedentary work
Social Security has defined each of these terms – click here for the definitions.
An FCE can be preformed by a rehabilitation supplier, a physical therapist or a physician. A formal FCE may involve one or two days of testing along with interpretation by a trained health care provider. An informal FCE may involve a checklist form completed by your doctor. Continue reading →