RFC Self-Assessment: Understanding Your Functional Limitations

The Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment is where most diabetes cases are won or lost. It evaluates what you can still do — physically and mentally — despite your conditions. This self-assessment walks you through the same categories SSA uses, with diabetes-specific framing.

This is a self-assessment tool to help you understand and articulate your limitations. It is not a medical evaluation. Share your results with your doctor to help them complete your official RFC form accurately.

Section 1 of 5

Physical Abilities

Think about a typical day over the past month. Rate your ability to do each of the following:

Can you stand or walk for 30 minutes continuously?

Can you walk one block without stopping to rest?

Can you lift and carry 10 pounds (like a bag of groceries)?

Can you use your hands for fine tasks — typing, buttoning clothes, handling small objects?

Can you maintain your balance while standing or walking?

Upcoming sections

Section 2 of 5

Sitting & Stamina

Sample question: Can you sit for 2 hours continuously without needing to change position?

Section 3 of 5

Concentration & Mental Function

Sample question: Can you focus on a task for 2 hours without losing concentration?

Section 4 of 5

Attendance & Reliability

Sample question: How many days per month does your diabetes cause you to miss planned activities?

Section 5 of 5

Other Diabetes-Specific Limitations

Sample question: Do you need to use the bathroom frequently due to your diabetes?

Results preview

Your Functional Limitations Profile

Based on your responses, you report significant limitations in 3 of 5 functional categories assessed by the SSA.

Physical Abilities

Significant

You report significant difficulty with standing, walking, and fine motor tasks.

Sitting & Stamina

Moderate

You report moderate limitations with sustained sitting and need for breaks.

Concentration

Moderate

Blood sugar fluctuations moderately impact your concentration and mental function.

Attendance

Significant

You report missing 4+ days per month and having unpredictable bad days.

Other Limitations

Moderate

Diabetes management tasks and sudden symptoms would interrupt work activities.

What to do with this information:

Print this profile and bring it to your next doctor's appointment
Ask your doctor to complete an RFC form using specific, measurable language
Keep a daily log that documents these limitations with dates and details

Print This Profile Take the Full Evaluation

This is a self-assessment, not a medical or legal opinion. Your doctor's evaluation and the SSA's official RFC determination are what matter for your claim.

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