A work classification defining the functional requirements of work in terms of the
range of the primary strength activities required (that is, sedentary, light, medium,
heavy, and very heavy).
The following table details the limits within the ranges for occasional, frequent,
and constant exertion:
Limits of Weights Lifted/Carried or Force Exerted by Strength Level
|
|
Rating
|
Occasionally
|
Frequently
|
Constantly
|
Sedentary
|
* to 10
|
*
|
N/A
|
Light
|
* to 20
|
* to 10
|
*
|
Medium
|
20 to 50
|
10 to 25
|
* to 10
|
Heavy
|
50 to 100
|
25 to 50
|
10 to 20
|
Very Heavy
|
100+
|
50+
|
20+
|
*=Negligible Weight; N/A= Not applicable
NOTE: Do not use this information to determine remaining occupational base. Do not determine
that a claimant has a remaining occupational base for medium work if he or she can
lift 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently or if he or she can lift 25 pounds
occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.
A claimant must be capable of doing substantially all of the range of work represented
by the exertional requirements of a rule in order to use that rule to direct a determination
of disability. For that reason, assume that an RFC for less than the top level of
weight for an exertional level in the exertional level table represents an RFC falling
between two exertional levels of work. For information on how to adjudicate a case
in which the RFC falls between two rules, see DI 25025.015.
IMPORTANT: The chart of lifting and carrying requirements is from Appendix C: Components of
the Definition Trailer, Component IV. PHYSICAL DEMANDS - STRENGTH RATING (Strength); and reflects how Department of Labor analysts classified jobs into a particular
strength level.
Per 20 CFR 404.1567 and 416.967 , SSA uses the strength classifications that are in the DOT.