Effective Dates: 7/29/2026 - Present

Identification Number:
DI 24510 TN 71
Intended Audience:See Transmittal Sheet
Originating Office:LP DP
Title:Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
Type:POMS Full Transmittals
Program:All Programs
Link To Reference:
 

PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL SYSTEM
Part DI – Disability Insurance
Chapter 245 – Medical Evaluation
Subchapter 10 – Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
Transmittal No. 71, 07/29/2026

Audience

PSC: DE, DEC;
OCO-OEIO: CR, ERE, FDE, RECONE;
OCO-ODO: DE, DEC, DS, RECONE;
OCO: ODD;
ODD-DDS: ADJ, DHU;

Originating Component

DP

Effective Date

Upon Receipt

Background

Disability Policy revised this section to clarify partial completion of the residual functional capacity (RFC) in a fully favorable determination and to provide updated guidance on adopting an initial level RFC. In addition, these revisions align with recently revised POMS sections about reconsideration case processing instructions.

Summary of Changes

DI 24510.066 Options to Simplify Case Processing

We updated this section to:

  • •

    Change the section title to "Streamlining Residual Functional Capacity Assessment Form Completion."

  • •

    Changed subsection A. title to Partial completion f Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form.

  • •

    Add cross-references to policy in subsection A.

  • •

    Clarify and streamline instructions for adopting an initial level RFC for consistency with other POMS revisions in subsection B.

  • •

    Remove obsolete instructions about medical and psychological consultant signatures in subsection C.

DI 24510.066 Streamlining Residual Functional Capacity Assessment Form Completion

A. Partial completion of Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form

The medical consultant (MC) or psychological consultant (PC) is responsible for assessing the RFC when an RFC finding is required. Disability examiners (DE) may assist the MC or PC in completing the RFC form. The RFC assessment must describe the most the individual is able to do despite impairment-related limitations.

The adjudicative team is not required to complete the entire RFC form in fully favorable determinations. When the physical RFC or mental residual functional capacity (MRFC) assessment is completed to the point that the determination will be fully favorable, the MC or PC may sign the medical assessment without completing the entire form.

However, the adjudicative team must provide at a minimum, a statement explaining the physical RFC or MRFC. In the Disability Case Processing System (DCPS), add the summary statement in the explanation box under the specific limitation or in the additional explanation box at the end of the form. The summary statement must describe all the individual's limitations, including any exertional, non-exertional, and environmental limitations.

For information on:

B. Adoption of initial level RFC

After a complete, independent, and thorough review of all the evidence in file at the reconsideration level, the MC or PC may adopt the physical RFC or MRFC prepared with the initial determination. For more information on when the evidence supports adopting initial level medical assessments, see DI 27001.015B.2.

If the MC or PC adopts the initial level physical RFC or MRFC, include the following statement on the adopted medical assessment:

“I have reviewed all the evidence in file. I adopt as written the [medical assessment] (e.g., physical RFC or MRFC) of [date] by [MC or PC name].”

The MC or PC must sign and date the medical assessment based on the type of claim or disposition selected using an approved electronic signature.

For information on:

  • •

    Adopting an initial level Psychiatric Review Technique (PRT), see DI 24583.005G.1

  • •

    Adopting an initial level medical assessment, see DI 27001.015B.2.

  • •

    Adopting electronic medical assessments, see DI 81020.025D.

  • •

    Adjudicating disabled child claims at the reconsideration level, see DI 25230.001B.6.

NOTE: Adopting the physical RFC or MRFC assessment is not the same as affirming the initial determination because the medical assessment is only part of the determination. For more information on affirming (or reversing) the initial determination, see DI 27001.015C.

 


DI 24510 TN 71 - Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) - 7/29/2026