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 they can lift
20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently or if they 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 an Appendix 2 rule for 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.