The Role of Functional Capacity Evaluations in Florida Disability Claims
On Behalf of Disability Insurance Law Group | | Disability Insurance – General TopicsAt Disability Insurance Law Group, our Florida and nationwide claims attorneys know Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) play a significant role in disability claims, no matter where you live in the U.S.
FCEs are rigorous assessments conducted by certified professionals, such as physical or occupational therapists. These evaluations comprehensively gauge an individual’s functional abilities, including tests of strength, flexibility, endurance, mobility, and other physical or cognitive functions that are crucial for work-related tasks.
The question is, what do they mean to your disability claim? We have answers.
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation as It Pertains to a Disability Claim?
FCEs provide objective information about an individual’s capabilities and limitations, which can be crucial evidence in disability claims. Insurance companies, Social Security Administration (SSA), or other entities reviewing the claim can use the results of the FCE to assess the claimant’s ability to work and determine eligibility for disability benefits.
The evaluator may compare the individual’s functional capabilities to the physical or cognitive demands of their usual occupation or other potential job opportunities to determine if the individual can work.
FCE results can support disability claims by providing objective evidence of functional limitations that prevent an individual from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a physical or mental impairment. If the FCE demonstrates that the individual cannot perform their job duties or other suitable work, it can strengthen their claim for disability benefits.
Can the Insurance Company Challenge a Functional Capacity Evaluation to Deny a Disability Claim?
In some cases, FCE results may be challenged by insurance companies or government agencies reviewing the disability claim. In these cases, insurance companies or government agencies may request an independent medical examination (IME) as part of the evaluation process.
IMEs may include functional assessments similar to FCEs but are typically conducted by medical doctors rather than allied health professionals.
Claimants may need to provide additional evidence or seek legal assistance to appeal denials based on conflicting functional capacity assessments. We can help.
Contact Our Skilled Disability Insurance Claims Attorneys
Contact our skilled disability insurance claims attorneys in Florida and nationwide today by calling (954)-989-9000 or online to schedule a free and confidential case assessment. We can use our over 50 years of combined experience to help you.
Related Links
- Filing a Claim Under an Individual Disability Policy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Filing a Claim for Benefits in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Disability Insurance FAQs By the attorneys of the Disability Insurance Law Group
- What Are Some of the Medical Conditions for Which I Can Collect Disability Insurance Benefits?