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Exertional Capacity
What is Exertional Capacity?
Definition of Exertional Capacity
Exertional capacity is an individual's restrictions of physical strength and their remaining ability to perform certain demands at work. The Social Security Administration identifies seven areas of relevant physical strength including: sitting, walking, lifting standing, pushing, pulling and carrying. Social Security Disability claimants may have limitations in one of these activities which limit their ability to perform certain levels of work. When evaluating a claimant's restrictions, the Social Security Administration analyzes the individual's limitations, not specific symptoms and impairments. The restriction of a Social Security Disability claimant's exertional capacity will determine if a claimant can perform heavy, medium, light or sedentary work.
