What is the primary focus of assessing an individual's residual functional capacity?

The primary focus of assessing an individual's residual functional capacity (RFC) is to evaluate their ability to perform work-related activities. RFC is a critical component in determining whether a person is capable of engaging in any substantial gainful activity despite their impairments. It involves analyzing the individual's physical and mental limitations and how these limitations affect their capacity to execute various work tasks, such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying, as well as mental tasks like understanding instructions and interacting with others.

This assessment directly relates to the eligibility criteria for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), where the goal is to identify if a person can still function in a work environment given their disabilities. It focuses more on capabilities rather than just the presence of a medical condition or age factors, making it central to the decision-making process regarding disability claims.