RFC Rehab: Five Ways to Save a Case Before the ALJ Breaks It – NOSSCR 2026 Fall National Conference – Track II (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)

Treatment Records Miss the Real Limitations. Build the Evidence That Doesn't

The "RFC problem" is rarely solved at the hearing — it is solved in the file. This session teaches claimant representatives to build functional evidence from intake through hearing, documenting the real limitations that ordinary treatment records often miss.

The methods are practical, ethical, and specific. Identify the missing evidence early. Document cyclical impairments with logs and apps; capture function with wearable data and purchase records; consider targeted testing such as gait analysis. Obtain targeted Micro-MSS and Evidence-Anchored MSS opinions, clarify vague consultative examiner findings, and develop third-party statements. Then prepare the client to testify in vocationally useful terms.

You walk out with the full build: strategies for functional evidence at every stage, a stronger hearing presentation — and appealable error preserved when the ALJ ignores or mischaracterizes critical RFC evidence.

Eligible for up to 1 CLE Credit Hour

This session was originally submitted for CLE as a live, in-person presentation and a live webcast for the 2026 Fall National Conference and may be eligible for self-study credit. Each state handles self-study credit differently; for questions, please consult your State Bar Association.

Recorded Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Key topics to be discussed:

• Finding the Missing Evidence
  Identifying the functional evidence the file lacks, from intake forward.
• Documenting Cyclical Impairments
  Using logs, apps, wearable data, and purchase records to capture limitations treatment records miss.
• Targeted MSS Opinions
  Obtaining Micro-MSS and Evidence-Anchored MSS opinions built for the case.
• Fixing the CE Record
  Clarifying vague consultative examiner findings, with targeted testing such as gait analysis where warranted.
• Statements and Testimony
  Developing third-party statements and preparing clients to testify in vocationally useful terms.
• Preserving Appealable Error
  Strengthening the hearing presentation — and preserving error when ALJs ignore or mischaracterize critical RFC evidence.

This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.

Date / Time: October 13, 2026

• 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm Eastern
• 11:15 am – 12:15 pm Central
• 10:15 am – 11:15 am Mountain
• 9:15 am – 10:15 am Pacific

Closed-captioning available