Describing Your Restrictions

Physically, the major types of restrictions involve standing, walking, sitting, bending, use of your hands and fingers, and operation of foot or leg controls. When asked about these types of activities it is better to provide specific time periods rather than general statements such as “not very long.” For example, better forms of testimony involve statements stating that “I can sit for 15 minutes before I have to change position,” or, “I can walk partway through the grocery store before I have to leave and go back to the car.” You may be asked how much you can lift. Once again, it is not a good idea to say “not much.” Give some example from your day to day life indicating that you normally do not lift anything heavier than a pot or a gallon of milk or some other practical item.