Functional Limitation
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
What you can't do because of your disability - the real-world impact on your daily life, work, and activities.
Why This Matters
Examiners must document functional limitations, not just symptoms. Explaining what you CAN'T do is often more important than describing pain levels.
Example
Instead of saying 'my back hurts,' say 'I can't lift more than 10 pounds, can't stand for more than 15 minutes, and can't sit through a movie without getting up to stretch.'