5.40 Elements of Claim is a section of the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, which is used to evaluate people's eligibility for disability benefits. This section outlines the criteria that must be met in order to qualify for disability benefits. It includes four distinct elements: medical evidence, functional limitations, assessments of residual functional capacity, and vocational factors. Medical Evidence: Medical evidence is a combination of laboratory and clinical findings that must reflect the diagnosis, severity, and duration of an impairment. This evidence must be provided by a qualified medical professional. Functional Limitations: Functional limitations refer to the individual's ability to perform activities of daily living and other work-related activities. This includes the individual's ability to walk, stand, sit, lift, carry, push, and pull. Residual Functional Capacity Assessments: Residual functional capacity (RFC) assessments are used to determine an individual's capacity for work. This assessment evaluates an individual's ability to perform physical, mental, and sensory activities. Vocational Factors: Vocational factors refer to the individual's educational level, work experience, age, and any transferable skills they may have. This helps to determine if the individual is able to find or maintain gainful employment.