Functional Capacity Evaluation:
A functional capacity evaluation evaluates an individual’s capacity to perform work activities related to his or her participation in employment. The FCE process compares the individual’s health status, and body functions and structures to the demands of the job and the work environment. Functional capacity evaluation can be done for someone who has been injured on the job to determine his or her ability to return to the job or alternate work, who is applying for Disability benefits, to return to work or volunteer activities after an injury or illness, someone injured in a catastrophic accident (i.e., automobile accident) for whom an FCE can determine performance skills and abilities related to resuming former employment or a new job, someone seeking vocational rehabilitation services.