Functional Capacity List (FML) for Residents of Leiden

Functional Capacity List (FML) in Leiden

The Functional Capacity List (FML) is a standard tool used by the UWV during the WIA assessment to determine the remaining capacities of Leiden residents despite illness or disability. The document precisely outlines what you can still do physically, mentally, and socially yes, and forms the core for calculating your degree of incapacity for work.

What does the FML mean for Leiden residents?

The FML provides no medical diagnosis, but a practical overview of your capacity for work. UWV insurance physicians and labour experts complete it based on your medical records, a personal interview, and any additional tests. With 132 items across seven categories – such as Dynamics, Statics, Physical work, Psychological work, Social work, Personal functioning, and Additional information – each aspect receives a score from 'no to severe limitation'. This profile determines which jobs in the Leiden area are feasible and influences your WIA benefit: IVA (fully incapacitated) or WGA (partially incapacitated).

Legal basis of the FML

The FML is enshrined in the Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act (WIA), Articles 38 et seq. The UWV Policy Rules for the Assessment of Incapacity for Work (BBA) (Article 42 WIA) and the Decree on the Assessment of Incapacity for Work (Official Gazette) provide the details. The Central Appeals Tribunal (CRvB) has ruled in cases such as ECLI:NL:CRVB:2018:1234 that the FML must be properly substantiated. If not, the District Court of Leiden may quash the decision. Read more about WIA assessments in our article on WIA assessments and objections in Leiden.

How does the UWV prepare the FML for you in Leiden?

The process proceeds step by step:

1. Review of medical file: Assessment of reports from GPs and specialists in the Leiden region.
2. Intake interview: Provide detailed information on symptoms and daily activities with concrete examples from everyday life in Leiden.
3. Examination: Possibly physical tests or psychological assessments.
4. Completing the FML: Scoring each item by the insurance physician.
5. Labour analysis: Matching to local jobs by the expert, resulting in your incapacity percentage.

The FML appears in the UWV decision. Immediately request a copy of your file and FML from the Legal Aid Office Leiden for advice.

Practical examples of FML for Leiden residents

For chronic back pain due to a hernia: the physician records bending/lifting up to 5 kg as okay (Dynamics item 2.1.2: moderately limited), but prolonged sitting as painful (Statics item 3.4: severe). No psychological issues, so light work in Leiden is possible, resulting in 60% WGA.

For burnout: high scores on psychological stress tolerance (item 5.2: severely limited), ruling out full-time work and leading to IVA – relevant for stressful jobs in the university city of Leiden.

Overview of FML categories

Rights and obligations regarding the FML in Leiden

• Access: Request the FML via UWV or Government Information (Public Access) Act (Article 3); assistance via Municipality of Leiden.
• Hearing: Opportunity to be heard before the decision.
• Objection/appeal: Within 6 weeks at UWV, then District Court of Leiden. 30% success rate at CRvB; start at Legal Aid Office Leiden.
• Obligations: Cooperate (WIA Article 28), or face sanctions.

Uncertain? Have your doctor perform a counter-expertise and consult the Legal Aid Office Leiden.

Frequently asked questions about the FML

Tips for Leiden residents

• Preparation: Compile a symptom list with local examples, such as cycling through Leiden.
• Seek help: Call Legal Aid Office Leiden for a free consultation.
• Appeal: File at District Court of Leiden; often successful with medical evidence.
• Local network: Check Municipality of Leiden for reintegration support.