What Is the Role of a Vocational Expert at Your Social Security Disability Hearing?
Are you wondering who the vocational expert is at your Social Security Disability hearing notice and what they will provide at the hearing?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today, I’m going to talk about the role of the vocational witness in Social Security Disability cases.
What Does a Vocational Expert Do?
The purpose of the vocational expert (also called a vocational witness) in Social Security Disability cases is to provide testimony based on:
- The claimant’s work performed in the last 5 years (changed from 15 years)
- The availability of jobs the claimant may be able to perform
When Does the Vocational Expert Testify?
The vocational expert is typically called to testify at the hearing stage of the disability application and appeals process.
What Does the Vocational Expert Testify About?
The vocational expert will testify about jobs that the claimant may be able to perform based on:
- Their residual functional capacity (RFC)
- Their age
- Education
- Work experience
Why Is Vocational Expert Testimony Important?
Vocational expert testimony is important because it helps the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) make a decision on the claimant’s disability case. The judge will consider:
- The vocational expert’s testimony
- Medical records
- Testimony from the claimant
- Statements from other witnesses
How Should You Prepare for Vocational Expert Testimony?
It’s important that claimants—and their attorneys or representatives—prepare for the vocational expert’s testimony by:
- Reviewing the vocational evidence available in the case
- Anticipating potential questions the vocational expert may ask
In Summary
The purpose of the vocational expert in Social Security Disability cases is to provide testimony on: (1) a hypothetical individual’s ability to work and (2) the availability of jobs that the hypothetical individual may be able to perform.
The vocational expert’s testimony is an important factor in the Administrative Law Judge’s decision, and it’s important that claimants and their attorneys prepare thoroughly.
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
