Is it a good sign when the vocational expert at a disability hearing says....Someone recently asked this question and I will paraphase it: "If a vocational expert at a hearing cites the existence of jobs that a person might be suited for but also states that they lack the ability to perform those jobs, is that a good sign? I responded with the following: The vocational expert is basically there to determine whether or not a claimant can engage in what is known as other work. If a claimant is thought to be unable to engage in other work, then they essentially satisfy the SSA definition of disability via the 5-step sequential evaluation process, and this may lead to an approval. There may be other factors involved, of course, such as the issue of engaging in SGA-level work activity (if someone is not working at a all, then, obviously this is not an issue). And for SSI cases, the issue of resources may apply. Resources is simply SSA-speak for assets. As of this time, a person can only be eligible for SSI disability if they have less than $2000 in countable assets (an upper limit of $3000 applies when the individual has a spouse). Vocational experts are not always present at disability hearings, but they often are, and often medical experts are as well. And they are just one indication of why claimants who attend hearings should be very well-prepared, but, in most cases, represented as well. Responding to hypothetical situations regarding work and jobs is something no claimant will be trained for, or, in most cases, be sufficiently prepared to deal with. And, of course, this is why it amazes me that some people choose to go to hearings unrepresented. Skipping representation at the initial claim or reconsideration level is one thing, but at a hearing...especially when its taken 1-2 years to even get to the hearing? About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Can You Get Approved For SSI or SSD Benefits if you Have A Mental Condition Check your SSDI and SSI claim status Filing an SSI disability appeal The chances of winning with a Social Security Disability judge Doctor who does the Social Security Disability Medical Exam Filing a disability appeal is how most cases are won Doctors who work for Social Security and their qualifications Social Security Disability and ESRD, End Stage Renal Disease Can you get SSI disability faster with financial problems? Can a disability judge make a decision without a hearing? Applying for disability with bipolar, anxiety, antisocial personality disorder Trying to get disability with meniere's, degenerative disc, ankylosing spondylitis, depression, anxiety How social security evaluates attention deficit How to file for disability in North Carolina NC Can You File For Disability While Receiving Unemployment? Are Social Security Disability Claims Based On Back Pain Usually Turned Down? |
