The Role Of Vocational Experts In Florida Social Security Disability Hearings

If you filed a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application only to have it denied, you’re not alone. While most claims get denied on the first try, you have the right to file an appeal.

This requires appearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), during which a vocational expert (VE) will testify about your ability to work. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains more about their role and how their testimony can impact your rights to benefits.

What Does a Vocational Expert Do at a Florida Social Security Disability Hearing?

Social Security disability benefits in Florida can make up for portions of lost earnings if you suffer a disabling condition that is expected to last a year or more. However, up to two-thirds of applications are denied. You have the right to file an appeal, which requires an administrative hearing. Testimony from vocational experts is part of the process.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) hires vocational experts to give their opinions on the types of work you may or may not be able to perform. They rely on tools like the U.S. Department of Labor’s Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), which outlines the physical and mental demands of different types of work. During a disability hearing, they will generally:

• Review your past work history and classify it by skill level and physical demands.
• Answer hypothetical questions from the judge about what kind of work you could do, given your health issues.
• Identify other jobs that someone with your condition might be able to perform.
• Provide job numbers showing how common these jobs are in your region or nationally.

As a judge will often base their decision on the testimony of vocational experts, their input must reflect an accurate understanding of your job skills and medical limitations.

How to Protect Your Rights When a VE Is Involved

Dealing with vocational experts can feel intimidating. Your benefits may depend on their testimony, so you need to ensure they have all the facts. We recommend taking these steps:

• Make sure your medical records clearly describe your limitations and how they affect your ability to sit, stand, concentrate, or lift objects.
• Ask your doctor for a functional capacity evaluation that outlines what you can and cannot do.
• Provide statements from former coworkers or supervisors showing how your condition affects your ability to work.
• Be specific when testifying about your daily challenges.
• Have your lawyer review the VE’s testimony and challenge anything that seems inaccurate or unrealistic.

To Protect Your Rights In An Appeal, Consult Our Experienced Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer

When going through Social Security disability appeals in Florida, you need a strong legal strategy to ensure the judge hears the full picture, not just the vocational expert’s testimony.

At Farrell Disability Law, we protect clients in Jacksonville and Orlando throughout these proceedings, fighting to get the benefits they are entitled to. Whether you have a hearing coming up or just received a denial, contact our office. Request a consultation with our experienced Florida Social Security disability lawyer today.

Sources:

ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2020/sect04.html

dol.gov/agencies/oalj/topics/libraries/LIBDOT