A Social Security disability case isn’t like a typical court hearing. There aren’t a room full of spectators. Just a handful of specific individuals who have an impact on whether or not the claimant is considered eligible for SSD. One such individual is the vocational expert. What is the role of a vocational expert in an Arkansas disability case?
The vocational expert is tasked with being up to date on the current labor market. Which jobs are available? What sort of skills are needed to perform them? This is very important information that can make or break your Arkansas disability case.
If someone is applying for Social Security disability, the judge who determines if they’re qualified needs to know what work, if any, the applicant may still be capable of doing despite their disability.
The vocational expert’s knowledge works in conjunction with the claimant’s medical records. If an applicant seeking disability is documented as being unable to stand for long periods of time due to their physical limitations, the vocational expert may list off local jobs they could do that allow them to sit and not aggravate their health issues.
If their limitations are severe enough, the vocational expert may state that there are no jobs out there that the applicant can safely perform.
The current system is far from perfect. Many vocational experts still use an out of date book called the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), a database of over 12,000 jobs, to determine job availability.
Others utilize an online database called O*NET that doesn’t always contain the most accurate information. Many jobs and positions are either overlooked or omitted entirely.
This may lead to skewed testimony and not paint an accurate picture whether or not the claimant is truly capable of working and what their options and limitations are. The Social Security Administration is working on a new system to replace them both, but it has yet to fully materialize.
While vocational expert testimony can play a critical role in determining one’s eligibility for Social Security disability, they are a neutral party and are not impacted if the claimant is approved or not.
But an Arkansas Social Security disability lawyer will work to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Your disability attorney can best utilize the vocational expert’s testimony to work to your advantage. Reach out to The Krebs Law Firm today, and let us help you maximize your chances of approval in your SSD case.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at (870) 741-8100 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on an Arkansas Social Security Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.
We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Arkansas residents. Give us a call at (870) 741-8100. We have an office in Harrison, Arkansas just a couple of doors down from the Harrison Social Security Office.
Jason Krebs is licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. Our main office is in Springfield Missouri. Our Harrison Arkansas office is by appointment only. The address is 125 Industrial Park Road Suite E1 Harrison Arkansas 72601. Our local phone number in Harrison is (870) 741-8100. Our Toll Free phone number is (800) 345-0535. You can also send us an email to [email protected].