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Vocational Issues

A claimant’s past relevant work is taken consideration at Step Four of SSA’s Sequential Evaluation, while at Step Five, it is SSA’s burden to prove that there are other jobs that the claimant could perform.  This section deals with these types of vocational issues.

SSA often attempts to meet it burden at Step Five either by relying on its Medical-Vocational Guidelines  (http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-ap11.htm), or by relying on testimony from a vocational expert (VE).  Read more.

SSA and vocational experts (VEs) continues to use the Dictionary of Occupational Titles when deciding vocational issues, which has not been updated in many.   SSA, however, is currently considering creating its own occupational guide.

 

 

ARTICLES

Court Remands for Further Vocational Evidence
U.S. District Court Judge Victor Marrero recently remanded a claim for vocational evidence, ordering the Commissioner to more fully develop the record regarding jobs that claimant might be able to perform despite her non-exertional impairments. Read More

Court Remands for Further Vocational Testimony
It is hard enough to cross-examine a vocational expert (VE) effectively. It is even harder when the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) interrupts and does not let the advocate ask the relevant questions. Read More