Applying for disability benefits under various Social Security programs could be complex based on the claim’s details. Typically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts multiple procedures to determine the claimant’s eligibility, hold hearings, finalize determinations and receive appeals as needed.
Sometimes, they employ specialists who provide evidence presented at hearings, including vocational experts (VE). They could participate at a specific stage after the SSA’s administrative review. If the claimant disagrees with the review’s results, they could file an appeal and initiate a reconsideration procedure concerning their disability. A team handling these disability determinations could proceed to collect evidence. These assessments or consultative examinations could involve medical specialists or VEs.
Specifically, this consultant is responsible for providing valuable and impartial evidence concerning the claimant’s vocational skills and abilities concerning their disability. They usually go before an administrative law judge to testify and provide statements during a hearing. Sometimes, they could participate using telephones, video conferences or written testimonies, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, the method of presenting evidence could also vary. The judge could ask questions during the hearing, possibly directed at the VE, claimant or other involved parties.
A VE can impact the claim’s outcome
A VE serves as a critical resource who could provide insight into whether the claimant can return to their job or transfer to a different position due to their disability. This role could also present other factors affecting opportunities for the claimant, including skill levels, occupational demands, work settings and other factors impacting the claimant’s situation.
A VE’s opinions could be significantly valuable, especially if the claimant might require benefits for retraining. Their recommendations could affect a claimant’s benefits under the appropriate Social Security program.