Vocational Experts

August 6, 2008

  • How do Vocational Witnesses Prepare for Your Hearing?

    One of the least intuitive elements of a Social Security hearing is the vocational witness testimony.  Social Security judges frequently request the presence of vocational witnesses (also known as "VE's"), independent experts who appear at your hearing to classify your past work and to answer hypothetical questions from the judge about work you might be able to do, given the limitations set out in the hypothetical question. (…)

March 27, 2007

  • Perceptive Judge Overcomes Poorly Prepared Vocational Witness

    Yesterday, I appeared with a client at a video hearing with a judge from West Virginia.  This was actually our second hearing - the first hearing was held in August, 2006.  My client applied for benefits in July, 2003, which means that his case has been pending over 3 1/2 years.  During that time, my client and his wife had to file bankruptcy and he has exhausted all of his pension and 401(k) money. 
    My client worked for a large airline for almost 20 years and back in 2001, he began experiencing severe pain (neuropathy) in his feet and legs.  He subsequently fell and broke his left hip and he currently needs a knee replacement.  He is also severely depressed and basically spends his days trying to find a comfortable position. (…)

February 12, 2007