When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, one of the key components of your case is demonstrating that you are unable to work due to a disability. This is where the expertise of a vocational expert becomes essential. Vocational experts assess your medical condition, work history, and skills to evaluate your ability to work. Occupational Assessment Services (OAS) is a trusted provider of vocational evaluations for Social Security cases, with a wealth of experience and expertise that can significantly impact the success of your claim.

In this blog, we will explore why selecting OAS as your vocational expert is the best decision for your Social Security Disability case.

What Does a Vocational Expert Do in a Social Security Disability Case?

A vocational expert (VE) plays an important role in a Social Security Disability claim. They assess an individual’s ability to perform work, taking into account their medical condition and the limitations it imposes. The vocational expert’s goal is to determine if the claimant can perform their previous job or if they can adjust to other types of work in the job market.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) frequently relies on the opinions of vocational experts to help evaluate a claimant’s ability to work. Their testimony can provide crucial insights during the decision-making process, especially when the case goes to a hearing.

A vocational expert’s responsibilities include:

• Reviewing your medical history.
• Analyzing your job skills and past work experience.
• Assessing whether you can adjust to other work in the current job market.
• Offering expert testimony to help the judge better understand your limitations and why you cannot work.

Why Do You Need a Vocational Expert for SSD Claims?

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process, and many claims are denied because the SSA believes the claimant can still perform some type of work. In such cases, a vocational expert can provide valuable evidence to strengthen your claim. Here’s how a vocational expert can help:

Objective Assessments

A vocational expert provides an impartial, professional assessment based on your medical records, skills, and functional abilities. This expert opinion offers a well-supported evaluation of your capacity to work, helping to clarify your situation for the SSA.

Identifying Work Limitations

Vocational experts are skilled at identifying how your medical condition affects your ability to perform specific tasks or duties related to your job. This helps establish that your disability renders you unable to work in your previous position or pursue new employment.

Countering SSA’s Findings

The SSA might determine that you can still do some type of work, even if you cannot perform your previous job. A vocational expert can provide expert testimony and data to refute this assumption and show that you are, in fact, unable to work.

Support for Appeals

If your initial claim is denied, a vocational expert can assist in the appeals process. They provide additional evaluations, expert testimony, and evidence to help you build a stronger case for your appeal.

Why Choose OAS for Your Vocational Evaluation?

With more than 50 years of experience in Social Security Disability cases, OAS has built a reputation for delivering detailed and accurate vocational evaluations. Here’s why OAS is the ideal choice when selecting a vocational expert for your SSD case:

1. Extensive Experience in SSD Claims

OAS has a deep understanding of the Social Security Disability process. Having worked on thousands of SSD cases, they know how to navigate SSA guidelines and can provide you with an evaluation that strengthens your claim. Their extensive experience allows them to present your case in a way that improves your chances of approval.

2. Thorough and Comprehensive Evaluations

OAS offers detailed vocational assessments that thoroughly examine your work history, medical conditions, transferable skills, and potential work limitations. They also take job market conditions into account, ensuring that their evaluations are data-driven and backed by reliable evidence.

3. Expert Testimony for Hearings

If your case progresses to a hearing, expert testimony from a vocational expert can be pivotal. OAS provides qualified experts who can effectively explain complex vocational information to the judge, helping to clarify why your condition prevents you from working.

4. Strong Reputation and Credibility

OAS is highly regarded by attorneys, courts, and the SSA for its professionalism and objectivity. Their trusted status ensures that their opinions hold weight and contribute positively to the success of your claim.

5. Support During Appeals

Many SSD claims are denied at first. If this happens to you, OAS can assist by:

• Reviewing your case to pinpoint the reasons for the denial.
• Providing additional vocational evidence to support your appeal.
• Offering expert testimony to help clarify your inability to work and bolster your chances of approval.

How OAS Conducts Vocational Evaluations for SSD Cases

OAS follows a structured, comprehensive approach when evaluating SSD claims. Here's a step-by-step look at how they handle your case:

Step 1: Reviewing Medical and Work History

OAS begins by carefully reviewing your medical records and work history to understand your condition and evaluate your past job skills. This provides the foundation for determining whether your disability prevents you from returning to your previous job.

Step 2: Identifying Work Limitations

Next, OAS assesses how your medical condition affects your ability to:

• Stand, sit, lift, or move
• Follow instructions and concentrate
• Perform repetitive tasks or handle job-related stress

This helps to establish a clear picture of how your condition impacts your work capacity.

Step 3: Analyzing Job Market Conditions

Even if your previous job is no longer an option, the SSA might claim that there are other suitable jobs available to you. To counter this, OAS evaluates current job market conditions, taking into account labor statistics and the availability of positions that align with your skills and limitations.

Step 4: Providing Expert Testimony

If your case requires a hearing, OAS provides expert vocational testimony to explain your limitations. Their testimony helps the judge understand why your disability prevents you from working, making it easier for them to make an informed decision.

Common Reasons SSD Claims Are Denied and How OAS Can Help

Despite careful preparation, many SSD claims are denied. Some of the common reasons for denial and how OAS can help are as follows:

1. SSA Believes You Can Do Other Work

If the SSA determines you can still work, OAS can provide expert testimony and labor market research to show that there are no suitable jobs for you given your limitations.

2. Insufficient Medical Evidence

OAS collaborates with medical professionals to ensure that your disability is well-documented and supported by medical records, making it easier for the SSA to understand your limitations.

3. Lack of Vocational Expert Testimony

Without vocational expert testimony, claims are often denied. OAS steps in to provide the expert opinions necessary to support your case, particularly during hearings.

4. Errors in Application or Documentation

OAS can assist in reviewing your application and supporting documents to ensure everything is correctly submitted to the SSA, helping to prevent delays and issues.

Conclusion: OAS Can Make a Difference in Your SSD Claim

Securing Social Security Disability benefits can be a challenging journey, but having a reliable vocational expert on your side can make all the difference. With over five decades of experience, OAS offers the expertise, credibility, and comprehensive vocational evaluations that you need to strengthen your case. Their expert testimony, attention to detail, and thorough assessments can help establish that you are unable to work, improving your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.

If you're looking for expert vocational support for your SSD case, reach out to OAS today. Their team is ready to assist you in building the strongest possible case for your Social Security Disability claim.