Unless your disability meets a listing, the vocational expert’s testimony about whether or not you can work will likely be outcome determinative for your case. After you put on your case, your attorney or the judge will present a series of hypotheticals. You can’t ask the vocational expert specifically “can my client work?” Rather, questions must be phrased as “Would a hypothetical person with the same disabilities as my client be able to do any jobs?” If the vocational expert says no, you are in the clear. If they say yes, your attorney will have a chance to cross examine and rule out the jobs the vocational expert listed by proving you cannot do them. Cases are won and lost through the testimony and cross examination of the vocational expert. An experienced attorney can work to bring the best testimony out, and shut the vocational expert down during cross examination.
Whether you’re just considering applying for disability or you have a hearing already scheduled, call us at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.
- What is the difference between SSI and SSD?
- When should I consider applying?
- What can I expect from an ALJ hearing?
- Compassionate Allowances
- The role of doctor’s testimony
- The role of the vocational expert
- So how much will I get?
- Calculating work credits?
- Disability Review
- Work Incentives
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