Vocational expert

02-09-2011, 08:22 AM

I've read here how the vocational expert spoke at everyone's hearing about their opinion if someone can work, how much they think the person is disabled, and if the person can find and do the type of work they did before. The vocational expert never was asked a question and never said a word at mine, she just sat there. Why was she there even? Does this sound like I will be denied because she wasn't asked anything?

02-09-2011, 08:59 AM

On the contrary. Most often when the vocational expert isn't asked to speak it's because the judge has already determined there's enough proof that you're disabled, so there's no need for their testimony. Without knowing all of the facts in your case I can't say for sure this is what happened with your hearing, but chances are that's what happened.

In my case, the medical expert testified he felt I had arachnoiditis-equivalency (bad scar tissue in the spine from several spine surgeries), and that's one of the approx. 6 golden ticket conditions that almost guarantee you'll be approved. After the judge heard that, he never questioned the voc expert and I ended up being approved.

02-09-2011, 11:53 AM

It is a positive thing. It means the judge was able to make a decision without the imput of the ve. My judge didn't even ask the ve anything. I was approved on the spot.

02-09-2011, 12:48 PM

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I'm glad you were approved on the spot, but I didn't get an approval. My lawyer told me it would most likely be 40 to 60 days before I find out. Then he even said I had a 50/50 chance. The psychiatrist and therapists all agreed I was a 45 whatever that exactly means. It scares me having the lawyer say it will be a 50/50 chance. I'm trying to not be anxious but I can't help but worry as I'm a worry wart anyway. What do you think of the 50/50 comment?

02-09-2011, 05:02 PM

To me some lawyers are just that way never wanting to say anything. But hang in there I agree with the others if the ve didnt say anything hopefully its a good sign. Please keep us inform if you hear. People on this board are nice and very helpful if you need to talk there are people who will listen. Good Luck To You. God Bless

02-09-2011, 06:16 PM

at mine he was asked and that is how I got mine, I belive it was what he told the JUDGE and so does my attornery.. so if he hadn't asked him what he thought I may not have gotten mine.. so everyone is different.

02-09-2011, 06:59 PM

The Vocational Expert is a Certified Vocational Counselor (CRC) with extensive history in vocational rehabilitation. They are also very skilled in analyzing jobs, what is required of jobs, what abilities/limitations effect jobs, etc.

02-11-2011, 09:24 PM

i hate VE ! on my alj hearing for my first app (hearing was in 2008) the ve was 45 minutes late, only heared the last 2 questions & answers i gave, alj asked him a few questions, attorney crossed-examed him. end of hearing.. he was never introduced nor sworn in.... i was denied..

i would say 95% of the time, either a medical expert or a ve is called to the hearing...

Vocational expert

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