Most Social Security disability claimants will need a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to decide whether they medically qualify for benefits. The hearing will include the ALJ, the claimant and the claimant’s attorney or representative, but will also include a Vocational Expert (VE).
A VE is an individual whose education and training is relied upon to provide opinions at a Social Security disability hearing on a claimant’s ability to work in certain fields and to provide labor market analysis. Testimony from the VE is considered when an ALJ issues a decision on a case.
During the hearing an ALJ is likely to ask the VE about the claimant’s ability to work based on the claimant’s age, work history, and educational level and what types of limitations the claimant may face in the workforce. Types of jobs the claimant can or can’t perform will likely be discussed by the VE. IF a claimant has an attorney or representative on a case the representative will also be allowed to question the VE on behalf of the claimant.
Once the hearing is concluded the ALJ will use testimony from the VE along with all the medical evidence provided in determining whether the claimant is disabled and eligible for benefits. A written decision by the ALJ will be issued to the claimant. A fully favorable decision or a partially favorable decision issued by the ALJ results in the claimant being awarded benefits. An unfavorable decision issued by the judge will not entitle a claimant to disability benefits, but if the claimant believes the ALJ made the wrong decision an appeal of the unfavorable decision is also an option.
