Hus got denied back in March; we have a lawyer and filed for a hearing, which he said could take 12-18mos due to backlog (Michigan). Anyways, I have been reading about Voc specialists being at hearing. When does a person get a Voc specialist to go to a hearing? Is that required before a hearing. Confused. Thanks

In my case, SSA had the VS at my hearing, it was nothing that my lawyer or I arranged.

I've only heard of the VS being arranged by the SSA.

I'm guessing they do it when they (SSA) question if there is other work an applicant could do. I believe that it's fairly routine for them to have a VS present. I don't know that they ALWAYS have one, but I always assumed that was the case. I believe that is part of the 'proof' they need to make a decision.....that someone who is an expert in what types of jobs are available in most areas and what types of physical needs can be accomodated, who would have to have the VS designation, must testify before a judge can say that there are no jobs an applicant can do because of their disability, therefor an 'approval' is indicated.....or there are jobs that are not contraindicated by the applicant's physical abilities, so it would be appropriate to 'deny' the application.

I'm 47 now, but became disabled when I was 39. I was 40 when I applied.....and a college graduate. Perhaps the SSA understood that I wouldn't be able to return to active duty nursing, but maybe they were hoping that I could work at a desk job of some sort.

i did not have a vocational specialist at my hearing.

It would depend on the type of job your husband had and how long he worked at that type of job.

I had one at my ALJ hearing. I was a "professional" who worked at a "desk job" for 35+ years before I retired & applied for SSDI.

That's interesting, ELA.

Do you mind me asking what kind of work you did ?

I wonder if it has something to do with the level of education attained/level of income attained, blue collar vs white collar, etc.

I know that length of time until retirement can influence the decision on approval vs denial. I wonder if age influences their decision on whether or not to have a VS present.

I wonder if Janke or Trudy could shed some light on the VS issue.

i was 48 at the time of the hearing and worked as a firefighter

Then that blows my theories out of the water.....you were only in your 40's and MOST jobs would be less physically demanding that being a firefighter.

I've got nuthin'

Husband has a physically demanding job, on his feet all day, had to lift more then 50#, very physically demanding for 24yrs. He does have a college degree, but never obtained job in that field. He can't lift more then 20# the rest of his life, due to rods and screws in his spine from spinal fusion. His job put him on early retirement, long term dis said they couldn't find a job for him.

So, he has been on long term for a year now, with another spinal surgery coming up in Jan. They are removing rods and screws due to the pain they cause him. He will be 55 the month after his hearing coming up in a few months.

He has spondylisthesis, severe osteoporis, artritis of the spine, deg disc disease, two total knee replacements, with another kneee reconstruction coming at some point as well.

What are his chances of getting approved at the alj hearin?

It is my understanding most hearings have a state rep there. I did, and they made no comment or had any recommendations. Try to have a letter from your doctor stating that there is no chance for your husbands back to get better, and that this is permanent. This is the kind of letter that helped me to get SS at my hearing. I was granted the SS at the hearing. Usually they make you wait for the letter. ginnie

My personal opinion....

Due to his age and documented disability your husband has a 99.9% - 100% of getting full approval.



GOOD LUCK!