Variation in vocational expert testimony in Social Security disability hearings: The impact of expert training and experience

In order to qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, most individuals must prove they are unable to work. Experts are utilized by the agency to address vocational issues during disability hearings. The vocational expert testimony can be the determining factor in determining an individual's eligibility for benefits.;The purposes of this research were to examine the effects of experts' education and experience in job placement on the experts' decision-making and to determine demographic characteristics of vocational experts. For two simulated cases presented as vignettes, seven dependent variables were examined and included the expert's perception of the vignette claimant's ability to work and the factors that influenced their decision-making.;The entire population of experts was surveyed. Survey materials included a vignette, questionnaire, demographic survey, and a cover letter.;It was hypothesized that experts with graduate degrees in vocational rehabilitation counseling, or recent experience in the placement of individuals with disabilities, would perceive the claimant as having more ability to perform past work, other work, and a wider range of occupations than would experts with other degrees or experts without recent placement experience. Additionally, the research examined factors believed to influence the experts' decision-making. It was hypothesized that experts with graduate degrees in vocational rehabilitation counseling or with recent experience in job placement would place more importance on the diagnosis, treating and consulting opinions, and particular questions posed by the judge than would experts with other degrees or experts without recent experience.;One hypothesis was supported for the mental disability vignette. According to this hypothesis, the experts with recent experience in job placement of persons with disabilities would feel the claimant with a mental disability had more ability to perform other work. However, no hypotheses were supported for the physical disability vignette. The findings suggest that, for mental disability cases, experts should remain active in job placement of persons with disabilities in order to remain familiar with the constantly changing world of work and the employment potential of individuals.