Vocational Assessments for Veterans
TDIU Expert Difference
Fast Turnaround
We understand the deadlines that attorneys face and work quickly to provide comprehensive reports with a very quick turnaround (less than 2 weeks).
Comprehensive Evaluations
With over 20 years of experience providing evaluations and employability analyses for individuals with disabilities, we are well versed in how various disabilities (both mental and physical) can affect a veteran’s ability to work. The report always includes a telephone interview of the individual, which is used to gather information on how his/her disability affects his/her ability to perform ADLs, work, interact with others, and function overall in his/her daily life. The information gathered from the interview is used in combination with physician-opined limitations, the veteran’s education, and work history to form an opinion as to the employability of the individual. Our Veteran Law Attorneys have continuously praised our detailed and comprehensive reports.
In-depth understanding of vocational factors which affect an individual’s ability to work
Various vocational factors such as cognition, pace, persistence, stress, interpersonal functioning, reliability, and motivation are all important in determining an individual’s ability to be gainfully employed and how his/her current limitations may affect this ability. Each of our comprehensive reports include a detailed section outlining the vocational implications of these factors.
Expert in TDIU and VA regulations
It is important to be able to understand and differentiate between how disability is defined in various settings. Our vocational experts are well-versed in VA language and regulations and how to analyze the service-connected disabilities and limitations to prove the veteran is unable to perform substantial and gainful work activity. Our vocational expert reports include sections on marginal and supported employment (if applicable) and a detailed analysis on how any past work history may prove to be not considered substantially gainful work activity.
How does a vocational expert differ from a medical expert?
I would like to explain my function as a vocational expert- a role different from, but complementary to, that of a medical expert (i.e., an examining physician)-in the adjudication process. In disability claims, an examining physician applies his expert medical knowledge to define the physical and/or psychological limitations of a claimant’s disability(ies). Vocational experts, on the other hand, accept these medical findings and use their expertise of the labor market to consider the employability of a claimant. Stated otherwise, a vocational expert assesses whether a particular claimant, (given his/her medically defined limitations set forth by the physician), is able to perform the duties required in the fields of employment suitable to his/her training, experience, and education.
Medical professionals are qualified to define the physical or emotional limitations extending from a condition but have limited expertise in translating this information into opining on whether or not this degree of restriction or limitation, or both prevents one from working.
The role of a vocational expert in TDIU
A vocational expert (VE) can be a powerful asset in supporting your Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) claim with the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs). If you're applying for TDIU, you must prove that your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment. Here’s how a VE can help strengthen your case:
Proving Your Disabilities Prevent Employment
- A VA disability rating alone may not be enough to prove unemployability
- The VE evaluates your physical, mental, and cognitive limitations in relation to jobs you’ve held and jobs available in the workforce.
- They can provide expert testimony that your disabilities significantly limit or eliminate your ability to perform any meaningful work.
Assessing Transferable Skills (or Lack Thereof)
- The VA often argues that veterans can work in "sedentary" or less physically demanding jobs despite disabilities.
- A VE analyzes your work history, education, and skills to determine if you realistically have job options.
- If your limitations prevent you from using past skills in any job, the VE provides evidence to support your claim.
Countering the VA’s Denials or Misinterpretations
- If the VA denies your TDIU claim by saying you can work, a VE’s report can dispute this with detailed vocational analysis.
- If the VA suggests you can do "light" or "sedentary" work, the VE can show why that’s not realistic given your limitations.
Strengthening Appeals & Supporting Medical Evidence
- If you’ve been denied TDIU, a VE’s independent report can bolster your appeal by providing objective, third-party vocational analysis.
- They work alongside your doctors and therapists to bridge the gap between medical limitations and work restrictions.
Get the Support You Deserve
If you’re a veteran who is unable to work due to service-connected disabilities, we're here to help. Our expert team will assess your vocational profile and medical records to build a strong case for your TDIU claim.
