A vocational assessment can significantly impact your long-term disability claim (LTD). The results are often the deciding factor in whether an LTD claim is approved, especially when a disability is difficult to prove. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we know insurance companies do not always play fair. When you play by the rules, yet your insurer denies your claim, this is where we excel. We offer long-term disability application assistance, including help with a vocational assessment.
What is Vocational Assessment?
A vocation assessment evaluates your education, skills, background, and the nature of your disability as it pertains to the demands of your occupation. While many claimants focus on the medical aspects of their long-term disability, a vocational assessment provides the insurer with an in-depth look at how your impairment affects your ability to work in your present position or any other type of employment.
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What is the Role of Vocational Assessments in Long-term Disability Claims?
Under most circumstances, a vocational assessment in an LTD claim aims to prove that your disability prevents you from performing critical functions of your job.
The vocational consultant conducts a job analysis, which concerns the actual components of the position, not just what is listed in the job description. It can include the physical demands of the job, such as walking, standing, climbing stairs, and lifting, and the frequency of these activities. Other factors can include the number of hours worked, the number of breaks available, potential job hazards, or the ability to travel for business if that is a key aspect of the job.
Importance of a Vocational Assessment in the Appeals Process
LTD claims are frequently rejected because the applicant’s medical records do not document sufficiently that the disability interferes with the person’s ability to work.
A vocational assessment may prove critical during the appeals process if the disability insurer questions the severity of your disability and how it affects the degree of functioning necessary for your job. It provides objective evidence of how your disability impairs you when performing occupational tasks.
An administrative law judge may ask the vocational expert whether you can still perform your job. If the expert says you cannot carry out at least one major function of your job’s duties, that can mean your application for benefits is approved. However, if the expert finds you can perform your current job, your request for benefits will likely be denied.
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What are the Key Components of a Vocational Assessment?
The key components of a vocational assessment include:
- Claimant background–The vocational assessment considers all relevant factors. It includes your age, how long you have held your current job, your education and training, and other types of work experience or transferable skills.
- Medical history–This involves your medical condition, symptoms, and related limitations.
- Current labor market analysis–This survey evaluates the number of jobs available to the claimant in a specific geographic area. The data includes educational or physical requirements, wage information, job availability frequency, and potential earning capacity. This analysis can often show that little work is available based on your medical limitations.
The vocational assessment report concludes with a recommendation regarding whether the claimant can perform their job duties at their present level of physical or mental disability. If there are skills the claimant can transfer to another type of work, known in LTD insurance parlance as the ability to perform “any occupation,” the assessment will reflect that.
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How to Choose a Qualified Vocational Expert
A vocational expert serves as an expert witness. They should have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation or a similar field. Look for experts holding licenses or certifications in counseling or related fields.
A lawyer for long-term disability can help you choose a qualified vocational expert. They will also prepare you for the evaluation.
Collaboration With Medical Professionals
A vocational expert does not work on their own when it comes to an assessment. They collaborate with medical professionals so they can fully understand your limitations. For instance, it is not enough to simply have the patient’s MRI results. It does not provide evidence of whether the person has difficulty standing or walking.
The vocational expert can determine your limitations based on your job duties by consulting with your doctor. The doctor provides information regarding the patient’s limitations regarding sitting, walking, standing, and other activities. Medical evidence and vocational assessments can complement each other to support your claim.
Contact Marc Whitehead & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you are planning to file for long-term disability or have had your claim rejected, you need the services of an experienced attorney for long-term disability at Marc Whitehead & Associates. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. A seasoned attorney can ensure you do not make mistakes that endanger your LTD claim.
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