Social Security office keeps a panel of experts in both the medical and vocational fields. An Administrative Law Judge can choose to have them at a hearing in order to provide more insightful information.
Vocational experts are able to identify the skill and exertion required by a claimant’s previous job. Their presence at the hearing is helpful to evaluate whether the skills that you have can transfer to another position and what work is within your physical or educational ability, also based on age and previous work experience. They may offer suggestions as to what other jobs you are capable of holding.
Medical experts are either physicians or psychologists and their responsibility at the hearing is to interpret medical evidence, clear up any discrepancies in the evidence, state if medical findings are present on a published disability listing, and establish what your physical ability for further employment might be. The medical expert will review the medical records in your file and give their opinion as to whether or not you meet one of the listed disabilities. The judge may also ask the medical witness about your functional limitations resulting from your medical condition.
