A Vocational Expert (VE) is a professional with specialized knowledge in employment, vocational rehabilitation, and the impact of disabilities on work. In the context of VA disability claims, especially those for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), VEs provide crucial insights into a veteran's ability to secure or maintain gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities. They assess a veteran's work history, education, medical records, and functional limitations to determine if their disabilities prevent them from working, which is a key factor in TDIU eligibility.

• Analyze a veteran's ability to perform past relevant work or other gainful employment, considering their skills, education, and the demands of the current job market.

• Evaluate if a veteran possesses skills from past work that could be transferred to other jobs, potentially impacting their eligibility for TDIU benefits.

• Assess how service-connected disabilities specifically affect a veteran's ability to perform work-related tasks and secure employment.

• Prepare detailed reports outlining their findings, which can be used as evidence in TDIU claims.

• May provide expert testimony in support of a veteran's TDIU claim, explaining how their disabilities affect their ability to work.

Vocational Experts:

• Provide an unbiased assessment of a veteran's employability, which can be crucial in cases where medical evidence is conflicting or unclear.

• Their reports and testimony can significantly strengthen a veteran's TDIU claim by providing clear evidence of their inability to work.

• Opinions can be used to counter or refute unfavorable opinions from VA doctors or C&P examiners who may not fully understand the vocational implications of a veteran's disabilities.

Note: Vocational expert reports are not required, but they can significantly strengthen a claim, especially during Board hearings

If you're struggling to show how your disabilities affect your ability to work, a vocational expert's report can make a real difference. These professionals speak the VA’s language to connect your medical conditions to job limitations.

At Greene & Marusak, we understand when expert support is necessary and can help coordinate with qualified vocational professionals. If you're applying for TDIU or appealing a denial, we ensure your claim includes the evidence needed.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737