Category Archives: Vocational or Work Issues

Why Does the Disability Judge ask Hypothetical Questions to the VE?

The questions the judge asks the VE require a two step process.  First, the judge must consider how your medical conditions affect you physically and mentally by stating your residual functioning capacity (RFC).  Second, the judge looks at whether you … Continue reading

Posted in Capability to Work (Step 5), Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Questions & Answers, Vocational or Work Issues | 1 Comment

What is the DOT that the VE referred to?

DOT stands for “Dictionary of Occupational Titles”.  The DOT is a government survey by the Department of Labor, who created it to provide job information to government agencies, job seekers, and educational and training institutions.  The DOT contains over 12,000 … Continue reading

Posted in Capability to Work (Step 5), Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Vocational or Work Issues | 2 Comments

What is Past Relevant Work (PRW)?

If SSA decides you do not meet a listing, then your case proceeds on to step four of the five-step disability evaluation process.  At step four Social Security considers whether you can return to your Past Relevant Work, or “PRW” … Continue reading

Posted in Legal Concepts in SSD, Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Vocational or Work Issues, Why People Are Denied, Your Limitations | Comments Off on What is Past Relevant Work (PRW)?

RFC (Residual Functioning Capacity): What is it?

Your residual functioning capacity (RFC) is what you can still do, both physically and mentally, despite your medical problems.  Social Security considers all of the evidence in your case to estimate your RFC.  This evidence includes your medical records, your … Continue reading

Posted in Basics of SSD, Capability to Work (Step 5), Legal Concepts in SSD, Past Relevant Work (Step 4), Questions & Answers, Vocational or Work Issues, Your Limitations | Comments Off on RFC (Residual Functioning Capacity): What is it?