The SSA uses vocational professionals from outside the agency to review evidence and answer questions during a disability hearing. Vocational experts are supposed to understand the local job market, job requirements and conditions, and the SSA’s procedures for evaluating disabilities.
In a large percentage of disability hearings, vocational experts provide an opinion as to the types of employment a claimant is able to perform. Judges often rely heavily on these opinions when determining whether an applicant qualifies to receive disability benefits.