Social Security Vocational Expert Testimony and Psychiatric Impairments:How does the SSVE respond to Non-Exertional Limitations in Hypotheticals
Original Broadcast: August 3, 2011
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Presenter
Amy Vercillo, SCD, CRC, CDMS, LRC
Currently 41% of adults aged 18-64 that are receiving Social Security Disability Benefits have a primary diagnosis that is mental and this diagnostic category is the fastest growing diagnostic group at application and hearing level. Non-exertional/psychiatric limitations outlined in medical records and presented in hypotheticals can be especially difficult for the SSVE to deal with utilizing the confines of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). This webinar will review the common types of hypothetical non-exertional limitations presented at a hearing level. Presentation will include how to utilize reliable occupational information, research and how to present information that is in conflict with the DOT to respond to non-exertional hypotheticals and identify appropriate occupations and job numbers.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Anticipate non-exertional limitations that will be presented in hypotheticals by the ALJ and attorney.
2. Analyze and respond regarding the impact the non-exertional limitations would have on the claimants ability to perform past and other work using accepted occupational information, research and professional experience.
3. Assess and respond regarding the impact the non-exertional limitations have on the job titles and job numbers.
About the Presenter:
Amy Vercillo, SCD, CRC, CDMS, LRC
Rehabilitation and Re-Employment Inc., Boston MA/Providence RI
Dr. Vercillo has over twenty five years of experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation and has been a Social Security Vocational Expert for over fifteen years. She has served as the SSVE National Chair and IARP Board of Directors Section Representative since 2009. Her company specializes in providing case management services for clients, disability management services to employers, as well as forensic evaluations and expert testimony. Dr. Vercillo has provided services and expert testimony on workers’ compensation, long-term disability, Social Security disability, personal injury, disability retirement, employment discrimination, wrongful death, medical malpractice and divorce cases. She was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts as the Rehabilitation Representative on the Governors Advisory Council on Workers Compensation. Dr. Vercillo has conducted research on the topics of job retention, return to work after the receipt of vocational services, homeless individuals with disabilities and case management interventions. She has a Doctorate, Masters and Bachelors in Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University, is a board certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Disability Management Specialists as well as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
