Social Security can use Vocational Specialists (VS) and Vocational Experts (VE) as sources of job-related evidence. Since 2000, SSR 00-4p required adjudicators to identify and explain any conflicts between VS and VE testimony and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, and explain how any conflicts are resolved.
While Social Security continues to recognize the Dictionary of Occupational Titles as a valid and reliable source of information, it is not the only reliable source of information. Other sources of occupational information that use the Standard Occupational Classification system such as U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and the Occupational Requirements Survey. VEs and VSs may use any reliable source of occupational information that is commonly used by vocational professionals. Adjudicators must weigh the VE or VS evidence in the context of the overall record and determine whether it can support a conclusion about whether the claimant can perform their past relevant work, or whether the claimant can adjust to other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
VSs and VEs must identify the sources of the data they use and explain their general approach to estimating job numbers. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles uses a different classification system than the Standard Occupational Classification system. VEs need to explain their general approach of how they compared the Dictionary of Occupational Titles data to the data about job numbers in the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. A more detailed inquiry into their sources of data or approaches is not usually required.
At the hearing level, when a claimant is represented, the representative must raise any relevant questions or challenges about the VEs testimony at the time of the hearing and to assist in developing the record through appropriate questioning of the VE. If the VS or VE does not provide the expected information and explanation, the adjudication will usually need to develop the record with sufficient evidence to make a supported finding about whether the claimant can perform their past relevant work, or whether the claimant can adjust to other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
SSR 00-04p is rescinded. (SSR 24-3p, January 6, 2025.)