DI 22515: Vocational Evidence
TN 2 (08-17)
Citations: Social Security Act – Sections
223(d), 1614(a), and 1631(e);
20 CFR §§
404.1520, 404.1560 thru 404.1569a, 416.960 thru 416.1599; and 416.920; SSR 82-62; and SSR 05-1c
A. Purpose of vocational evidence
In title II and title XVI adult disability claims, we use vocational evidence at Steps 4 and 5 of sequential evaluation.
We use vocational evidence to determine:
The claimant’s ability to perform past relevant work (Step 4),
Whether the evidence is insufficient and expedited vocational assessment at Steps 4 and 5 of sequential evaluation applies (DI 25005.005),
Whether a special medical-vocational profile applies, and
The claimant’s ability to adjust to other work (Step 5).
B. Elements of vocational evidence
Vocational evidence is information about the claimant’s:
Work experience,
Age,
Education, and
Occupational training (if applicable).
C. Sources of vocational evidence
Evidence is anything the claimant or anyone else submits or that we obtain that is relevant to the individual's claim. For a more complete definition of evidence, see DI 22505.001 Medical and Nonmedical Evidence.
Potential sources of vocational evidence include:
the claimant;
a prior filing;
the SSA-3367;
the SSA-3368;
the SSA-3369;
medical and nonmedical sources; and
queries.
1. The claimant
The claimant is the preferred source of information about his or her:
work experience,
age,
level of education, and
any specialized training.
a. Represented claimants
When contacting represented claimants, follow DI 31001.010B.
b. Special handling situations
When contacting claimants in special handling situations, follow DI 23007.005C. Special handling situations include:
homelessness,
mental impairment,
illiteracy, and
Limited English Proficiency (LEP),
2. A prior filing
Check prior filings for vocational evidence. Vocational evidence in prior filings may be sufficient for making a current determination.
3. The SSA-3367-F5 (Disability Report – Field Office)
The SSA-3367-F5 or EDCS 3367 may contain the following evidence pertinent to vocational development:
The date the claimant last performed SGA.
Work that may meet the requirements for an unsuccessful work attempt (UWA).
The date the claimant last met insured status for title II disability insurance benefit (DIB).
The end of the prescribed period for title II disabled widow or widower benefit (DWB).
The date the claimant attained age 22 title II childhood disability benefit (CDB).
The last day of the reentitlement period (CDB) if any of these dates are in the past.
4. The SSA-3368-BK (Disability Report – Adult)
The SSA-3368-BK contains the following vocational evidence:
Work activity
Education and training
Job history
5. The SSA-3369-BK (Work History Report)
Use the SSA-3369-BK to gather additional information about the claimant’s work when the information from prior filings and on the SSA-3368 is insufficient for a vocational assessment.
6. Medical and nonmedical sources
You may find information about work in medical evidence of record, consultative examination reports, special education records, and in information from other nonmedical sources.
7. Queries as a source of vocational evidence
The claimant is the best source of information about his or her past work. However, queries may help you resolve questions about past work when the claimant is having difficulty providing this evidence.
You are not required to use a Detail Earnings Query (DEQY), Summary Earnings Query (SEQY) or other query when developing vocational evidence.
For additional information on resolving insufficient vocational evidence using a Detail Earnings Query (DEQY) or a Summary Earnings Query (SEQY), see DI 22515.020B.