# What is a vocational expert?

The VE answers hypothetical questions from the ALJ about whether jobs exist that a person with specified limits could perform, using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and current labor-market information.

**Direct answer:** A vocational expert (VE) is an independent specialist the SSA calls to testify at ALJ hearings about jobs and job requirements, as described in POMS DI 23565 and HALLEX.

## What does the VE do at a hearing?
Classifies your past work, answers hypothetical questions about jobs a hypothetical person with your limits could do, and identifies representative occupations and job numbers.

## Can I question the VE?
Yes — you or your representative can cross-examine the VE on job requirements, transferability of skills, and the basis for job-number estimates.

## Why does the VE matter?
At step five of the sequential evaluation, the SSA bears the burden of showing other work exists — VE testimony often decides that step.

## Sources
- SSA POMS — DI 23565 Vocational Experts — https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0423565000
- SSA — Hearing Process — https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_process.html

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## Topics
- ALJ Hearing — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-happens-at-an-ssdi-hearing
- SSDI Appeals — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals

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