Majority Rejects Rule For Vocational Expert Testimony In Disability Cases

Mealey's (April 1, 2019, 12:54 PM EDT) -- WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not need a categorical rule requiring vocational expert witnesses in disability benefits hearings to provide data to back up their job availability opinions when requested by an applicant to meet the “substantial evidence” standard for such hearings, a divided U.S. Supreme Court held April 1 (Michael J. Biestek v. Nancy A. Berryhill, No. 17-1184, U.S. Sup.)....