If you’re dealing with a personal injury, disability claim, divorce, or an extended gap in employment, understanding your ability—or someone else’s ability—to return to work is essential. That’s where a vocational evaluation becomes an important tool.
What Is a Vocational Evaluation?
A vocational evaluation is a structured assessment conducted by a vocational expert to determine an individual's capacity to work, especially after an injury, illness, or major life change. This evaluation typically includes:
Review of past employment and skills
Educational background and training
Current medical or physical limitations
Analysis of transferable skills
Job market research and wage potential
The goal is to identify what type of work the person can do now or in the future, whether retraining is needed, and what income levels are realistic based on their circumstances.
What Does a Vocational Expert Do?
A vocational expert analyzes how a person’s background, education, and health impact their ability to work. They compare the individual’s qualifications with available jobs in the current labor market. Vocational experts also often provide written reports or expert testimony in court cases related to employment, income loss, disability, or divorce.
When Should You Request a Vocational Evaluation?
There are several situations where a vocational evaluation can be extremely helpful—sometimes even essential. Here are the most common scenarios:
1. After a Serious Injury or Medical Diagnosis
If a person is unable to return to their previous job because of a physical or mental condition, a vocational evaluation helps determine alternative work options—or confirms the inability to work. These evaluations are crucial in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases to support wage loss and future earning potential claims.
2. During the Disability Benefits Process
Whether you're applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or private disability benefits, a vocational evaluation provides objective evidence of your work limitations. This can increase your chances of approval by clearly outlining the type of work you can or cannot do.
3. In Divorce and Alimony Cases
Courts often require an assessment of one spouse’s earning potential during divorce proceedings, especially when deciding spousal or child support. If one party hasn’t worked in years—due to raising children or other responsibilities—a vocational expert can determine how much they could realistically earn now.
4. When Preparing for Legal Action
Attorneys rely on vocational evaluations to build strong cases. Whether you’re preparing for trial or settlement, expert reports can clarify a client’s work capacity and income potential. This kind of evidence is especially persuasive in employment-related legal matters.
5. To Develop a Return-to-Work Strategy
After a period of recovery or unemployment, it can be difficult to know where to start. A vocational evaluation provides direction by identifying suitable job options based on a person’s skills and limitations. It can also guide any retraining or educational needs.
6. For Long-Term Unemployment Guidance
If someone has been out of work for an extended time due to health or personal issues, a vocational expert can evaluate their abilities and suggest appropriate job paths. A vocational evaluation can restore a sense of purpose and open up new career possibilities.
7. When Expert Testimony Is Needed
Vocational experts often serve as expert witnesses in court. Their evaluations are based on detailed research, objective data, and real-world labor trends—making them a reliable source for judges and juries in cases involving employability or lost income.
Why Choose OAS for Vocational Evaluations?
For over 50 years, Occupational Assessment Services (OAS) has delivered high-quality, court-ready vocational evaluations for attorneys, individuals, insurers, and businesses across the country.
Here’s what makes OAS a trusted name:
Certified, Experienced Experts: OAS employs seasoned professionals who are trained in legal testimony and comprehensive evaluations.
Clear, Detailed Reports: OAS delivers evaluations that are well-documented, easy to understand, and legally defensible.
Nationwide Availability: Serving clients throughout the U.S., OAS can provide evaluations wherever they’re needed.
Preferred by Legal Professionals: Attorneys rely on OAS for credible, expert opinions in a wide range of cases.
Conclusion
A vocational evaluation can be a powerful resource for understanding a person’s ability to work and earn income—particularly after injury, illness, or other life-altering events. Whether you're involved in a legal case, planning to re-enter the workforce, or supporting someone in that process, bringing in a vocational expert early can lead to more informed decisions and better outcomes.
Ready to take the next step? Contact OAS today to schedule a comprehensive vocational evaluation and get expert support when it matters most.
