There are at times when the VE gives light jobs but not with the lifting, standing, or walking of light. The problem with that is it mostly comes up when the claimant will grid out at sedentary and the ALJ wants the VE to give a basis for denial. According to the DOT light work must exceed the sedentary demands (See DOT appendices).

So, how can you deal with this situation in a hearing? Read the DOT’s description of light work to the VE (page 1013). Then ask, “It says physical requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work, doesn’t it?” After the VE acknowledges that is what is says ask them “What demands of [insert job identified by VE] are above sedentary?” Repeat this for each job the VE identified. Then finish with “If it is done as you say, it does not meet the DOT definition of light, does it?”

Remember the goal is to show and get the VE to admit that the physical demands do not exceed those for sedentary and therefore it is not light work.

This piece is a guest column, provided by a NOSSCR member. Any views, opinions, or analysis presented in this column represent the views of the author alone.