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GP: This situation comes up occasionally. Here is what I do to critique matters like this and remain professional and objective. This occurs with TSA, JA's or LMS using various methods to modify or adjust outside the norms.

1. Review the evaluees entire work history for accurate job titles. Review education and other possible credentials that could support skills transfer.
2. Compare the DOT demands to the Job Analysis or LMS materials presented. Check each demand listed and critique the difference of opinion(s).  Do skills transfer as assumed or not?  Also, did they use the correct DOT #?
3. Make sure you see why the other Voc chose to do this modification. Are they simply manipulating data to satisfy a "customer"?
4. If your review is of a Job Analysis or LMS only, do they match demand characteristics? Did you only see a TSA or JA and LMS?
5. Did the other voc. list the medical source of restrictions or capacities? Is it clear where the data came from? A Dr., PT/OT or out of the sky somewhere?
6. Profile changes can be appropriate if the source is credible and the voc. links the abilities to an expert in records or if a LMS can support this modification or "adjustment".
7. Some sedentary occupations can be "constant" on reaching. That is why combining source data from LMS and DOT review is an important foundation.
8. Last, what is the methodology for the TSA? Is it "generally accepted"?  You can quote from Rehab Handbook or VRAM , computer software program, or a published source to confirm or deny the accuracy or not.
9. I assume you have had a history of direct job placement. You have a real-world understanding of demands and duties including how repetitive this job goal is. You may end of stating something like:  "Based on my extensive job placement experience for __X years, the frequency is or is not consistent with the actual occupational demands. My opinion is further supported by significant differences of published professional sources relied on by me and the vocational expert community."

JOHN F. BERG

Vocational Consulting Inc.

Seattle, WA

When reviewing a TSA...these are the following changes that can be made with clinical judgement: traits that can be adjusted1.) testing results,2.) your job analysis of the occupation, 3.) [which physician/ Therapist to choose as credible – MD/DO/DC/DPT/DOT; 4.) defense/plaintiff [typically defense is not allowed to evaluate evaluee – or the other side does not test or consider all worker traits], 5.) previous injuries impacting worker traits as opposed to most current injury,6.) FCE results, 7.) not understanding the correct definition of strength levels – especially sedentary and light 8.) demonstrated work history does not match doctor/ therapist conclusions 9.)  occupations do not exist in significant numbers  

Ronald T. Smolarski, M.A.

Certified Life Care Planner

Forensic Economist

Certified Functional Capacity  Evaluator

Vocational Expert

ron@beaconrehab.com

www.beaconrehab.com

(800) 821-8463

Ann Arbor Michigan, USA

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