Consulting with the treating/consultative specialist, such as a neuropsychologist, neurologist, or PM&R physician, helps determine what limitations exist as a result of the specific injury or illness. Psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, if performed, can play a part in delineating an individual’s abilities/limitations. It may not be enough, however, to ask the physician, “what are the limitations of this individual?” but rather, what are the levels of impairment, if any, on various cognitive/mental ability areas of functioning?
The specific responses to the following abilities will assist the vocational expert in assessing an individual’s work capacity/vocational outlook.
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remember locations and work-like procedures
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understand and remember very short and simple instructions
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understand and remember detailed instructions
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maintain attention and concentration for 2-hour blocks of time
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sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision
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perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within customary tolerances
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make simple work-related decisions
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get along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes
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interact appropriately with the general public
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accept instruction and respond appropriately to criticism from supervisors
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meet deadlines and complete tasks
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respond appropriately to changes in the work setting
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function independently
We ask physicians to rate their abilities accordingly, such as:
Unlimited or Very Good – ability to function in this area is more than satisfactory, no limitations
Good (mild impairment) – the ability to function is limited but satisfactory, slight limitations
Fair (moderate impairment) – ability to function is seriously limited, moderate limitations
Poor (marked impairment) – unable to function in this area, marked limitations
None (severe impairment) – a significant loss of psychological, physiological, personal/social adjustment, severe limitations
Once specific limitations are outlined, we adjust a person’s vocational profile accordingly to reflect the level of functioning including General Educational Development levels (Reasoning, Mathematics, and Language); Specific Vocational Preparation (time required to learn the techniques, acquire the information and develop the facility needed for average performance in a specific job situation); and Temperaments (ability to work in a variety of situations ). Addressing and clarifying the larger scope of a person’s residual cognitive/mental abilities post-injury assists the expert in addressing more comprehensively their vocational outlook and earning potential.
We offer complimentary consultations concerning “hypothetical matters.” To strategize with one of our experts at Stokes & Associates, please call David Barrett at 504-454-5009 or email dbarrett@stokesassociates.com.
Larry S. Stokes, Ph.D.
Aaron Wolfson, Ph.D.
Lacy Sapp, Ph.D.
Todd Capielano, M.Ed., LRC, CRC, LPC, CLC
Ashley Lastrapes, MHS, CRC, CCM, CLCP, LPC, LRC
info@stokes-associates.com