Don't Glamorize Your Prior Work

When your completing your work history report or discuss your work history at your hearing, don't use a job title for your past position in a way that suggests you had more responsibility than you did, and don't exaggerate your job functions. For example, only use the term "manager" if you supervised other employees. The reason this is important is because the more skilled your past work (managing employees is considered skilled), the easier it is for the VE to say there are jobs you are able to do. In other words, the more skills you have, the more difficult it can be to rule out other jobs. This is why it's important to be careful when you answer the judge's questions about your past jobs.

Also, do not minimize how much weight you lifted or how long you stood or walked while you did the job. Make your job hard enough that your impairments prevent you from being able to do your past work in the last 15 years. 

If you need help applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases.

Location: Michigan, USA

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