YOU ARE NOT DISABLED. YOU CAN BE A SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM MONITOR!




In a Social Security disability hearing, we often get down to the 5th and final step of the sequential evaluation.  Does there exist any work that the claimant could perform, given his/her specific limitations?  If there is, the individual is not disabled under Social Security rules.

Nearly always, the vocational expert present (called by Social Security) will find jobs that the claimant could perform.  One of those jobs that I find particularly irritating is "surveillance system monitor."

It is an unskilled sedentary job with low requirements for reading and math.The expert will point out that it requires little or no walking, no lifting, and no bending. In fact, a person can sit down all day and do this job, or alternate betwen stand/sit as he wishes.  The job was last updated in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) in 1986, 28 years ago!  So any information given by the vocational witness is out of date!

 The DOT actually refers to the job as "surveillance system-monitor GOVERNMENT SERVICE, DOT Code 379.367-010.  The DOT describes it as monitoring the premises of public transportation terminals, such as airports, subways or ports.  Those jobs were long ago turned over to TSA, DHS or law enforcement, after the 9/11 attack.

 Furthermore, the Government does not hire unskilled individuals to perform this job.  It is skilled or semi-skilled work.  In addition, most of the jobs require more than monitoring a surveillance system.  For example, TSA agents patrol airports, check luggage and make decisions about who gets on an airplane and who doesn't.  The job, as listed in the DOT, simply does not exist. 

These glaring discrepancies should be pointed out by the claimant's representative in cross examining the vocational expert. I might point out that there are similar problems with many of the other jobs offered by vocational witnesses for Social Security.  Pointing out these problems can mean the difference between a Step 5 award and a Step 5 denial.

 However, if you are representing yourself at a disability hearing and these type  jobs are presented, will you know what to do?  Are you serious about winning your disability hearing? Do you really need the benefits?  If so, consider representation before you walk into that hearing!  There are many good representatives and firms available.  The Forsythe Firm is only one.  Find a representative that suits your needs.

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