The Vocational Expert is usually not your friend at the Social Security hearing.
The Vocational Expert’s job is to find jobs that fit the restrictions the Administrative Law Judge provides to her.
Usually if jobs are found, you will be found not disabled.
You need to show the jobs cannot be done according to your medical records, or that only a very few jobs exist.
The main way to do this is to show the Dictionary of Occupational Titles ( a government publication) provides certain requirements for jobs such as frequency of use of hands, standing, walking, lifting. It also shows certain skills levels are needed, as well as reasoning requirements.
You must show that your medical condition results in limitations that knock out these jobs.
Social Security does not deal in the real world, so the fact that there may not be many job openings for the jobs cited does not concern them at all.
The Vocational testimony is so important, and at times complicated, that it is necessary to discuss it with an attorney.
Please contact me, Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371, if you have any questions.