Effective VE Cross Examination with ORS Data – NOSSCR 2026 Fall National Conference – Track I (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)
John M. Yent is Executive Director of Recovery to Work Disability Services, a national Employment Network of SSA’s Ticket To Work program, with virtual office based in New Orleans, LA. He has been working in the disability rehabilitation industry since 1986.
1 hour CLE
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Program Summary
The Right ORS Question Can Take the Job Numbers Down
Vocational expert testimony does not have to stand unchallenged. The Occupational Requirements Survey provides ample opportunities for attorneys to obtain vocational testimony reducing job numbers — if the right questions get asked. This presentation is built around exactly that: the most effective ORS questions to put to vocational experts.
The connection runs through the evidence. ORS data gives the cross examination its footing; the medical evidence gives it its force. Ask an effective ORS question and the testimony moves; pair it with the medical evidence and it moves with maximum benefit for your client.
You walk out with the working tool kit: the most effective ORS questions to ask vocational experts, framed to utilize the medical evidence, aimed at vocational testimony that reduces job numbers — cross examination that delivers maximum benefit for your clients.
Eligible for up to 1 CLE Credit Hour
This session was originally submitted for CLE as a live, in-person presentation and a live webcast for the 2026 Fall National Conference and may be eligible for self-study credit. Each state handles self-study credit differently; for questions, please consult your State Bar Association.
Recorded Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Key topics to be discussed:
- ORS as Opportunity
Where the Occupational Requirements Survey opens the door for attorneys on cross examination. - Reducing Job Numbers
Obtaining vocational testimony that reduces job numbers through ORS-based questioning. - The Most Effective Questions
The specific ORS questions that produce the strongest answers from vocational experts. - Cross Examining the VE
Putting ORS questions to the vocational expert effectively at hearing. - Utilizing Medical Evidence
Pairing ORS questions with the medical evidence for maximum effect. - Maximum Client Benefit
Bringing the questions, the data, and the evidence together for the client's best result.
This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.
Date / Time: October 13, 2026
- 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern
- 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm Central
- 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm Mountain
- 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm Pacific
Closed-captioning available
Speakers
John M. Yent, Executive Director | Recovery to Work Disability Services
John M. Yent is Executive Director of Recovery to Work Disability Services, a national Employment Network of SSA’s Ticket To Work program, with virtual office based in New Orleans, LA. He has been working in the disability rehabilitation industry since 1986.
- Education & Credentials
He holds a BA in Psychology, Sociology and Cultural Anthropology from the University of California Santa Barabara as well as an MA degree in Counseling Psychology from La Jolla University. John holds several certifications including Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), diplomate of the American Board of Disability Analysts (ABDA), Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC) on Social Security Administration disability benefits and work incentives advising.
- Professional Involvement
In 2024, John co-founded WorkscapeAnalytics.com, a vocational software company.
- Experience
He began testifying as a Vocational Expert for SSA Office of Hearings Operations in 1997 and has testified in more than 10,000 disability hearings. His expertise includes the Occupational Requirements Survey and Occupational Employment and Wage Survey.
Agenda
SESSION 1 – Effective VE Cross Examination with ORS Data | 3:45pm – 4:45pm
Occupational Requirements Survey provides ample opportunities for attorneys to obtain vocational testimony reducing job numbers. This presentation focuses on the most effective ORS questions to ask vocational experts to utilize the medical evidence with maximum benefit for your clients.
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