Fall 2025 National Conference – Track I (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)

This session covers essential strategies for questioning vocational experts under the new SSR 24-3p framework, which requires representatives to raise challenges at the hearing. Learn how to establish physical limitations, challenge ‘occasional’ restrictions, analyze training periods, and preserve issues for appeal through effective cross-examination techniques.

Discover how to create effective physician source statements using simplified Appendix 1 criteria and Social Security Rulings language. This session demonstrates a three-pillar approach that creates solid RFC statements, provides ammunition to impeach state agency opinions, and prepares clients for testimony through easy-to-complete forms.

Explore how to leverage non-medical evidence when medical records are insufficient, including third-party statements, symptom logs, VA records, and school documentation. Learn techniques for establishing onset dates, meeting listings, tracking symptoms, and gathering defensive evidence to strengthen disability claims.

In the age of SSR 24-3p, simple reliance on the DOT/SCO is insufficient for effective vocational challenges. This session explores the full range of vocational data sources and demonstrates how to strategically deploy this information to rebut vocational expert testimony.

Examine why fees are regulated in Social Security disability practice and the relevant HALLEX and POMS provisions. This session addresses the ethical considerations involved in charging and receiving fees while maintaining compliance with agency requirements.

Discover how creativity can transform your disability practice, from winning cases with difficult judges to improving VE and ME cross-examination. Learn innovative approaches to hearing preparation, client questioning, and generating physician and client referrals.

Join a disability attorney turned legal tech founder for hands-on demonstrations of AI solutions developed from real practice challenges. Learn how to leverage AI to transform time-consuming tasks while maintaining quality representation in Social Security disability cases.

This session presents strategies and tactics for cross-examining vocational experts using medical testing and evidence from the record. Learn how to connect medical documentation to vocational limitations and build compelling challenges to VE testimony.

Explore how to effectively and ethically integrate AI into your disability practice while protecting client data. Learn practical strategies for streamlining operations from intake to communication, and discover how AI can help scale your firm without losing the human touch.

Master the art of clear, concise, and convincing legal writing for Social Security disability appeals. This session covers techniques for creating honest, balanced, and well-supported briefs that effectively communicate your client’s case.

Examine the ‘simple probability method’ of using ORS data and why it is insufficient, including confidence interval misuse and data limitations. This session addresses VE qualifications, due process rights, ALJ misconduct, and constitutional concerns surrounding SSR 24-3p.

Learn how to challenge unfavorable decisions by applying the ‘logical bridge’ principle requiring ALJs to connect evidence to conclusions. This session provides case law from every federal circuit demonstrating successful remands when ALJs failed to adequately explain their reasoning.

Explore how the DOT, SOC, and ORS classification systems influence vocational opinions and where they overlap or conflict. Learn to navigate incomplete ORS data and understand how each system uniquely contributes to forming employment opinions in disability cases.