TDIU Vocational Assessments for Attorneys
Serving attorneys and veterans nationwide
When the VA denies TDIU on employability grounds — from the regional office through BVA and CAVC — you need an independent vocational opinion that's methodologically defensible, clearly formatted, and delivered on your timeline. We accept referrals from attorneys and representatives and serve veterans in all 50 states through a fully remote process — see nationwide TDIU vocational expert services and how it works.
When to order a vocational assessment
TDIU Denial on Employability
If the rating decision concludes the veteran can still work without vocational analysis, an independent vocational review directly challenges that conclusion with documented methodology — including sedentary work rebuttals when desk-work assumptions lack support.
BVA Hearing Preparation
A written vocational opinion submitted before the hearing gives the judge a clear, cited basis for reviewing TDIU — strengthening the record with occupational analysis before the hearing.
Extraschedular TDIU (§ 4.16(b))
When a veteran falls below the standard rating thresholds, an extraschedular argument requires compelling evidence of unemployability. Vocational analysis provides that foundation.
Strong Medical Evidence, Missing Vocational Link
Medical records establishing severity don't automatically translate into an employability finding. A vocational opinion provides the occupational bridge the VA needs to connect the dots.
Have a TDIU case you're not sure about?
Send Jacquelyn a brief description of the case. We'll let you know whether it appears appropriate for a vocational assessment before you commit to one.
What you receive
Our reports are formatted for legal use from the start (see an annotated sample TDIU vocational report). Every report includes:
- ✓ Clear conclusion stated in the opening paragraph
- ✓ Methodology explained step by step
- ✓ DOT codes, O*NET references, and labor market sources cited
- ✓ Direct engagement with VA's employability language from the denial
- ✓ Transferable skills analysis with residual functional capacity mapping
- ✓ Written in plain language accessible to lay adjudicators
Supplemental declarations and rebuttal opinions are available if the VA or BVA raises additional issues after your initial submission.
How every report is built
Vocational opinions are weakened when conclusions are vague, sources aren't cited, or the methodology can't be traced. We build every report around a stated conclusion, a traceable methodology, and cited occupational sources from the outset.
TDIU-only focus. We don't dilute our practice across multiple benefit types. Every assessment we perform is a TDIU vocational opinion — which means higher consistency, sharper methodology, and fewer surprises.
Reports are prepared by Jackie Schabacker, MA, CRC, LPC. Our assessments are independent and objective. We follow the evidence. If the facts support a TDIU opinion, the report will say so clearly. If they don't, we'll tell you before you submit the case.
Jackie Schabacker, MA, CRC, LPC
- ✓Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- ✓Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- ✓Narrowly focused on VA TDIU — not a generalist practice
- ✓Reports formatted for legal use: conclusion first, methodology cited
How it works for attorneys
Submit the case
Send us the rating decision, relevant medical records, and work history.
We conduct the interview
Structured 60–75 minute remote session with the veteran.
You receive the report
Clear conclusion upfront, full methodology, all sources cited.
Flat fee — predictable costs for your clients
Complex or expedited cases may require a custom quote. We'll confirm scope during the initial fit check call.
- File review and records intake
- Structured vocational interview (60–75 min, remote)
- Transferable skills and RFC mapping
- Labor market analysis with job base erosion assessment
- Written report with full methodology and citations
- Delivery in 5–7 business days
Questions first? Call us: (888) 588-6956
Add-ons: Rush delivery · Supplemental declarations
Frequently asked by attorneys
Ask about a case
Not ready to submit a case? Send Jacquelyn a short question about the general circumstances. She'll let you know whether vocational evidence appears appropriate before you commit to an assessment.