Vocational Opinions Built for BVA and CAVC.
When the VA denies TDIU on employability grounds, you need a vocational opinion that's methodologically defensible, clearly formatted, and delivered on your timeline.
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 opinion directly challenges that conclusion with documented methodology.
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.
What you receive
Our reports are formatted for legal use from the start. 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.
What makes our reports hold up
Vocational opinions fail under scrutiny when conclusions are vague, sources aren't cited, or the methodology can't be traced. We build every report to withstand that scrutiny 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
- 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
What Attorneys Say
"I've used several vocational experts over the years. The reports here are formatted the way BVA judges actually want to read them — clear conclusion up front, methodology you can follow, sources cited. My last three BVA submissions with these opinions all resulted in grants."
"Flat fee, predictable turnaround, no surprises. That alone puts this service above most vocational experts I've worked with. The reports are thorough without being padded — exactly what you want when you're submitting to a BVA judge who reads hundreds of these."
"What I value most is the pre-case fit check. They'll tell you honestly if a vocational opinion is unlikely to move the needle on a particular case — which saves my client money and saves me from submitting weak evidence. That kind of straight talk is rare."