I have a number of claims with clients who are age 55 or over. These cases are handled in a specific way in my office, and there is extensive development regarding past relevant work. In my experience, many of these claims are denied initially and at Reconsideration because the claimant did not fully or accurately describe his or her past work.

At step 5 of the sequential evaluation, I look to see if the requirements of the medical-vocational quidelines are met, and would direct a finding of disabled. When I am writing a hearing brief and need to check a specific medical-vocational rule, the quickest way to do so is to visit gridrules.net, a website that offers a good view of the medical-vocational rules.  It is quicker to go to that site than leaving the computer to look up the rule in the regulations.

Take a look, and bookmark the site. You may find that you use it as often as I do.