SkillTRAN's Analysis of Sedentary and Light Occupations

Our friends at SkillTRAN publish an Analysis of the Unskilled DOT Occupations (SVP < 3). Representatives should commit it to memory or keep a copy on their desk/in their briefcase. 

The page provides cumulative totals for a residual functional capacity for not present, occasional, frequent, and constant action. Constant represents no limitation and always represents 100% of jobs. The cumulative totals work across the exertion spectrum with the medium column including light and sedentary jobs. 

The categories are clear except DE:

1. 1. RE = reaching
2. 2. HA = handling
3. 3. FI = fingering
4. 4. DE = not clear
5. 5. ST = stooping

I will request that Jeff Truthan clarify the DE designation. It is not a Selected Characteristic of Occupations designation. 

This compilation of SCO data exposes problems with the Social Security Rulings. SSR 96-9p states that the inability to engage in stooping significantly impacts the sedentary occupational base. The SOC states that 95.6% of sedentary occupations require no stooping. SSR 85-15 states that the inability to engage in frequent stooping significantly impacts the medium range of work. The SCO classifies 329 occupations as requiring frequent stooping and 5 occupations as requiring constant stooping. 

SSR 96-9p states that sedentary work requires good use of the hands. The SCO identifies 92 occupations that require frequent reaching and handling as well as 75 that require frequent fingering. The SCO identifies 3 sedentary occupations that require occasional or no handling and 38 occupations that require occasional or no fingering. 

As to agency policy, the rulings are not true in all circumstances. SkillTRAN identifies occupations where the rulings suggest few jobs. Notice the difference in nomenclature. Occupations do not necessarily imply the existence of a "significant number of jobs." 

This information is foundational information. Without the foundation, representatives will get lost chasing non-issues. 

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Suggested Citation:

Lawrence Rohlfing, SkillTRAN's Analysis of Sedentary and Light Occupations, California Social Security Attorney (November 13, 2023)

https://californiasocialsecurityattorney.blogspot.com

The author has been AV-rated since 2000 and listed in Super Lawyers since 2008.