Once HO staff selects a VE to provide testimony at a hearing, HO staff will send the VE a notification letter confirming the selection. The notice is automatically created when HO staff generate a notice of hearing (see HALLEX HA 01230.015) and select either “Vocational Expert” or “VE & ME” in the Document Generation System.

Although some letters may require slight modification to address a specific fact scenario, all notification letters will include:

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  Information clearly identifying both the claimant and VE;

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  The issues to be considered; and

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  The name and telephone number of an HO contact if the VE has any questions or concerns.

HO staff will ensure the VE receives a copy of the notice of hearing with any relevant vocational evidence (see B.3. below). For detailed information on the notice of hearing, see HALLEX HA 01230.015.

The administrative law judge (ALJ) will provide a VE with any relevant vocational evidence that the VE needs to formulate and provide an opinion. Additionally, the ALJ must ensure the VE receives information necessary for a full and complete record. Therefore, the ALJ will ensure the VE receives:

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  Copies of any vocational evidence, with the proposed exhibit number clearly identified (arranged in chronological order when possible);

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  A copy of the VE's professional qualifications for verification;

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  A copy of the proposed exhibit list (see HALLEX HA 01210.020);

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  Copies of any correspondence between the ALJ and VE; and

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  If applicable, a transcript, written summary, or recording of any vocational testimony provided in a prior hearing for the same claimant.