I-2-5-55.Obtaining Vocational Expert Testimony at the Hearing

When an administrative law judge (ALJ) obtains vocational expert (VE) testimony during a hearing, the ALJ will generally explain why the VE is present before his or her opening statement. See Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual I-2-6-50. For detailed instructions on obtaining VE testimony at a hearing, see HALLEX I-2-6-74. For more information about opening statements, see HALLEX I-2-6-52.