Start with the issue actually in dispute
Vocational rehabilitation dispute is mainly a problem of work capacity, plan terms, and return-to-work feasibility. Build the file around the written notice, dated record, or event that created the problem.
Documents to gather
Vocational plan, work restrictions, transferable-skills or job-placement records, and benefit notices.
Questions to answer before acting
- What changed, on what date, and who made the decision?
- Is there a written notice or only a phone conversation?
- Which medical, wage, employment, or incident record directly addresses the dispute?
- What state or federal agency procedure controls the next step?
- Is there a separate employment, third-party, leave, or discrimination issue that should not be mixed into the workers’ compensation question?
Important caution
Compare the plan with actual medical restrictions and current state vocational rules.