Services
ADA
Dr. Kiel, Diplomate, Board Certified vocational expert has provided expert opinions in cases involving the Americans Disability Act from a review of records, diagnostic interview, and vocational expert report submission on the plaintiff side of the ADA case. It is important to note that these cases are comprehensive to ensure that findings are objective and aligned with scientific methodology depending on the state. Opinions must stand up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. Kiel does have an interest in working with both the plaintiff and defense sides of ADA cases.
CAREER COUNSELING
Dr. Kiel providescomprehensive, non-litigated career counseling services designed to support individuals in making informed, meaningful vocational decisions. Drawing on advanced training in vocational rehabilitation and career development, I assist clients with identifying transferable skills, clarifying career goals, and navigating career transitions.
Services may include vocational assessments, labor market analysis, career exploration, and individualized return-to-work planning. Whether you are re-entering the workforce, considering a career change, or managing the impact of a medical or psychological condition on employment, counseling is tailored to your unique strengths, limitations, and long-term objectives.
This service is collaborative, practical, and focused on real-world outcomes, helping clients move forward with confidence and direction.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Dr. Kiel possesses specific doctoral-level training and experience reviewing performance appraisals and comprehending the subtle human resource nuances of an employment law case in regard to vocational implications whether wrongful termination, lack of promotion, and the long-lasting impacts on career development. These aspects may or may not impact a worker's ability to develop vocationally or earn income throughout her or his lifetime.
PERSONAL INJURY
Dr. Kiel, a Diplomate, has reviewed and submitted vocational assessment and employment feasibility cases on the plaintiff and defense sides. Reports, vocational assessments, and opinions were submitted. Depending on the state, district, and Attorney preferences, he may complete an economic earning capacity evaluation. However, he will defer to an economist for present value calculations.
In some cases, vocational evaluations provide comprehensive testing to assess clients’ academic strengths, aptitudes, and personalities to align them with occupations defined by the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, ONET, and/or independent job description task analysis research. A transferable skills analysis and understanding of the labor market may be helpful for individuals who have completed skilled level work to identify target jobs. Based upon this information lifetime earnings or earnings loss will be calculated. Information provided is specific to geographic region or municipality. We will travel to conduct vocational testing. A significant amount of work can be completed through file review from Vocational Solutions, LLC's local office.
Loss of income is often the most serious issue in personal injury or disability. An injured individual may no longer be able to perform at previous work levels. Vocational Consultants assess an individual’s post-injury work potential and compare that with past work and income. Changes in income potential need to be evaluated so that loss may be assessed. Rehabilitation services are uniquely placed to offer both vocational evaluations and forensic economic loss projections.
TDIU VA
Dr. Jeff Kiel offers independent, non-litigated vocational expert evaluations for Veterans pursuing Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). These evaluations are conducted with a thorough understanding of VA standards and the functional impact of service-connected conditions on employability.
Each evaluation includes a detailed review of medical records, occupational history, education, and vocational factors. Dr. Jeff Kiel provides a professional opinion regarding the Veteran’s ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, supported by vocational analysis and current labor market data.
These services are intended for Veterans seeking objective, expert insight into their vocational capacity outside of a legal or adversarial context, ensuring clarity and credibility in support of their claims.
LIFE CARE PLANS/REVIEWS
Dr. Jeff Kiel develops comprehensive Life Care Plans for individuals with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or catastrophic injuries. These plans outline current and future care needs, associated costs, and the resources required to support optimal functioning and quality of life over time. In a non-litigious sense, he has completed Care Plans.
Life Care Plans are grounded in medical documentation, clinical guidelines, and vocational expertise, ensuring that recommendations are both realistic and evidence-based. In addition to plan development, Dr. Kiel offers professional Life Care Plan Reviews to assess the accuracy, completeness, and methodological soundness of existing plans.
These services are valuable for long-term care planning, case management, and informed decision-making by individuals, families, and professionals seeking a clear projection of future needs.
WORKER'S COMP OR FEDERAL LONG SHORE MAN (OWCP).
We are knowledgeable of vocational matters depending upon state or municipality to assist with matters of employability, jobs based upon functional capacities evaluation, and/or Residual Functional capacities evaluations. Dr. Kiel has provided vocational expertise in Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, and California Worker’s Compensation cases. He has provided labor market surveys for the U.S. Air Force, and insurance defense for a Fortune 100 company. Given approval, we can conduct an on-site job analysis and assess transferable skills. Based upon the results of physical restrictions and/or non-exertion limitations, if any, then providing a labor market survey. Finally, he can perform job-seeking skills training, interview coaching, resume development, and job leads to assist injured workers.
THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT / EXPERT WITNESS
Vocational testing can be extremely important in special education law. It is important that attorneys representing persons with developmental disabilities under the age of 21 years understand the array of federal laws available to them as they advocate for their clients. Collectively, the laws were written to ensure that persons with disabilities were not and are not discriminated against in their daily lives. Dr. Kiel has conducted vocational assessment services and reviewed school records for Texas transitional High School students in Bexar, Hays, and Nueces counties for the past 14. is work assists the state and schools in developing the IPE. His vocational evaluations solidify educational and work accommodations. For instance, modified testing taking accommodations.
While a vocational rehabilitation expert working in tandem with an attorney can enhance the quality of life of a person with disabilities, most often the vocational rehabilitation consultant would be knowledgeable in the psychoeducational evaluation process, special education procedures (504) or IPE, behavior management techniques, and disability law. A vocational evaluation can also help resolve disputes with school systems.
ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline of designing workstations according to human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall performance. For instance, these modalities could include assisting workers with working postures, adaptive equipment use, materials handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety, and health. We integrate ergonomic principles into assessment reports and recommendations.
Mr. Kiel is a certified ergonomic assessment specialist and previously consulted with a large fortune 500 banks to conduct ergonomic assessments to prevent and/or reduce work-related injury.
ERISA
These cases generally involve a records review, transferable skills analysis, labor market survey, and a summative report to highlight findings.