As titled, the document does discuss “Uses and limitations of CPS data on work disability.”  As noted in the text, however, this is intended to be a caveat regarding the data, not a document precluding their use.  As noted on page 3 of the paper, “data users have to look at the questions and the use to which they plan to put the data to determine the adequacy for the purpose at hand.”  Therefore, the paper simply cautions the user to be aware of the impact of potential errors in the survey, a wise caution before using any survey data.

Similar caveats apply to any survey.  In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has an even stronger warning regarding the widely-used Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).  This caveat states that the OOH should not be used to compute future lost earnings in adjudication proceedings.  Despite this, many expert witnesses continue to see the earnings data as valuable and continue to use them, in combination with their experience and expertise, to calculate lost earnings.  Just as we recommend with the CPS data, the user must understand the source and limitations of the data and adjust their use of it accordingly.

It is important, however, for users to understand the potential imperfections in order to be able to use the data most effectively.  Understanding the issues can enable an expert to use CPS (or OOH) data as one element in calculating losses in individual cases.  To help with this, a fuller discussion of the specific points mentioned in the Census website document can be found in the following sections of this paper:

·        Definition of Work Disability

·        Lack of Exogeneity/Self-Reported Disability

·        Validity/Purpose of the Data

·        Validity of the First Disability Question

·        Veteran’s Disability