What action constitutes a violation of prohibited actions for a representative?

The action that constitutes a violation of prohibited actions for a representative is underselling the claimant's abilities to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). A representative's primary role is to present the claimant's case in the most accurate and favorable light. This includes effectively communicating the claimant's strengths, abilities, and qualifications without minimizing them. Underselling a claimant's capabilities can harm their case, as it may misrepresent their potential for receiving benefits and lead to an unfavorable outcome.

In contrast, encouraging honesty from the claimant and providing emotional support through the claims process are both positive actions that foster trust and transparency. Advising the claimant to enhance their testimony, while potentially problematic if it implies altering the truth, is not necessarily a violation on its own unless it borders on fabricating or exaggerating information. The focus must remain on presenting a truthful and comprehensive representation of the claimant's circumstances and abilities.