Summary
This is a United States District Court order granting a plaintiff's request to remand a Social Security disability claim to the Commissioner for the calculation of benefits. The court found that the Administrative Law Judge's previous decision denying benefits lacked substantial evidence, particularly in its assessment of the plaintiff's subjective symptom complaints regarding ulcerative colitis and COPD. The court determined that further administrative proceedings would serve no useful purpose given the complete record and vocational expert testimony.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s denial of benefits and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards.
Holdings
- The ALJ’s decision was not supported by substantial evidence and is reversed; the case is remanded for calculation of benefits.
Factual background
Plaintiff, a metal‑fabrication worker born in 1972, alleged disabling conditions including ulcerative colitis, COPD, PTSD, depression, and other impairments. The ALJ found he was not disabled and capable of light work with occasional breaks.
Procedural history
Plaintiff filed for SSDI benefits in 2018; ALJ denied benefits in 2020; Appeals Council denied review; plaintiff filed district‑court action in 2024. The district court previously remanded for further evaluation and now reviews the ALJ’s new decision.
Remand instructions
Calculate Plaintiff’s benefits pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).