Summary
This document is a proposed findings and recommended disposition by a United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Arkansas reviewing a Social Security Administration denial of disability insurance benefits. The court applies the substantial evidence standard to evaluate whether the Administrative Law Judge properly assessed the plaintiff's mental impairments and subjective symptom testimony. After analyzing the medical record and vocational evidence, the magistrate recommends affirming the Commissioner's final decision and dismissing the plaintiff's complaint with prejudice.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the ALJ's finding that Plaintiff's impairments are non‑severe is supported by substantial evidence.
- Whether the Commissioner erred in denying Plaintiff disability benefits.
Holdings
- The ALJ's decision is supported by substantial evidence; the complaint is dismissed.
Key quotations
“The test is whether there is substantial evidence on the record as a whole which supports the decision of the ALJ.”
Factual background
Plaintiff Benny Gibson Baker, age 54, with an eighth‑grade education and a work history as a production‑lead welder, suffers from severe physical impairments (brain tumor, surgery, vascular disorder, diabetes, obesity, headaches) and mental impairments (depressive disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, PTSD, borderline intellectual functioning). The ALJ found his impairments non‑severe and concluded he could perform other jobs in the national economy.
Procedural history
The Administrative Law Judge found Plaintiff not disabled and the Appeals Council denied review, making the Commissioner’s decision final. Plaintiff filed a complaint in the Eastern District of Arkansas seeking judicial review.