Walker v. Schweiker

Summary

The court reviewed the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ denial of disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income to a claimant alleging disabling pain from arthritis and other medical conditions. Applying the substantial-evidence standard, the court concluded that the claimant retained the capacity for light and sedentary work and that such employment existed in the national economy. The court denied the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment, entered judgment for the defendant, and affirmed the Secretary’s decision.

Holdings

1. The Secretary's determination that plaintiff was not totally disabled and could perform light and sedentary work was supported by substantial evidence.
2. Once plaintiff could no longer perform her former job, the burden shifted to the Secretary to show that other substantial gainful employment existed in the national economy and could be performed by plaintiff; the Secretary met that burden through vocational-expert testimony.

Questions Presented

1. Whether substantial evidence supported the Secretary's finding that plaintiff was not disabled because she retained the capacity to perform light and sedentary work.
2. Whether the Secretary satisfied the burden of showing that other substantial gainful employment existed in the national economy after plaintiff was found unable to perform her former job.

Disposition

affirmed