Summary
The United States District Court for the District of Colorado reviewed the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of Lila Anne Jimenez’s application for disability insurance benefits. The court held that the administrative law judge’s residual functional capacity determination was supported by substantial evidence and affirmed the Commissioner’s decision.
Court
United States District Court for the District of Colorado
Jurisdiction
United States District Court for the District of Colorado
Decision date
March 30, 2026
Docket number
24-cv-03088-PAB
Disposition
affirmed
Questions Presented
- Whether the ALJ properly evaluated the supportability and consistency of the physical therapist's medical opinion under the applicable Social Security regulations.
- Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's residual functional capacity finding and resulting determination that plaintiff was not disabled.
Holdings
- The ALJ adequately considered the supportability of PT Van Zytveld's opinion even though the ALJ did not expressly label the analysis as a supportability analysis, because the ALJ relied on Van Zytveld's own treatment records and findings.
- The ALJ adequately explained why PT Van Zytveld's opinion was inconsistent with the medical evidence, neurological examinations, positive response to treatment, and plaintiff's activities, including playing games on her phone, doing puzzles, and driving.
- The Commissioner's decision was supported by substantial evidence and applied the correct legal standards; the district court therefore affirmed the denial of disability benefits.
Court Document
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