Jennifer B. v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey reviews Jennifer B.’s appeal from the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of Disability Insurance Benefits. The court holds that the Administrative Law Judge’s evaluation of the medical opinion evidence and Plaintiff’s subjective complaints was supported by substantial evidence. The court affirms the Commissioner’s decision.

Holdings

1. The ALJ adequately evaluated Lesneski's opinions and reasonably found them not persuasive because the extensive limitations he identified were not fully supported by the objective findings and were inconsistent with other evidence in the record.
2. The ALJ's finding that Plaintiff's statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of her symptoms were not entirely consistent with the medical and other evidence was supported by substantial evidence.
3. The Commissioner's final decision denying Plaintiff's request for Disability Insurance Benefits was supported by substantial evidence and was affirmed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ adequately evaluated and explained the persuasiveness of chiropractor David Lesneski's medical opinions under the Social Security regulations.
2. Whether the ALJ adequately evaluated Plaintiff's subjective complaints and whether the finding that those complaints were not entirely consistent with the record was supported by substantial evidence.
3. Whether the Commissioner's denial of Disability Insurance Benefits was supported by substantial evidence.

Disposition

affirmed