Barbara R. v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Oregon granted Plaintiff Barbara R.’s motion for attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b) after the court previously remanded her Social Security disability benefits case under sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The court awarded Plaintiff’s counsel $20,600.00, payable in accordance with agency policy, and addressed the treatment of previously awarded Equal Access to Justice Act funds.

Holdings

1. After Plaintiff obtained an award of benefits following a sentence-four remand, her counsel was entitled to an attorney-fee award under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), subject to the statute and applicable agency procedures.
2. The requested attorney fee of $20,600 was reasonable and was approved for payment in accordance with agency policy.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiff's counsel should receive an award of attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b).
2. Whether the requested fee of $20,600 was reasonable under the standards governing § 406(b) fee awards.

Disposition

other