Kristin Watson v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California adopted the magistrate judge’s findings and recommendations in a Social Security appeal. The court denied Kristin Watson’s motion for summary judgment, granted the Commissioner’s cross-motion, affirmed the Commissioner’s decision, and directed the Clerk to close the case.

Holdings

1. Plaintiff did not have to corroborate her alleged pain with objective medical findings, but she was required to demonstrate that the impairment was medically ascertained.
2. The ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff's subjective complaints and did not improperly discredit her testimony.
3. The findings and recommendations were supported by the record and proper analysis and were adopted in full; Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment was denied, Defendant's motion was granted, and the Commissioner's decision was affirmed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff's subjective complaints and testimony concerning the severity of her symptoms.
2. Whether the Commissioner's decision should be affirmed after de novo review of the magistrate judge's findings and recommendations.

Disposition

affirmed