Blackmon v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The document contains findings and recommendations by a United States Magistrate Judge in Felicia Blackmon’s action seeking judicial review of the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of supplemental security income. The court concludes that the ALJ’s decision was supported by substantial evidence and applied proper legal standards, including in assessing the residual functional capacity and Plaintiff’s subjective complaints. It recommends denying Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment or remand, granting the Commissioner’s request to affirm, and entering judgment for the Commissioner.

Holdings

1. The ALJ adequately accounted for Plaintiff's moderate mental limitations by restricting her to simple routine tasks, prohibiting production-paced work and collaborative teamwork, and limiting her to occasional interaction with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. The RFC was not required to mirror any particular medical opinion.
2. The ALJ provided clear and convincing reasons supported by the record for discounting Plaintiff's subjective complaints, including inconsistency with objective medical evidence and inconsistencies between Plaintiff's testimony, reported conduct, and other statements.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ's residual functional capacity assessment was supported by substantial evidence and adequately accounted for the state agency psychological consultants' opinions.
2. Whether the ALJ provided legally sufficient reasons for discounting Plaintiff's subjective symptom testimony.
3. Whether the Commissioner's denial of supplemental security income should be affirmed or remanded.

Disposition

other