Diaz v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California reviewed Maria Christina Diaz’s challenge to the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income. The court held that the ALJ did not err by failing to obtain a consultative medical opinion because Plaintiff’s failure to provide requested functional information resulted in insufficient evidence. The court also concluded that the ALJ’s residual functional capacity assessment and decision were supported by substantial evidence.

Holdings

1. The ALJ did not err in failing to obtain a consultative medical opinion because the ALJ attempted to obtain one, but the consultative examiners lacked sufficient information as a result of Plaintiff's failure to provide necessary information and forms.
2. The ALJ's RFC assessment and decision finding Plaintiff not disabled were supported by substantial evidence.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ erred by failing to develop the record and obtain a consultative medical opinion when the consultative examiners lacked sufficient information because Plaintiff failed to provide requested forms and information.
2. Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's residual functional capacity assessment and determination that Plaintiff was not disabled.

Disposition

affirmed