Cassandra May v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky upheld the Social Security Administration’s denial of Cassandra May’s claims for Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income. The court concluded that the ALJ properly evaluated the medical opinion evidence, May’s subjective symptoms, and her residual functional capacity, and that substantial evidence supported the finding that she was not disabled. May’s motion for judgment was denied, the Commissioner’s motion was granted, and the action was dismissed.

Holdings

1. The ALJ adequately explained the supportability and consistency factors and reasonably declined to adopt Dr. Skaggs's assessment of moderate-to-marked limitations in May's ability to tolerate workplace stress.
2. The ALJ properly applied the two-step framework for evaluating subjective symptoms, and substantial evidence supported the conclusion that May's statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of her symptoms were not entirely consistent with the record.
3. The ALJ applied the proper five-step legal framework, and the Commissioner's denial of benefits was supported by substantial evidence.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ adequately evaluated the supportability and consistency of Dr. Emily Skaggs's medical opinion and incorporated the total limiting effects of May's impairments into the residual functional capacity assessment.
2. Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's evaluation of May's subjective descriptions of her symptoms and functional limitations.
3. Whether the Commissioner's denial of DIB and SSI was supported by substantial evidence and made under the proper legal standards.

Disposition

dismissed