Stacy Thompson v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky affirmed the Social Security Administration’s denial of Stacy Thompson’s claims for disability insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income. The court held that the Administrative Law Judge’s finding that Thompson lacked a medically determinable mental impairment, and the resulting residual functional capacity assessment, were supported by substantial evidence and applied the correct legal standards. Thompson’s motion for judgment was denied, the Commissioner’s motion was granted, and the action was dismissed.

Holdings

1. The ALJ adequately considered the supportability and consistency of Shapiro's opinion and reasonably concluded that Thompson's opined mental limitations were not supported during the period of alleged disability.
2. The ALJ's conclusion that Thompson did not have a medically determinable mental impairment during the relevant period was supported by substantial evidence.
3. The Commissioner's decision was supported by substantial evidence and was not affected by reversible legal error.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ violated applicable Social Security regulations by failing to adequately evaluate and explain the supportability and consistency of psychologist Meghan Shapiro's opinion concerning Thompson's mental restrictions.
2. Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's conclusion that Thompson did not have a medically determinable mental impairment during the relevant period.
3. Whether the resulting residual functional capacity, which omitted mental restrictions, was supported by substantial evidence.

Disposition

dismissed