Jeffrey W. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania affirmed the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of Jeffrey W.’s application for disability insurance benefits. The court held that the Administrative Law Judge’s decision was supported by substantial evidence, including the assessment of medical opinions and the determination that Plaintiff could perform his past relevant work as a procurement supervisor.

Holdings

1. The ALJ properly considered the consultative examiner's opinion and reasonably found that Plaintiff's lifting, sitting, standing, and walking limitations were consistent with light work rather than sedentary work.
2. The ALJ did not err by relying on the state-agency medical consultant's opinion even though the consultant had not reviewed all medical records later submitted before the ALJ's decision.
3. The Commissioner's determination that Plaintiff was not disabled was supported by substantial evidence.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ properly considered the consultative examiner's medical opinion under the regulatory supportability and consistency factors.
2. Whether the ALJ permissibly relied on the state-agency medical consultant's opinion despite the consultant's inability to review later-developed medical evidence.
3. Whether substantial evidence supported the Commissioner's conclusion that Plaintiff was not disabled.

Disposition

affirmed