Cody R. Roberson v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas adopts the magistrate judge’s report and recommendation in a Social Security appeal. The court rejects the plaintiff’s objections concerning the administrative law judge’s residual functional capacity assessment, affirms the Commissioner’s final decision, and dismisses the case with prejudice.

Holdings

1. The ALJ's RFC finding was supported by substantial evidence and the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.
2. The ALJ was not required to adopt a specific physician's assessment in determining the claimant's RFC.
3. A specific finding that the claimant can perform work on a regular and continuing basis is not required absent special circumstances.
4. There was no error in finding that the ALJ's RFC was less limiting than some medical opinions and more limiting than others.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ's residual functional capacity assessment was supported by substantial evidence and explained adequately.
2. Whether the ALJ was required to adopt a specific physician's assessment when determining residual functional capacity.
3. Whether the ALJ was required to make a specific finding that Roberson could work on a regular and continuing basis.
4. Whether the ALJ or magistrate judge improperly relied on a middle-ground rationale because the RFC was more restrictive than some opinions and less restrictive than others.

Disposition

affirmed