Lisa Keel v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama reviewed the denial of Lisa Keel’s applications for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income. The court held that the Administrative Law Judge applied the proper standard for evaluating subjective symptoms and that the residual functional capacity determination was supported by substantial evidence. The court affirmed the Commissioner’s decision.

Holdings

1. The ALJ properly applied the Eleventh Circuit pain standard, considered Keel's subjective statements in light of the objective medical evidence and the record as a whole, and articulated explicit and adequate reasons for finding that her alleged disabling symptoms were not fully supported.
2. The ALJ's determination that Keel could perform a modified range of light work was supported by substantial evidence and complied with the applicable legal standards.

Questions Presented

1. Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's evaluation of Keel's subjective complaints of pain and other disabling symptoms.
2. Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's residual functional capacity determination limiting Keel to a modified range of light work.

Disposition

affirmed