K.B. v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of California reviewed a final decision denying K.B.'s applications for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income. The court held that substantial evidence supported the ALJ's findings that K.B.'s COPD and asthma were non-severe impairments and that the ALJ adequately considered those conditions in determining the residual functional capacity. The court affirmed the ALJ's decision and ordered the case closed.

Holdings

1. Substantial evidence supported the ALJ's finding that K.B.'s COPD and asthma were non-severe because the conditions produced no more than mild functional limitations and did not significantly limit her ability to perform basic work activities.
2. The ALJ did not err in determining K.B.'s residual functional capacity because the ALJ expressly considered COPD and asthma and their associated symptoms and limitations, even though the ALJ did not translate those non-severe impairments into additional exertional restrictions.

Questions Presented

1. Whether substantial evidence supported the ALJ's finding that K.B.'s COPD and asthma were non-severe impairments.
2. Whether the ALJ failed to consider the exertional effects of K.B.'s COPD and asthma when determining her residual functional capacity.

Disposition

affirmed