Michael M. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois reviewed the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of Michael M.’s claim for Disability Insurance Benefits under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The court held that the Administrative Law Judge properly evaluated the plaintiff’s residual functional capacity, medical opinions, and disabling-symptom allegations. The court denied the plaintiff’s request for reversal and affirmed the Commissioner’s decision.

Holdings

1. The ALJ properly evaluated the residual functional capacity and adequately explained why the opinions of Dr. Rhyne and Dr. Chekka were unpersuasive or inconsistent with the overall medical record.
2. The ALJ properly evaluated Michael M.'s alleged symptoms, and the use of standard boilerplate language did not establish application of an incorrect legal standard.
3. The Commissioner's decision denying Disability Insurance Benefits was supported by substantial evidence and was affirmed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated the residual functional capacity and the medical opinions of Dr. Christopher Rhyne and Dr. Kiran Chekka.
2. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of Michael M.'s symptoms.

Disposition

affirmed