LaVonya Jeanette Moore v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana affirmed the Commissioner's decision denying LaVonya Jeanette Moore Disability Insurance Benefits and a period of disability. The court held that Moore's pro se filings did not present a developed legal argument challenging the Administrative Law Judge's reasoning, substantial-evidence support, or application of the governing legal standard. The court directed the Clerk to enter judgment for the Commissioner.

Holdings

1. A pro se claimant must still present developed legal arguments explaining why the Commissioner's decision should be reversed; undeveloped arguments are waived. Because Moore presented no legal argument challenging the ALJ's decision, the court was required to affirm.
2. The court would not involve itself in Moore's alleged secret settlement, and her claimed entitlement to money from a class action was irrelevant to the Social Security appeal.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Moore was entitled to reversal or remand of the Commissioner's decision when her briefs presented no developed legal argument identifying error in the ALJ's reasoning, lack of substantial-evidence support, or application of an incorrect legal standard.
2. Whether the district court should involve itself in Moore's alleged secret settlement or class-action claim.

Disposition

affirmed