Tina Marie Stitzlein v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

This Report and Recommendation addresses Tina Marie Stitzlein’s action seeking judicial review of the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income. The magistrate judge recommends affirming the Commissioner’s decision, concluding that the ALJ properly accounted for Stitzlein’s Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy and evaluated her symptom allegations under the applicable standards.

Holdings

1. The ALJ did not err because the RFC restriction requiring avoidance of all hazards, including unprotected heights, heavy machinery, and commercial driving, accounted for the visual impairment, and substantial evidence supported the conclusion that no greater vision-related restrictions were required.
2. The ALJ did not err in finding that Stitzlein's statements concerning the intensity and limiting effects of her symptoms were not entirely consistent with the record.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ adequately accounted for Stitzlein's severe Fuchs' corneal dystrophy in the residual functional capacity assessment.
2. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated Stitzlein's allegations concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of her symptoms under Social Security Ruling 16-3p.

Disposition

other