Gary Wayne Covington v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner, Social Security Administration

Summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas reviewed the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of Gary Wayne Covington’s application for Supplemental Security Income. The court held that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s residual functional capacity determination and evaluation of Covington’s subjective allegations, and affirmed the denial of benefits.

Holdings

1. The ALJ's determination that Plaintiff could perform medium work with specified mental and social limitations was supported by substantial evidence and was affirmed.
2. The ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff's subjective allegations by considering the Polaski factors and providing valid reasons for finding the allegations not entirely consistent with the record.
3. The Commissioner's decision denying benefits was supported by substantial evidence and was affirmed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ's residual functional capacity determination was supported by substantial evidence.
2. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff's subjective allegations under Polaski v. Heckler and the applicable Social Security regulations.
3. Whether the Commissioner's determination that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act should be affirmed.

Disposition

affirmed