Sarah C. v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The court reviewed Plaintiff Sarah C.’s appeal from the denial of Supplemental Security Income under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). It held that the Administrative Law Judge properly evaluated Listing 11.14 for peripheral neuropathy and adequately assessed the residual functional capacity under SSR 96-8p. The court affirmed the Commissioner’s decision because it was supported by substantial evidence.

Holdings

1. The ALJ properly evaluated Listing 11.14A and substantial evidence supported the conclusion that Plaintiff did not have the extreme motor-function limitation required by the listing.
2. The ALJ's residual functional capacity assessment complied with the applicable requirements and was supported by substantial evidence.
3. Plaintiff's late-raised assertion that medical appointments would cause disabling absenteeism did not warrant relief because it was speculative, conclusory, and unsupported.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff's diabetic peripheral neuropathy under Listing 11.14.
2. Whether the ALJ complied with SSR 96-8p and supported the residual functional capacity assessment by considering all relevant impairments and symptoms.
3. Whether the ALJ was required to make additional findings concerning Plaintiff's alleged absenteeism for medical appointments.

Disposition

affirmed