M.E.G. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration

Summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma reviewed the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of the plaintiff’s application for disability insurance benefits. The court held that the Administrative Law Judge failed to discuss significantly probative evidence from a consultative examiner concerning the plaintiff’s ability to walk and stand. The court reversed and remanded the Commissioner’s decision for further proceedings.

Holdings

1. The ALJ committed reversible legal error by failing to discuss significantly probative and uncontroverted findings from consultative examiner Megan Ewing that were directly relevant to Plaintiff's ability to walk and stand.
2. The court rejected Plaintiff's challenge to the ALJ's consideration of Dr. Metcalf's prior administrative finding.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ failed to consider significantly probative and uncontroverted evidence from consultative examiner Megan Ewing concerning Plaintiff's ability to walk and stand when determining the residual functional capacity.
2. Whether the ALJ improperly evaluated prior administrative findings from Dr. James Metcalf concerning Plaintiff's ability to perform light work.
3. Whether the ALJ improperly analyzed Plaintiff's subjective allegations.

Disposition

reversed_and_remanded