Amanda W. v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington reviewed the denial of Amanda W.'s application for Supplemental Security Income benefits under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The court held that the Administrative Law Judge properly evaluated the medical opinions, subjective symptom testimony, and lay witness statements, and found no reversible error. The court affirmed the Commissioner's decision denying benefits.

Holdings

1. The ALJ properly evaluated the medical opinion evidence and did not err by finding certain opinions unpersuasive or by declining to treat descriptions of impairments as medical opinions.
2. The ALJ provided legally sufficient reasons for discounting Plaintiff's subjective symptom testimony concerning seizures, flashbacks, and panic attacks.
3. The ALJ adequately evaluated the lay witness statements, and any error in addressing portions of those statements was harmless.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated the medical opinion evidence under the applicable post-2017 regulations.
2. Whether the ALJ gave legally sufficient reasons for discounting Plaintiff's subjective symptom testimony.
3. Whether the ALJ properly evaluated statements from Plaintiff's family members and caregiver.
4. Whether any errors in evaluating the evidence required reversal or remand.

Disposition

affirmed