Harmon v. Richardson

Summary

The court reviewed the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare’s denial of the plaintiff’s claim for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act. Applying the substantial-evidence standard, the court concluded that the medical evidence, including significant spinal and pulmonary impairments, established disability and that the vocational evidence did not adequately support the Secretary’s decision. The court granted the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment and denied the defendant’s motion.

Holdings

1. The Secretary's conclusion that the plaintiff was not disabled lacked substantial evidentiary support when the administrative record was viewed as a whole.
2. The plaintiff established a disabling condition within the meaning of the Social Security Act and was entitled to a period of disability and disability insurance benefits.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Secretary's finding that the plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act was supported by substantial evidence.
2. Whether the plaintiff established an inability, considering his impairments, age, education, and work experience, to engage in substantial gainful activity existing in the national economy.

Disposition

reversed