(SS) Amarante v. Commissioner of Social Security

FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

8 In January 2021, Plaintiff filed an application for disability insurance benefits, alleging 9 disability beginning on July 31, 2020. AR 179-85. Plaintiff’s application was denied initially on 10 March 15, 2021, and upon reconsideration on May 14, 2021. AR 77-107. Plaintiff requested a 11 hearing before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) and ALJ Jane Maccione held a hearing on 12 November 17, 2021. AR 32-60. ALJ Maccione issued an order denying benefits on the basis that 13 Plaintiff was not disabled on February 24, 2022. AR 12-28. Plaintiff sought review of the ALJ’s 14 decision, which the Appeals Council denied. AR 1-11. This appeal followed. 15 November 17, 2021 Hearing Testimony 16 ALJ Jane Maccione held a telephonic hearing on November 17, 2021. AR 32-60. Jeff 17 Beeman, an impartial vocational expert, also appeared and testified. AR 53-58. Plaintiff’s attorney 18 Romina Otoya was also present. The ALJ began by admitting exhibits 1A through 4A, 1B through 19 11B, 1D through 9D, 1E through 11E, and 1F through 6F into evidence. AR 36. 20 Plaintiff’s attorney opened by requesting the ALJ review medical listing 1.15 for chronic back…