(SS) Johnson v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

14 S.M.S, a minor child by and through his guardian Leann Johnson,1 seeks judicial review2 15 of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) 16 denying the application for supplemental security income (SSI) pursuant to Title XVI of the Social 17 Security Act. Because substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision, the 18 recommendation is that the decision be affirmed.

II. Factual and Procedural Background

20 On August 8, 2016, Plaintiff applied for SSI. The Commissioner denied the application 21 initially on November 10, 2016, and on reconsideration on January 24, 2017. AR 97, 107. A 22 hearing was held before an Administrative Law Judge (the “ALJ”) on October 2, 2018. AR 62– 23 87. On March 19, 2019, the ALJ issued an unfavorable decision. AR 1–26. After the Appeals 24 Council denied review on January 24, 2020 (AR 35–40), this appeal followed.

III. The Disability Standard Generally

26 Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §405(g), this court has the authority to review a decision by the

1 “Plaintiff” as used herein refers to the party, whereas “Claimant” refers to the individual minor…