(SS) Rodriguez v. Commissioner of Social Security

INTRODUCTION

18 David Anthony Rodriguez (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the 19 Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying his application for 20 disability benefits pursuant to the Social Security Act. The matter is currently before the Court on 21 the parties’ briefs, which were submitted, without oral argument, to Magistrate Judge Stanley A. 22 Boone.1 23 Plaintiff requests the decision of Commissioner be vacated and the case be remanded for further 24 proceedings, arguing the ALJ erred in discounting the opinion of psychiatric consultative examiner 25 Michael Musacco, Ph.D. 26 For the reasons explained herein, Plaintiff’s Social Security appeal shall be denied. 27 1 The parties have consented to the jurisdiction of the United States Magistrate Judge and this action has been assigned II. BACKGROUND A. Procedural History Previously, on July 8, 2013, Plaintiff protectively filed an application for supplemental security income. The claim was initially denied on December 26, 2013, and upon reconsideration on February 5, 2014. On November …