(SS) Uptain v. Commissioner of Social Security
Opinion
Trial Court Opinion
I. Introduction
12 Plaintiff Lisa Marie Uptain appeals the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security 13 denying her application for supplemental security income (SSI) under Title XVI of the Social 14 Security Act. Because substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision, the 15 appeal will be denied.
II. Factual and Procedural Background
17 On November 5, 2019 Plaintiff applied for SSI. The applications were denied initially on 18 August 5, 2020, and on reconsideration on March 24, 2021. The ALJ held a hearing on November 19 22, 2022. AR 53–83. On January 5, 2023, the ALJ issued an unfavorable decision. AR 34–48. 20 The Appeals Council denied review on August 31, 2023 (AR 1–6) and this appeal followed.
III. The Disability Standard
22 Under 42 U.S.C. §405(g), this court has the authority to review the Commissioner’s denial 23 of disability benefits. Reversal is appropriate when the ALJ’s findings are based on legal error or 24 unsupported by substantial evidence.” Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1097 (9th Cir. 1999). 25 Substantial evidence is that which could lead reasonable minds to accept a conclusion. See 26 Richardson v.…