(SS) Brown v. Commissioner of Social Security

FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

4 Plaintiff applied for Title II Disability Insurance Benefits on July 13, 2017, alleging that he 5 became disabled on February 17, 2017. AR 242-2452. The claim was denied initially on January 5, 6 2018, and on reconsideration on May 7, 2018. AR 98-113. Plaintiff requested a hearing before an 7 administrative law judge (“ALJ”) and ALJ Kurt Schuman held a hearing on May 11, 2020. AR 39-86. 8 ALJ Schuman issued an order denying benefits on the basis that Plaintiff was not disabled on June 10, 9 2020. AR 18-38. Plaintiff sought review of the ALJ’s decision, which the Appeals Council denied. 10 AR 1-6. This appeal followed. 11 May 11, 2020 Hearing Testimony 12 ALJ Schuman held a telephonic hearing on May 11, 2020. AR 39-86. Doris Shriver, an 13 impartial vocational expert, also appeared and testified. AR 71-85. Medical expert Dr. Joseph Carver 14 further testified, and Plaintiff’s attorney, Mr. Martinez was also present. The ALJ began by 15 confirming Plaintiff’s identity, confirming that Mr. Martinez was Plaintiff’s representative, confirming 16 that all participants were in private areas and not recording, and confirming that Plaintiff…