(SS) Crane v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

13 Plaintiff John Harley Crane Jr. appeals the denial of supplemental security income (SS) and 14 disability insurance benefits (SSDI) under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Because 15 substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision, the recommendation is that the 16 Court direct entry of judgment in favor of Defendant. 17

II. Factual and Procedural Background1

18 On August 21, 2018, Plaintiff applied for SSI and SSDI alleging a disability onset date of 19 September 1, 2011. The application proceeded through the administrative process, the ALJ issued 20 an unfavorable decision and the Appeals Council denied review. This appeal followed. 21

III. The Disability Standard

22 Under 42 U.S.C. §405(g), courts review decisions of the Commissioner denying disability 23 benefits and may set them aside when the ALJ’s findings are based on legal error or are not 24 supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole. Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1097 25 (9th Cir. 1999) (citations omitted). Substantial evidence is evidence that could lead a reasonable 26 27 1 The undersigned has reviewed the relevant portions of the…