(SS) Jones v. Commissioner of Social Security

FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

4 Plaintiff applied for Title II Disability Insurance Benefits on November 28, 2018, alleging that 5 she became disabled on September 15, 2018. AR 179-82. The claim was denied initially on January 6 3, 2020, and on reconsideration on April 29, 2020. AR 99-103, 107-112. Plaintiff requested a hearing 7 before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) and ALJ Karen B. Kostol held a hearing on January 4, 8 2021. AR 34-67. ALJ Kostol issued an order denying benefits on the basis that Plaintiff was not 9 disabled on March 3, 2021. AR 12-33. Plaintiff sought review of the ALJ’s decision, which the 10 Appeals Council denied. AR 1-6. This appeal followed. 11 Medical Record 12 The relevant medical record was reviewed by the Court and will be referenced below as 13 necessary to this Court’s decision. 14 The ALJ’s Decision 15 Using the Social Security Administration’s five-step sequential evaluation process, the ALJ 16 determined that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act. AR 12-33. Specifically, the 17 ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date of 18 September 15, 2018. AR 18. …