(SS) Tapia v. Commissioner of Social Security

FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

6 Plaintiff applied for Title XVI Supplemental Security Income and Title II Disability Insurance 7 Benefits on April 16, 2015, alleging that he became disabled on October 13, 2013. AR 299-310. The 8 claim was denied initially on February 2, 2017, and on reconsideration on June 1, 2017. AR 201-226. 9 Plaintiff requested a hearing before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) and ALJ Nancy M. Stewart 10 held a hearing on April 24, 2019. AR 38-82. ALJ Stewart issued an order denying benefits on the 11 basis that Plaintiff was not disabled on August 1, 2019. AR 16-37. Plaintiff sought review of the 12 ALJ’s decision, which the Appeals Council denied. AR 5-10. This appeal followed. 13 Medical Record 14 The relevant medical record was reviewed by the Court and will be referenced below as 15 necessary to this Court’s decision. 16 The ALJ’s Decision 17 Using the Social Security Administration’s five-step sequential evaluation process, the ALJ 18 determined that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act. AR 16-37. Specifically, the 19 ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date of…