(SS) Ottem v. Commissioner of Social Security

FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

5 Plaintiff applied for Title II Disability Insurance Benefits and Title XVI Supplemental Security 6 Income on January 26, 2021, alleging that she became disabled on June 8, 2013. AR 321-341. The 7 claim was denied initially on May 18, 2021 (AR 207-216) and on reconsideration on September 29, 8 2021. AR 207-216, 224-234. Plaintiff requested a hearing before an administrative law judge 9 (“ALJ”) and ALJ Charlie M. Johnson held a hearing on February 11, 2021. AR 78-109. ALJ Johnson 10 issued an order denying benefits on the basis that Plaintiff was not disabled on January 16, 2023. AR 11 18-37. Plaintiff sought review of the ALJ’s decision, which the Appeals Council denied. AR 5-10. 12 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 18-37. Specifically, the 19 ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity…