Gomez
Gomez v. Astrue
Opinion
Opinion
Wistrich, J.
MEMORANDUM OF DECISION
Plaintiff filed this action seeking reversal of the decision of the defendant, the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (the “Commissioner”), denying plaintiffs application for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income (“SSI”) benefits. The parties have filed a Joint Stipulation (“JS”) setting forth their contentions with respect to each disputed issue.
Administrative Proceedings
The procedural facts are undisputed and are summarized in the joint stipulation. Plaintiff filed benefits applications on June 25, 2004, alleging disability beginning September 19, 2001 due to diabetes, blindness, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. [JS 2; Administrative Record (“AR”) 119, 202], Plaintiff subsequently alleged disability due to a mental impairment as well. [AR 130, 311]. Plaintiffs application was denied initially and on reconsideration. [JS 2], Following a total of three administrative hearings, an administrative law judge (the “ALJ”) issued a written decision denying benefits on January 16, 2008. [JS 2; AR 19-29]. Plaintiff was represented by counsel during all three administrative hearings. [See AR 360-465].