Astrue

OPINION AND ORDER

Plaintiff Louise Kam Har Lee filed a complaint on November 14, 2008, seeking review of the Commissioner’s decision denying her application for disability benefits. On April 24, 2009, the Commissioner answered the complaint, and the parties filed a joint stipulation on July 10, 2009.

BACKGROUND

I

On January 31, 2007, plaintiff applied for disability benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act (“Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 423 , claiming an inability to work since December 2, 2006, due to Crohn’s disease. Certified Administrative Record (“A.R.”) 71-78, 85. The plaintiffs application was initially denied on April 12, 2007. A.R. 50-54. The plaintiff then requested an administrative hearing, which was held before Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey A. Hatfield (“the ALJ”) on February 27, 2008. A.R. 17-48, 58. On May 20, 2008, the ALJ issued a decision finding plaintiff is not disabled. A.R. 7-16. The plaintiff appealed this decision to the Appeals Council, which denied review on September 16, 2008. A.R. 1-6.

II

The plaintiff, who was born on November 2, 1950, is currently 59 years old. A.R. 21, 71. She has an associate certificate from Hong Kong, and previously…