Ledesma
Ledesma v. Astrue
Opinion
Opinion
Chapman, J.
OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff Amy Ledesma filed a complaint on September 3, 2008, seeking review of the Commissioner’s decision denying her application for disability benefits. On February 17, 2009, the Commissioner answered the complaint, and the parties filed a joint stipulation on April 15, 2009.
BACKGROUND
I
On August 25, 2006 (protective filing date), plaintiff applied for disability bene fits under Title II of the Social Security Act (“Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 423 , and the Supplemental Security Income program of Title XVI of the Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1382 (a), claiming an inability to work since March 3, 2006, due to bipolar disorder. Certified Administrative Record (“A.R.”) 8, 90. The plaintiffs application was initially denied on February 20, 2007, and, following reconsideration, was denied again on August 20, 2007. A.R. 8. The plaintiff then requested an administrative hearing, which was held on March 6, 2008, before Administrative Law Judge Mason D. Harrell, Jr. (“the ALJ”). A.R. 16-44. On April 4, 2008, the ALJ issued a decision finding plaintiff is not disabled. A.R. 6-15. The plaintiff appealed this decision to the Appeals Council, which denied review on July 3,2008. A.R.…