Lesmeister
Lesmeister v. Barnhart
Opinion
Opinion
Chapman, J.
OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff James D. Lesmeister filed a complaint on October 15, 2004, seeking review of the Commissioner’s decision denying his application for disability benefits. The Commissioner answered the complaint on April 11, 2005, and the parties filed a joint stipulation on May 17, 2005.
BACKGROUND
I
On January 31, 2000, plaintiff applied for disability benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act (“the Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 423 , and under the Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) program of Title XVI of the Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1382 (a), claiming an inability to work since February 10, 1989, due to “panic attacks of terrorism, anguish, fear and security.” Certified Administrative Record (“A.R.”) 14, 59-61, 73. The plaintiffs applications were initially denied on May 1, 2000. A.R, 46-49. Plaintiff was subsequently found to be disabled for SSI purposes as of January 1, 2000, and awarded SSI disability benefits; however, plaintiffs Title II application was again denied on January 4, 2001, following reconsideration. A.R. 14, 28-29, 46-51, 54-57. Plaintiff requested an administrative hearing regarding his Title II application, which was held before Administrative Law…