Perkins

OPINION AND ORDER

Plaintiff Rodney Perkins filed a complaint on August 4, 2006, seeking review of the Commissioner’s decision denying his applications for disability benefits. On January 9, 2007, the Commissioner answered the complaint, and the parties filed a joint stipulation on February 26, 2007.

BACKGROUND

Plaintiff, who was born on November 30, 1964, is currently 43 years old. A.R. 48, 342, 357. He has attended two years of college, received training as an auto mechanic, in law enforcement and as a cook, and has previously worked as a dispatcher, food service worker and a security guard. A.R. 60-65, 74-81, 89-96, 105-06, 108, 112, 357-61, 387-89. On June 23, 2004, plaintiff applied for disability benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act (“Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 423 , and the Supplemental Security Income program (“SSI”) of Title XVI of the Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1382 (a), claiming an inability to work since October 24, 1999, due to back pain. Certified Administrative Record (“A.R.”) 48-50, 104, 342-44. The plaintiffs applications were denied on October 15, 2004. A.R. 26-30. The plaintiff then requested an administrative hearing, which was held before Administrative Law…