Larry FIFE, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Margaret HECKLER, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Defendant-Appellee

Larry Fife appeals the district court’s decision granting summary judgment to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) on Fife’s claim for social security benefits. Fife contends that: (1) the Administrative Law Judge’s (AU) decision is not supported by substantial evidence; (2) the AU erred in applying the medical-vocational guidelines (the grids) in the presence of non-exertional impairments; and (3) the AU erred in rejecting uncontradieted medical testimony that he was disabled. We reverse.

Fife applied for social security disability benefits in November 1980, claiming dis ability based on physical and psychological impairments resulting from an auto accident in September 1980 which caused substantial injuries to his skull, leg, knee, and shoulder. He was 27 years old at the time of his hearing in March 1982, had graduated from high school and taken auto mechanics and other courses at Boise State University, and had worked at a variety of jobs including auto repair, dairy products delivery, box assembly, and as an enlistee in the Navy.

The AU denied benefits and the Appeals council affirmed. Fife appealed to the district court, which granted the Secretary’s…