Cristobal SANCHEZ, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Defendant-Appellee

Cristobal Sanchez appeals from the district court’s summary judgment denying him disability or supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 301-13971 The district court held that substantial evidence supported the determination of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) that Sanchez was not disabled under 42 U.S.C. §§ 423 (d)(1)(A) and 1382c(a)(3)(A). Sanchez argues that the Secretary’s decision lacks substantial evidence and that the district court erred in failing to remand to the Secretary for review of new evidence. We affirm.

In reviewing the denial of disability benefits, we will affirm if the Secretary’s findings are supported by substantial evidence and the Secretary applied the correct legal standards. Allen v. Secretary of Health & Human Serv., 726 F.2d 1470, 1472 (9th Cir.1984). Sanchez bears the initial burden of establishing disability by showing that a physical or mental impairment prevents him from engaging in any of his previous occupations. Id.

In finding Sanchez could perform light work, the Secretary rejected the opinion of Sanchez’s treating physician, Dr. Dannis, that Sanchez was disabled as a result of his…