Wanda GREGORY, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Otis R. BOWEN, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Defendant-Appellee

Wanda Gregory appeals from a judgment denying her claim that she was disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act. The district court upheld the administrative law judge’s decision denying the claim. Gregory argues that the administrative decision was not supported by substantial evidence. She also seeks attorneys’ fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406 (b)(1) (1982). We reverse and remand.

Gregory was born on June 25,1921. She has a high-school education. She has worked as a clerk-typist at various times, most recently for the State of Oregon. She was discharged from that job in April 1979 because she worked too slowly. Gregory’s Social Security insured status expired on September 30, 1981.

Gregory has a long history of lower back problems. In August 1981, she underwent pelvic and bladder reconstructive surgery to correct urinary incontinence. She also has significant mental and emotional problems that adversely affect her ability to work.

Under 42 U.S.C. § 405 (g) (1982), the Secretary’s findings of fact are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. See Miller v. Heckler, 770 F.2d 845, 847 (9th Cir.1985). “Substantial evidence is ‘ “more than a mere scintilla. It means…