Kristina Black v. Michael Astrue

MEMORANDUM

Plaintiff-Appellant Kristina Black appeals the district court’s judgment affirming the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of her applications for Child’s Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits under the Social Security Act. Black alleged disability due to depressive disorder severe with psychotic features, polysubstance abuse, obesity, chronic back pain, and anxiety disorder. We review de novo the district court’s order affirming the Commissioner’s denial of benefits to ensure that the Commissioner’s decision was supported by substantial evidence and a correct application of the law. Roberts v. Shalala, 66 F.3d 179, 182 (9th Cir.1995).

The Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) applied the five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if Black is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 ; 20 C.F.R. § 416.920 . At step one, the ALJ determined that Black had not been engaged in substantial gainful activity since September 1, 2006, the alleged disability onset date. At step two, the ALJ found that Black had two severe impairments: (1) major depressive disorder, chronic, severe with psychotic features, and (2) polysubstance abuse. At step three, the ALJ…