Monique Williams v. Michael Astrue

MEMORANDUM

Monique M. Williams (“Williams”) appeals the district court’s order and judgment affirming the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration’s (“Commissioner’s”) decision denying Williams’ application for Supplemental Security Income and Disability Insurance Benefits (benefits) under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. We review de novo a district court’s order affirming the Commissioner’s denial of disability benefits to ensure that the Commissioner’s decision (1) correctly applied the law and (2) is supported by substantial evidence. Valentine v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 574 F.3d 685, 690 (9th Cir.2009). We affirm.

1. Williams claims that the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) erred in evaluating Dr. Johnson’s statements from a letter he wrote for Williams in 2005. The ALJ stated that Dr. Johnson’s letter was (1) inconsistent, since it stated Williams was disabled but also that her tests were in the normal range, (2) unclear, and (3) unsupported by “objective data.” These are specific and legitimate reasons supported by substantial evidence in the record for rejecting Dr. Johnson’s brief, conclusory, and inconsistent statements in his letter from…