Artis

MEMORANDUM *

Linda Artis appeals the district court’s decision affirming the Commissioner of Social Security’s determination that she did not qualify for disability insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. Artis claims that the district court erred in holding that the Commissioner’s denial of disability benefits was supported by substantial evidence in the record. We review the Commissioner’s decision that a claimant is not disabled for “substantial evidence.” See Drouin v. Sullivan, 966 F.2d 1255, 1257 (9th Cir.1992). We find that the Commissioner’s determination that Artis did not suffer from severe impairment prior to December 31, 1995, her date last insured, was supported by substantial evidence and affirm.

Under Title II of the Social Security Act, a person is disabled if, because of a medically determinable impairment, the individual cannot work or engage in substantial gainful activity for a period of twelve continuous months. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 423 (d)(1), (2). Artis bears the burden of establishing the existence of a severe impairment, and ultimately disability, prior to the last date insured. See Tidwell v. Apfel, 161 F.3d 599, 601 (9th Cir.1998);…