Lorain Ann Stiffler v. Martin O'Malley

I. BACKGROUND

Stiffler was 20 years old when she applied for disability benefits. She based her disability claim on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, a mood disorder, right knee problems, and a processing disorder. Her initial application was denied on March 23, 2018, and denied upon reconsideration the same year. The relevant period for the most recent application began on January 5, 2018. Dr. Khosh-Chashm saw Stiffler in January 2018 and diagnosed her with major depressive disorder. Dr. Khosh- Chashm observed that Stiffler’s depressive moods fluctuated from moderate to severe and had not remitted. Nevertheless, Stiffler was “resilient” and remained “optimistic and future oriented.” During this appointment, Dr. Khosh-Chashm completed a “Mental Status Exam” and assessed Stiffler with “[a]verage” intelligence, rating her “[f]air” for concentration, short term memory, and judgment. He rated Stiffler’s interactions as “[n]ormal/responsive” and her speech as “[a]ppropriate” with a “[n]ormal” tone. He also recommended a treatment plan for Stiffler’s depression. On March 28, 2018, Dr. Khosh-Chashm completed a “Medical Source Statement Concerning the Nature…