(SS) Smith v. Commissioner of Social Security

INTRODUCTION

19 Elizabeth Rose Smith by and through her guardian ad litem Shane Smith (“Plaintiff”) 20 seeks judicial review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security 21 (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying her application for disability benefits pursuant to the 22 Social Security Act. The matter is currently before the Court on the parties’ briefs, which were 23 submitted, without oral argument, to Magistrate Judge Stanley A. Boone.1 24 For the reasons set forth below, Plaintiff’s Social Security appeal shall be denied. 25 / / / 26 / / / 27 II. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND A Title XVI application for supplemental security income was protectively filed on behalf of Plaintiff who was a minor on August 13, 2015. (AR 85.) Plaintiff’s application was initially denied on January 5, 2016, and denied upon reconsideration on May 24, 2016. (AR 100-103, 106-109.) Plaintiff requested and received a hearing before Administrative Law Judge Shiva Bozarth (“the ALJ”). Plaintiff appeared for a hearing on March 5, 2018. (AR 36-72.) On June 6, 2018, the ALJ found that Plaintiff was…