(SS) Hammonds v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Michael Hammonds (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the 13 Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying his application for 14 supplemental security income pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The matter is before 15 the Court on the parties’ briefs which were submitted without oral argument to the Honorable Gary 16 S. Austin, United States Magistrate Judge.1 See Docs. 19, 20 and 21. After reviewing the record, 17 the Court finds that substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision. 18 Accordingly, Plaintiff’s appeal is denied. 19

II. Procedural Background

20 On March 4, 2015 Plaintiff filed an application for supplemental security income alleging 21 disability beginning February 24, 1994. AR 164–69. Plaintiff claimed disability due to 22 emphysema, asthma, pain associated with 17 screws, bolts, and rods inserted in his right leg, bullets 23 present in his lower body, arthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anti-social 24 behavior. AR 164–69, 187. The Commissioner denied the application initially on November 2, 25…