(SS) Rodriguez v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Rodolpho Rodrigo Rodriguez (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision 13 of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying his applications 14 for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income pursuant to Titles II and XVI, 15 respectively, of the Social Security Act. The matter is before the Court on the parties’ briefs which 16 were submitted without oral argument to the Honorable Gary S. Austin, United States Magistrate 17 Judge. See Docs. 16, 21, 22. After reviewing the record the Court finds that substantial evidence 18 and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision. Plaintiff’s appeal is therefore denied.

II. Procedural Background

20 On July 22, 2016 Plaintiff filed applications for disability insurance benefits and 21 supplemental security income. AR 180–83; 184–94. Plaintiff claimed disability beginning October 22 8, 2015 due to left eye blindness, left ankle problems, bilateral knee problems and high blood 23 pressure. AR 213. The Commissioner denied the applications initially on September 2, 2016, and 24 on reconsideration on November 15, 2016. AR 80–81;…