(SS) Land v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Perry Allen Land (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the 13 Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying his application for 14 disability insurance benefits pursuant to Title II 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 16 Gary S. Austin, United States Magistrate Judge. See Docs. 16, 17, 18. After reviewing the 17 record the Court finds that substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision. 18 Plaintiff’s appeal is therefore denied.

II. Procedural Background

20 On December 2, 2015 Plaintiff applied for disability insurance benefits. AR 282–83. 21 Plaintiff claimed disability beginning October 3, 2013 due to high blood pressure, anxiety, 22 depression, spinal fusion surgery and seizures. AR 343. The Commissioner denied the 23 application initially on May 19, 2016 and on reconsideration on August 29, 2016. AR 139, 155. 24 Plaintiff requested a hearing which was held before an Administrative Law Judge (the 25 “ALJ”) on September 6, 2018. AR…