(SS) Vang v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Pa Vang (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the Commissioner 13 of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying her application for supplemental 14 security income pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The matter is before the Court 15 on the parties’ briefs which were submitted without oral argument to the Honorable Gary S. Austin, 16 United States Magistrate Judge. See Docs. 19, 22, 25. After reviewing the record the Court finds 17 that substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision. Plaintiff’s appeal is 18 therefore denied.

II. Procedural Background

20 On May 24, 2016 Plaintiff applied for supplemental security income alleging disability as 21 of April 8, 2011 due to depression, mental problems, headaches, head pain, dizziness, neck pain, 22 pain throughout her back, pain throughout the right side of her body, chest pain, and ulcer pain. 23 AR 153–60, 172. The Commissioner denied the application initially on August 26, 2016 and on 24 reconsideration on November 23, 2016. AR 78–81; 85–89. 25 Plaintiff requested a hearing which was held before an Administrative Law…