(SS) Molina v. Commissioner of Social Security

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 SEAN M. MOLINA, No. 2:20-cv-375-KJN Plaintiff, ORDER ON PARTIES’ CROSS-MOTIONS

FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

v. (ECF Nos. 15, 16.) COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL

SECURITY,

15 Defendant. 16 Plaintiff seeks judicial review of a final decision by the Commissioner of Social Security denying his application for Disability Insurance Benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act. In the motion for summary judgment, plaintiff contends the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) erred in: (A) failing to accurately assess plaintiff’s mental impairments at step two and appropriately weigh the opinions of certain mental-health providers; and (B) articulate appropriate reasons for rejecting the testimony of plaintiff and his wife. The Commissioner contends the ALJ’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and free from legal error. For the reasons stated below, the court DENIES plaintiff’s motion, GRANTS the Commissioner’s cross-motion, and AFFIRMS the final decision…