Verada Reynolds v. Nancy A. Berryhill

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION

17 On February 8, 2017, Plaintiff, formerly employed at attorneys’ offices and an accounting office as a customer service administrator (see AR 55-61, 242, 250-53), filed an application for Disability Insurance Benefits alleging an inability to work because of a disabling condition since January 1, 2015. (See AR 196-99). 23 On July 12, 2018, the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”), Daniel Benjamin, heard testimony from Plaintiff (represented by counsel) and vocational expert June Hagen. (See AR 38-85). On July 27, 2018, the ALJ issued a decision denying Plaintiff’s application. (See AR 18-29). Applying the five-step sequential process, the ALJ found at step one that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since January 1, 2015. (AR 20). At step two, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff had the following severe impairments –- “degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine; degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy; and a history of right hand injury, trigger finger with surgical release in 2015 and…