Nicole M Castro v. Nancy A. Berryhill

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION

17 18 On February 8, 2016, Plaintiff, formerly employed as an 19 administrative assistant and receptionist (see AR 44-45, 147-52, 195- 20 97), filed an application for Disability Insurance Benefits, alleging an 21 inability to work because of a disabling condition since September 1, 22 2015. (See AR 126-27). The Commissioner denied Plaintiff’s 23 application, initially and on reconsideration. (AR 66-75). On November 24 1, 2017, Plaintiff, represented by counsel, testified at a hearing 25 before Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”), James Carberry, who also heard 26 testimony from and vocational expert Ms. Cicero. (See AR 37-64). 27 28 On January 10, 2018, the ALJ issued a decision denying Plaintiff’s application. (See AR 21-30). Applying the five-step sequential process, the ALJ found at step one that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since September 1, 2015. (AR 23). At step two, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff had the following severe impairments -- “degenerative disc disease status post cervical fusion, left shoulder…