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 1 On January 10, 2018, the ALJ issued a decision denying Plaintiff’s 2 application. (See AR 21-30). Applying the five-step sequential 3 process, the ALJ found at step one that Plaintiff had not engaged in 4 substantial gainful activity since September 1, 2015. (AR 23). At step 5 two, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff had the following severe 6 impairments -- “degenerative disc disease status post cervical fusion, 7 left shoulder…