Rocco Carmen Cozzitorto v. Andrew Saul

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS

18 Plaintiff, formerly employed as a caregiver and in motel management (see AR 172-75, 353, 363-73), filed applications for Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income on September 6, 2016 and January 10, 2017, respectively, alleging a disability since September 6, 2016. (See AR 85, 331-37). Plaintiff’s applications were denied, initially on June 14, 2017, and on reconsideration on September 20, 2017. (See AR 224, 255-56). 26 On January 16, 2019, Plaintiff, represented by counsel, testified at a hearing before Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) Barry Robinson. (See AR 167-87). The ALJ also heard testimony from vocational expert (“VE”) Joyce Brumbaugh. (See AR 187-90). On April 15, 2019, the ALJ issued a decision denying Plaintiff’s requests for benefits. (See AR 85-96). 4 Applying the five-step sequential process, the ALJ found at step one that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since September 6, 2016, the alleged onset disability onset date. (AR 87). At step two, the ALJ determined that…