(SS) Ashlock v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Randy Allen Ashlock (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the 13 Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying his application for 14 supplemental security income pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The matter is before 15 the Court on the parties’ briefs which were submitted without oral argument to the United States 16 Magistrate Judge. Docs. 14–15. After reviewing the record the Court finds that substantial 17 evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision. Plaintiff’s appeal is therefore denied.

II. Factual and Procedural Background2

19 On March 13, 2018 Plaintiff applied for supplemental security income. AR 182–93. The 20 Commissioner denied the application initially on April 12, 2018 and on reconsideration on June 21 28, 2018. AR 72, 83. Plaintiff requested a hearing which was held before an Administrative Law 22 Judge (the “ALJ”) on October 14, 2020. AR 33–53. On January 20, 2021 the ALJ issued a decision 23 denying Plaintiff’s application. AR 12–28. The Appeals Council denied review on October 26, 24 2021. AR 1–3. On November 23, 2021, Plaintiff filed a…