(SS) Abitia v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

13 Plaintiff Monica Abitia (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the 14 Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying her application for 15 supplemental security income pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The matter is before 16 the undersigned for issuance of Findings and Recommendations based on the parties’ briefs. Docs. 17 20–22. After reviewing the record the undersigned finds that substantial evidence and applicable 18 law support the ALJ’s decision and recommends that the Court direct entry of judgment in favor of 19 Defendant against Plaintiff, affirming the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security.

II. Factual and Procedural Background2

21 On September 17, 2015 Plaintiff applied for supplemental security income. The 22 Commissioner denied the application initially on February 2, 2016 and on reconsideration on June 23 2, 2016. AR 124, 133. A hearing was held before an Administrative Law Judge (the “ALJ”) on 24 September 7, 2018. AR 46. On December 11, 2018 the ALJ issued an unfavorable decision. AR

1 The parties did not consent to…