(SS) Castellanos Franco v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Irma Castellanos Franco (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of 13 the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying her application 14 for disability insurance benefits pursuant to Title II of the Social Security Act. The matter is before 15 the Court on the parties’ briefs. Docs. 16, 19, 20. After reviewing the record the Court finds that 16 substantial evidence and applicable law support the ALJ’s decision.

II. Factual and Procedural Background2

18 On October 9, 2019 Plaintiff applied for disability insurance benefits alleging disability as 19 of May 2, 2019. The Commissioner denied the application initially on January 6, 2020 and on 20 reconsideration February 28, 2020. AR 84, 90. Plaintiff requested a hearing which was held before 21 an Administrative Law Judge (the “ALJ”) on April 21, 2021. AR 29–58. On June 2, 2021 the ALJ 22 issued an unfavorable decision. AR 12–28. The Appeals Council denied review on October 29, 23 2021. AR 1–6.

III. The Disability Standard

25 Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §405(g), this court has the authority to review a decision by the

1 The parties…