(SS) Vega v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

17 Plaintiff Desira Vega (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the 18 Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying her application for 19 supplemental security income pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act. 20

II. Factual and Procedural Background

21 Plaintiff sought disability insurance benefits (which was withdrawn) and supplemental 22 security income with an amended alleged disability onset date of February 29, 2020. AR 26. The 23 Commissioner denied the application initially on June 19, 2020, and on reconsideration on August 24 20, 2020. AR 176–77; 206–07. Plaintiff appeared for a telephonic hearing before an 25 Administrative Law Judge (the “ALJ”) on May 28, 2021. AR 46–87. The ALJ issued an 26 unfavorable decision dated June 22, 2021. AR 22–45. The Appeals Council denied review on 27 March 29, 2022. AR 1–6. 28

III. The Disability Standard

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

3 Commissioner denying a claimant disability benefits. “This court may set aside the

4 Commissioner’s denial…