(SS) Stremple v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. Introduction

12 Plaintiff Teresa Lyda Stremple appeals the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security 13 denying her application for disability insurance benefits (DIB) under Title II of the Social Security 14 Act.1 Because substantial evidence and applicable law do not support the ALJ’s decision, the 15 appeal will be granted. 16

II. Factual and Procedural Background

17 On May 26, 2016, Plaintiff applied for DIB alleging disability beginning August 7, 2015, 18 due to peripheral neuropathy, ventricular bigeminy, arrythmia, mitral valve prolapse, insomnia, 19 major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The applications were denied initially and on 20 reconsideration. AR 106, 112. The ALJ held a hearing on July 17, 2019. AR 34–74. On September 21 12, 2019, the ALJ issued an unfavorable decision. AR 12–33. The Appeals Council denied review 22 on June 9, 2020, and this appeal followed. 23

III. The Disability Standard

24 Under 42 U.S.C. §405(g), this court has the authority to review the Commissioner’s denial 25 of disability benefits. Reversal is appropriate when the ALJ’s findings are based on legal error or 26 unsupported by substantial evidence.” …