Vasquez Rios v. Commissioner of Social Security

I. INTRODUCTION

18 This action arises from the Commissioner of Social Security’s (“Commissioner” or 19 “Defendant”) denial of Robert Vasquez Rios’ (“Plaintiff”) application for disability 20 insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act (“Title II”). On April 11, 2022, 21 the Parties filed a Joint Motion for Judicial Review (“Joint Motion”) pursuant to the Court’s 22 September 15, 2021, Scheduling Order. (Doc. Nos. 15, 21.) The Joint Motion addresses 23 two matters, namely whether Administrative Law Judge Andrew Verne (“ALJ Verne”) (1) 24 properly weighed treating physician Dr. Ehler’s opinion; and (2) erred in assessing 25 Plaintiff’s credibility as to Plaintiff’s work history. Having reviewed and considered the 26 Parties’ submissions, the Court DENIES Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment and 27 GRANTS Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment. The Court explains below. 28 1 II. PROCEDURAL HISTORY On January 27, 2016, Plaintiff filed an application for disability benefits pursuant to Title II, alleging he could no longer work due to a disabling condition that began on or around October 15, 2014. (AR 99, 110 122, 127.)…