Facts

On March 21, 2014, Ralph Orozco filed an application for Supplemental Security Income, pursuant to Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act, which was denied, in both the first instance and upon reconsideration. On Dec. 7, 2016, an ALJ found Orozco not disabled and found that he could perform numerous jobs in the national economy. Orozco petitioned the district court for review of the ALJ's decision.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that he suffered from anxiety and insomnia. Plaintiff contended that those conditions prevented him from working, as well as performing many basic functions endemic to a normal life.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant contended that plaintiff's conditions were not as severe as plaintiff testified. Defendant contended that plaintiff's actions demonstrated that he was capable of working after the date he filed the SSI application.

Result

The court granted plaintiff's motion for summary judgment and reversed the ALJ's decision. The court found the ALJ improperly inferred that plaintiff was able to work by the fact that he did work after the application date. Such an inference was improper, as it was based on a faulty premise.