Facts

Plaintiff Melanie L.L. sought review of the Commissioner of Social Security's decision denying her disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended Defendant ALJ erred when it determined Plaintiff was not disabled despite Defendant previously concluding that Plaintiff suffered from the severe impairments of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral shoulder/clavicle problems with pain; lumbar and cervical spine problems with pain; left leg/hip problems with pain; right foot problems with pain; and obesity. Plaintiff further contended defendant erred when it failed to properly consider the medical opinions and evidence of Plaintiff's record and her subjective symptom testimony.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied Plaintiff's contentions, and argued Plaintiff's impairments, considered individually or in combination, failed to meet or medically equal a listed impairment. Rather Defendant contended Plaintiff maintained the functional capacity to perform a reduced range of light work and Plaintiff was capable of performing past relevant work as a cashier as previously performed. Lastly Defendant contended Plaintiff's subjective statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects were inconsistent with the medical evidence and other evidence in the record.

Result

The court granted summary judgment in favor of Defendant after it determined Defendant ALJ provided specific, clear and convincing reasons to discount plaintiff's subjective symptom statements as inconsistent overall with the evidence of record.