Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-arwd-2_04-cv-02261/USCOURTS-arwd-2_04-cv-02261-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (DIWC)

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AO72A

(Rev. 8/82)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

FORT SMITH DIVISION

LOYDELL L. VESTAL PLAINTIFF

v. CIVIL NO . 04-2261

JO ANNE B. BARNHART, Commissioner

Social Security Administration DEFENDANT

O R D E R 

On April 25, 2006, plaintiff filed a petition for attorney’s fees pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2412,

the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), requesting compensation for 36.40 hours of work before the

court at an hourly rate of $163.75. (Doc. # 13). Attorney's fees may not be awarded in excess of

$125.00 per hour - the maximum statutory rate under § 2412(d)(2)(A) - unless the court finds that

an increase in the cost of living or a special factor such as the limited availability of qualified

attorneys justifies a higher fee. 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)(2)(A). The hourly rate may be increased when

there is uncontested proof of an increase in the cost of living sufficient to justify hourly attorney's

fees, such as a copy of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Plaintiff’s counsel included a website of the

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; however, when this website was checked it indicates no survey

exists. Plaintiff’s counsel has until May 22, 2006, to amend her petition to include a copy of the CPI.

Defendant will have ten days to respond to plaintiff’s amended motion. Plaintiff’s counsel is

reminded that all future petitions should also included a copy of the CPI should counsel want an

increase in the statutory hourly rate.

IT IS SO ORDERED this 12 day of May 2006. th

/s/ Beverly Stites Jones 

HON. BEVERLY STITES JONES

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 

Case 2:04-cv-02261-BSJ Document 16 Filed 05/12/06 Page 1 of 1 PageID #: <pageID>