Source: http://me.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20171031_0000665.DME.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 09:14:15+00:00

Document:
John C. Nivison, U.S. Magistrate Judge.
On Plaintiff George Hamm's application for disability insurance benefits under Title II and supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, Defendant, the Social Security Administration Commissioner, found that Plaintiff has severe impairments, but retains the functional capacity to perform substantial gainful activity. Defendant, therefore, denied Plaintiff's request for disability benefits. Plaintiff filed this action for judicial review of Defendant's final administrative decision pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
Following a review of the record, and after consideration of the parties' arguments, I recommend the Court vacate the administrative decision and remand for further proceedings.
A court must affirm the administrative decision provided the correct legal standards were applied and provided the decision is supported by substantial evidence. This is so even if the record contains evidence capable of supporting an alternative outcome. Manso-Pizarro v. Sec'y of HHS, 76 F.3d 15, 16 (1st Cir. 1996) (per curiam); Rodriguez Pagan v. Sec'y of HHS, 819 F.2d 1, 3 (1st Cir. 1987). Substantial evidence is evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a finding. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971); Rodriguez v. Sec'y of HHS, 647 F.2d 218, 222 (1st Cir. 1981). “The ALJ's findings of fact are conclusive when supported by substantial evidence, but they are not conclusive when derived by ignoring evidence, misapplying the law, or judging matters entrusted to experts.” Nguyen v. Chater, 172 F.3d 31, 35 (1st Cir. 1999).
As of August 24, 2014, the VA had not issued either of its rating decisions. The rating decisions are based primarily on VA progress notes found in the record at exhibit 6F, in particular the March 25, 2015, consultative examination report of Kerry Kimball, Ph.D., which report apparently in part informed the VA rating decisions. (R. 436.) Dr. Houston and Dr. Knox thus did not have the opportunity to review the VA ratings and the records upon which the ratings were based. A review of the more recent records and the VA disability rating decisions suggests that the more recent records and decisions are not simply cumulative of the records reviewed and relied upon by Drs. Houston and Knox.

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