Source: http://il.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20180723_0001518.NIL.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 17:19:16+00:00

Document:
NANCY A. BERRYHILL, Acting Commissioner of Social Security,  Respondent.
Jeffrey T. Gilbert United States Magistrate Judge.
Claimant Hasim Pale (“Claimant”) seeks review of the final decision of Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”), denying Claimant's application for Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) under Title II of the Social Security Act (“Act”). Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Local Rule 73.1, the parties have consented to the jurisdiction of a United States Magistrate Judge for all proceedings, including entry of final judgment. [ECF No. 9.] The parties have filed cross-motions for summary judgment [ECF Nos. 13 and 22] pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1383(c) and 405(g). For the reasons stated below, Claimant's Motion for Summary Judgment [ECF No. 13] is granted, and the Commissioner's Motion [ECF No. 22] is denied. This matter is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this Memorandum Opinion and Order.
Never climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds, avoid all use or exposure to moving machinery and unprotected heights. The work is limited to simple routine repetitive tasks; performed in a work environment free of fast paced production requirements, involving only simple, work related decisions and with few, if any, workplace changes; only brief and superficial interaction with the public, coworkers, and supervisors.
(R. 23.) At step four, the ALJ determined that Claimant was unable to perform any past relevant work. (R. 26.) Finally, at step five, the ALJ found that there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy that Claimant can perform, such as dishwasher, janitor, or dining room attendant. (R. 27.) Because of this determination, the ALJ found that Claimant was not disabled under the Act. (R. 28.) The Appeals Council declined to review the matter on April 7, 2017, making the ALJ's decision the final decision of the Commissioner and, therefore, reviewable by this Court under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). See Haynes v. Baumhart, 416 F.3d 621, 626 (7th Cir. 2005).
A decision by an ALJ becomes the Commissioner's final decision if the Appeals Council denies a request for review. Sims v. Apfel, 530 U.S. 103, 106-07 (2000). Under such circumstances, the district court reviews the decision of the ALJ. (Id.) Judicial review is limited to determining whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence in the record and whether the ALJ applied the correct legal standards in reaching his or her decision. Nelms v. Astrue, 553 F.3d 1093, 1097 (7th Cir. 2009). The reviewing court may enter a judgment “affirming, modifying, or reversing the decision of the [Commissioner], with or without remanding the cause for a rehearing.” 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Richardson v. Perales, 42 U.S. 389, 401 (1971). A “mere scintilla” of evidence is not enough. Scott v. Barnhart, 297 F.3d 589, 593 (7th Cir. 2002). Even where there is adequate evidence in the record to support the decision, the findings will not be upheld if the ALJ does not “build an accurate and logical bridge from the evidence to the conclusion.” Berger v. Astrue, 516 F.3d 539, 544 (7th Cir. 2008). In other words, if the Commissioner's decision lacks evidentiary support or adequate discussion of the issues, it cannot stand. Villano v. Astrue, 556 F.3d 558, 562 (7th Cir. 2009). Though the standard of review is deferential, a reviewing court must “conduct a critical review of the evidence” before affirming the Commissioner's decision. Eichstadt v. Astrue, 534 F.3d 663, 665 (7th Cir. 2008). It may not, however, “displace the ALJ's judgment by reconsidering facts or evidence.” Elder v. Astrue, 529 F.3d 408, 413 (7th Cir. 2008).
On appeal, Claimant alleges a number of errors. Among other things, Claimant contends that the ALJ erred in evaluating the opinions of Claimant's treating physicians and improperly assessed Claimant's subjective allegations and credibility. Although Claimant raises other alleged errors in the ALJ's opinion, it is unnecessary to address them because these issues are dispositive of Claimant's appeal.

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