Source: http://tn.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20180330_0000349.ETN.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 13:17:33+00:00

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This matter is before the United States Magistrate Judge, with the consent of the parties and by an order of reference [Doc. 20], for decision and entry of a final judgment. Plaintiff's application for disability insurance benefits was administratively denied following a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). This is an action for judicial review of the Commissioner's final decision, per 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Each party filed a dispositive motion [Docs. 16 and 21] with a supporting memorandum [Docs. 17 and 22].
The sole function of this Court in making this review is to determine whether the findings of the Commissioner are supported by substantial evidence. McCormick v. Sec. of Health & Human Servs., 861 F.2d 998, 1001 (6th Cir. 1988). “Substantial evidence” is evidence that is more than a mere scintilla and is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support the challenged conclusion. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389 (1971). It must be enough to justify, if the trial were to a jury, a refusal to direct a verdict when the conclusion sought to be drawn is one of fact for the jury. LeMaster v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 802 F.2d 839, 841 (6th Cir. 1986). The Court may not try the case de novo nor resolve conflicts in the evidence, nor decide questions of credibility. Garner v. Heckler, 745 F.2d 383, 387 (6th Cir. 1984). Even if the reviewing court were to resolve the factual issues differently, the Commissioner's decision must stand if supported by substantial evidence. Listenbee v. Sec. of Health & Human Servs., 846 F.2d 345, 349 (6th Cir. 1988). Yet, even if supported by substantial evidence, “a decision of the Commissioner will not be upheld where the SSA fails to follow its own regulations and where that error prejudices a claimant on the merits or deprives the claimant of a substantial right.” Bowen v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 478 F.3d 742, 746 (6th Cir. 2007).
4. Considering the claimant's RFC, can he or she perform his or her past relevant work?
20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). A claimant bears the ultimate burden of establishing disability under the Social Security Act's definition. Key v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 109 F.3d 270, 274 (6th Cir. 1997). The burden shifts to the Commissioner with respect to the fifth step if the claimant satisfies the first four steps of the process. See Jones v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 336 F.3d 469, 474 (6th Cir. 2003).
Plaintiff was thirty-eight years old and was a younger person under the applicable regulations at the time she filed her application (Tr. 30, 133). Plaintiff's prior relevant work experience includes work as a waitress, cook, and a check cashier (Tr. 40). She alleges a disability onset of June 27, 2011, due to depression, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), high blood pressure, and obesity (Tr. 167). She met the insured status requirement through September 30, 2016 (Tr. 14). Accordingly, she must establish disability on or before that date in order to be entitled benefits. 20 C.F.R. § 404.130.
In December 2015, an ALJ conducted an evidentiary hearing; Beckett and a vocational expert (“VE”) testified. The ALJ found Plaintiff was not disabled and denied benefits. The appeals council denied a review request (Tr. 1). Plaintiff now appeals to this Court.

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