Opinion ID: 517698
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Straw

Text: 7 Straw filed an application for disability benefits to be paid beginning on November 11, 1982. The Secretary denied her application at the initial and reconsideration levels. In October 1983, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) denied her application, and the Appeals Council affirmed on January 1984. 8 Straw timely appealed her claim to federal district court, and in March 1985, the court remanded the case to the Secretary. In December 1985, the ALJ found her eligible for benefits, and after an additional remand order by the Appeals Council, the ALJ issued a second favorable opinion in September 1986. The Council affirmed that decision in January 1987, and awarded her back benefits of $21,732.47. 9 The Secretary withheld a total of $5438.95, or 25% of that sum for payment of attorney fees, as he regularly does in successful appeals. Plaintiff then filed a motion for the fees, requesting that the entire 25% be awarded to attorney Hartford. The 25% figure is derived from the contingency fee contract negotiated between the plaintiff and her attorney; it is also the maximum amount allowed under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 406(b)(1). See discussion of that statute infra at 1168-69. 10 On May 22, 1988, the district court awarded the entire 25% to the attorney. On July 17, the Secretary filed a timely notice of appeal from that Order.