Opinion ID: 3019164
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Applying the SSA Test to the Petitioner’s Claim

Text: The ALJ determined that Nieves was not disabled within the meaning of the SSA on account of his ability to perform PRW. The ALJ made a thorough investigation of the medical evidence submitted, and based on the findings in those reports, assessed the petitioner’s ailments under the SSA’s five step evaluation. The ALJ first determined that Neives was not engaged in substantial gainful activity. Having passed step one of the test, the ALJ next considered whether the petitioner Nieves had a severe impairment. In light of the medical evidence in the record, the ALJ determined that Nieves’s diabetes and hypertension were severe, but not severe enough as to meet or exceed those listed under 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1.1 Thus, the ALJ was required to consider whether 1 In order to qualify as severely disabled on account of diabetes under 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, a person must be able to demonstrate: A. Neuropathy demonstrated by significant and persistent disorganization or motor function in two extremities resulting in 5 Nieves’s diabetes and hypertension prevented him from performing PRW. The ALJ concluded that Nieves’s occupation as a security guard required only light work 2 and that his diabetes and hypertension would not prevent him from performing the duties associated with that job. Having concluded that the petitioner was not precluded from performing his PRW, the ALJ found Nieves ineligible for DBI and SSI and denied them accordingly.