Opinion ID: 3039874
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Second Application

Text: On May 31, 2002, Ruiz submitted a new application to the SSA. In support of that application, on April 29, 2003, Ruiz alleged for the first time that he was disabled because he was mentally retarded. A new ALJ considered this application and, inter alia, a consultative psychologist’s report that Ruiz was mentally retarded. On July 29, 2004 -- while Ruiz’s appeal from the earlier denial of benefits was pending before this Court -- the ALJ ruled that Ruiz was disabled based on his mental impairment. Ruiz and the Commissioner then jointly asked us to remand to the District Court for an award of benefits. We granted that request on November 16, 2004. Ruiz v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 189 Fed. Appx. 112, 113 (3d Cir. 2006). The District Court in turn remanded the case to the SSA on June 15, 2005, which subsequently awarded Ruiz benefits retroactive to September 30, 1998. -7-