Court Opinion

ID: 9493918
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 15:23:18.821136+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:56:06.441369
License: Public Domain

LOKEN, Circuit Judge,
dissenting.
Robert Lauer applied for benefits on November 14, 1994, claiming a disability onset date of August 31, 1993, caused by continuing pain from back, neck, leg, and arm injuries in an auto accident. His application was denied in January 1995, and he requested reconsideration in March 1995, alleging the same disabling physical impairments. After the denial was upheld on reconsideration, Lauer requested a hearing on June 12, 1995. Four days later — nearly two years after the alleged disability onset date — Lauer was examined by a psychiatrist for the first time. On August 22, 1996, three weeks after the administrative hearing, Dr. Bohrod wrote to Lauer’s attorney that Lauer “may do some independent work.” Like the district court, I conclude that the administrative record, fairly viewed as a whole, contains substantial evidence süpporting the Commissioner’s decision to deny disability benefits. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent.