Opinion

Macklin v. Commissioner of Social Security

Court
District Court, N.D. Ohio
Filed
Jul 1, 2022
Cited by
0 cases
Authority
More cited than 28.0%

The opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

EASTERN DIVISON

DARYL MACKLIN, ) CASE NO. 1:21-CV-01065-CEH

)

Plaintiff, )

) MAGISTRATE JUDGE

v. ) CARMEN E. HENDERSON

)

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, )

) MEMORANDUM OPINION AND

Defendant, ) ORDER

)

I. Introduction

Plaintiff, Daryl Macklin, seeks judicial review of the final decision of the Commissioner

of Social Security denying his applications for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) and

Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”). This matter is before me by consent of the parties under

28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73. (ECF No. 12). Because the ALJ followed proper

procedures and her findings are supported by substantial evidence, the Court AFFIRMS the

Commissioner’s final decision denying Macklin SSI and DIB.

II. Procedural History

On October 10, 2019, Macklin filed applications for SSI and DIB, alleging a disability

onset date of June 30, 2016. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 132). The applications were denied initially

and upon reconsideration, and Macklin requested a hearing before an administrative law judge

(“ALJ”). (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 193). On November 4, 2020, an ALJ held a hearing, during

which Macklin, represented by counsel, and an impartial vocational expert testified. (ECF No.

10, PageID #: 91). On November 24, 2020, the ALJ issued a written decision finding Macklin

was not disabled. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 67). The ALJ’s decision became final on March 18,

2021, when the Appeals Council declined further review. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 56).

On May 21, 2021, Macklin filed his Complaint to challenge the Commissioner’s final

decision. (ECF No. 1). The parties have completed briefing in this case. (ECF Nos. 15, 16).

Macklin asserts the following assignments of error:

Mr. Macklin meets Listing 12.03. The Administrative Law Judge

(“ALJ”) committed reversible error at Step 3 by failing to

adequately analyze Mr. Macklin’s ability to adapt to the

requirements of daily life. The ALJ’s unexplained assertion that

Mr. Macklin “reported some improvement in his mental health

symptoms” is insufficient justification to show why Mr. Macklin

does not meet Listing 12.03.

(ECF No. 15 at 3).

III. Background1

A. Relevant Hearing Testimony

The ALJ summarized the relevant testimony from Macklin’s hearing:

The claimant alleged that he was unable to perform work due to

the limiting signs and symptoms of his severe impairments. The

claimant testified that he experienced left knee and back pain that

made it difficult to stand for long periods. He explained that he

treated with a knee brace and Tylenol. He stated that he had

trouble with mental health issues, including panic attacks three to

four times per week. The claimant testified that he could not be

around others as he felt that people were out to hurt him. He stated

that he did not shower or change his clothes daily. He explained

that he did not feel he could tolerate stress or adapt to changes. The

claimant testified that he attempted suicide in the past and would

rather just sit alone in his room. In an adult function report, the

claimant reported difficulty with lifting, squatting, bending,

standing, reaching, walking, sitting, kneeling, talking, stair

climbing, memory, completing tasks, concentration, understanding,

following instructions, getting along with others, and handling

1 Macklin’s sole argument relates to his mental health impairments. The Court’s

discussion of the medical evidence, therefore, focuses on the same.

stress and changes in routine.

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 76).

B. Relevant Medical Evidence

The ALJ also summarized Macklin’s health records and symptoms:

The claimant [] treated for depressive, bipolar and related

disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma

and stressor-related disorders. On June 9, 2018, the claimant

presented to the emergency department for depression and

thoughts of harming himself. He complained of feeling depressed

progressively since December 2017 after his grandmother’s death.

He stated that he felt overwhelmed and hopeless due to taking care

of his mother who had kidney failure and engaged in dialysis three

times per week. He stated that he used crack cocaine every two to

three days and marijuana occasionally. Upon mental status

examination by Alisa Paliy, M.D., the claimant was tearful and his

affect was constricted. His thought content included vague

thoughts of harming self, but he did not express any delusions or

ideas of reference. However, his hygiene and grooming were fair.

He was cooperative with consistent eye contact. The claimant’s

thought process was logical, linear, and goal directed. He denied

auditory and visual hallucinations. He did not appear internally

stimulated. Dr. Paliy’s initial impression was that [t]he claimant

had depression. He was admitted to the psychiatric unit for 23-

hour observation. Treatment records note that the claimant had not

felt any better since coming to the emergency department. It was

also noted that the emergency room visit was the first time seeing a

psychiatrist and he had never been prescribed psychotropic

medication. Additionally, the claimant was willing to voluntarily

sign in for a psychiatric admission at a facility, but treatment was

started in the emergency department with Prozac, Atarax, Tylenol,

and trazodone. (3F, 62-75).

On July 20, 2018, the claimant attended a community psychiatric

supportive treatment (CPST) appointment with Erica Campbell,

QMHS-B. He appeared to be in a good mood and he was actively

engaged and participated in the appointment. The claimant

reported to having no signs of depression. (4F, 24). Ms. Campbell

noted that the claimant appeared to be in a good mood on August

3, 2018. They discussed some depression symptoms that he was

experiencing and he was provided with interventions that could

assist the claimant with managing the symptoms. (4F, 28).

Treatment records from July 2018–December 2018 with Kathleen

Miller, LSW reflect that the claimant missed therapy appointments

and was eventually closed for counseling services. (4F, 25-27, 31,

35-36).

The claimant attended a psychiatry appointment on August 16,

2018 with James Ward, CNP. The claimant reported having poor

sleep, but a slightly improved mood. He stated that he was sober

from cocaine for three months. Mr. Ward felt that the claimant was

making some progress toward his treatment objectives. His

assessment of claimant reflected diagnoses of major depressive

disorder, recurrent, moderate, unspecified trauma and stressor-

related disorder, and cocaine use disorder, currently sober three

months. He increased the claimant’s dosages of Celexa and

trazodone. (4F, 29-30).

On October 19, 2018, the claimant returned to see Mr. Ward. He

explained that he ran out of medications and did not have

insurance. He rated depression at a nine out of 10 and chronic

passive suicidal ideation and poor sleep. Upon mental status

examination, the claimant’s affect was flat and constricted, but

congruent to mood, appropriate, and stable. His mood was

depressed. He had a mild impairment of judgment. However, he

made good eye contact and he was calm, pleasant, cooperative,

engaged, neat, clean, and appropriately dressed. The claimant’s

thought process was goal-directed, linear, and coherent. He denied

suicidal thoughts. He had moderate insight and intact cognition.

Mr. Ward stated that the claimant had a depressed mood in the

context of non-adherence and brief disengagement. He noted that

the claimant was willing to restart medication as he reported

having a partial response since his dosage was increased at the last

visit. He restarted the claimant on citalopram and trazodone. (2F,

2-3).

Treatment records reflect that the claimant was hospitalized from

May 6, 2019 to May 9, 2019 for major depressive disorder,

recurrent, severe, without psychotic features, anxiety disorder,

unspecified after presenting to the emergency department for

taking trazodone in a suicide attempt on May 4, 2019. He was

medically cleared before being admitted to the psychiatric unit.

During his hospitalization, his mood and affect had gradually

improved and the claimant denied any thoughts of suicide or

harming self or others. Upon mental status examination at

discharge, the claimant’s mood and affect were less depressed. His

thought[s] were future oriented. He denied suicidal or homicidal

ideation. His cognition, memory, and concentration were intact.

The claimant made good eye contact. He denied anxiety. His

judgment and insight were fair. . . .

On September 17, 2019, the claimant attended an assessment with

Megan Brown, LISW. He discussed [that he] needed to re-engage

in psychiatry and case management support to follow up on social

security benefits. He reported no major changes since his last

linkage for services completed in June 2018 after a hospitalization

for suicidal ideation. He complained of depressive symptoms

including suicidal ideation, anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness,

sadness and difficulty sleeping and anxiety symptoms. It was noted

that the claimant had a history of post-traumatic stress disorder

(PTSD) symptoms, but the claimant did not endorse those

symptoms during the current mental health assessment. . . . Ms.

Brown diagnosed the claimant with major depressive disorder,

recurrent episode, unspecified and anxiety, as well as a rule out

diagnosis of PTSD. (4F, 6-14).

The claimant attended a counseling appointment with Mordechai

Berkowitz, LSW on September 24, 2019. He stated that he had

symptoms of depression and he reported attempting suicide in June

2019, but he was okay. He explained that he felt depressed a little

based on financial issues and taking care of his mother. It was

noted that the claimant presented with a full affect and a positive

mood. (4F, 42).

On October 21, 2019, the claimant returned for an appointment

with Mr. Ward. Record note that the claimant was last seen

November 2018 and had missed several scheduled appointments.

He stated that in June 2019 he began feeling a little paranoid,

worried about a break-in, and thinking people were looking at him.

He stated his mood was depressed all the time and he had auditory

and visual hallucinations, but denied active suicidal ideation. Upon

mental status examination, the claimant had a depressed mood with

a flat and constructed affect that was congruent to mood,

appropriate, and stable. His insight was limited and his judgment

showed a mild impairment. However, he was calm, pleasant,

cooperative, engaged, neat, clean, and appropriately dressed. He

had good eye contact. The claimant’s thought process was goal-

directed, linear, and coherent. He denied suicidal thoughts. Mr.

Ward diagnosed the claimant with major depressive disorder,

current, severe, with psychosis. He was started on Abilify and

melatonin and he was restarted on Celexa. (5F, 9-11). Treatment

records from November 20, 2019 with Mr. Ward reflect

medication changes due to side effects. His Abilify was stopped

and replaced with Zyprexa. The claimant’s Celexa was increased

and continued on melatonin. (5F, 6-8).

The claimant attended a telehealth session with Mr. Ward on

March 26, 2020. Mr. Ward noted that he last saw the claimant in

November 2019. The claimant stated that he was feeling mildly

depressed in the setting of pandemic, increased anxiety at night,

and continued paranoid ideation. He denied suicidal ideation. He

stated that he had been okay and spent his day busy watching

television. He explained that he tried to stay busy with household

chores. Upon mental status examination, the claimant’s mood was

depressed and he had hallucinations. His insight was limited and

his judgment had a mild impairment. However, the claimant was

cooperative, engaged, calm, and pleasant. His cognition was intact

and his thought process was goal-directed, linear, and coherent. He

denied suicidal ideation. Mr. Ward stated that the claimant’s most

significant stressor was non-adherence for the past two months and

he felt that again the claimant’s psychotic symptoms have an

unclear context. He restarted the claimant’s Zyprexa and Celexa

and continued the claimant on melatonin. (8F, 9-12). Treatment

records from April 23, 2020 with Mr. Ward reflect that the

claimant attended a telehealth session. He stated that everything

was okay right now and went to the park that week. He explained

that he was contemplating getting more exercise. The claimant

reported feeling anxious in crowds and social situations. Mental

status examination findings include a euthymic mood, being

cooperative, engaged, and accessible, a goal-direct, linear, and

coherent thought process, improving hallucinations and paranoia,

moderate insight, no impairment of judgment, intact cognition, and

a denial of suicidal thoughts. Mr. Ward increased the claimant’s

dosage of Celexa and continued the claimant’s other medication.

(8F, 12-16). Additional treatment records from May 20, 2020 with

Mr. Ward reflected medication changes. The claimant’s Zyprexa

was discontinued due to ineffectiveness. He was started on Abilify

and Cogentin and he was continued on Celexa and melatonin. (8F,

16-20).

On June 23, 2020, the claimant had another telehealth session with

Mr. Ward. He explained that he was unable to work due to

paranoid ideation, wanting to be in his room and do nothing, knee

and back pain. He reported his sleep was improving and that his

depression was still there, but not as bad. There was no objective

evidence of psychosis, but the claimant continued to report hearing

vague intermittent voices. He explained that he was increased

walking for exercise. Mental status examination findings were

similar to those from April 2020. Mr. Ward noted that the claimant

had reported his mood and sleep had slightly improved. He

recommended counseling for treatment the claimant’s depression

and anxious distress. He explained that the claimant endorsed

intermitted auditory hallucinations upon assessment, but their

reported quality was inconsistent and had an unclear context. Mr.

Ward did not suspect a thought disorder at that time. He continued

the claimant on his medication. (8F, 20-24). . . .

The claimant participated in another telehealth session with Mr.

Ward on August 18, 2020. The claimant reported a first incident

ever of visual hallucinations. He explained that he was tolerating

his medications well and he denied side effects. Upon mental

status examination, the claimant[] had hallucinations and paranoia.

However, his mood was euthymic. He was cooperative, engaged,

and accessible. The claimant’s thought process was goal-directed,

linear, and coherent. He denied suicidal ideations. The claimant’s

cognition was intact. He exhibited no impairment of judgment and

moderate insight. Mr. Ward stated that despite no triggers and full

adherence, the claimant continued to report inconsistent psychotic

symptoms without clear context. He explained that the claimant

reported a new onset of visual hallucination experience, which was

an isolated incident, and with no precipitating factors. He noted

that he could not rule out secondary gain to secure disability

benefits. However, Mr. Ward stated that the claimant still endorsed

depression and subjectively bothersome psychotic symptoms that

might be mood congruent. He increased the claimant’s dosage of

Abilify. (9F, 17-20).

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 81).

IV. The ALJ’s Decision

The ALJ made the following findings relevant to this appeal:

3. The claimant has the following severe impairments:

osteoarthritis and allied disorders (left knee), essential

hypertension, degenerative disc disease (thoracic and lumbar),

obesity, depressive, bipolar and related disorders, anxiety and

obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma and stressor-related

disorders (20 CFR 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c)).

4. The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of

impairments that meets or medically equals the severity of one of

the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1

(20 CFR 404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526, 416.920(d), 416.925

and 416.926).

5. After careful consideration of the entire record, I find that the

claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform light work

as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b) except he can

lift, carry, pull and pull 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds

frequently, he can stand and/or walk four hours in an eight-hour

workday, he can sit for six hours in an eight-hour workday, he can

frequently climb ramps and stairs, he can never climb ladders,

ropes, or scaffolds, he can occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and

crawl, he should never be exposed to hazards of unprotected

heights and dangerous machinery, and he is limited to occasional

routine workplace changes.

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 72–73, 75).

V. Law & Analysis

A. Standard of Review

The Court’s review “is limited to determining whether the Commissioner’s decision is

supported by substantial evidence and was made pursuant to proper legal standards.” Winn v.

Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 615 F. App’x 315, 320 (6th Cir. 2015); see also 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

“[S]ubstantial evidence is defined as ‘more than a scintilla of evidence but less than a

preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to

support a conclusion.’” Rogers v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007)

(quoting Cutlip v. Sec’y of HHS, 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994)).

“After the Appeals Council reviews the ALJ’s decision, the determination of the council

becomes the final decision of the Secretary and is subject to review by this Court.” Olive v.

Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 3:06 CV 1597, 2007 WL 5403416, at *2 (N.D. Ohio Sept. 19, 2007)

(citing Abbott v. Sullivan, 905 F.2d 918, 922 (6th Cir. 1990); Mullen v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 535,

538 (6th Cir. 1986) (en banc)). If the Commissioner’s decision is supported by substantial

evidence, it must be affirmed, “even if a reviewing court would decide the matter differently.”

Id. (citing 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Kinsella v. Schweiker, 708 F.2d 1058, 1059–60 (6th Cir. 1983)).

B. Standard for Disability

The Social Security regulations outline a five-step process that the ALJ must use in

determining whether a claimant is entitled to supplemental-security income or disability-

insurance benefits: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) if not,

whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) if so, whether

that impairment, or combination of impairments, meets or equals any of the listings in 20 C.F.R.

§ 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1; (4) if not, whether the claimant can perform his past relevant work

in light of his residual functional capacity (“RFC”); and (5) if not, whether, based on the

claimant’s age, education, and work experience, he can perform other work found in the national

economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)–(v); Combs v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 459 F.3d 640, 642–

43 (6th Cir. 2006). The claimant bears the ultimate burden of producing sufficient evidence to

prove that he is disabled and, thus, entitled to benefits. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512(a). Specifically, the

claimant has the burden of proof in steps one through four. Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127

F.3d 525, 529 (6th Cir. 1997). The burden shifts to the Commissioner at step five to establish

whether the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform available work in the

national economy. Id.

C. Discussion

Macklin raises one issue on appeal. He argues that the ALJ erred in her analysis of

Listing 12.03—Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders—and that he met each of

the listing’s requirements. Generally, to meet a listing, the claimant “must satisfy all of the

[listing’s] criteria.” Nash v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 19-6321, 2020 WL 6882255, at *3 (6th

Cir. Aug. 10, 2020). The claimant “bears the burden of showing that an impairment meets or

equals a listed impairment.” Id. As long as the ALJ’s listing finding is supported by substantial

evidence, based on the record as a whole, the Court will defer to the ALJ’s finding, “[e]ven if the

record could support an opposite conclusion.” Id. at *2.

Listing 12.03 is satisfied by meeting the criteria of its subsections A and B or its

subsections A and C. 20 CFR. § 404 Subpart P, App. 1, § 12.03. Macklin concedes that he does

not meet the requirements of subsection B, but argues that he meets subsections A and C.

Subsections A and C require:

A. Medical documentation of one or more of the following:

1. Delusions or hallucinations;

2. Disorganized thinking (speech); or

3. Grossly disorganized behavior or catatonia.

C. Your mental disorder in this listing category is “serious and

persistent;” that is, you have a medically documented history of the

existence of the disorder over a period of at least 2 years, and there

is evidence of both:

1. Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial

support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing

and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental

disorder; and

2. Marginal adjustment, that is, you have minimal capacity to

adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that

are not already part of your daily life.

Id. (emphasis removed) (citations omitted).

It is undisputed that Macklin meets the A criteria, as the ALJ acknowledged—and the

record demonstrates—that Macklin experienced hallucinations. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 80);

(ECF No. 16 at 11). There is similarly no dispute that Macklin meets the first prong of the C

criteria. The ALJ determined that Macklin’s mental impairments have persisted for more than

two years and he was receiving treatment in the form of outpatient medication management,

psychiatric hospitalizations, and counseling. (ECF No. 10, PageID #:75); (ECF No. 16 at 11).

The dispute, therefore, centers around whether Macklin meets the second prong of the C

criteria—evidence of marginal adjustment. The regulations clarify that:

The criterion in C2 is satisfied when the evidence shows that,

despite your diminished symptoms and signs, you have achieved

only marginal adjustment. “Marginal adjustment” means that your

adaptation to the requirements of daily life is fragile; that is, you

have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or

to demands that are not already part of your daily life. We will

consider that you have achieved only marginal adjustment when

the evidence shows that changes or increased demands have led to

exacerbation of your symptoms and signs and to deterioration in

your functioning; for example, you have become unable to

function outside of your home or a more restrictive setting, without

substantial psychosocial supports (see 12.00D). Such deterioration

may have necessitated a significant change in medication or other

treatment. Similarly, because of the nature of your mental disorder,

evidence may document episodes of deterioration that have

required you to be hospitalized or absent from work, making it

difficult for you to sustain work activity over time.

20 CFR. § 404 Subpart P, App. 1, § 12.00.

In concluding that Macklin did not meet the criteria of this prong, the ALJ reasoned that

the “evidence fails to show that the claimant has achieved only marginal adjustment (i.e. he has

only a minimal ability to adapt to changes in his environment and daily life). On the contrary, it

is clear from the record that the claimant reported some improvement in his mental health

symptoms.” (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 75). Macklin argues that the ALJ failed to adequately

analyze his ability to adapt to the requirements of daily life and that the ALJ’s reliance on “some

improvement” is insufficient justification for finding that Macklin did not meet the Listing.

Macklin also states that he meets Listing 12.03 because he “has persistent paranoia and

hallucinations that render his ability to adapt to the requirements of daily life fragile, he no

longer leaves the house, his mother takes care of him, his symptoms have continued despite

treatment, and he has been hospitalized multiple times due to his mental impairments.” (ECF No.

15 at 9–10). The Commissioner responds that the State Agency psychologists’ opinions that

Macklin did not have marginal adjustment provides substantial evidence for the ALJ’s listing

determination. The Commissioner also states that Macklin took care of his mother, attended

medical appointments, exercised at the park, and cared for himself. Notably, the Commissioner

does not appear to argue that the ALJ’s reliance on Macklin’s improvement alone amounted to

substantial evidence to support his conclusion.

Although the ALJ did not give a thorough explanation of why Macklin failed to

demonstrate marginal adjustment at Step three, the Court concludes that there is substantial

evidence throughout the record to support her decision. See Holmes v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No.

1:17-CV-01648, 2018 WL 4442314, at *11 (N.D. Ohio June 11, 2018) (“The court may look to

the ALJ’s decision in its entirety to justify the ALJ’s Step Three analysis.” (citations omitted)),

report and recommendation adopted, No. 1:17-CV-1648, 2018 WL 3544902 (N.D. Ohio July 24,

2018). First, the Court notes that the fact that the ALJ found that Macklin had some improvement

does provide some support for the ALJ’s conclusion. As outlined above, marginal adjustment is

demonstrated by changes that have led to “exacerbation” of a claimant’s symptoms and a

“deterioration” in his functioning. 20 CFR. § 404 Subpart P, App. 1. Evidence of improvement

does not support a finding that a claimant has deteriorated. Second, later in the opinion, the ALJ

gave a more thorough explanation of why she did not accept all of Macklin’s subjective

allegations. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 75). In relevant part, the ALJ recognized that Macklin stated

that he was unable to do household chores or leave the house but reasoned: “However, in March

2020, April 2020, and June 2020, he reported spending his day watching television, trying to stay

busy with household chores, going to the park, and increasing his walking for exercise. (ECF No.

10, PageID #: 83). This evidence supports the ALJ’s findings that Macklin did not have marginal

adjustment because it demonstrates that Macklin can adapt to daily life and function outside of

the house. Similarly, the ALJ also explained that

[M]ental status examination[s] include an appropriate, normal,

positive, or euthymic mood, an appropriate, full, or normal affect,

oriented to time, place, and person, normal behavior, fair hygiene

and grooming, consistent or good eye contact, cooperativeness,

logical, linear, coherent, and/or goal-directed thought process, a

denial of auditory and _ visual hallucinations, improving

hallucinations and paranoia, not appearing to be internally

stimulated, calmness, pleasantness, being neat, clean, and

appropriate dressed, moderate insight, a denial of suicidal

thoughts, and intact cognition.

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 83). This provides additional evidence of adjusting well to everyday

life. The combination of the above provides substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s marginal

adjustment decision. Thus, although Macklin pointed to evidence that supported his argument

(hospitalizations, continued symptoms despite treatment, and not wanting to leave his house), the

Court concludes that there was substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s Listing 12.03

conclusion. Accordingly, the Court finds no reason to disturb the ALJ’s decision.

VI. Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, the Court AFFIRMS the Commissioner’s final decision denying

Macklin SSI and DIB.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 1, 2022

s/ Carmen E. Henderson

CARMEN E. HENDERSON

U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE

13

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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