Dominguez v. Colvin

After plaintiff's second application for disability benefits was denied by the ALJ, the government conceded that the ALJ made a legal error when it rejected the opinions of plaintiff's treating physician without giving sufficient reason. On appeal, plaintiff challenged the district court's decision to exercise its discretion and remand to the ALJ for further proceedings. The court concluded that the district court did not err in remanding this case to the ALJ for further factual proceedings, rather than for payment of benefits. Further, in light of the inconsistencies, conflicts, and gaps in the record that require further administrative proceedings, the court did not proceed to the next question: whether the ALJ would be required to find plaintiff disabled if the physician's inconsistent reports were credited as true. Accordingly, the court affirmed the judgment. View "Dominguez v. Colvin" on Justia Law