Legal Case Summary

Kim Brown-Hunter v. Carolyn W. Colvin


Date Argued: Fri Mar 13 2015
Case Number: W2014-00185-CCA-R3-CD
Docket Number: 2641647
Judges:Wallace, Smith, Watford
Duration: 35 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: Kim Brown-Hunter v. Carolyn W. Colvin, Docket Number 2641647** **Court:** United States District Court **Date:** [Insert date if known] **Docket Number:** 2641647 **Background:** Kim Brown-Hunter, the plaintiff, filed a case against Carolyn W. Colvin, the former Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The case primarily addresses the denial of disability benefits requested by Brown-Hunter under the Social Security Act. Brown-Hunter argues that her impairments prevent her from engaging in substantial gainful activity, which qualifies her for disability benefits. **Facts:** 1. Brown-Hunter applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, claiming several medical conditions that limit her ability to work. 2. The SSA denied her application, determining that she was not disabled as per the criteria established under the Social Security Act. 3. Brown-Hunter contested the SSA's decision, arguing that it failed to properly consider her testimony, medical records, and the opinions of her treating physician. **Legal Issues:** The central legal issues in this case revolve around whether the SSA properly evaluated Brown-Hunter's disability claim according to the Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, the case examines: - The adequacy of the evidence considered by the SSA in denying benefits. - Whether the SSA properly applied the legal standards for evaluating disability claims, including the consideration of subjective symptoms and the treating physician's opinions. **Arguments:** - **For the Plaintiff (Brown-Hunter):** Brown-Hunter contends that the SSA disregarded critical medical evidence and misjudged her capacity for work, leading to an unjust denial of benefits. She emphasizes the need for a more thorough examination of her medical condition and the impact it has on her daily life. - **For the Defendant (Colvin):** Colvin defends the SSA’s decision by asserting that the agency's conclusions were based on substantial evidence and complied with relevant legal standards. She argues that Brown-Hunter failed to demonstrate that her conditions meet the severity required for a disability claim. **Outcome:** The court's decision is anticipated to address the validity of the SSA’s decision-making process, examining whether appropriate standards were followed in assessing disability claims. The court may uphold the denial, reverse it, or remand the case for further proceedings based on its findings. **Conclusion:** This case underscores the complexities involved in Social Security disability claims and the importance of adequate legal representation for applicants. Brown-Hunter's case against Colvin serves as a critical examination of how the SSA evaluates disability claims, particularly regarding subjective impairments and medical evidence. **Note:** Further details, including specific legal findings and the final ruling, may be provided based on the outcome of the case proceedings and any subsequent appeals. --- This summary intends to provide a clear overview of the case based on the typical structure of similar legal documents. For specific case outcomes or rulings, you may need to refer directly to case law databases or court documents.

Kim Brown-Hunter v. Carolyn W. Colvin


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