Legal Case Summary

Maria Ocegueda v. Carolyn Colvin


Date Argued: Fri Oct 23 2015
Case Number: 322108
Docket Number: 3006961
Judges:Stafford, Pregerson, Trott
Duration: 36 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: Maria Ocegueda v. Carolyn Colvin, Docket Number 3006961** **Court:** United States District Court **Case Overview:** Maria Ocegueda filed a case against Carolyn Colvin, who was the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the time. The case primarily revolves around Ocegueda's challenge to the SSA's decision regarding her application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. **Background:** Maria Ocegueda applied for SSDI benefits, alleging that she suffered from disabilities that prevented her from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Ocegueda claimed her impairments included various medical conditions that significantly impacted her daily life and ability to work. After an initial denial of her application for benefits, she sought reconsideration, which was also denied. This led her to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). During the hearing, Ocegueda presented evidence and testimony regarding her disabilities, including medical records and personal accounts of how her conditions affected her ability to perform daily activities. The ALJ ultimately found her not disabled, leading to the appeal of this decision in the federal court system. **Legal Issues:** The central issue in this case concerned whether the ALJ's determination that Ocegueda was not disabled under the Social Security Act was supported by substantial evidence. The court examined the ALJ's findings in light of the medical evidence presented, the credibility of Ocegueda's claims, and the application of the legal standards for determining disability. **Court's Decision:** The district court reviewed the ALJ's decision and the administrative record. After considering the arguments presented by Ocegueda’s counsel, who contended that the ALJ had erred in various assessments, the court ultimately affirmed the decision of the SSA. The court found that the ALJ's conclusion was supported by substantial evidence and that the proper legal standards had been applied in making the disability determination. **Conclusion:** The case of Maria Ocegueda v. Carolyn Colvin highlights the complexities involved in disability claims and the rigorous review process that follows initial determinations made by the Social Security Administration. The court's affirmation of the SSA’s decision underscores the difficulty claimants may face in proving disability and the importance of comprehensive medical documentation and effective legal representation.

Maria Ocegueda v. Carolyn Colvin


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