Voight v. Colvin

Record failed to support ALJ’s denial of claimant’s application for Social Security disability benefits based on allegations that claimant suffered from depression and bipolar disorder, as well as chronic back and hip pain. Claimant had several “GAF” scores indicating existence of various degrees of mental illness, and ALJ made contradictory observations as to whether claimant was malingerer. Moreover, vocational expert, who believed that claimant could do simple sedentary work, failed to explain how he calculated number of available jobs in relevant job market. Also, ALJ failed to provide adequate reason for rejecting opinion of treating therapist, who found existence of mental illness that would require claimant to be absent from work for more than 4 days per month, which, in turn, would preclude claimant from obtaining gainful employment.