Record failed to contain sufficient evidence to support ALJ’s denial of claimant’s application for Social Security disability benefits based upon his back, joint and leg pain, his hypersomnia and obesity. ALJ could not simply disregard opinion of primary treating physician, who stated that claimant could only stand or sit for 1.5 hours per workday, and that claimant’s need to take frequent breaks during workday precluded him from full-time work. ALJ’s reasons for discounting treating physician’s opinion were not supported by record, and fact that claimant could perform some household chores did not translate into finding that claimant could do full-time work. Also, record failed to establish that claimant could maintain sufficient concentration to be able to perform simple, repetitive tasks for 6 out of 8 hours per workday.
Federal 7th Circuit Court
Civil Court
Social Security