[Brian R.] v. Kijakazi (W.D. La. Sept. 13, 2022) - drug & alcohol abuse, RFC, subjective complaints

[Brian R.] v. Kijakazi (W.D. La. Sept. 13, 2022) - drug & alcohol abuse, RFC, subjective complaints

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[Brian R.] v. Kijakazi, No. CV 3:21-00750, 2022 WL 4230247 (W.D. La. Aug. 29, 2022), report and recommendation adopted, No. CV 3:21-00750, 2022 WL 4227881 (W.D. La. Sept. 13, 2022) (R&R by U.S. Magistrate Kayla Dye McClusky, adopted by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty)

Briefs for purchase:  Appellant’s Initial Brief, Appellant’s Reply Brief, and court decision 

Topics addressed: 

  • RFC - relationship with PRTF findings
  • RFC - interacting with co-workers, supervisors and the public  
  • Non-examining physicians v. examining physicians (old law)
  • Subjective symptoms - daily activities 
  • Subjective symptoms - ALJ must consider reasons for not seeking treatment
  • Subjective symptoms - work activity 
  • Mental domains - interacting with others
  • Drug and alcohol (DAA) abuse
  • Appeals Council - duty to follow remand orders 
  • Remand for an award of benefits - entitlement clear from the record

Rulings addressed:

  • Social Security Ruling 85-15

  • Social Security Ruling 13-2p 

  • Social Security Ruling 16-3p

Issues Briefed:

1)  The ALJ committed reversible legal error by not complying with applicable authority concerning the role of Plaintiff’s alcohol use.

2) The ALJ’s RFC assessment is not supported by substantial evidence.

3) The ALJ failed to properly consider Plaintiff’s subjective complaints and testimony.

Court decision:
After full briefing, the court remanded for further proceedings.