ALJ Error – Disability Benefits

By: Derek Hawkins//May 6, 2019//

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Ronnie L. Winsted, Jr. v. Nancy A. Berryhill

Case No.: 18-2228

Officials: MANION, BRENNAN, and SCUDDER, Circuit Judges.

Focus: ALJ Error – Disability Benefits

Ronnie Winsted applied for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income claiming disability based on numerous conditions, including degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and anxiety. An administrative law judge denied benefits, finding that Winsted could work with certain limitations. After the district court upheld this denial, Winsted appealed, arguing the ALJ did not consider his difficulties with concentration, persistence, and pace. We agree—the ALJ did not adequately explain how the limitations he placed on Winsted’s residual functional capacity accounted for the claimant’s mental difficulties, so we remand to the agency.

Reversed and remanded

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Derek A Hawkins is trademark corporate counsel for Harley-Davidson. Hawkins oversees the prosecution and maintenance of the Harley-Davidson’s international trademark portfolio in emerging markets.

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