Disability Insurance Benefits

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Brenda Warnell v. Martin J. O’Malley

Case No.: 23-1632

Officials: Easterbrook, Scudder, and St. Eve, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Disability Insurance Benefits

Warnell applied for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income under the Social Security Act in 2019. Warnell asserted her inability to work due to severe migraines and chronic pain in her back, shoulders, and neck. Her medical records presented a mixed picture, with some physicians assessing her as having severely limited functional capacity, while others deemed her capable of limited physical exertion.

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) rejected Warnell’s claim, citing insufficient medical evidence to support the severity of her alleged functional limitations. Concluding that Warnell’s pain symptoms did not preclude her from engaging in light work with moderate noise and limited physical demands, the ALJ’s decision was upheld by the district court.

In the Seventh Circuit, Warnell contested the ALJ’s decision, arguing for more detailed accounts of the medical evidence. However, the court dismissed this argument, affirming that the ALJ’s decision was backed by substantial evidence and met the standard set by the Supreme Court. The court found the ALJ’s explanation of her decision to be adequate, pointing out specific evidence contradicting Warnell’s assertions and addressing any conflicting evidence. Consequently, the court rejected Warnell’s contention that more detailed accounts of the medical evidence were necessary.

Affirmed.

Decided 04/08/24

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