Residual Functional Capacity to Perform Sedentary Work Leads to Denial of Social Security Benefits

The plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused her to be out of work for six months. While the plaintiff did continue working after her alleged disability onset date, she did not work consistently, and so her earnings did not amount to substantial gainful activity as defined under the regulations. The plaintiff filed for Social Security Disability, but her application was denied. The plaintiff appealed. Although the Commissioner of Social Security, through the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), determined that the plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the date of her alleged disability onset, and also determined that the plaintiff did have three severe impairments, the plaintiff was found to have the residual functional capacity to perform sedentary work with some limitations. The ALJ determined that the plaintiff was not disabled during the relevant period. The court, therefore, affirmed the ALJ’s determination and dismissed the appeal. 

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