Rivera v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner

Plaintiff Carmen M. Rivera applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits due to multiple impairments. An administrative law judge (ALJ) denied the claim, finding Rivera capable of performing some work. Rivera appealed to the district court and then to the First Circuit, arguing the ALJ failed to properly evaluate her treating physician's opinion. On September 5, 2023, a panel consisting of Judges O. Rogeriee Thompson, William J. Kayatta Jr., and Gustavo A. Gelpí ruled that the ALJ's decision was supported by substantial evidence and adequately explained the weight given to medical opinions. The court affirmed the denial of benefits.

The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the Commissioner's decision denying disability benefits, ruling against the plaintiff.

Whether the ALJ properly evaluated medical opinion evidence as required by federal regulations, and whether the decision to deny disability benefits was supported by substantial evidence.

The decision reinforces the substantial evidence standard for judicial review of Social Security disability determinations and underscores the requirement for ALJs to articulate clear, specific reasons for their evaluation of medical opinions, providing guidance for future administrative appeals.