Lewis et al v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
11
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable James R. Marschewski on November 20, 2013. (lw)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
FORT SMITH DIVISION
ROBERT LEWIS AND DINA LEWIS,
As Next Friend of JDL, a Minor, and
KAYLA MAPLES
v.
PLAINTIFF
CIVIL NO. 13-2086
CAROLYN COLVIN, Commissioner
Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Robert and Dina Lewis (“Plaintiffs”) bring this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) seeking
judicial review of a decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
(Commissioner) denying Robert Lewis’ application for disability insurance benefits (“DIB”) and
supplemental security income (“SSI”). ECF. No.1. The Defendant filed an answer to Plaintiff’s
action on June 3, 2013, asserting that the findings of the Commissioner were supported by
substantial evidence and were conclusive. ECF No. 6.
On November 19, 2013, the Commissioner, having changed positions, filed a motion
requesting that Plaintiff’s case be remanded pursuant to “sentence four” of section 405(g) in order
to conduct further administrative proceedings. ECF No. 10. Robert Lewis passed away on October
3, 2011, one day before the Administrate Law Judge (“ALJ”) rendered a decision in this matter. The
Defendant contends that remand is now necessary to allow the ALJ to hold another hearing, to permit
testimony, obtain additional evidence, reassess the residual functional capacity, and further evaluate,
to the extent possible under the circumstances, the credibility of the claimant’s allegations. If
warranted, the Defendant proposes that the ALJ will also obtain vocational evidence.
The exclusive methods by which a district court may remand a social security case to the
Commissioner are set forth in “sentence four” and “sentence six” of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). A remand
pursuant to “sentence six” is limited to two situations: where the Commissioner requests a remand
before answering the complaint, or where the court orders the Commissioner to consider new,
material evidence that was for good cause not presented before the agency. The Fourth sentence of
the statute provides that “[t]he court shall have power to enter, upon the pleadings and transcript of
the record, a judgment affirming, modifying, or reversing the decision of the Commissioner of Social
Security, with or without remanding the cause for a rehearing.” 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Shalala v.
Schaefer, 509 U.S. 292, 296, 113 S.Ct. 2625 (1993).
Here, we find remand for the purpose of the ALJ to further evaluate the evidence as
addressed above, appropriate. Therefore, we recommend GRANTING the Commissioner’s motion
to remand and remanding the case to the Commissioner for further administrative action pursuant
to “sentence four” of section 405(g).
DATED this 20th day of November 2013.
/s/ J. Marschewski
HON. JAMES R. MARSCHEWSKI
CHIEF UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
2
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?