20 C.F.R. § 404.1520

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Baldwin v. Saul · filed 2019-08-07(c)

At step two of the sequential process, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant suffers from a “severe” impairment, i.e., one that significantly limits her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... Because the ALJ found that Plaintiff’s left upper extremity conditions were mild (and not significantly limiting), the ALJ inherently found that Plaintiff’s left upper extremity conditions were not severe. This finding is supported by substantial evidence.

At step two, § 404.1520(c) requires determining whether a claimant has an impairment that is medically determinable and severe.

Foote v. Commissioner Social Security Administration · filed 2019-08-07(c)

At step two, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has an impairment that is both medically determinable and severe. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). An impairment is severe if it “significantly limit[s]” the claimant’s ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521. The step two threshold is low; the Ninth Circuit describes it as a “de minimus screening device to dispose of groundless claims.” Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996) (citation omitted).

Section 404.1520(c) requires the Commissioner to treat an impairment as severe at step two when it significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Cox v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-08-08(c)

At step two of the sequential process, the ALJ must determine whether Plaintiff suffers from a “severe” impairment, i.e., one that significantly limits his or her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... The Court concludes Plaintiff’s migraines are a severe impairment. Although the impairment is severe, it is not necessarily disabling. On remand, the ALJ should consider whether any limitations resulting from Plaintiff’s migraines are established in the record, and if so, consider them throughout the remainder of the sequential evaluation.

At step two, an impairment is severe only if it significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Stenberg v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-08-09(c)

To be considered ‘severe’ at step two of the sequential analysis, an impairment must significantly limit an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c); also Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir.1996).

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as non-severe when it does not significantly limit the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities, precluding disability at step two.

Kaufmann v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner of · filed 2019-08-12(c)

If an individual’s impairment or combination of impairments does not significantly limit the physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, a severe impairment will not be found, and the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).

Section 404.1520(c) requires the step-two severity determination to be based on whether the impairment has more than a minimal effect on the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Unruh v. Saul · filed 2019-08-19(c)

Because the ALJ did not find that the medical evidence clearly established that Plaintiff’s impairments did not have more than a minimal effect on her ability to perform basic work activities, the Court cannot conclude that the ALJ applied the correct legal standard.

Section 404.1520(c) requires only a de minimus showing of impairment to proceed beyond step two; the mere presence of a condition is insufficient.

Soliday v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration · filed 2019-10-23(c)

The Tenth Circuit has indicated that case law prescribes a “very limited role for step two analysis.” Lee v. Barnhart, 117 F. App’x 674, 676–77 (10th Cir. 2004). “While ‘the mere presence of a condition or ailment’ is not enough to get the claimant past step two, Hinkle v. Apfel, 132 F.3d 1349, 1352 (10th Cir. 1997), a claimant need only make a ‘de minimus’ showing of impairment to move on to further steps in the analysis.” Id. ... The ALJ’s finding that Mr. Soliday’s depression and anxiety impairment is not severe is unreasonable given the ALJ’s treatment of the medical opinion and medical evidence in the record.

At step two, an impairment is severe only if it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, and the claimant bears the burden of showing that limitation.

Jackson v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration · filed 2020-01-08(c)

A severe impairment is one that “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Step Two is a threshold determination of whether a claimant has a severe impairment (or combination of impairments) that meets the twelve-month duration requirement and significantly limits the claimant’s ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... The regulations provide that it is Plaintiff’s burden to show the severity of his impairments. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 146 (“The severity regulation requires the claimant to show that he has an ‘impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits’ ‘the abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs.’”) (citing 20 CFR §§ 404.1520(c), 404.1521(b) (1986)). In order to prevail on this argument Plaintiff must demonstrate that the alleged disorder significantly limited his ability to perform basic work activities, which he has not done. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1522(a). Plaintiff does not cite to any medical record that shows he is unable to perform basic work activities as a result of his anxiety and depression. This allegation of error fails.

Section 404.1520(c) requires an impairment to significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities to qualify as severe at step two.

Wilson v. Saul · filed 2019-08-19(c)

At step two of the sequential process, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant suffers from a “severe” impairment, i.e., one that significantly limits her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... Step two is “a de minimus screening device [used] to dispose of groundless claims.” ... On this record, the ALJ did not err in failing to identify borderline intellectual functioning or psychological effects from her shoulder injury as severe impairments.

Section 404.1520(c)'s step-two severity inquiry does not require reversal when the ALJ finds other severe impairments and continues through the remaining sequential steps; any step-two omission is harmless.

POHL v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2019-08-19(c)

Second, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has demonstrated a “severe impairment” or “combination of impairments” that significantly limits his physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c); see Bowen, 482 U.S. at 146-47 n.5. Basic work activities are defined as “the abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521(b). These activities include physical functions such as “walking, standing, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying or handling.” Id. A claimant who does not have a severe impairment is not considered disabled. Id. at § 404.1520(c); see Plummer v. Apfel, 186 F.3d 422, 428 (3d Cir. 1999). ... Notably, the ALJ did not conclude the analysis at step two. Rather, the ALJ determined that Pohl suffered from severe impairments and subsequently evaluated the effect of Pohl’s impairments on her ability to work and in determining her RFC throughout the remaining steps of the five-step analysis. (Tr. 28-30.) Accordingly, any error the ALJ may have made at step two is rendered harmless. See Salles v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 229 F. App’x 140, 145 n.2 (3d Cir. 2007) (holding because “the ALJ found in [petitioner’s] favor at Step Two, even if he had erroneously concluded that some of her other impairments were non-severe, any error was harmless.”)

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) ends the sequential evaluation at step two with a finding of not disabled when the claimant has no severe impairment or combination of impairments.

Coleman v. Berryhill · filed 2019-08-23(a)(4)(ii)

Further, the regulations state that the only consequence of the analysis at step two is that, if the ALJ finds no severe impairment or impairments, he should reach a conclusion of no disability. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). Here, the ALJ found multiple severe impairments and accordingly proceeded to step three of the evaluation.

Section 404.1520(c) requires an impairment to significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities to qualify as severe at step two.

Bustamante v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration · filed 2019-08-26(c)

An ALJ must determine which, if any, of a claimant’s impairments are “severe” at step two of the five step sequential evaluation. A “severe impairment” must significantly limit the claimant's physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. Zagorianakos v. Colvin, 81 F. Supp. 3d 1036, 1040 (D. Colo. 2015); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).

At step two of the sequential evaluation, the claimant must establish a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment.

Seals v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-08-30(a)(4)(ii)

At Step Two of the sequential evaluation process, the claimant must show that he suffers from a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment.” Wilson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec, 378 F.3d 54 1, 548 (6th Cir. 2004) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii)).

At step two, an impairment is severe only if it significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities, and the claimant bears the burden of proving severity.

Weakley v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-05(c)

To be considered severe, an impairment must significantly limit a claimant’s ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... Based on a consideration of the evidence in the record, as a whole, the Court holds that the ALJ’s findings regarding Weakley’s mental impairments are supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole. ... Claimant’s burden to prove a severe mental impairment was not met in this case.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether a claimant has a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment or a severe combination of impairments.

Hernandez v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-10(a)(4)(ii)

Step two requires the ALJ to determine whether the plaintiff has “a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment” or severe combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... A review of the record demonstrates that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s finding that the alleged bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was not a determinable impairment. Therefore, the ALJ did not err in concluding that Plaintiff’s alleged bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was non-severe.

At step two, the evaluation asks whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments; once one is found, the analysis proceeds to the next step.

Vickers v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-11(a)(4)(ii)

Step two requires “a threshold determination of whether a [plaintiff] is suffering from a severe impairment or a combination of impairments.” Lewis v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., SAG-15-84, 2015 WL 5905276, at *2 (D.Md. Oct. 6, 2015) (citing Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 14748 (1987)). “Ifa [plaintiff] is found to be suffering from a severe impairment(s), the analysis simply proceeds to the next step.” /d. (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)Gi), 416.920(a}(4)Gi)). When a plaintiff makes a “threshold showing that other disorders constituted severe impairments” and “the ALJ continued with the sequential evaluation process,” an ALJ’s failure to find an additional impairment nonsevere is harmless. Davis v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., SAG-12-813, 2013 WL 1124589, at *1 (D.Md. Mar. 18, 2013). Because the ALJ found numerous other severe impairments at step two of her analysis, the ALJ’s failure to classify Plaintiff's chronic symptomatic venous insufficiency as a severe impairment is no basis for remand.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe only when it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Mojica v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-11(c)

Under the Commissioner’s regulations, an alleged impairment is “severe” only “if it significantly limits an individual’s physical or mental abilities to do basic work activities.” SSR 96-3p, 1996 WL 374181, at *1 (S.S.A. July 2, 1996); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Here, the ALJ’s conclusion that the limitations of headache, asthma NOS, and anemia NOS were non-severe is supported by the record.

At step two, the claimant bears the burden of showing a medically determinable severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Norman v. Saul · filed 2019-09-13(c)

Step two asks whether the claimant has a severe impairment, or combination of impairments, that significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... The burden of establishing the existence of a medically determinable severe impairment prior to the date last insured at step two is squarely on Plaintiff. Tackett, 180 F.3d at 1098-99. Here, the ALJ found that Plaintiff failed to meet the burden with the limited evidence provided in the record. The Court will not disturb that determination.

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ at step two to assess medical severity and whether an impairment significantly limits basic work activities, subject in the Fifth Circuit to the Stone severity standard.

Williams v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-13(c)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ “must consider the medical severity of [the claimant’s] impairments.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii),(c). To comply with this regulation, the ALJ “must determine whether any identified impairments are ‘severe’ or ‘not severe.’” ... Under the Commissioner’s regulations, a severe impairment is “any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Stone provides no allowance for a minimal interference with a claimant’s ability to work. Stone, 752 F.2d at 1104. Given the difference between these two constructions and the ALJ’s failure to cite to Stone, it appears he applied an incorrect standard of severity. ... Accordingly, the Stone error was harmless, and remand is not required on this issue.

At step two, a claimant must show a severe medically determinable impairment; the impairment must significantly limit basic work activities and satisfy the required duration.

Brown v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2019-09-17(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step of the disability analysis, the claimant has the burden to show that she suffers from a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment. Wilson, 378 F.3d at 548 (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii)). A severe impairment is one that “significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(c). The duration requirement for finding a severe impairment requires that “it must have lasted or must be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.909. ... The ALJ found that Brown’s stroke is nonsevere, because it did not meet the durational requirements. ... Brown, however, points to no evidence that would establish the necessary durational requirement. ... Nurse Echeverry opined that Brown’s conditions addressed in the assessment had existed for two months; she did not state that they have lasted or would be expected to last “for a continuous period of at least 12 months.” (R. 8, tr., at 198; see generally 20 C.F.R. § 416.909.)

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment that is severe.

Adams v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-18(a)(4)(ii)

At step two, the ALJ must determine if the claimant suffers from any medically determinable impairments that are “severe.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). ... Headaches were not a medically determinable impairment, and ALJ Erickson was under no obligation to discuss them at step two.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires an impairment or combination of impairments to significantly limit a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities at step two of the sequential evaluation.

Onuska v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-20(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, a claimant must show that he or she suffers from an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits his or her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1521, 416.920(a)(4)(ii), 416.921.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment—one that affects the ability to work and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.

Romero v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-23(a)(4)(ii)

Step two of the sequential evaluation process requires the ALJ to determine if a claimant suffers from a severe impairment. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). At this step, “[a]n impairment can be considered as not severe only if it is a slight abnormality which has such a minimal effect on the individual that it would not be expected to interfere with the individual’s ability to work[.]” Brady v. Heckler, 724 F.2d 914, 920 (11th Cir. 1984). “[T]he ‘severity’ of a medically ascertained disability must be measured in terms of its effect upon ability to work, and not simply in terms of deviation from purely medical standards of bodily perfection or normality.” McCruter, 791 F.2d at 1547. In the context of a Social Security disability benefits case, a condition is severe if it affects a claimant’s ability to maintain employment. See id. Further, the severe impairment either must have lasted or must be expected to last for at least 12 months.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant to show a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities, and permits a finding of nonseverity only when the impairment is a slight abnormality with no more than a minimal effect on work ability.

Bello v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2019-09-24(c)

At step two, a claimant must prove that he or she has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limit his or her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). An ALJ may find an impairment or combination of impairments is not severe “only if the evidence establishes a slight abnormality that has no more than a minimal effect on an individual’s ability to work.” Webb v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 683, 686 (9th Cir. 2005) (alteration in original) (quoting Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996)).

At step two, § 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to determine whether an impairment is severe, meaning that it significantly limits basic work activities, and the court held that rejecting schizophrenia as non-severe without proper evidentiary support and omitting its functional effects prejudiced the claimant.

Aaron v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-24(a)(4)(ii), (c)

At Step Two, the ALJ considers whether the claimant has “a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment,” or combination of such impairments, which meets the regulations’ twelve-month duration requirement. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1509, 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). An impairment or combination of impairments is severe if it “significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... The ALJ rejected outright Plaintiff’s diagnosis of schizophrenia and therefore found that it was not a severe impairment at Step Two. ... Therefore, the Court finds that the ALJ erred at Step Two and that the error resulted in prejudice to Plaintiff.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as non-severe only if it does not significantly limit the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities, and permits ending the disability inquiry at step two only when the impairment is a slight abnormality with no more than a minimal effect on the ability to work.

Robinson v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2019-09-25(c)

An impairment is not severe if it does not significantly limit the claimant’s ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Only if the evidence establishes a “slight abnormality that has no more than a minimal effect on an individual’s ability to work” should the ALJ end the inquiry at step two. ... An ALJ’s decision to do so shall be affirmed only where it is “clearly established by medical evidence.”

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ, at step two of the sequential evaluation, to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment.

Benjamin v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-26(a)(4)(ii)

Step two of the sequential evaluation process requires the ALJ to determine if a claimant suffers from a severe impairment. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). At this step, “[a]n impairment can be considered as not severe only if it is a slight abnormality which has such a minimal effect on the individual that it would not be expected to interfere with the individual’s ability to work[.]” Brady v. Heckler, 724 F.2d 914, 920 (11th Cir. 1984).

Section 404.1520(c) requires an impairment to significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities to qualify as severe at step two.

Stephenson v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-26(c)

At Step Two, the ALJ must consider whether a medically determinable impairment is “severe.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). A severe impairment is one which “significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Based on this record, it is clear that Stephenson’s initial disability determination was flawed, as it was based on inaccurate and incomplete information. Thus, I find this matter must be remanded to the ALJ to reconsider whether Stephenson has a medically determinable mental impairment, whether it is severe or nonsevere, and what limitations, if any, result from that impairment.

Section 404.1520(c) makes step two a threshold screen for severe impairments, while impairments found non-severe must still be considered in determining residual functional capacity.

Dobrzyn v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-26(c)

Step two is merely a threshold determination meant to screen out weak claims. It is not meant to identify the impairments that should be taken into account when determining the RFC. In fact, “[i]n assessing RFC, the adjudicator must consider limitations and restrictions imposed by all of an individual’s impairments, even those that are not ‘severe.’” The RFC therefore should be exactly the same regardless of whether certain impairments are considered “severe” or not.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires determining whether the claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments, including the requirement that the impairment last or be expected to last at least 12 months.

Zayas v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-27(a)(4)(ii)

At step two in the sequential evaluation, the ALJ must determine whether a claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). First, the claimant must establish that he or she has a medically determinable impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521. The impairment must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1509.

Subsection (c) requires the ALJ to determine at step two whether a claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments.

(SS) Ybarra v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-09-27(c)

At step two of the five-step analysis, the ALJ is required to determine whether a plaintiff has a “severe” medical impairment or combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... The Court therefore finds that the ALJ erred at step of the sequential evaluation by finding Plaintiff’s mental impairment not severe. Nonetheless, the Court finds that any alleged error was harmless because it was inconsequential to the ultimate disability determination.

At Step Two, § 404.1520 requires consideration of whether a medically determinable impairment significantly limits a claimant's ability to perform basic work activities; an ALJ's failure to address alleged impairments prevents substantial-evidence review.

Sanders v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-30(a)(4)(ii), (c)

To show that an impairment is severe, a claimant must show that she has (1) a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments, which (2) significantly limits her physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, without regard to age, education, or work experience. ... However, the ALJ’s silence on the issue leaves the Court unable to determine whether the omission was intentional and based on a determination that those conditions were not sufficiently severe, or was perhaps more in the nature of an oversight. Therefore, the Court cannot find the ALJ’s determination regarding Plaintiff’s severe impairments to be supported by substantial evidence.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the Commissioner to determine at step two whether the claimant has a severe impairment before proceeding to later steps.

Sticka v. Saul · filed 2019-09-30(c)

2. Is the claimant’s impairment severe? If so, proceed to step three. If not, then the claimant is not disabled. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... Accordingly, the Court finds the ALJ must reassess whether Plaintiff’s impairments, including her IBS and fecal incontinence, are severe at step two.

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether a claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment, which significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities, before proceeding in the sequential evaluation.

Dias v. Berryhill · filed 2019-09-30(a)(4)(ii), (c)

As discussed supra, at Step 2 an ALJ is required to consider whether a claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). Under social security law, a “severe impairment” significantly limits a claimant's physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Therefore, the failure to reconcile the 2011 Opinion with plaintiff’s underlying application for disability was erroneous in this case. ... For these reasons, plaintiff’s objections regarding the finding of non-severity at Step 2 are sustained. We will accordingly remand the case for further consideration of the 2011 Opinion and its impact on the severity of plaintiff’s left-hand impairment at Step 2, as well as any resulting limitations in the RFC evaluation.

At step two, an impairment is severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Jensen v. Saul · filed 2019-10-03(c)

At step two of the sequential evaluation, the issue is whether the claimant suffers from at least one “severe” medically determinable impairment. An impairment is “severe” if it “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.”

At step two, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments.

Borostowski v. Saul · filed 2019-10-08(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the five-step sequential evaluation process, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment . . . or a combination of impairments that is severe . . . .” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

At step two, § 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as non-severe when it is only a slight abnormality with a minimal effect on the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Moore v. Saul · filed 2019-10-09(c)

The ALJ's determination as to whether an impairment is severe or not is a threshold determination. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). An impairment is not severe “only if it is a slight abnormality which has such a minimal effect on the individual that it would not be expected to interfere with the individual's ability to work, irrespective of age, education, or work experience.”

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires a claimant at step two to show a medically determinable impairment that satisfies the duration requirement and significantly limits the ability to do one or more basic work activities.

Potts v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-10-10(a)(4)(ii)

To satisfy this burden, the claimant must show she suffers from a Amedically determinable@ physical or mental condition that satisfies the duration requirement and Asignificantly limits@ her ability to do one or more basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) and (c); Social Security Ruling 96-3p; Social Security Ruling 96-4p; Higgs, 880 F.2d at 863.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as non-severe when it does not significantly limit the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, allowing the claim to be denied at step two.

Triplett v. Kijakazi · filed 2019-10-15(c)

If you do not have any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, we will find that you do not have a severe impairment and are, therefore. not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c) & 416.920(c). If the claimant does not have a severe impairment under this definition, the ALJ typically will deny the claim without proceeding through the remainder of the sequential analysis. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... On de novo review, the Court concludes that the Magistrate Judge correctly found that Triplett did not meet her burden at step two when he found “[a]lthough the ALJ incorrectly stated that both [doctors] found no severe impairments, the Court finds no error in the overall conclusion of the ALJ that the opinions of both physicians proved internally inconsistent,” (R&R 12), because the ALJ rightly concluded that Triplett’s “treatment successfully resolved her symptoms,” (R&R 13).

Section 404.1520(c) requires the ALJ to determine at step two whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Johnston v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-10-15(c)

At step two of the sequential process, the ALJ must determine whether claimant suffers from a “severe” impairment, i.e., one that significantly limits her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires determining whether a claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment that meets the duration requirement and significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Washington, Jr. v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-10-16(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the disability analysis, an ALJ determines whether the claimant has “a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement . . . and significantly limits the claimant’s ability to do basic work activities.” Williams v. Berryhill, No. 16-CV-00807-LGF, 2018 WL 4501062, at *3 (W.D.N.Y. Sept. 20, 2018) (citations and quotation mark omitted); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c), 404.1521. ... Accordingly, based on all of the above, the Court finds that the ALJ did not err at step two when she found Washington’s PTSD to be a nonsevere impairment.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment; if a severe impairment exists, the ALJ must consider both severe and non-severe impairments at later steps.

Hultz v. Saul · filed 2019-10-21(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has a severe impairment. 20 CER, §§ 404.1520(a)(4)Gi), 416.920(a)(4)Gi). An impairment is considered “severe” if it significantly limits an individual’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C-F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). During step two, “[i]f the [ALJ] finds no severe impairments, the claimant is not disabled and the analysis does not proceed to the other steps.” Rivera v. Astrue, No. CBD-12-1095, 2013 WL 4507081, at *7 (D.Md. Aug. 22, 2013) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii)). “However, if a claimant does 10 have a severe impairment or combination of impairments, the ALJ must consider the effects of both the severe and non-severe impairments at the subsequent steps of the process, including the determination of RFC.” Jd. (emphasis in original).

At step two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that meets the duration requirement; otherwise, benefits are denied.

Matthews v. Social Security Administration · filed 2019-10-22(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the analysis, the ALJ must determine whether a claimant has an impairment or combination of impairments that is “severe” and meets the duration requirement. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); 416.920(a)(4)(ii). If not, benefits are denied. Id. A “severe” impairment significantly limits a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities. Id. at §§ 404.1520(c); 416.920(c).

At step two, a claimant must have a severe impairment—one that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities—or the claim is denied.

Zendejas v. Berryhill · filed 2019-10-22

A “severe” impairment, or combination of impairments, is defined as one that significantly limits physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. ... Under these circumstances, the Court finds that the ALJ provided clear and convincing reasons supported by substantial evidence for discounting Dr. Bagner’s opinions regarding plaintiff’s limitations (as well as the opinions of Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Klein that relied on Dr. Bagner’s opinion) and in finding that plaintiff did not have a medically determinable mental impairment. ... Plaintiff has not met her burden at step two. Remand is not warranted on this issue.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the Commissioner to determine at Step Two whether a claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the claimant's physical or mental abilities to perform basic work activities.

Devito v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-10-25(c)

At Step Two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits his physical or mental abilities to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... First, the Court is not convinced that the ALJ properly considered Plaintiff's alleged neck impairment despite finding at least one other severe impairment and continuing the sequential evaluation. ... Yet, the ALJ’s analysis at Step Two does not reflect explicit consideration of the evidence of record related to Plaintiffs alleged neck impairment and leaves the Court unsure whether the ALJ found this impairment to be non-severe or even non-medically determinable.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the disability inquiry to continue past step two when the claimant has at least one severe impairment; the ALJ must then evaluate the remaining steps while considering all medically determinable impairments.

Rowan v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2019-10-28(a)(4)(ii)

To determine whether a claimant is disabled for purposes of the Act, the ALJ follows a five-step process. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a). ... At step two, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has a “severe” medically determinable physical or mental impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). If not, the claimant is not disabled and the inquiry ends. Id. ... Regardless of ALJ Bucci’s determination that Plaintiff’s hypertension and headaches were non-severe, ALJ Bucci erred in denying Plaintiff’s claim at step two because the severity requirement was already met. ... However, she necessarily erred by ending her analysis at step two and failing to consider all of Plaintiff’s medically determinable impairments—severe and non-severe—in combination to determine Plaintiff’s capacity to work. ... Therefore, the ALJ should have moved to steps three through five looking at all of Plaintiff’s impairments, including vertebrogenic disorder.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires a determination at step two whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment that significantly limits basic work activities and satisfies the duration requirement.

Michaud v. Berryhill · filed 2019-11-01(a)(4)(ii)

The sole issue in dispute is whether the ALJ erred at step two of the evaluation process under 20 C.F.R. 404.1520(a) (“Step Two”) by failing to categorize Plaintiff’s photophobia as a severe or non-severe impairment that affected her RFC. ... At Step Two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment” that has lasted, or is expected to last, more than 12 months. ... A medically determinable impairment is considered “severe” if it “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities . . . .” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c), 416.920(a)(4)(iii), (c). ... Accordingly, the ALJ erred at Step Two.

At step two of the five-step disability analysis, the Commissioner determines whether the claimant has a severe impairment; this is a de minimis screening hurdle for totally groundless claims.

Day v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-11-04(a)(4)(ii)

Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1520(a)(4)(ii), at step two of the five-step analysis, the Commissioner must determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment. Step two is the means by which the Commissioner screens out totally groundless claims, see Farris v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 773 F.2d 85, 89 (6th Cir. 1985), and is a “de minimis hurdle,” see Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 862 (6th Cir. 1988). ... Where an ALJ finds at least one severe impairment and considers all of a claimant’s impairments in the remaining steps of the disability determination, an ALJ’s failure to find additional severe impairments at step two does not constitute reversible error.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires evaluating whether the claimant has a severe impairment, and the court treats that inquiry as a threshold screen for weak claims.

(SS) Arana v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-11-06(a)(4)(ii)

At Step Two, the ALJ was required to determine whether plaintiff had any “severe” impairments. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c); Titles II & XVI: Evaluation of Symptoms in Disability Claims (SSR 16-3p), 81 Fed. Reg. 14,166, 14,171 (March 16, 2016) (“[a] ‘severe’ impairment ‘is one that affects an individual’s ability to perform basic work-related activities’”). Step two is merely a threshold determination meant to screen out weak claims.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires determining whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment that is severe.

Stramol-Spirz v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-11-13(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation, the ALJ must determine if the claimant suffers from any medically determinable impairments that are “severe.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impairment is not considered to be “severe” if it does not “significantly limit” a claimant's mental or physical abilities to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c); Social Security Ruling (SSR) 96-3p, 1996 WL 374181, at *1. Basic work activities are those “abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1522(b), 416.920(c); SSR 85-28, 1985 WL 56856, at *3. An impairment is not severe if the evidence establishes only a slight abnormality that has “no more than a minimal effect on an individual[’]s ability to work.” SSR 85-28, 1985 WL 56856, at *3; Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996).

At step two, the sequential evaluation requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment and whether it is severe or non-severe.

Benoit v. Berryhill · filed 2019-11-14(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ considers whether a claimant's impairment is (1) medically determinable or non-medically determinable, and (2) severe or non-severe. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(a)(4)(ii); SSR 85-28, 1985 WL 56856. Under the Commissioner's regulations, an impairment is “non-severe” if it “does not significantly limit [a claimant's] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521; 20 C.F.R. § 416.921. Conversely, an impairment is “severe” if it does significantly limit a claimant's physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. The phrase, “significantly limits,” however is not synonymous with “disability.” Rather, the ALJ's analysis at step two is a threshold test designed to screen out de minimis claims.

At Step Two, an impairment is severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Quatrone v. Berryhill · filed 2019-11-18(c)

An impairment is “severe” if it “significantly limits [the plaintiff’s] ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).

At step two, a claimant must prove that an impairment is severe because it significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Cauthen v. Berryhill · filed 2019-11-20(c)

Second, claimant must prove his impairment is “severe” in that it “significantly limits his physical or mental ability to do basic work activities . . . .”4.

Section 404.1520(c) requires an impairment to significantly limit a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities to be severe, while an impairment with only a minimal effect is not severe.

Moore v. Berryhill · filed 2019-11-27(c)

Second, the claimant must prove his impairment is “severe” in that it “significantly limits his physical or mental ability to do basic work activities....” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c) (2012). ... In her second assignment, the plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred in failing to find that she had a severe back impairment. While Stone v. Heckler, supra., sets a low standard for finding any impairment is severe the ALJ did not err at Step Two. ... The records provide substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s step two determination.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) makes step two a screening step: once a claimant has at least one severe impairment, the claim proceeds to the remaining steps.

Fox v. Berryhill · filed 2019-12-17(a)(4)

Additionally, even if the ALJ had not discussed Plaintiff’s knee condition in such detail, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff suffered from other impairments that were severe in nature. AR 17. This is significant because once an ALJ determines that at least one of a claimant’s alleged impairments is severe, the claim survives the step two screening process, 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4), and both severe and non-severe impairments are considered by the ALJ in the remaining steps of the disability evaluation process. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1523, 404.1545(a)(2). Therefore, an ALJ does not commit reversible error when he fails to find that some impairments are not severe but determines that other impairments are severe and proceeds to the next step of the evaluation process.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Weaver v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2019-12-18(c)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ must determine whether the plaintiff has a severe impairment that significantly limits her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c).

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the Commissioner at step two to determine whether the claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments is severe.

BARNETT v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2019-12-20(a)(4)(ii)

At step two, the Commissioner must determine whether the plaintiff’s claimed impairment or combination of impairments are “severe” within the meaning of the Act. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

At step two, the ALJ must determine which impairments are severe; an impairment is not severe if it does not significantly limit the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Carriere v. Social Security Administration · filed 2019-12-23(c)

At Step Two of the sequential evaluation, the ALJ must determine which of the plaintiff’s impairments are severe. An impairment is not severe if it does not significantly limit a plaintiff’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Section 404.1520(c) requires an ALJ to determine whether a claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits basic work activities; a claimant without a severe impairment is not disabled.

SEJECK v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2019-12-27(c)

At step two, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has demonstrated a “severe impairment” or “combination of impairments” that significantly limits his physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c); see Bowen, 482 U.S. at 146-47 n.5. ... A claimant who does not have a severe impairment is not considered disabled. Id. at § 404.1520(c); see Plummer, 186 F.3d at 42. ... Thus, the ALJ’s decision not to include Plaintiff’s migraines or anxiety in Plaintiff’s RFC is supported by substantial evidence.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step disability evaluation, including a step-two requirement that the claimant have a severe impairment.

Norris v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2019-12-27(c)

The Commissioner reaches a determination as to whether a claimant is disabled by way of a five-stage process. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4) and 416.920(a)(4). See also Ealy v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 594 F.3d 504, 512 (6th Cir. 2010); Abbott v. Sullivan, 905 F.2d 918, 923 (6th Cir. 1990). First, the claimant must demonstrate that he is not currently engaged in “substantial gainful activity” at the time of the disability application. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b) and 416.920(b). Second, the claimant must show that he suffers from a “severe impairment” in order to warrant a finding of disability. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c). A “severe impairment” is one that “significantly limits . . . physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” Abbot, 905 F.2d at 923.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires determining whether a claimant has a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities, with the claimant bearing the burden to establish that severe impairment.

Pape v. Kijakazi · filed 2020-01-07(a)(4)(ii)

Step two addresses whether the claimant has a severe impairment, or combination of impairments, that significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). To establish a severe impairment at step two, the claimant must first establish the existence of a medically determinable impairment by providing medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings; the claimant’s own statement of symptoms, a diagnosis, or a medical opinion is not sufficient to establish the existence of an impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521.

At step two of the sequential evaluation, the claim proceeds when the claimant has at least one severe impairment, and the ALJ must consider both severe and non-severe impairments in the remaining steps.

Gentry v. Social Security Administration · filed 2020-01-08(a)(4)

It is well-established that once an ALJ determines that at least one of a claimant’s alleged impairments is severe, the claim survives the step two screening process, 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4), and both severe and non-severe impairments are considered by the ALJ in the remaining steps of the disability evaluation process.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant at step two to have an impairment that significantly limits physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities before it is considered severe.

Bell v. Saul · filed 2020-01-16(c)

At Step Two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits his or her physical or mental abilities to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).

At step two, § 404.1520(c) requires a severe impairment or combination of impairments, and the court upheld the determination that Cone’s edema was not severe.

Cone v. Commissioner Social Security Administration · filed 2020-01-22(c)

Thus, the court finds that the ALJ’s failure to recognize Cone’s edema as a severe condition at step two is supported by the substantial evidence.

At step two, an impairment must satisfy the twelve-month duration requirement to be severe, but failure to classify additional impairments as severe is harmless when the ALJ finds other severe impairments and continues the sequential evaluation.

Clement v. Commissioner, Social Security · filed 2020-01-23(a)(4)(ii), (c)

A twelve-month duration is a requirement for an impairment to be classified as “severe.” See 20 C_F.R. §§ 404.1509, 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404,1520(c). Furthermore, even if the ALJ did err in failing to find more of Plaintiffs impairments severe, such an error would be harmless, as the ALJ still continued with the sequential evaluation process based on finding other impairments severe. See Davis, 2013 WL 1124589, at *1.

Section 404.1520(c) defines a severe impairment as one that significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Boyer v. Berryhill · filed 2020-01-24(c)

“Severe” means the condition significantly limits the plaintiff’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, irrespective of age, education, or work experience. Id. at § 404.1520(c).

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires determining whether the claimant has a severe impairment; if at least one impairment is severe, the sequential evaluation proceeds to the remaining steps.

SILK v. SAUL · filed 2020-01-27(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential analysis, ALJs are required to determine whether the claimant has an impairment or combination of impairments that are “severe.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). The burden, however, is on the claimant to prove that the impairment is severe. Zurawski v. Halter, 245 F.3d 881, 885-85 (7th Cir. 2001). As long as the ALJ determines that the claimant has one severe impairment, the ALJ will proceed to the remaining steps of the evaluation process. Curvin v. Colvin, 778 F.3d 645, 648 (7th Cir. 2015). Therefore, the step two determination of severity is “merely a threshold requirement.” ... The ALJ adequately discharged her burden by evaluating the evidence and considering whether any of John’s impairments could be considered severe. Because the ALJ found other impairments to be severe, she was correct in proceeding to the remaining steps of the sequential analysis.

At step two, an impairment is severe unless it is only a slight abnormality with such minimal effect that it would not be expected to interfere with the claimant's ability to work; the claimant need make only a de minimis showing.

George v. Berryhill · filed 2020-01-31(a)(4)(ii)

Nonetheless, the Court concludes that the ALJ committed a legal error at step two of the sequential analysis. Under Fifth Circuit binding precedent, “[a]n impairment can be considered as not severe only if it is a slight abnormality having such minimal effect on the individual that it would not be expected to interfere with the individual’s ability to work, irrespective of age, education or work experience.” ... “Re-stated, an impairment is severe if it is anything more than a “slight abnormality” that “would not be expected to interfere” with a claimant’s ability to work. Id. This second step requires the claimant to make only a de minimis showing. See Anthony v. Sullivan, 954 F.2d 289, 293 n.5 (5th Cir. 1992).” Salmond v. Berryhill, 892 F.3d 812, 817 (5th Cir. 2018).

At step two, § 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Lawler v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-01-30(c)

The next step is to determine whether the applicant has a severe impairment which significantly limits the physical or mental ability to do basic work activities as defined in the applicable regulations. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c). Absent an impairment, the applicant is not eligible for disability benefits. Id. ... Defendant's argument is without merit as substantial evidence supports that Plaintiff's mental impairments of depression and anxiety are sufficient to establish such impairments meet the threshold to be considered severe impairments under step two of the disability review analysis. ... Significantly, no error results from the ALJ’s erroneous step two finding, however, as the ALJ included consideration of Plaintiff's mental impairments in subsequent steps of the ALJ’s disability determination (R. 21). See Stanton v. Astrue, 370 Fed. App’x 231, 233 n.1 (2d Cir. 2010) (no error where ALJ proceeds to include non-severe impairments throughout remaining steps of sequential disability analysis and considered the combination of impairments and the combined effect of “all symptoms” in the ALJ’s disability review analysis). Plaintiff's motion on this issue is therefore DENIED.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the Commissioner to determine at step two whether a claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments.

Contreras v. Berryhill · filed 2020-02-10(c)

At step two, the Commissioner determines whether the claimant has a “medically severe impairment or combination of impairments,” as defined in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... The Court agrees that the ALJ erred. ... Accordingly, the Court finds that the ALJ erred in not specifically considering Plaintiff’s chronic pain syndrome.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments, meaning one that significantly limits basic work activities.

Hopkins v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-02-24(a)(4)(ii), (c)

At step two in the sequential evaluation, the ALJ must determine whether a claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... To be severe, an impairment must significantly limit a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 404.1522(a); Edlund, 253 F.3d at 1159.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant at step two to show that medically determinable impairments significantly limit the ability to perform basic work activities.

Gann v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-02-24(c)

At step two, a claimant must make a threshold showing that her medically determinable impairments significantly limit her ability to perform basic work activities. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 145 (1987); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c).

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires only one severe medically determinable impairment to avoid denial and proceed to the next step.

Leo v. Social Security Administration · filed 2020-02-24(a)(4)(ii)

The reason is grounded in the Commissioner’s regulation describing step two, which states: “If you do not have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment . . . or a combination of impairments that is severe . . ., we will find that you are not disabled.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) (emphasis added). By its plain terms, the regulation requires a claimant to show only “a severe” impairment—that is, one severe impairment—to avoid a denial of benefits at step two. Id. (emphasis added). As long as the ALJ finds one severe impairment, the ALJ may not deny benefits at step two but must proceed to the next step. Thus, the failure to find a particular impairment severe at step two is not reversible error when the ALJ finds that at least one other impairment is severe.

At step two of the sequential evaluation, § 404.1520 requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment, meaning an impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.

Stover v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-02-25(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step of the sequential evaluation, the ALJ must determine the severity of a claimant's impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c). An impairment is “severe” if it significantly limits an individual's ability to perform basic work activities.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Guillar v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration · filed 2020-03-03(c)

An impairment is “severe” if it “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c)[; see also 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(c)]. ... Thus, the failure to find a particular impairment severe at step two is not reversible error when the ALJ finds that at least one other impairment is severe. ... In the instant case, the ALJ found one other impairment to be severe, i.e. Multiple Sclerosis. Tr. 25. Thus, the ALJ found that Plaintiff could not conclusively be denied benefits at step two and proceeded to steps three and four of her analysis. Therefore, Plaintiff’s argument that the ALJ erred at step two “fails as a matter of law.” Allman, 813 F.3d at 1330.

At step two of the sequential evaluation, a claimant must show an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities, but the threshold showing is minimal.

Zinsmeister v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-04(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, a claimant must show that he or she suffers from an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits his or her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1521, 416.920(a)(4)(ii), 416.921. A claimant need show only that his or her impairment is not so slight, and its effect is not so minimal, that it would clearly not be expected to interfere with his or her ability to work.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the evaluator to decide whether an impairment or combination of impairments is severe, meaning that it significantly limits the claimant's ability to perform basic work activities.

Walker v. Berryhill · filed 2020-03-05(c)

At step two, the ALJ had to determine whether the Plaintiff had a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments that is “severe.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). An impairment or combination of impairments is “severe” within the meaning of the regulations if it significantly limits an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities. ... For all these reasons, substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s determination that Walker does not have any MDIs that are severe during the relevant time period, and thus that he is not disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ to determine at step two whether the claimant has a severe impairment.

Ellis v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-05(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation, an ALJ must decide whether a claimant has “severe impairments.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). Severe impairments are those that significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. Id. § 404.1522(a). ... Accordingly, the ALJ’s determinations of mild to no limitations in each of the four broad categories was supported by substantial evidence in the record (as described above), and were adequately analyzed and supported. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(e)(4). And, contrary to Robin’s contention, at step two, the ALJ properly evaluated the severity of her impairments, and there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s determination that her mental impairments are non-severe.

At step two, § 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Lee v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-09(c)

To be classified as severe, an impairment or combination of impairments must significantly limit the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c).

At step two, the claimant must have a severe impairment to continue the sequential evaluation, but the ALJ need not identify every severe impairment if the remaining impairments are considered later.

Goldsmith v. Berryhill (CONSENT) · filed 2020-03-12(a)(4)(ii)

Step two requires a finding of a severe impairment in order to continue in the sequential process, but nothing more. ... If an ALJ finds that the plaintiff has a severe impairment, any error in not finding other impairments to be severe is harmless. ... Here, the ALJ found that Goldsmith suffered from the severe impairments of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and foreign bodies in his left foot. ... Because the ALJ found that Goldsmith had a severe impairment and considered all severe and non-severe impairments in determining whether Goldsmith met or equaled the listed impairments and in assessing Goldsmith’s RFC, any alleged error by the ALJ was harmless.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant to show at step two that an impairment or combination of impairments significantly limits the abilities and aptitudes needed to do most jobs.

Kavanaugh v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-12(c)

Social Security regulations require the claimant to show that he has an “impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits . . . the abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs.” Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 (1987) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 404.1521(b)). Therefore, the burden is on the claimant, at step two of the five-step process, to show a “medically severe impairment or combination of impairments.” Bowen, 482 U.S. at 146 n.5.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe only when it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities; a mere presence or minimal effect is insufficient.

Bailon v. Saul · filed 2020-03-17(c)

At step two of the sequential evaluation, the issue is whether the claimant suffers from at least one “severe” medically determinable impairment. An impairment is “severe” if it “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” A claimant must make only a de minimis showing for her claim to advance beyond step two of the analysis. However, “a showing of the mere presence of a condition is not sufficient.”

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires an impairment to significantly limit basic work activities at step two; once any severe impairment is found, the evaluation proceeds beyond step two.

Wirth v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-19(a)(4)(ii)

At step two, a claimant must show that he or she suffers from an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits his or her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1521, 404.1522. ... Notably, however, the finding of any severe impairment, whether or not it results from a single severe impairment or a combination or impairments that together qualify as severe, is enough to satisfy step two. ... Accordingly, since the ALJ determined that Plaintiff suffered from multiple severe impairments at step two, and thus proceeded beyond step two in the sequential analysis, any error in failing to find that Plaintiff suffered from other severe impairments is rendered harmless.

At step two, the regulation requires a finding of no disability only when the claimant has no severe impairment; identifying any severe impairment permits the sequential evaluation to continue, so failing to classify an additional impairment as severe is harmless when later steps consider it.

Markem v. Berryhill · filed 2020-03-23(a)(4)(ii)

Even if the ALJ did err in this regard, such error does not warrant reversal. ... Here, the ALJ determined that Markem had two severe physical impairments, and thus proceeded to the next steps of the sequential evaluation. Thus, any error by the ALJ in finding that Markem’s depression was non-severe was “harmless if the ALJ nevertheless proceeded in the sequential evaluation, duly considered [Markem]’s mental impairment when assessing h[er] RFC, and reached conclusions about [Markem]’s mental capabilities supported by substantial evidence.” ... Further, the regulations state that the only consequence of the analysis at step two is that, if the ALJ finds no severe impairment or impairments, he should reach a conclusion of no disability. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

At step two, a claimant must have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment, or a severe combination of impairments, that meets the duration requirement.

Hinton v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-23(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step in the sequential evaluation process a claimant must demonstrate she suffers from a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement . . . or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement . . .” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); Social Security Ruling 16-3p, 2017 WL 5180304, at *11 (Oct. 25, 2017); Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th Cir. 1988) (per curiam).

At step two, the regulation requires a finding of no severe impairment—and therefore no disability—when impairments do not significantly limit basic work activities.

Hamilton v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-23(c)

As set forth in the regulations, “[i]f you do not have any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, we will find that you do not have a severe impairment and are, therefore, not disabled.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c).

At step two, the claimant must have a medically determinable impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Martin v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2020-03-23(c)

Indeed, at step two of the sequential evaluation process, a claimant must establish that she has a severe medically determinable impairment that “significantly limits” her ability to do ‘basic work activities.’” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c).

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Gelbart v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-24(c)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, Plaintiff bears the burden of proving the existence of a severe, medically determinable impairment that meets the twelve-month durational requirement. ... A severe impairment is defined as “any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities,” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c), and which lasts or can be expected to last “for a continuous period of not less than 12 months,” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1509, 416.909.

Section 404.1520(c) defines a severe impairment as one that significantly limits a claimant's physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, and failure to label a separate condition severe at step two is not reversible error when the evaluation continues and the condition is considered in the residual functional capacity.

Kuzniak v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-27(c)

A “severe impairment” is defined as an impairment or combination of impairments “which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... While the ALJ did not address plaintiff alleged impairments of fecal incontinence and chronic diarrhea at step two, he addressed these conditions in addressing plaintiff’s severe impairments of status post perineal proctosigmoidectomy and status post cholecystectomy. PageID.45. ... Given this record, the ALJ’s failure to identify these two conditions as severe impairments is legally irrelevant.

At step two, § 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities, and a finding of non-severity is inappropriate if the claimant cannot perform past relevant work despite the impairment.

O'Connor v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-16(c)

A severe impairment is “any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to so basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... In sum, as discussed earlier a finding of non-severity at step two of the sequential evaluation is inappropriate unless the claimant can perform his past relevant work (with its unique features) despite his medically-determinable impairments.

At step two, the ALJ must decide whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Boudreau v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-30(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential analysis, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a “severe impairment” that “significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c), 416.920(a)(4)(ii), (c).

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant at step two to show that medically determinable impairments significantly limit the ability to perform basic work activities.

Manlove v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-04-03(c)

At step two, a claimant must make a threshold showing her medically determinable impairments significantly limit her ability to perform basic work activities.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits basic work activities; if at least one exists, the evaluation proceeds to step three.

Krampitz v. Saul · filed 2020-04-03(c)

2. Does the claimant have a severe impairment? If so, proceed to step three. If not, the claimant is not disabled. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... Step two of the five-step sequential inquiry is a threshold screening device. ... The ALJ determines, at step two, whether the claimant has at least one severe impairment, or a combination of impairments, that significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. ... If the claimant is able to show that she has at least one severe impairment that significantly limits her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, the ALJ must proceed to step three. An ALJ’s failure to rate all of a claimant’s impairments at step 2 results in no prejudice to the claimant so long as the ALJ proceeds to step three.

At step two, an impairment is severe unless it is only a slight abnormality with no more than a minimal effect on an individual's work.

Barstad v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-04-06(c)

At step two, the ALJ must determine if the claimant suffers from any impairments that are “severe.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). “An impairment or combination of impairments may be found ‘not severe only if the evidence establishes a slight abnormality that has no more than a minimal effect on an individual’s work.’” Webb v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 683, 686–87 (9th Cir. 2005) (quoting Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996)). But Plaintiff retains the burden of proof at step two, and must present evidence showing that she suffers from an impairment that has more than a minimal effect on her work. See Parra v. Astrue, 481 F.3d 742, 746 (9th Cir. 2007).

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires evaluation of whether a claimant has a medically determinable impairment that significantly limits basic work activities and has lasted or is expected to last at least twelve months.

Rooks v. Kijakazi · filed 2020-03-25(a)(4)(ii)

At Step Two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a “severe” impairment that lasted or is expected to last for at least twelve months. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1520(c); 404.1509. To show that an impairment is severe, a claimant must show that he or she has a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits his or her physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, without regard to age, education, or work experience. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c); 404.1521(a). “An impairment is not severe if it amounts only to a slight abnormality that would not significantly limit the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” Kirby v. Astrue, 500 F.3d 705, 707 (8th Cir. 2007). Although the requirement of severity is not an “onerous requirement for the claimant to meet,” it is “not a toothless standard.” Kirby, 500 F.3d at 707. It is Plaintiff’s burden to prove the existence of severe impairments. Id.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the Commissioner to decide at step two whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Palmeri v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-03-25(c)

The second step is whether the applicant has a severe impairment which significantly limits the physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, as defined in the relevant regulations. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c).

Section 404.1520(c) requires a finding of no severe impairment when a mental impairment does not significantly limit the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

FITZPATRICK v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2020-04-15(c)

On this issue, the Court is satisfied that the ALJ’s decision that Plaintiff’s mental impairments were not “severe” is supported by substantial evidence. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c) (if a mental impairment does not “significantly limit[] your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, we will find that you do not have a severe impairment and are, therefore, not disabled”); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521 (“An impairment . . . is not severe if it does not significantly limit your . . . mental ability to do basic work activities,” such as “[u]nderstanding, carrying out, and remembering simple instructions,” “[u]se of judgment,” “[r]esponding appropriately to supervision, co-workers and usual work situations,” and “[d]ealing with changes in a routine work setting.”).

At step two, a claimant is not disabled if the claimant lacks a severe medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that meets the 12-month duration requirement.

Gardner v. Saul · filed 2020-04-27(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential analysis, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that is “severe.” The Commissioner defines a severe impairment as “[a]n impairment or combination of impairments . . . [that] significantly limit[s] your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities” and lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1522, 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) (you are not disabled if you do not have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment, or combination of impairments, that meets the 12 month duration requirement in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1509).

At step two, a severe impairment is one that significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, subject to the required duration.

Clevenger v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-05-01(c)

A severe impairment is defined as “any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities,” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c), and which lasts or can be expected to last “for a continuous period of not less than 12 months,” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1509, 416.909.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant at step two to show that a medically determinable impairment significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Adrianos v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-05-04(c)

At step two, a claimant must make a threshold showing her medically determinable impairments significantly limit her ability to perform basic work activities. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 145 (1987); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). “An impairment or combination of impairments can be found ‘not severe’ only if the evidence establishes a slight abnormality that has ‘no more than a minimal effect on an individual’s ability to work.’” Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996) (quoting Social Security Ruling (SSR) 85-28).

At step two, § 404.1520(c) defines a severe impairment as a medically determinable impairment that significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Turner v. Kijakazi · filed 2020-05-12(c)

It is unclear why the ALJ included malingering as a severe impairment at step two. “The essential feature of malingering is the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms, motivated by external incentives such as avoiding military duty, avoiding work, obtaining financial compensation, evading criminal prosecution, or obtaining drugs.” American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (“DSM-5”), at 726 (5th ed. 2013). By its terms, malingering would seem to be the opposite of a severe impairment, which is defined as a medically determinable impairment which significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Here, the Court similarly finds reconsideration of the ALJ’s finding on malingering appropriate on remand.

At step two, an impairment is severe if it significantly limits basic work abilities, but finding one severe impairment requires the disability analysis to continue.

Dolan v. Saul · filed 2020-05-13(c), (a)(4)(ii)

An impairment is “severe” if it “significantly limits [an individual’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). A claimant must make only a de minimis showing to advance beyond step two. ... Thus, a claimant need only establish and an ALJ need only find, one severe impairment. ... As long as an ALJ finds one severe impairment, then benefits may not be denied at step two and the analysis continues. “Thus, the failure to find a particular impairment severe at step two is not reversible error when the ALJ finds that at least one other impairment is severe.” Allman, 813 F.3d at 1330.

At step two, the regulation requires a claimant to have a severe medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that meets the duration requirement.

Long v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-05-15(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step in the sequential evaluation process a claimant must demonstrate she suffers from a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement . . . or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement . . .” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); Social Security Ruling 16-3p, 2017 WL 5180304, at *11 (Oct. 25, 2017); Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th Cir. 1988) (per curiam). In this case, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff’s medically determinable mental impairments of depression and anxiety, considered singly and in combination, are “nonsevere” because they do not cause more than minimal limitation in her ability to perform basic mental work activities (Tr. 21). Plaintiff disputes this finding.

Section 404.1520 directs the ALJ to determine first whether the claimant engages in substantial gainful activity and then whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.

Ramirez v. Saul · filed 2020-05-15(a)(4)(i)-(ii), (c)

After the ALJ has determined that a claimant is not engaged in substantial gainful activity, the ALJ then determines whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that has or is expected to last twelve months or will result in death. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1509, 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(ii). A physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, not only by the claimant’s statement of symptoms. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1508. To be considered severe, an impairment must significantly limit a claimant’s ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R § 404.1520(c).

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe only if it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Myers v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-05-28(c)

An impairment is severe if it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. ... As the ALJ explained, and as the evidence demonstrated, Plaintiff did not have an impairment that caused a significant limitation in any of these areas. ... For all these reasons, the Court finds that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s step two finding, and there is no error.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires an impairment or combination of impairments to significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Bodine v. Berryhill · filed 2020-05-29(a)(4)(ii)

To demonstrate that an impairment is severe, a claimant must show that she has: (1) a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments, which (2) significantly limits her physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, without regard to age, education, or work experience. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); 404.1521(a).

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to classify impairments at Step Two as severe or non-severe, and a severe impairment significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

(SS) Shah v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-06-04(c)

At Step Two, the ALJ is to classify a claimant’s impairments as either “severe” or “non-severe.” See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. A “severe” impairment is one that significantly limits the physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. Id. However, “[a]n impairment or combination of impairments may b e found ‘not severe only if the evidence establishes a slight abnormality that has no more than a minimal effect on an individual's ability to work.’” ... In sum, the ALJ has failed to “clearly establish” that plaintiff’s PTSD is non-severe at Step Two.

At step two, a claimant must have a severe medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that meets the duration requirement; finding any severe impairment allows the sequential evaluation to continue.

Norris v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-06-05(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step in the sequential evaluation process a claimant must demonstrate she suffers from a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement . . . or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement . . .” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii); Social Security Ruling 16-3p, 2017 WL 5180304, at *11 (Oct. 25, 2017); Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th Cir. 1988) (per curiam). ... In sum, because the ALJ found that other impairments are severe, continued with the sequential evaluation process, and considered all of Plaintiff’s impairments in the remaining steps, the purported error is harmless.

Section 404.1520(c) requires an impairment to significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities to qualify as severe at step two.

Smith v. Saul · filed 2020-06-08(c)

At step two of the sequential analysis, the ALJ determines whether a claimant has a “severe impairment.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). “An impairment or combination of impairments is not severe if it does not significantly limit your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521. ... Thus, the ALJ properly determined that Plaintiff’s obesity is not a severe impairment as does not significantly limit Plaintiff’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Patterson v. Saul · filed 2020-06-10(c)

At step two of the sequential process, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant suffers from a “severe” impairment, i.e., one that significantly limits her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

At step two, § 404.1520(c) requires assessing whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits basic work activities, and failure to label an impairment severe is harmless when the ALJ proceeds and considers all medically determinable impairments in the residual-functional-capacity assessment.

Atwood v. Saul · filed 2020-04-30(c)

An ALJ’s failure to classify an impairment as severe at step 2 results in no prejudice to the claimant so long as the ALJ proceeds to step three and considers all of the claimant’s medically determinable impairments when determining the claimant’s residual functional capacity. ... Here, the ALJ found that Atwood had six severe impairments: degenerative disc disease in the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine; calcific tendinosis in the right shoulder; bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome; a depressive disorder, not otherwise specified; an anxiety disorder; and cannabis abuse. (Doc. 12 at 888). Based on this finding, the ALJ preceded to step three. The ALJ considered all of Atwood’s medically determinable impairments when he determined Atwood’s residual functional capacity. (Doc. 12 at 893-896). The ALJ’s failure to classify Atwood’s headaches, PTSD, cognitive disorder, and thoracic impingement as severe impairments at step 2 resulted in no prejudice to Atwood. Id.; see also, Gray v. Commissioner of Social Sec. Admin., 365 Fed. Appx. 60, 61 (9th Cir. 2010) (unpublished). No reversible error occurred.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires determining whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment that is severe, meaning it significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Marquez v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-05-20(a)(4)(ii), (c)

At step two in the sequential evaluation, the ALJ must determine whether a claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). The claimant has the burden to establish that he or she (1) has a medically determinable impairment and, (2) that the impairment is severe. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512, 404.1521. A diagnosis itself does not equate to a finding of severity. Edlund v. Massanari, 253 F.3d 1152, 1159-60 (9th Cir. 2001). To be severe, an impairment must significantly limit a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 404.1522(a); Edlund, 253 F.3d at 1159.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires a claimant to show a medically determinable impairment that satisfies the duration requirement and significantly limits basic work activities, or a severe combination of impairments that satisfies the duration requirement.

Estes v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-05-20(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step in the sequential evaluation process Estes must demonstrate he has a Asevere@ impairment. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii); Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th Cir. 1988) (per curiam). To satisfy this burden Estes must show he suffers from a Amedically determinable@ physical or mental condition that satisfies the duration requirement and Asignificantly limits@ his ability to do one or more basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. '' 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) and (c), 416.920(a)(4)(ii) and (c); Social Security Ruling 96-3p; Social Security Ruling 96-4p; Higgs, 880 F.2d at 863. Alternatively, Estes must show he suffers from a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) and (c).

Section 404.1520(c) requires the ALJ at step two to decide whether a claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.

Davis v. Saul · filed 2020-05-20(c)

At Step Two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits his physical or mental abilities to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Any error to find further spinal impairments severe is, therefore, harmless because the ALJ found at least one physical impairment severe (including a spinal impairment), continued with the sequential evaluation, and provided explanation of her RFC determination indicating she adequately considered Plaintiff's spinal impairments.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe only if it significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Lexus F. v. Saul · filed 2020-06-24(c)

Second, if a claimant does not have any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limit her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, then she does not have a severe impairment and is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... The issue at Step 2 was whether this condition had more than a minimal impact on Plaintiff’s ability to work. ... Plaintiff has shown no Step 2 error.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment, and the impairment must last or be expected to last at least 12 months.

Cave v. Saul · filed 2020-06-30(a)(4)(ii)

At step two in the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ must determine whether a claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... Importantly for purposes of this case, the impairment must also last or be expected to last for at least 12 months. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1509, 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... Substantial evidence therefore supports the ALJ’s determination that this condition did not satisfy the 12-month durational requirement to qualify as a severe impairment.

At step two, the claimant bears the burden to establish a severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Jimerson v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-07-07(c)

As for impairments consideration at Step Two, Plaintiff bears the burden of establishing that he or she has a severe impairment, “which is ‘any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits [the claimant’s] ability to do basic work,’” Miller v. Berryhill, No. 16CV6467, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 153578, at *20 (W.D.N.Y. Sept. 20, 2017) (Telesca, J.); see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).

At step two, an impairment is severe only if it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Bentley v. Saul · filed 2020-07-09(c)

An impairment is severe only if it “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... Because the ALJ failed to consider the severity of Bentley’s BPD, ADHD, and PTSD impairments at step two, we vacate and remand with instructions for the district court to remand to the ALJ to conduct that analysis in the first instance.

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires a claimant to show an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Leon v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-07-20(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, a claimant must show that he or she suffers from an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits his or her physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1521, 416.920(a)(4)(ii), 416.921. ... As a result, the Court finds no error in the ALJ’s step two analysis.

At step two, the regulation requires determining whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement.

Dove v. Saul · filed 2020-07-16(a)(4)

At step two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4).

At step two, § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires evaluating whether the claimant has a severe impairment, and the court held the evidence did not support ending the sequential analysis at that step.

Malkin v. Saul · filed 2020-07-23(a)(4)(ii)

We hold that the ALJ’s determination that Malkin did not have any “severe” impairments for a continuous period of at least twelve months is not supported by substantial evidence. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1509, 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... Based on the record as a whole, we think that “[t]he ALJ should have continued the sequential analysis beyond step two because there was not substantial evidence to show that [Malkin’s] claim was ‘groundless.’”

At step two, an ALJ need identify only one severe impairment to continue the sequential evaluation, but must consider all impairments at later steps.

Ferguson v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner · filed 2020-07-29(c)

As an initial matter, “step two [of the sequential process] requires only a finding of ‘at least one’ severe impairment to continue on to the later steps.” Tuggerson-Brown v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 572 F. App’x 949, 951 (11th Cir. 2014) (per curiam) (citing Jamison v. Bowen, 814 F.2d 585, 588 (11th Cir. 1987)). Where an ALJ recognizes at least one severe impairment and proceeds to step three of the sequential evaluation process, there exists no per se requirement to identify additional impairments at the second step where the decision demonstrates the ALJ properly considered all impairments at subsequent steps. ... In this case, the ALJ considered all the medical evidence in combination, as he referenced Ferguson’s combination of impairments at step three, (tr. 15), and stated he considered “all symptoms” in assessing her RFC. (Tr. 16). ... The ALJ thus found at least one severe impairment at step two in accordance with Tuggerson-Brown.

At step two, the regulation requires finding no severe impairment when the claimant has no impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits basic work activities.

WRIGHT v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2020-07-31(c)

Step two provides that “[if] you do not have any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, we [the Social Security Administration] will find that you do not have a severe impairment and are, therefore, not disable.” 20 C.F.R §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c); ... Here, the ALJ did not err at step two of the sequential analysis, but instead made a reasoned decision supported by substantial evidence in the record, such as Wright’s admissions, treating doctors, and state examiners. ... the Court finds the ALJ made a sound decision based on the evidence that Wright’s impairments were not “severe.” ... Accordingly, the ALJ’s decision and Commissioner’s denial of review of that decision are AFFRIRMED.

At the second step of disability evaluation, the claimant must have a severe medically determinable impairment (or combination of impairments) that meets the duration requirement.

Thompson v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-08-05(a)(4)(ii)

At the second step in the sequential evaluation process a claimant must demonstrate he suffers from a “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement . . . or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement . . .” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii); Social Security Ruling 16-3p, 2017 WL 5180304, at *11 (Oct. 25, 2017); Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th Cir. 1988) (per curiam).

At step two of the disability analysis, the Commissioner determines whether the claimant has a severe impairment.

Rosshirt v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-08-11(a)(4)(ii)

Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1520(a)(4)(ii), at step two of the five- step analysis, the Commissioner must determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires assessing whether a claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.

Durbin v. Saul · filed 2020-08-17(a)(4)(ii)

A “severe” impairment, or combination of impairments, is defined as one that significantly limits physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. An impairment or combination of impairments should be found to be “non-severe” only when the evidence establishes merely a slight abnormality that has no more than a minimal effect on an individual’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. ... The Court finds that the ALJ’s failure at step two to distinguish between plaintiff’s diagnosed allergies to cats and ragweed, among other things, and her other diagnoses of hyperosmia, vasomotor rhinitis, and multiple chemical sensitivity was error as these latter diagnoses do not necessarily indicate the presence of allergies, yet have many similar symptoms. ... In light of the foregoing, the Court determines that the ALJ, in limiting contact with the public but not with coworkers and supervisors, did not properly consider plaintiff’s diagnoses of hyperosmia, vasomotor rhinitis, and multiple chemical sensitivity at step two. Remand is warranted on this issue.

Section 404.1520 makes step two a threshold inquiry requiring the Commissioner to determine whether a claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.

Myles v. Kijakazi · filed 2020-08-25

A “severe” impairment, or combination of impairments, is defined as one that significantly limits physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. ... The Court finds that plaintiff has made at least a de minimus showing at step two with respect to demonstrating that her fibromyalgia is a severe impairment, and also finds that the ALJ’s determination that plaintiff’s fibromyalgia was not a severe impairment at step two was not supported by substantial evidence.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Mendoza v. Saul · filed 2020-08-31(c)

The regulations, 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c), provide that an impairment is severe if it significantly limits one’s ability to perform basic work activities.

At step two of the sequential evaluation, § 404.1520 requires determining whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.

Sanchez v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-08-31(a)(4)(ii), (c)

At step two of the sequential analysis, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a “severe impairment” that “significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c), 416.920(a)(4)(ii), (c). It is the claimant’s burden to present evidence demonstrating severity at step two. See Briggs v. Astrue, 2011 WL 2669476, *3 (N.D.N.Y.), report and recommendation adopted by, 2011 WL 2669463 (N.D.N.Y. 2011).

Section 404.1520(c) requires an impairment or combination of impairments to significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities to be severe at step two.

Mom v. Saul · filed 2020-09-01(c)

Lastly, at step two the ALJ cited 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c), which is the section of the code that provides that a claimant must have an “impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits [her] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities,” in other words, an impairment or combination of impairments which is severe.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant to show at step two that an impairment or combination of impairments significantly limits basic work activities before the disability evaluation proceeds.

Masters v. Social Security Administration · filed 2020-09-01(c)

Social security regulations implement a five-step sequential process to evaluate a disability claim. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.1 ... Step two requires the claimant to establish that he has a medically severe impairment (or combination of impairments) that significantly limits his ability to do basic work activities. ... A claimant has the burden of proof at step two of the sequential analysis to show that he has an impairment severe enough to interfere with the ability to work. ... Because the claimant met his burden of showing multiple severe impairments at step two, the decision of the Commissioner should be reversed and the case remanded for further analysis.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the adjudicator to proceed beyond step two when the claimant has at least one severe medically determinable impairment, rather than deny benefits at step two.

Wroda v. Social Security Administration · filed 2020-09-09(a)(4)(ii)

The Court agrees that an ALJ need only find one severe impairment to proceed beyond Step Two. Allman, 813 F.3d at 1330. The Tenth Circuit has explained that the “reason is grounded in the Commissioner’s regulation [at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii)] describing step two, which states: ‘If you do not have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment . . . or combination of impairments that is severe . . . , we will find that you are not disabled.’” Id. at 1330. Thus, so long as an ALJ finds a severe impairment, he may not deny benefits at Step Two but must proceed to the next step.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires treating an impairment or combination as severe when it significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Schweers v. Berryhill · filed 2020-09-14(a)(4)(ii), (c)

Second, if the claimant is not gainfully engaged in any activity, the Commissioner must determine whether the claimant has a “severe impairment” that significantly limits the claimant’s ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). Under the applicable regulations, an impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities is considered “severe.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... The ALJ found exactly that: Schweers’ impairments “significantly limit” his ability to perform basic work activities. (R. 14.) Accordingly, the Court finds no error in the ALJ’s severity findings.

Section 404.1520(c) requires a claimant to have a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities to proceed beyond step two.

Flores v. Saul · filed 2020-09-21(c)

More importantly, though, an impairment need not be symptom-free to be non-severe. Rather, a non-severe impairment is one that does not significantly affect a claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1522, 416.922. The ALJ here applied the proper legal standards and supported its decision with substantial evidence in the record. See Molina, 674 F.3d at 1110. It made reasonable inferences supported by the record, and while reasonable minds might disagree on the severity of Plaintiff’s asthma, headaches, and vision issues, the ALJ relied on substantial evidence to support its conclusion that Plaintiff did not have a “severe impairment . . . or combination of impairments which significantly limits [their] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). Just because “the ALJ could have come to a different conclusion,” does not mean the ALJ erred. Shaibi v. Berryhill, 883 F.3d 1102, 1108 (9th Cir. 2018) (emphasis in original). For these reasons, the Court finds no error and Plaintiff’s argument fails.

At step two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments that is severe.

Bobman v. Commissioner Social Security · filed 2020-09-16(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ must engage in the “threshold inquiry” as to whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment (or combination of impairments) that is severe.

At step two, § 404.1520 requires the ALJ to determine the medical severity of the claimant’s impairment; finding a severe impairment is only a threshold finding and does not itself resolve disability or discard other medical opinions.

Kelley v. Berryhill · filed 2020-09-22(a)(4)(ii)

Again, step two requires the ALJ to “consider the medical severity of’ the impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i1). The Court disagrees that because the ALJ found Plaintiff had “severe impairments” at step two, he necessarily must have wholesale rejected the agency doctor’s opinions—because those doctors did not deem Plaintiff disabled, and therefore, and only relied on Dr. Lobatz.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment; if not, the claimant is not disabled.

Kilpatrick v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2020-09-24(a)(4)(ii)

To determine whether a claimant is disabled under the Act, the ALJ engages in a five-step sequential analysis. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a). ... At step two, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has a “severe” medically determinable physical or mental impairment. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). If not, the claimant is not disabled, and the inquiry ends.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe only when it significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Domblewski v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-09-28(c)

“An impairment is ‘severe’ if it ‘significantly limits [the claimant's] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.’” Casselbury v. Colvin, 90 F. Supp. 3d 81, 92–93 (W.D.N.Y. 2015) (quoting Eralte v. Colvin, No. 14 Civ. 1745(JCF), 2014 WL 7330441, at *10 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 23, 2014): 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c)). ... Based on the evidence of record, the ALJ properly determined that Plaintiff had no more than a mild limitation in any of the four broad functional areas and reasonably determined that Plaintiff’s mental impairments were non-severe. Tr. 18; SSR 96-3p, 1996 WL 374181; Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 154 (1987) (impairment is non-severe if it has no more than a minimal effect on the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform work); Rousey v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 285 F. Supp. 3d 723, 738 (S.D.N.Y. 2018) (ALJ properly determined that plaintiff had mild limitations in four broad functional areas and no severe mental impairments where assessment was supported by consultative examiner’s opinion and other evidence of record).

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) requires an ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments meeting the duration requirement, and an omitted additional impairment is harmless when step two is resolved favorably and its effects are considered later.

Christofferson v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-09-30(a)(4)(ii)

The second step requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that is severe and meets the duration requirement. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). ... Accordingly, because the ALJ resolved step two in Petitioner’s favor and discussed Petitioner’s pain complaints as symptoms of his recognized impairments later in the sequential process (see (AR 17-20)), the Court finds that any error by the ALJ in failing to identify another alleged impairment (chronic pain itself) as severe is harmless. See Crispin v. Colvin, 2016 WL 5420569, at *3 (D. Idaho 2016).

At step two, § 404.1520(c) requires a claimant to have a severe impairment before the disability evaluation proceeds.

Atchley v. Saul · filed 2020-09-30(c)

At step two of the sequential analysis, the ALJ determines whether a claimant has a “severe impairment.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... While a claimant has the burden of showing a severe impairment that severely limits his physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities, the burden “is not great” and “[t]he sequential evaluation process may be terminated at step two only when the claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments would have no more than a minimal impact on [his or her] ability to work.” ... The Court finds the ALJ’s determination regarding Plaintiff’s severe impairments to be supported by substantial evidence.

Section 404.1520(c) requires the ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments, and an error at that step is harmless if the ALJ proceeds through the later steps.

Garcia v. Social Security Administration · filed 2020-09-30(c)

At the second step of an ALJ’s analysis, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has established that she has a medically severe “impairment or combination of impairments.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). Even if an ALJ errs at step two of the evaluation process, the error will be rendered harmless if the ALJ proceeds to consider steps three through five. ... Because the ALJ proceeded through all the steps of the sequential evaluation, his decision not to treat Plaintiff’s nausea and vomiting as a severe impairment at step two cannot constitute reversible error.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe at step two only if it significantly limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.

Young v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2020-09-30(c)

In the instant case, the ALJ stopped at step two of the disability analysis, i.e., requiring the ALJ determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that is “severe” within the meaning of the Act, in that it imposes significant restrictions on the claimant's ability to perform basic work activities. Id. § 404.1520(c). “Step two addresses two distinct questions. First, an ALJ must determine whether an impairment satisfies the durational requirement. . . . Second, an ALJ must determine whether an impairment limits a claimant's ability to do basic work activities.” Thomas v. Berryhill, 2017 WL 4053819, at *4 (W.D.N.Y. Sept. 13, 2017) (citation omitted). ... Here, the ALJ’s determination that Plaintiff’s medically determinable impairments do not significantly limit his ability to perform basic work activities is supported by substantial evidence in the record.

At step two, § 404.1520(c) requires an ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities; misclassifying another impairment as non-severe is harmless when at least one impairment is severe and the evaluation continues.

MC KEE v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2020-10-06(c)

In any event, at step two, an ALJ determines whether a plaintiff has a “severe impairment” or combination of impairments that “significantly limits [the plaintiff’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities[.]” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... As discussed, the ALJ decided in Plaintiff’s favor at step two, finding that her autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and anxiety disorder are severe. R. 17. The ALJ went on to evaluate Plaintiff’s impairments through the remainder of the five-step sequential evaluation. R. 18–25. Accordingly, even if the ALJ erred by not finding other severe impairments, any such error at step two is harmless based on this record.

At step two, a claimant is not disabled if the claimant lacks a severe medically determinable impairment; an impairment is severe only if it significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities, under a de minimis but meaningful standard.

Davis v. Saul · filed 2020-10-09(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the disability analysis, the ALJ determines if a claimant’s impairments are severe. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); 416.920(a)(4)(ii). If the claimant does not have a severe medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, then he or she is not disabled. Id. “An impairment is not severe if it amounts only to a slight abnormality that would not significantly limit the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” Kirby v. Astrue, 500 F.3d 705, 707 (8th Cir. 2007). It is the claimant’s burden to establish his impairment is severe. Id. Although it is a “de minimus” standard to meet, it is not toothless. Id. at 708; Hudson v. Bowen, 870 F.2d 1392, 1395 (8th Cir. 1989). ... Plaintiff has the burden to establish he has a severe mental impairment, and he has not done so. Kirby, 500 F.3d at 707. There is little to no evidence in the record to suggest Plaintiff’s mental impairments significantly limit his ability to do basic work activities. There is substantial evidence in the record to support the ALJ’s conclusion that Plaintiff’s mental impairments are non-severe.

At step two, an impairment must cause more than minimal limitations and satisfy the continuous 12-month duration requirement, or be expected to result in death, to be treated as severe.

ARSLANIAN v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION · filed 2020-10-26(a)(4)(ii)

Within the framework of the disability evaluation process, for an impairment to be medically severe at step two, the impairment or combination of impairments must meet the duration requirement in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1509 —— that is —— the impairment is expected to last for a continuous twelve months or expected to result in death. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(h)(2); § 404.1509. ... Even assuming these symptoms were caused by ADEM and its residual effects, these infrequent episodes accompanied by normal mental status examinations are consistent with the ALJ’s determination that ADEM did not cause more than minimal limitations for the 12-month durational requirement.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as severe when it significantly limits a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

WISKIDENSKY v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2020-10-30(c)

Regardless, there was no substantive error. A “severe” impairment is one that “significantly limits [a claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). The ALJ found that records showed that Wiskidensky took medication that controlled symptoms of his bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. (R. 19.) The ALJ also assigned weight to state agency psychological consultants’ and a psychological examiner’s conclusions that his mental impairments were non-severe and his mental capacity was only “mildly impaired.” (R. 20.) Accordingly, there was “more than a mere scintilla” of evidence to support the ALJ’s finding. Jones, 364 F.3d at 503; see also Chandler v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 667 F.3d 356, 361 (3d Cir. 2011) (state agency consultants’ “opinions merit significant consideration” (citation omitted)).

At step two, the regulation requires a severe impairment or combination before proceeding, but an erroneous failure to label an additional impairment severe is harmless if the claimant proceeds through the sequential evaluation and the impairment is considered later.

Sutton v. Saul · filed 2020-11-09(a)(4)(ii)

An ALJ's failure to characterize a claimant's condition as severe at step two of the sequential evaluation process does not always warrant remand, even when erroneous. ... Step two requires “a threshold determination of whether a [plaintiff] is suffering from a severe impairment or a combination of impairments.” ... “If a [plaintiff] is found to be suffering from a severe impairment(s), the analysis simply proceeds to the next step.” ... When a plaintiff makes a “threshold showing that other disorders constituted severe impairments” and “the ALJ continued with the sequential evaluation process,” an ALJ's failure to find an additional impairment nonsevere is harmless. ... Therefore, the Court finds that in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, any error resulting from the ALJ’s determination that Plaintiff’s uveitis was non-severe, was harmless.

Section 404.1520(c)'s step-two severity inquiry is only a threshold screen; impairments found nonsevere must still be considered when assessing the claimant's RFC.

Wilson v. Saul · filed 2020-11-16(c)

Plaintiff also contends that the ALJ erred in finding that his reflex sympathetic dystrophy was not a severe impairment (R. at 18-19, 24-25). Pl.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. 8, ECF No. 11-1. He, however, misunderstands the purpose of step two in the analysis. Step two is merely a threshold determination meant to screen out weak claims. It is not meant to identify the impairments that should be taken into account when determining the RFC. In fact, “[i]n assessing RFC, the adjudicator must consider limitations and restrictions imposed by all of an individual’s impairments, even those that are not ‘severe.’” The RFC therefore should be exactly the same regardless of whether certain impairments are considered “severe” or not. ... Plaintiff’s contention that the ALJ erred at step two by failing to determine that his reflex sympathetic dystrophy was a severe impairment is thus without merit.

Section 404.1520(c) treats an impairment as non-severe when it does not significantly limit a claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities.

Rue v. Saul · filed 2020-11-23(c)

An impairment is not severe if it does not significantly limit the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c).

Section 404.1520(c) requires a low-threshold step-two inquiry into whether a claimant has a medically severe impairment that significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Robinson v. Commissioner Social Security Administration · filed 2020-12-01(c)

At step two, the Commissioner determines whether the claimant has a “medically severe impairment or combination of impairments.” Stout v. Comm’r Soc. Sec Admin., 454 F.3d 1050, 1052 (9th Cir. 2006); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c); Keyser v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 648 F.3d 721, 724 (9th Cir. 2011). A severe impairment “significantly limits” a claimant’s “physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1522(a), 416.922(a). ... The step two inquiry “is ‘a de minimis screening device to dispose of groundless claims.’” Edlund v. Massanari, 253 F.3d 1152, 1158 (9th Cir. 2001) (quoting Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996)). ... The ALJ’s determination that Plaintiff’s mental impairments did not pass the “de minimis screening device to dispose of groundless claims” is not supported by substantial evidence. See Edlund, 253 F.3d at 1158 (quoting Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1290). The Court thus concludes that the ALJ erred at step two when he found Plaintiff’s mental impairments are non-severe.