20 C.F.R. § 404.1520

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential evaluation of disability claims, including a second-step determination whether the claimant has a severe impairment.

O'Bier v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2013-06-13(a)(4)(ii)

The ALJ was required to follow a “five-step sequential evaluation process . . . to decide whether [O’Bier was] disabled.” See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. The ALJ properly followed that process. O’Bier argues, however, that the ALJ erred at the second step in that process by concluding that her depression was not a severe impairment. See id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

Section 404.1520(a)(1) requires disability claims to be evaluated under a five-step sequential analysis.

Blessing v. Colvin · filed 2013-06-24(a)(1)

The Social Security Administration has promulgated a five-step sequential analysis for a determination of disability. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(1). To be entitled to Disability Benefits, (1) the claimant must not be currently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) the claimant must have a “severe impairment”; (3) if the severe impairment is listed in 20 C.F.R. part 404, subpart P, appendix 1 (“Appendix 1”), the claimant is disabled and the analysis ends at this step; (4) if not, the claimant’s “residual functional capacity” must be insufficient for him to perform his past relevant work; and (5) the claimant must be unable to do any other work considering his age, education, and work experience. ... In the initial disability analysis considering Blessing’s drug use, the hearing officer carefully followed the Administration’s five-step analysis. The hearing officer cited and analyzed all medical records on file and the testimony of Blessing and Mrs. Blessing. This Court rules this portion of the hearing officer’s analysis sound.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires disability determinations to proceed through a five-step sequential evaluation.

Monroe v. Colvin · filed 2013-07-18(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential disability inquiry, and a negative answer at any step other than step three ends the inquiry with a determination that the claimant is not disabled.

Orienti v. Astrue · filed 2013-08-07

A negative answer at any point, other than step 3, stops the inquiry and leads to a determination that the claimant is not disabled.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) sets out the five sequential steps used to determine whether an applicant is disabled.

Degenaro-Huber v. Commissioner Social Security · filed 2013-08-12(a)(4)

A five-step, sequential evaluation is used to determine whether an applicant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. The Commissioner must determine: (1) whether the applicant has engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged disability onset date; (2) whether the applicant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment or combination of impairments meets the criteria of a listed impairment; (4) whether, despite the severe impairment, the applicant retains the residual functional capacity to perform her past relevant work; and (5) whether the applicant is capable of performing other jobs that exist in the national economy, considering her age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4); Poulos, 474 F.3d at 91-92.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an ALJ to evaluate disability through a five-step sequential process, ending with consideration of whether the claimant can adjust to other work.

Cichocki v. Astrue · filed 2013-09-05(a)(4)

Federal regulations set forth a “five-step sequential evaluation process” that guides an ALJ’s determination of whether a claimant is entitled to benefits. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). At step one, the ALJ must consider whether the claimant is performing substantial gainful activity. Id. If so, the claimant is deemed not disabled, and the inquiry ends. At step two, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has “a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement in [20 C.F.R.] § 404.1509, or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement.” Id. If not, the claimant is deemed not disabled, and the inquiry ends. At step three, the ALJ must consider whether the claimant’s severe impairments meet or equal one of the enumerated disabilities listed in an Appendix 1 of Subpart P to 20 C.F.R. § 404. Id. If so, and if the impairment is of sufficient duration, the claimant is deemed disabled, and the inquiry ends. At step four, the ALJ must assess the claimant’s residual functional capacity to perform work. If the claimant’s RFC permits him to perform his past relevant work, then the claimant is deemed not disabled, and the inquiry ends. Id. Finally, at step five, the ALJ must consider the claimant’s RFC, age, education, and work experience to determine whether the claimant “can make an adjustment to other work.” Id. If he can make an adjustment, he is deemed not disabled. If he cannot, he is deemed disabled.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential evaluation of disability, including determining residual functional capacity before step four, assessing past relevant work, and ending the inquiry when a dispositive finding is made.

Henry v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2013-09-21(e), (f), (a)(4)

The Commissioner uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to evaluate a DIB or SSI claim. ... Prior to considering step four, the Commissioner must determine a claimant’s residual functional capacity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e). ... The Commissioner must next determine whether the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform the requirements of his past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(f), 416.920(f). If he does, the claimant is not disabled. ... Finally, even if the claimant’s impairment does prevent him from doing past relevant work, the claimant will not be considered disabled if other work exists in the national economy that he can perform. ... A dispositive finding by the Commissioner at any point in the five-step process terminates the review. ...

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step sequential evaluation, including a step-two determination whether the claimant has a severe impairment that significantly limits basic work activities.

Diakogiannis v. Astrue · filed 2013-09-30(a)(4)(ii)

As stated above, at step two of the evaluation, 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)(h), (c). “An impairment or combination of impairments is ‘not severe’ when medical and other evidence establishes only a slight abnormality or a combination of slight abnormalities that would have at most a minimal effect on an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities.”

At step two, once a claimant has at least one severe impairment, the ALJ must consider all symptoms and impairments, including non-severe ones, in the remaining evaluation.

Dickey-Williams v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2013-09-30(c)

First, the Court finds the Report accurately stated the law when holding that an ALJ must consider all of a claimant’s symptoms and impairments, severe or non-severe, in formulating a decision (as long as some severe impairment exists).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to use a five-step sequential evaluation: assess work activity, severity, whether the impairment meets a listing, residual functional capacity and past work, and ability to adjust to other work.

Henn v. Colvin · filed 2013-09-30(a)(4)

To determine whether a claimant has a disability within the meaning of the Social Security Act, the Commissioner follows a five-step sequential evaluation process outlined in the regulations. ... Third, if the claimant has a severe impairment, then the Commissioner will consider the medical severity of the impairment. If the impairment meets or equals one of the presumptively disabling impairments listed in the regulations, then the claimant is considered disabled, regardless of age, education, and work experience. ... Fourth, if the claimant’s impairment is severe, but it does not meet or equal one of the presumptively disabling impairments, then the Commissioner will assess the claimant’s RFC to determine the claimant’s “ability to meet the physical, mental, sensory, and other requirements” of the claimant’s past relevant work. ... Fifth, if the claimant’s RFC as determined in Step Four will not allow the claimant to perform past relevant work, then the burden shifts to the Commissioner to prove that there is other work that the claimant can do, given the claimant’s RFC as determined at Step Four, and his or her age, education, and work experience. ... If the claimant cannot make an adjustment to other work, then the Commissioner will find that the claimant is disabled.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequential process for determining whether the claimant is disabled.

Ditsworth v. Colvin · filed 2013-11-12(a)(4)

To determine whether a claimant has a disability within the meaning of the Social Security Act, the Commissioner follows a five-step sequential evaluation process outlined in the regulations. ... I find that the ALJ properly interpreted the word “disability” in considering Ditsworth’s claims for DIB and SSI and that he properly conducted the five-step disability analysis to determine whether her impairments met that definition.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations.

Fairchild v. Colvin · filed 2014-02-18(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step disability evaluation: the claimant bears the burden through the first four steps, and the burden shifts to the Commissioner at step five to show that the claimant can perform other substantial gainful activity in the national economy.

Shilo v. Colvin · filed 2014-02-28(a)(4)

During the first four steps of the five-step sequential analysis, the claimant has the burden of proof. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. Should the claimant meet all requirements of the previous steps, at Step 5 the burden shifts to the Commissioner to establish that the claimant retains the RFC to perform other substantial gainful activity existing in the national economy.

The regulation requires disability claims to be evaluated through five sequential steps; at step two, one severe impairment is sufficient to proceed, and at later steps the ALJ must consider the claimant’s entire set of limitations.

Griffin v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2014-03-19(a)(4)

In order to determine whether a claimant is disabled, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a five-step sequential analysis. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a). This process includes a determination of whether the claimant: (1) is presently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) has a severe and medically determinable physical or mental impairment; (3) has such an impairment that meets or equals one of the listed impairments and meets the duration requirements; (4) can perform his past relevant work, in light of his residual capacity; and (5) can make an adjustment to ... other work, in light of his residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4). A claimant is not disabled unless he has a severe impairment. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (c). A severe impairment is an impairment or combination thereof that significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. Id. § 404.1520(c). The determination of whether the claimant suffers from a severe impairment acts as a filter. Jamison v. Bowen, 814 F.2d 585, 588 (11th Cir. 1987). Thus, while a claim is denied if the claimant does not suffer from a severe impairment, the finding of any severe impairment, regardless of whether it qualifies as a disability or results from a single impairment or combination thereof, is sufficient to satisfy the second step of the SSA’s sequential analysis. Id. Nonetheless, beyond the second step, the ALJ must consider the entirety of the claimant’s limitations, regardless of whether they are individually disabling. See id.; Bowen v. Heckler, 748 F.2d 629, 635 (11th Cir. 1984). ... The ALJ found that Mr. Griffin suffered from the severe impairment of degenerative disc disease, which was all that the second step of the SSA’s disability analysis required. See Jamison, 814 F.2d at 588. ... Likewise, in determining Mr. Griffin’s residual functional capacity, the ALJ expressly acknowledged that Mr. Griffin’s statements regarding the limiting effects of his impairments were not credible. The record demonstrates that, even if the ALJ should have found that Mr. Griffin’s tinnitus was a severe impairment, the ALJ fulfilled his responsibility to consider Mr. Griffin’s tinnitus in the remaining steps of his disability analysis. See Jamison, 814 F.2d at 588; Heckler, 748 F.2d at 635; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). Thus, any error that the ALJ made in failing to find that Mr. Griffin’s tinnitus was a severe impairment was harmless. See Jamison, 814 F.2d at 588; Diorio v. Heckler, 721 F.2d 726, 728 (11th Cir. 1983) (applying the harmless error doctrine to a Social Security appeal).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to use a five-step sequential disability analysis and end the review when disability or nondisability is established at any step.

Bentzen v. Astrue · filed 2014-06-13(a)(4)

In determining whether a person is disabled, the Commissioner is required to perform a five-step sequential analysis. ... If a finding of disability or non-disability can be made at any point in the sequential process, the review ends. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires disability to be evaluated through a five-step sequence, including severity at step two, listed-impairment equivalence at step three, and ability to perform past work at step four.

Baxla v. Colvin · filed 2014-09-09(a)(c), (a)(4)(iii), (a)(4)(iv)

In the first two steps, a claimant seeking disability benefits must initially demonstrate (1) that she is not presently engaged in a substantial gainful activity, and (2) that her impairments are severe. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(c). If a claimant meets steps one and two, she may be found disabled in two ways at steps three and four. At step three, she may prove that her impairment or combination of impairments meets or equals an impairment in the Listing of Impairments found in Appendix 1 to Subpart P of 20 C.F.R. pt. 404. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii). If so, the claimant is presumptively disabled. If not, the ALJ determines the claimant’s RFC. At step four, the ALJ determines whether a claimant’s RFC precludes her from performing her past work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). If the claimant establishes this prima facie ease, the burden shifts to the government at step five to establish that the claimant can perform other jobs that exist in significant number in the national economy, considering the claimant’s RFC, age, work experience, and education. If the government does not meet this burden, then the claimant is considered disabled within the meaning of the Act.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequence, including determining at step two whether the claimant has a severe impairment and at step three whether the severe impairment meets or equals a listed impairment.

McMahon v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration · filed 2014-09-24(a)(2), (a)(4)(ii), (a)(4)(iii)

To determine whether the claimant is disabled, the ALJ employs a five-step process. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(2), (a)(4). ... At the second step, the claimant must show she has a severe impairment. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). ... At step three, the claimant must show that her severe impairment meets or equals the criteria in the Listings of Impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii).

Section 404.1520(a) requires a five-step sequential evaluation of disability, including determining whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, has a severe impairment, meets a listed impairment, and can perform past relevant work.

Baxla v. Colvin · filed 2014-09-09(a)(c), (a)(4)(iii), (a)(4)(iv)

In the first two steps, a claimant seeking disability benefits must initially demonstrate (1) that she is not presently engaged in a substantial gainful activity, and (2) that her impairments are severe. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(c). If a claimant meets steps one and two, she may be found disabled in two ways at steps three and four. At step three, she may prove that her impairment or combination of impairments meets or equals an impairment in the Listing of Impairments found in Appendix 1 to Subpart P of 20 C.F.R. pt. 404. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii). If so, the claimant is presumptively disabled. If not, the ALJ determines the claimant’s RFC. At step four, the ALJ determines whether a claimant’s RFC precludes her from performing her past work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). If the claimant establishes this prima facie ease, the burden shifts to the government at step five to establish that the claimant can perform other jobs that exist in significant number in the national economy, considering the claimant’s RFC, age, work experience, and education. If the government does not meet this burden, then the claimant is considered disabled within the meaning of the Act.

Section 404.1520 sets out a five-step sequential analysis for disability claims, with the disability determination turning on the answers at each step and the burden shifting to the Commissioner at step five.

Pearson v. Colvin · filed 2014-11-05

The Commissioner follows a five-step sequential analysis to ascertain whether the claimant is disabled. The five questions which the ALJ must answer are: ... 1. Is the individual involved in substantial gainful activity? ... 2. Does the individual suffer from a severe impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limit his or her physical or mental ability to do work activities? ... 3. Does the individual suffer from an impairment or impairments which meet or equal those listed in 20 C.F.R., Pt. 404, Sbpt. P, App. 1 (a “listed impairment” or “Appendix 1”)? ... 4. Does the individual’s impairment or impairments prevent him or her from performing his or her past relevant work? ... 5. Does the individual’s impairment or impairments prevent him or her from doing any other work? ... An affirmative answer to question one, or a negative answer to question two or four, results in a determination of no disability. An affirmative answer to question three or five establishes disability. This analysis is set forth in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520 and 416.920. The burden of proof and production rests on the claimant during the first four steps, but shifts to the Commissioner on the fifth step.

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to consider all evidence in the claimant’s case record and, at step three, consider the medical severity of the claimant’s impairments; it does not require detailed reasoning at step three.

Forrest v. Comm'r of Social Security · filed 2014-11-17(a)(3), (a)(4)(iii)

And we decline Forrest’s invitation to extend Wilson to require remand when the ALJ provides minimal reasoning at step three of the five-step inquiry, especially where Forrest did not argue at the hearing that he met a particular listing. Importantly, the regulations governing the five-step inquiry require only that the ALJ “consider all evidence in [the claimant’s] case record,” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(3), and, at step three, “consider the medical severity of [the claimant’s] impairment(s),” id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii). See Bowie, 539 F.3d at 400 (distinguishing requirement that ALJ “consider” from requirement that he give “good reasons”).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential process.

Roberts v. Colvin · filed 2014-10-22(a)(4)

In determining whether a person is disabled, the Commissioner is required to perform a five-step sequential analysis.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a hearing officer to use a five-step sequential analysis to determine whether a claimant is disabled, whether the claimed impairment is physical or mental.

Doyle v. Colvin · filed 2015-01-22(a)(4)

The hearing officer must conduct the required five-step analysis when determining whether the claimant is either physically or mentally disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires the hearing officer to use the five-step analysis when determining whether a claimant is physically or mentally disabled.

Doyle v. Colvin · filed 2015-01-22(a)(4)

The hearing officer must conduct the required five-step analysis when determining whether the claimant is either physically or mentally disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential process for deciding disability claims, including a step-four determination of whether the claimant can perform past relevant work as actually performed or as generally performed.

Mohr v. SSA · filed 2015-04-01

The ALJ follows a five-step sequential analysis for determining whether a claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. ... At Step Four of the sequential analysis, the ALJ determines whether the claimant is able to do her past relevant work, either as that work is categorized in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles or as the work was actually performed by the claimant. ... The ALJ relied on the job description provided in the Disability Report to find that Mohr could do her past relevant work. There is no dispute that the job described in the Disability Report involved sedentary work. Therefore, the ALJ’s finding at Step Four is supported by substantial evidence.

Section 404.1520(a)(1) requires adjudicators to determine disability through a five-step sequential analysis.

Doshi v. Colvin · filed 2015-03-30(a)(1)

A hearing officer must proceed through a five-step analysis to determine whether a claimant is disabled according to the Social Security Administration regulations.

Section 404.1520 requires ALJs to decide disability claims through a five-step sequence, including evaluating severe impairments and, if the claim proceeds, past relevant work and other work in the national economy.

Winn v. Comm'r of Social Security · filed 2015-06-15

Administrative law judges follow a five-step inquiry laid out in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 when determining whether to approve or deny disability benefits: ... For the fifth and final step, even if the plaintiff’s impairment does prevent her from doing her past relevant work, if other work exists in the national economy that plaintiff can perform, plaintiff is not disabled. ... In this case, despite concluding that Winn did not have a severe mental impairment at step-two of the ALJ’s five-step sequential evaluation process, the ALJ determined that Winn suffered from a severe physical impairment. ... However, the ALJ’s step-four determination regarding Winn’s RFC did not consider Winn’s mental impairments in a meaningful way. Accordingly, as the magistrate judge recommended, we are unable to conclude that the ALJ’s error “falls within the parameters of Maziarz.” ... This error therefore requires reversal.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a mandatory five-step sequence, with no later step needed once a disability determination can be made.

Miller v. Colvin · filed 2015-07-13

The ALJ applies a five-step procedure to decide whether an applicant is disabled. This sequential analysis is mandatory for all SSI and SSD/ DIB applications. Smith v. Shalala, 987 F.2d 1371, 1373 (8th Cir.1993); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. When a determination that an applicant is or is not disabled can be inade at any step, evaluation under a subsequent step is unnecessary.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires disability adjudicators to use a five-step sequential process, including consideration of past relevant work and adjustment to other work in light of residual functional capacity and vocational factors.

Hubbard v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2015-07-27(a)(4)

The applicable regulations provide a five-step, sequential evaluation process to determine whether a claimant is disabled. Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1178. As part of this process, the ALJ must analyze whether the claimant: (1) is currently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) has a severe, medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments; (3) has an impairment, or combination thereof, that meets or equals the severity of a specified impairment in the Listing of Impairments; (4) can perform any of her past relevant work, in view of her residual functional capacity; and (5) can make an adjustment to other work, in view of her residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience. See id.; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations.

Arnett v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2015-08-14(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.K. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step sequential evaluation for determining disability.

Evans v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2015-08-18(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step sequential evaluation for determining whether a claimant is disabled.

Kingery v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2015-09-14(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires disability determinations to follow a five-step sequential evaluation.

Jones v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2015-09-22(a)(4)

Administrative’ regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations.

Kent v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2015-09-29(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a fívé-step sequential evaluation for disability- ' determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an ALJ to evaluate a disability claim through a five-step sequential process, including determining at step five whether the claimant can perform alternative work existing in significant numbers in the national economy.

Pearson v. Colvin · filed 2015-12-17(a)(4)

In considering an application for disability benefits, an ALJ uses a five-step sequential process to evaluate the disability claim. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4) (2015). The ALJ determines whether a claimant: first, is currently gainfully employed; second, has a severe impairment; and third, has an impairment that meets or equals the requirements of a listed impairment. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i), (ii), (iii). Fourth, the ALJ considers the claimant’s residual functional capacity to determine whether he can perform the functions of his past relevant work. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). Fifth, the ALJ considers the claimant’s age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity to decide whether he can perform alternative work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Id. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 404.1560(c). The claimant has the burden of proof for the first four steps, but at the final, fifth step the Commissioner bears the burden to prove that the claimant is able to perform alternative work. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 n.5 (1987).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an ALJ to evaluate disability through five sequential steps, including assessing the claimant’s residual functional capacity and ability to perform past relevant work at step four.

Lenowsky v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2021-08-31(a)(4)

To determine whether a claimant is disabled, the Social Security Regulations (Regulations) prescribe “a five-step, sequential evaluation process.” Carter v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 726 F. App’x 737, 739 (11th Cir. 2018) (per curiam) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)).3 Under this process, an ALJ must assess whether the claimant: (1) is performing substantial gainful activity; (2) has a severe impairment; (3) has a severe impairment that meets or equals an impairment specifically listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1; (4) has the RFC to engage in his past relevant work; and (5) can perform other jobs in the national economy given his RFC, age, education, and work experience.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) establishes a five-step sequential process for evaluating disability: current work activity, severity and duration of impairments, listed impairments, ability to perform past work, and ability to perform other work in the national economy, with residual functional capacity assessed between steps three and four.

Montaque v. Saul · filed 2021-09-08(a)(4)

The ALJ followed the five-step evaluation process established by the Social Security Act in analyzing Plaintiff’s disability claim. (R. at 825-35); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4); see Mascio v. Colvin, 780 F.3d 632, 634-35 (4th Cir. 2015) (describing the ALJ’s five-step sequential evaluation). According to those regulations, at step one, the ALJ looks at the claimant’s current work activity. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). At step two, the ALJ asks whether the claimant’s medical impairments meet the regulations’ severity and duration requirements. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). Step three requires the ALJ to determine whether the medical impairments meet or equal an impairment listed in the regulations. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(a)(4)(iii). Between steps three and four, the ALJ must assess the claimant’s residual functional capacity, accounting for the most the claimant can do despite his physical and mental limitations. §§ 404.1545(a), 416.945(a). At step four, the ALJ assesses whether the claimant can perform his past work given his residual functional capacity. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(a)(4)(iv). Finally, at step five, the ALJ determines whether the claimant can perform any work existing in the national economy. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v).

Section 404.1520 uses a five-step disability evaluation, and failure to identify every severe impairment at step two is harmless when the ALJ considers all impairments in assessing residual functional capacity at step four.

Rutledge v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner · filed 2021-09-08(a)(4), (c), (e)

Even if the ALJ erroneously failed to characterize other impairments as severe, the error was harmless. The Eleventh Circuit recognizes that an ALJ’s failure to name all of a claimant’s severe impairments at step two of the sequential process causes no harm if the ALJ considers all impairments when evaluating the claimant’s residual functional capacity at step four. ... Here, the ALJ stated that his residual functional capacity finding considered “any functional limitations resulting from the claimant’s nonsevere impairments or the combination thereof.” (Tr. 27). ... Accordingly, the ALJ’s assessment of Rutledge’s severe impairments does not provide a substantive basis for reversal.

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to consider a claimant’s work activity at step one and find the claimant not disabled if the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity.

Maya v. Kijakazi · filed 2021-09-14(a)(4)(i), (b)

At step one of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ considers the claimant’s work activity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i); 416.920(a)(4)(i). If the claimant is engaged in “substantial gainful activity,” the ALJ must find that the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b); 416.920(b). ... As the case is being remanded for the ALJ to reconsider the medical opinion evidence, the ALJ is also instructed to perform the five-step analysis anew, including reconsidering his step-one analysis.

Section 404.1520(a) requires the Commissioner to determine disability through a five-step sequential analysis addressing substantial gainful activity, severity, listed impairments, past work, and other work.

Miller v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner · filed 2021-09-14(a)

A determination of disability under the Social Security Act requires a five-step analysis. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a). The Commissioner must determine in sequence: (1) Is the claimant presently unable to engage in substantial gainful activity? (2) Are the claimant’s impairments severe? (3) Do the claimant’s impairments satisfy or medically equal one of the specific impairments set forth in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1? (4) Is the claimant unable to perform her former occupation? (5) Is the claimant unable to perform other work given her residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience?

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step disability evaluation and permits the Commissioner to stop once a claimant is found disabled or not disabled at a step.

Gossett v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration · filed 2021-09-15(a)(4)

These considerations are sometimes referred to as the “five steps” of the Commissioner’s disability analysis. If a decision regarding disability may be made at any step, no further inquiry is necessary. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (providing that if Commissioner can find claimant disabled or not disabled at a step, Commissioner makes determination and does not go on to the next step). ... The ALJ is to consider the effect of all impairments throughout all five steps. ... Remand is appropriate here to allow the ALJ to properly consider and evaluate the evidence at each Step.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an ALJ to evaluate disability claims through five sequential steps: substantial gainful activity, severe impairment, listed impairment, past relevant work, and other work considering the claimant’s vocational factors and residual functional capacity.

Gregorio v. Saul · filed 2021-09-16(a)(4)

In making this determination at the administrative level, the ALJ follows a five-step sequential evaluation process. 20 C.F.R. §404.1520(a). Under this process, the ALJ must sequentially determine: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment; (3) whether the claimant’s impairment meets or equals a listed impairment; (4) whether the claimant is able to do his or her past relevant work; and (5) whether the claimant is able to do any other work, considering his or her age, education, work experience and residual functional capacity (“RFC”). 20 C.F.R. §404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequential process addressing work activity, impairment severity, listed impairments, prior work, and other available work.

Lambey v. Saul · filed 2021-09-23

Pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commissioner, a five-step sequential evaluation process is used to determine whether the claimant’s condition meets the Act’s definition of disability. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. This process is essentially as follows: [I]f the Commissioner determines (1) that the claimant is not working, (2) that he has a ‘severe impairment,’ (3) that the impairment is not one [listed in Appendix 1 of the regulations] that conclusively requires a determination of disability, and (4) that the claimant is not capable of continuing in his prior type of work, the Commissioner must find him disabled if (5) there is not another type of work the claimant can do.

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to proceed through the sequential disability steps, including considering past relevant work at step four even when the claimant is found disabled at step three.

Borges-Bishop v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2021-09-28(a)(4)(iii)–(iv)

The Court agrees with Defendant that a finding of severe impairments at step two does not automatically result in a disability finding. (Def. Br. at 8.) And even if a claimant is found to be disabled at step three, the ALJ must still consider at step four whether the claimant is capable of performing past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii)–(iv). The process does not automatically end when there is a disability finding, as Plaintiff argues. The Court also agrees that Plaintiff’s argument falls short because it does not specify which listing is satisfied and instead argues generally that Plaintiff must qualify for disability benefits because she has severe impairments. The Court finds the ALJ did not err at step two of the analysis.

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential process, considering work activity, impairment severity, listed impairments, past relevant work, and other work in the national economy.

Medeiros v. Kijakazi · filed 2021-10-08(a)(4)(i)-(v)

The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential analysis to determine whether a claimant satisfies the above criteria. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v), 416.920(a)(4)(i)-(v). At step one, the Commissioner considers the claimant’s work activity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). If the claimant is engaged in “substantial gainful activity,” the Commissioner must find that the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If the claimant is not engaged in substantial gainful activity, the analysis proceeds to step two. At this step, the Commissioner considers the severity of the claimant’s impairment. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). If the claimant suffers from “any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits [his or her] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities,” the analysis proceeds to step three. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). If the claimant’s impairment does not satisfy this severity threshold, however, the Commissioner must find that the claimant is not disabled.

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential process, considering work activity, impairment severity, listed impairments, past relevant work, and other work in the national economy.

LOGLISCI v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2021-10-08(a)(4)(i)-(v)

The Social Security Act establishes a five-step sequential evaluation process for determining whether a plaintiff is disabled within the meaning of the statute. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). ... At step three, the ALJ decides whether the plaintiff’s impairment or combination of impairments “meets” or “medically equals” the severity of an impairment in the Listing of Impairments (“Listing”) found at 20 C.F.R. § 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d). ... At step five, the ALJ must decide whether the plaintiff, considering the plaintiff’s RFC, age, education, and work experience, can perform other jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(g).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate each claim for benefits using a five-step sequential analysis.

Perkins v. Kijakazi · filed 2021-10-15

The regulations require the Commissioner to evaluate each claim for benefits using a five-step sequential analysis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520; 416.920.

Section 404.1520 requires an impairment to significantly limit basic work activities to be severe at step two, and requires the ALJ at step three to determine whether the claimant’s impairment meets or medically equals a listed impairment.

Buckley v. Saul · filed 2021-10-19(c), (d)

If the claimant has a medically determinable impairment, at step two of the sequential evaluation process the ALJ determines whether it is a “severe” impairment. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1508, 404.1520(c). An impairment is severe only if it significantly limits an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities for at least a 12-month consecutive period. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... At step three, an ALJ determines whether a claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments meets or medically equals the criteria of a listed impairment.

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

Kimberly P. v. Kijakazi · filed 2021-10-22(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). ... Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred by failing to include bipolar I disorder with psychotic features as a severe impairment at Step 2. The record clearly supports Plaintiff’s position, and the Commissioner effectively concedes error on this point by failing to respond substantively to the argument in her brief. ... Plaintiff’s bipolar with psychosis diagnosis is longstanding and well supported by the record, and it is unclear why it was not identified as a severe impairment at Step 2.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through five sequential steps, and the evaluation ends once a claimant can be found disabled or not disabled at a step.

Martin v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration · filed 2021-10-25(a)(4)

An examiner must consider the following: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity (“SGA”); (2) whether he has a severe impairment; (3) whether that impairment meets or equals an impairment included in the Listings;2 (4) whether such impairment prevents claimant from performing PRW;3 and (5) whether the impairment prevents him from doing SGA. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. These considerations are sometimes referred to as the “five steps” of the Commissioner’s disability analysis. If a decision regarding disability may be made at any step, no further inquiry is necessary. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (providing that if Commissioner can find claimant disabled or not disabled at a step, Commissioner makes determination and does not go on to the next step).

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequential process, stopping if the claimant is found not disabled at any step.

Morales-Benitez v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2021-10-27(a)(4)

Claims for disability benefits are evaluated according to a five-step sequential process. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520; Barnhart v. Thomas, 540 U.S. 20, 24–25 (2003); Cleveland v. Policy Mgmt. Sys. Corp., 526 U.S. 795, 804 (1999); Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 140–42. If it is determined that plaintiff is not disabled at any step in the evaluation process, then the analysis will not proceed to the next step. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequential process addressing current work, severe impairment, listed impairments, past relevant work, and other work in the national economy.

Carr v. Social Security Administration · filed 2021-11-05(a)(4)(i)-(v)

Social Security regulations implement a five-step sequential process to evaluate a disability claim. ... To determine whether a claimant is disabled, the Commissioner inquires: (1) whether the claimant is currently working; (2) whether the claimant suffers from a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment meets an impairment listed in Appendix 1 of the relevant regulation; (4) considering the Commissioner’s assessment of the claimant’s residual functioning capacity (“RFC”), whether the impairment prevents the claimant from continuing his past relevant work; and (5) considering assessment of the RFC and other factors, whether the claimant can perform other types of work existing in significant numbers in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v), 416.920(a)(4)(i)-(v).

Section 404.1520 requires disability determinations to follow a five-step sequential evaluation, advancing to the next step only when the claimant's disability status cannot be decided at the current step.

Ranaghan v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-08-22(a)(4)

The Commissioner, acting through a presiding ALJ, assesses whether an applicant’s impairments or combination of impairments meets the statutory definition of disability by undertaking a “five-step sequential evaluation process.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). The Commissioner only advances to the next step of the evaluation process where the determination of an applicant’s disability status cannot be made at that stage. Id.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) describes the five-step sequential evaluation process used to determine whether a claimant is disabled.

Andujar v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-03-31(a)(4)

The Court finds that the ALJ applied the correct legal standard to its analysis of Plaintiff’s disability claim. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (explaining the five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether a claimant is disabled).

Section 404.1520 requires disability to be evaluated through a five-step sequence, and an administrative law judge must explain how mild mental limitations found at step two are consistent with a finding at step four that the claimant can perform highly skilled past relevant work.

Christoffer v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-07-15(a)(4)

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). ... That said, however, the ALJ found, to Christoffer’s favor, that Christoffer had mild impairments in his ability to perform basic work activities in all four of the Paragraph B criteria at Step Two but then found Christoffer capable of performing his past highly skilled work, without any explanation as to how those two findings are not in conflict with each other. ... For all of these reasons, the undersigned recommends the Court find the ALJ erred in failing to build an accurate and logical bridge from the evidence to his conclusions, requiring remand.

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate disability through five steps: substantial gainful activity, severe impairment, the listings, residual functional capacity and past work, and other work in the national economy.

Woodhouse v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-08-28(a)(4)

Under this process, an ALJ must assess whether the claimant: (1) is performing substantial gainful activity; (2) has a severe impairment; (3) has a severe impairment that meets or equals one of the listings; (4) has the RFC to engage in his past relevant work; and (5) can perform other jobs in the national economy given his RFC, age, education, and work experience. Id. (citing Phillips v. Barnhart, 357 F.3d 1232, 1237 (11th Cir. 2004); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an ALJ to evaluate a disability claim through a five-step sequential process, including deciding whether the claimant has a severe impairment and can perform past or other work.

Serros · filed 2025-09-04(a)(4)

In evaluating a disability claim, the ALJ follows a five-step sequential process to determine whether: (1) the claimant is presently engaged in substantial gainful employment; (2) the claimant has a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment; (3) the claimant’s impairment meets or medically equals an impairment listed in the appendix to the regulations; (4) the impairment prevents the claimant from doing past relevant work; and (5) the impairment prevents the claimant from performing other substantial gainful activity.

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step disability evaluation in which the claimant bears the burden through Step Four and the Commissioner bears it at Step Five.

Swartz v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-09-18(b)-(f)

The Commissioner follows a five-step evaluation process—found at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520—to determine if a claimant is disabled: ... Under this five-step sequential analysis, the claimant has the burden of proof in Steps One through Four. ... The burden shifts to the Commissioner at Step Five. ... At Step Three, the claimant has the burden to prove she meets or medically equals a listed impairment. ... That the Commissioner may have the burden of proof at Step Five does not retroactively change the claimant’s burden of proof at Step Three.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step disability evaluation and permits the decisionmaker to end the inquiry when disability or nondisability can be determined at a step.

Henderson v. Bisignano · filed 2025-11-06(a)(4)

These considerations are sometimes referred to as the “five steps” of the Commissioner’s disability analysis. If a decision regarding disability may be made at any step, no further inquiry is necessary. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (providing that if Commissioner can find claimant disabled or not disabled at a step, Commissioner makes determination and does not go on to the next step).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to use a five-step evaluation of disability and to stop once a claimant is found disabled or not disabled at a step.

Geyer v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-12-05(a)(1), (a)(4), (a)(4)(i)–(v)

By regulation, an ALJ conducts a five-step evaluation to determine whether an applicant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(1). If at any step the ALJ determines that an applicant either is or is not disabled, the ALJ needn’t continue. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4). ... Because the ALJ properly found that Geyer’s residual functional capacity allowed her to do her past relevant work up until 2022—a step-four determination—he had no occasion to consider—at step five—whether she was disabled under The Grids.

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate a disability claim through a five-step sequential process, including whether the claimant can perform other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy.

D.K.S. v. Bisignano · filed 2025-12-16(a)(4)(i)-(v)

Social Security regulations implement a five-step sequential process to evaluate a disability claim. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520; Williams v. Bowen, 844 F.2d 748, 750-51 (10th Cir. 1988) (explaining five steps and burden-shifting process). To determine whether a claimant is disabled, the Commissioner inquires: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in any substantial gainful activity; (2) whether the claimant suffers from a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment meets an impairment listed in Appendix 1 of the relevant regulation; (4) considering the Commissioner’s assessment of the claimant’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”), whether the impairment prevents the claimant from continuing claimant’s past relevant work; and (5) considering assessment of the RFC and other factors, whether the claimant can perform other types of work existing in significant numbers in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an ALJ to determine disability through five sequential steps, including whether the claimant can perform past relevant work or other work considering the claimant's residual functional capacity and vocational factors.

Skinner · filed 2026-01-20(a)(4)

The ALJ must sequentially determine whether the claimant: (1) is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) has a severe impairment; (3) has a severe impairment that meets or equals a listed impairment; (4) is able to do his or her past relevant work; and (5) is able to do any other work, considering his or her age, education, work experience and residual functional capacity (“RFC”).

Under § 404.1520(g), inability to perform past relevant work does not establish disability when the claimant can adjust to other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy.

Brusco · filed 2026-01-20(g)

Under the regulations, a finding that Plaintiff could not do her past work is not the same as a finding of disability. Rabbers v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 582 F.3d 647, 652 (6th Cir. 2009) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v), 404.1520(b)-(g)). Instead, where, as the ALJ found here, a plaintiff can make an adjustment to other work, a plaintiff is not disabled. Id. A finding of disability is appropriate only where a plaintiff cannot make an adjustment to other work. Id. That is, even if the claimant's impairment does prevent the claimant from doing their past relevant work, if other work exists in the national economy that the claimant can perform, the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c)

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to use a five-step sequential analysis to determine disability.

Mark Wayne Moore, Jr. v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2026-02-06

An ALJ is required to follow a five-step, sequential analysis to make a disability determination: 1. Is the claimant engaged in substantial gainful activity? If so, the claimant is not disabled. 2. Does the claimant have a medically determinable impairment, or a combination of impairments, that is "severe"? If not, the claimant is not disabled. 3. Does the claimant’s impairment meet or equal one of the listed impairments and meet the duration requirement? If so, the claimant is disabled. If not, the ALJ proceeds to the next step. 4. What is the claimant’s residual functional capacity and can the claimant perform past relevant work? If so, the claimant is not disabled. If not, the ALJ proceeds to the next step. 5. Can the claimant do any other work considering the claimant’s residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience? If so, the claimant is not disabled. If not, the claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; see Jordan v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 548 F.3d 417, 422 (6th Cir. 2008); see also Social Security Ruling 11-2p, 2011 WL 4055665, at *3 (Sept. 12, 2011) (setting out the same five-step analysis for cases involving “young adults”).

Section 404.1520(a) requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequential process addressing substantial gainful activity, severe impairment, listed impairments, past work, and adjustment to other work.

Leslie · filed 2026-02-11(a)

The SSA utilizes a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether a claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a), 416.920(a). If the issue of disability can be resolved at any point during the evaluation, the ALJ does not proceed to the next step and the claim is not reviewed further. Id. First, if the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, she is not disabled. Id. Second, if the claimant does not have a severe medically determinable impairment that meets the 12-month durational requirements, she is not disabled. Id. Third, if the claimant suffers from a listed impairment, or its equivalent, for the proper duration, she is presumed disabled. Id. Fourth, if the claimant can perform relevant past work based on her residual functional capacity (“RFC”), which is an assessment of “the most you [the claimant] can still do despite your limitations,” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a)(1), she is not disabled. Id. Fifth, if the claimant can adjust to other work based on her RFC, age, education, and work experience, she is not disabled. Id. The claimant bears the burden of proof through the first four steps, while the burden shifts to the SSA at step five.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequential process.

Lopez · filed 2025-12-19(a)(4)

SSA regulations require that disability claims be evaluated according to a five-step process. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (2012).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate a disability claim through five sequential steps, including whether the claimant can perform past relevant work or adjust to other work based on the claimant's residual functional capacity and vocational factors.

Ernest · filed 2026-02-26

The ALJ applied the proper legal standard in reaching his opinion by conducting the five-step analysis required for evaluating social security disability cases. ... At step one, the ALJ determines if a claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b). ... At step five, the ALJ determines whether the claimant can do any other work considering his RFC, age, education, and work experience. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(g).

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(i)–(v) requires an ALJ to evaluate disability through five sequential steps: substantial gainful activity, severe impairment, listed impairment, past relevant work, and other work in the national economy.

Jones · filed 2026-02-27(a)(4)(i)–(v)

The Social Security regulations outline a five-step process that the ALJ must use in determining whether a claimant is entitled to supplemental-security income or disability-insurance benefits: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) if not, whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) if so, whether that impairment, or combination of impairments, meets or equals any of the listings in 20 C.F.R. § 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1; (4) if not, whether the claimant can perform her past relevant work in light of her residual functional capacity (“RFC”); and (5) if not, whether, based on the claimant’s age, education, and work experience, she can perform other work found in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)–(v); Combs v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 459 F.3d 640, 642–43 (6th Cir. 2006).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential process, including whether the claimant can perform past relevant work and other work in the national economy.

Anders · filed 2026-03-02(a)(4)

When determining whether a claimant is disabled, the ALJ must follow a five-step sequential analysis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; Waters, 276 F.3d at 718. ... At Step Four, the ALJ must also determine whether Plaintiff can perform his past relevant work with the RFC’s restrictions. 20 § C.F.R. 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). ... At Step Five, the ALJ determines whether the claimant can perform other work that exists in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v); Fraga, 810 F.2d at 1304.

Section 404.1520(a)(4), (b) requires the disability evaluation to stop at step one when the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, because such a claimant is not disabled.

Davis · filed 2026-03-09(a)(4), (b)

The ALJ’s decision correctly explained that, “[i]f an individual engages in [substantial gainful activity], she is not disabled regardless of how severe her physical or mental impairments are and regardless of her age, education, and work experience,” recognizing that “the analysis proceeds to the second step” only “[i]f the individual is not engaging in [substantial gainful activity].” AR 34; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4), (b). ... If Davis cannot pass step one, the analysis should not proceed further. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1571 (explaining that, if a claimant is “able to engage in substantial gainful activity, [the Commission] will find that [she is] not disabled”).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential evaluation process for determining disability, including whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, has a severe impairment, meets a listing, can perform past work, or can adjust to other work.

Duvall · filed 2026-03-16

To assess an alleged disability, the ALJ employs a “five-step sequential evaluation process.” See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520 (a)(1), (2), (4); 416.920(a)(1), (4). The ALJ asks the following questions: (1) whether the claimant is doing substantial gainful activity; (2) whether the claimant has a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets certain duration requirements or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirements; (3) whether the claimant has an impairment that meets or equals one of the impairments listed in the regulations and satisfies the duration requirements; (4) whether, in view of the claimant's residual functional capacity (“RFC”) and past relevant work, he or she can perform past relevant work; and (5) whether, in view of the claimant's RFC, age, education, and work experience, he or she can adjust to other work. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4); 416.920(a)(4); see also Young v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d 995, 1000 (7th Cir. 2004).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to use a five-step sequential analysis to determine disability.

McCoy · filed 2026-01-23

An ALJ is required to follow a five-step, sequential analysis to make a disability determination: 1. Is the claimant engaged in substantial gainful activity? If so, the claimant is not disabled. 2. Does the claimant have a medically determinable impairment, or a combination of impairments, that is “severe”? If not, the claimant is not disabled. 3. Does the claimant’s impairment meet or equal one of the listed impairments and meet the duration requirement? If so, the claimant is disabled. If not, the ALJ proceeds to the next step. 4. What is the claimant’s residual functional capacity and can the claimant perform past relevant work? If so, the claimant is not disabled. If not, the ALJ proceeds to the next step. 5. Can the claimant do any other work considering the claimant’s residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience? If so, the claimant is not disabled. If not, the claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; see Jordan v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 548 F.3d 417, 422 (6th Cir. 2008); see also Social Security Ruling 11-2p, 2011 WL 4055665, at *3 (Sept. 12, 2011) (setting out the same five-step analysis for cases involving “young adults”).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) places assessment of a claimant's residual functional capacity at step four of the sequential evaluation process.

Sutton · filed 2026-02-25(a)(4)

To the extent Plaintiff implies an RFC assessment may be missing from the record, the implication is unavailing as Plaintiff was found disabled because his impairments met a listing at step three, but an RFC is not assessed until step four. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate disability claims through five ordered steps and stop once a conclusive determination of disability or nondisability is reached.

Taylor · filed 2026-03-23(a)(4)

The Commissioner uses a five-step process in evaluating DIB claims. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (2025). See also Heckler v. Campbell, 461 U.S. 458, 460-62 (1983); Hall v. Harris, 658 F.2d 260, 264-65 (4th Cir. 1981). This process requires the Commissioner to consider, in order, whether a claimant 1) is working; 2) has a severe impairment; 3) has an impairment that meets or equals the requirements of a listed impairment; 4) can return to her past relevant work; and 5) if not, whether she can perform other work. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. If the Commissioner finds conclusively that a claimant is or is not disabled at any point in this process, review does not proceed to the next step. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (2025).

The five-step disability evaluation must include the effects of substance use before the ALJ considers whether substance use caused the disability.

Thompson v. Astrue · filed 2011-02-09(a)(4)

First, the ALJ must employ “the standard five-step approach” of 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 and make a determination of disability “without segregating out any effects of substance use disorders.”

At the second step of the disability evaluation, the Commissioner determines whether an unemployed claimant has a severe impairment restricting the claimant’s ability to work.

Dorta v. Commissioner Of Social Security · filed 2019-08-02(a)(4)(ii)

If the claimant is unemployed, at the second step the Commissioner determines whether the claimant has a “severe” impairment restricting her ability to work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

At step five, the ALJ’s question to a vocational expert must adequately convey the claimant’s credibly established limitations.

Stancavage v. Saul · filed 2020-06-29(a)(4)(v)

Because we find that the ALJ’s hypothetical question posited to the vocational expert, adequately set forth all of Stancavage’s credibly established limitations, we find that the ALJ committed no error as to this issue.

Section 404.1520 requires ALJs to use a sequential five-step inquiry to determine whether a claimant is disabled.

Forrest v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2025-03-12

The correct legal principle that ALJs must undertake to ascertain a claimant’s status is the sequential five-step inquiry of the Social Security Disability Standard outlined by the Commissioner’s regulations. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step disability evaluation covering current work, impairment severity, listed impairments, past work, and other work.

Trimiar v. Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., Secretary of Health and Human Services · filed 1992-04-23(b)-(f)

Social Security Regulations mandate that the AU who determines a claim for benefits under the Social Security Act follow a five-step evaluation: (1) whether the claimant is currently working; (2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment; (3) whether the claimant’s impairment meets an impairment listed in appendix 1 of the relevant regulation; ... (4) whether the impairment precludes the claimant from doing his past relevant work; and (5) whether the impairment precludes the claimant from doing any work.

Section 404.1520’s sequential evaluation proceeds to whether a claimant can perform other work when the claimant cannot return to past work.

Stonebraker v. Shalala · filed 1993-07-13

The ALJ’s conclusion that plaintiff has the ability to return to his former job as a truck driver is not supported by substantial evidence. The court will remand for further proceedings, however, to allow the ALJ to determine at step five of the sequential evaluation whether plaintiff retains the residual functional capacity to perform other work in the national economy.

Section 404.1520 ends the sequential evaluation at any step that determines whether the claimant is disabled.

Weiler v. Shalala · filed 1996-03-21(a)

The analysis ends at any step that resolves whether or not the claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a).

Section 404.1520 directs the ALJ, after step three, to determine whether the claimant can perform past relevant work or any other work.

Hazel PYLAND, Appellant, v. Kenneth S. APFEL, Commissioner, Social Security Administration, Appellee · filed 1998-07-22

If the claimant does not qualify for disability benefits at step three, steps four and five involve a determination of whether the claimant can perform past relevant work or any other work.

Section 404.1520’s five-step evaluation applies to pre-1991 disabled widow claims, followed by an additional assessment of capacity for sedentary work.

Bentley v. Apfel · filed 2000-07-11

As discussed above, under SSR 91-3p and Martel, the five-step sequential process of the Regulations is still followed, see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520, but after step five, an additional step is added, requiring plaintiff to demonstrate that she does not retain the residual functional capacity to perform the full range of sedentary work, regardless of whether her impairment meets or equals the level of severity of a listed impairment.

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to complete the five-step sequential procedure when evaluating a disability claim.

Morales v. Barnhart · filed 2002-08-05

As the district court correctly recognized, the ALJ also erred in failing to fully complete the five-step sequential procedure used in evaluating disability benefit claims.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) provides a five-step disability analysis that includes determining whether the claimant can work.

Green v. Astrue · filed 2008-12-05(a)(4)

The hearing officer, in his decision, followed the five-step analysis set forth in 20 C.F.R. section 404.1520(a)(4)(i)(v). The fifth step in the analysis is the determination of whether the claimant is able to work.

Section 404.1520 provides a five-step sequential process for determining whether a claimant is disabled.

Price v. Commissioner Social Security Administration · filed 2009-08-18

The ALJ properly applied the five-step sequential evaluation process in determining that Price was not disabled.

Section 404.1520 requires disability determinations to use a five-step sequential evaluation.

Swett v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2012-03-20(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. Although a dispositive finding at any step ends the ALJ’s review, Colvin v. Barnhart, 475 F.3d 727, 730 (6th Cir.2007), the complete sequential review poses five questions: 1. Has the claimant engaged in substantial gainful activity? 2. Does the claimant suffer from one or more severe impairments? 3. Do the claimant’s severe impairments, alone or in combination, meet or equal the criteria of an impairment set forth in the Commissioner’s Listing of Impairments (the Listings), 20 C.F.R. Subpart P, Appendix 1? 4. Considering the claimant’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”), can he or she perform his or her past relevant work? 5. Considering the claimant’s age, education, past work experience, and RFC, can he or she perform other work available in the national economy? 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential process for determining whether an individual is disabled.

Cobbins v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2012-03-21

The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled as defined under the Social Security Act. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920, 404.1520.

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate disability through a five-step process, including determining at step two whether the claimant has a severe impairment.

Griffies v. Astrue · filed 2012-04-11(a)(4)(ii)

At step two of the sequential disability determination analysis, the ALJ determined that Griffies did not suffer from severe headaches, cervical pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Court finds this decision to be supported by substantial evidence. The ALJ was required to determine whether the claimant suffered from a severe impairment or a combination of impairments that is severe, based on the medical opinions and evidence. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

Section 404.1520 sets out the sequential process for evaluating adult disability claims, including substantial gainful activity, severe impairment, listed impairment, and past relevant work.

Moller v. Astrue · filed 2012-06-26

At step one, the claimant bears the burden of showing she is not engaged in Substantially Gainful Activity (“SGA”). 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b). ... At step two, the claimant must show she has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). ... At step three, the ALJ considers whether the claimant has an impairment which (1) meets or equals an impairment listed in Appendix I and (2) meets the 12 month duration requirement. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d). ... At step four, the ALJ determines whether a claimant can perform his or her past relevant work. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(f), 416.920(f).

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five step process, including deciding whether the claimant can perform past relevant work.

Simmonds v. Colvin · filed 2013-07-19(a)(4)(iv)

Even though the ALJ did not accept this part of the VE’s testimony, it was not error for him to present this hypothetical to the VE because the limitations he provided were supported by substantial evidence in the record and the regulations require the ALJ to determine whether the claimant can perform past relevant work. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv) and (f), 416.920(a)(4)(iv) and (f).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to follow a five-step sequence when evaluating an adult disability claim.

Donnelly v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2014-07-11

As an initial matter, the Court finds that ALJ Raynor adhered to the regulatory five-step sequential evaluation.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step evaluation of whether a claimant is disabled.

Moore v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration · filed 2024-03-15(a)(4)

The ALJ properly went through the five-step process in evaluating whether Moore was disabled.

Section 404.1520(a)(2)-(4) requires the five-step sequential evaluation process for a new application for Title II disability benefits or adult child’s insurance benefits.

Powell v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner · filed 2024-04-12(a)(2)-(4)

20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(2)-(4), 416.920. For a new application, an ALJ must follow the five-step sequential process discussed earlier in this decision.

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to use a five-step sequential analysis to determine disability.

Watson v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2024-04-29

An ALJ is required to follow a five-step sequential analysis to make a disability determination: ... 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; see Jordan v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 548 F.3d 417, 422 (6th Cir. 2008).

Section 404.1520(a) directs the ALJ to evaluate an adult disability claim in five sequential steps.

Hollinger · filed 2026-02-17(a)

In making this determination, the ALJ follows a five-step evaluation.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires a five-step evaluation of disability, ending with whether the claimant can do other work in light of age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity.

Marshall · filed 2026-02-23(a)(4)

The ALJ must sequentially determine whether the claimant: (1) is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) has a severe impairment; (3) has a severe impairment that meets or equals a listed impairment; (4) is able to do his or her past relevant work; and (5) is able to do any other work, considering his or her age, education, work experience and residual functional capacity (“RFC”).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to evaluate disability through a five-step sequential process, including determining at step five whether the claimant can perform work in the national economy.

Horton v. Barnhart · filed 2006-12-14

In determining whether a claimant is disabled, Social Security regulations outline a five-step sequential process. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)-(f). The Commissioner must determine in sequence: (1) whether the claimant is currently employed; (2) whether she has a severe impairment; (3) whether her impairment meets or equals one listed by the Secretary; (4) whether the claimant can perform her past work; and (5) whether the claimant is capable of performing any work in the national economy.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through five sequential steps, including past relevant work at step four and other available work at step five.

JONKER v. Astrue · filed 2010-06-29

The Commissioner (or ALJ) follows a five-step sequential evaluation process in assessing whether a claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; ... At step four, the ALJ must determine whether plaintiffs RFC allows him to return to his past relevant work. ... At step five, the burden of proof shifts back to the Commissioner to establish that plaintiff is not disabled because he can perform other substantial gainful work available in the national economy.

The section requires a five-step evaluation of disability, including a severity determination at step two.

Jones v. Astrue · filed 2011-09-28(c)

The Stone Court also held that it would assume that the ALJ applied the incorrect legal standard to the severity requirement unless the correct standard was set forth by reference to the Stone opinion or another of the same effect, or by an express statement that the court’s construction of section 404.1520(c) was used. ... In the case at bar, the ALJ clearly committed a Stone error because he did not expressly cite Stone or refer to another opinion of the same effect. ... Under the Fifth Circuit cases cited above, this is not grounds for reversal because the ALJ proceeded beyond step two in the sequential analysis in discussing these impairments. ... Thus, there is no ground for reversal because the ALJ proceeded beyond step two in the sequential analysis in discussing all of Plaintiffs impairments.

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate disability claims through a five-step process.

Stratton v. Astrue · filed 2012-05-18

To decide whether a claimant is disabled for the purpose of determining eligibility for either DIB or SSI benefits, an ALJ is required to employ a five-step process. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(DIB) and 416.920(SSI).

Section 404.1520(f) requires the Commissioner at step five to assess a claimant’s qualifications and determine whether suitable jobs exist in the national economy.

Boylan v. Astrue · filed 2012-09-24(f)

At step 5 in the sequential evaluation, the ALJ was required to perform a two part process to first assess Plaintiffs job qualifications by considering his physical ability, age, education, and work experience, and then determine whether jobs exist in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f); Heckler v. Campbell, 461 U.S. 458, 460, 103 S.Ct. 1952, 1954, 76 L.Ed.2d 66 (1983). ... Accordingly, the ALJ’s analysis at step five likewise cannot be sustained.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential evaluation to determine disability.

Mixon v. Colvin · filed 2013-09-09(a)(4)

Administrative regulations require a five-step sequential evaluation for disability determinations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a) requires the ALJ to evaluate disability through five sequential steps.

Soto · filed 2026-03-17(a)

In making this determination, the ALJ follows a five-step evaluation.

At step two, an ALJ may proceed when at least one impairment is severe, but must consider all impairments, severe and non-severe, at the later steps.

RODRIGUEZ v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2021-11-17(a)(4)(ii)

The step two decision is a threshold analysis, and once the ALJ finds any one impairment severe, he may move on to consider all impairments, severe or not, at subsequent steps. ... Here, the ALJ identified both physical and mental severe impairments at step two and then proceeded through the sequential evaluation process. (R. 24.) At the later steps, he considered the entire record, including Plaintiff’s reported symptoms, to determine Plaintiff’s RFC. (R. 24–29.)

At step three, § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii) provides that a claimant is disabled when an impairment meets or equals an Appendix 1 listing and satisfies the duration requirement.

MCPHERSON v. KIJAKAZI · filed 2021-12-13(a)(4)(iii)

Under Step 3, the [SSA’s SEP] regulation states that a claimant will be found disabled if he or she has an impairment that ‘meets or equals one of [the] listings in appendix 1 of [20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P] and meets the duration requirement.’

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(iv) provides that an ALJ finds a claimant not disabled at step four if the claimant can still perform past relevant work, so the ALJ need not proceed to step five.

Carlson, Mark v. Saul, Andrew · filed 2021-12-13(a)(4)(iv)

At step four of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ relied on the vocational expert’s testimony regarding plaintiff’s past work and determined that plaintiff was not disabled because he could perform his past relevant work in food service. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv) (“At the fourth step, we consider our assessment of your residual functional capacity and your past relevant work. If you can still do your past relevant work, we will find that you are not disabled.”). As the acting commissioner points out, the ALJ did not need to proceed to step five. Gebauer v. Saul, 801 Fed. Appx. 404, 411 (7th Cir. 2020) (“[A]n ALJ reaches [step five] only if the ALJ first concludes in step four that a claimant could not perform any of her past jobs.”) (citing 20 C.F.R. 404.1520(g)(1)). Therefore, even if the ALJ committed any error at step five in not inquiring about the methodology the vocational expert used to estimate nationwide job numbers, the error is harmless and does not warrant remand. Id.

Section 404.1520 sets out a five-step disability evaluation, including whether the claimant can perform past work and, if not, whether the claimant can perform a significant number of jobs in the national economy.

Payne v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2021-12-17(f)

The Commissioner has promulgated regulations setting forth a five-step sequential evaluation process for evaluating a disability claim. See “Evaluation of disability in general,” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. In summary, the evaluation proceeds as follows: ... 1) Is the claimant engaged in substantial gainful activity? ... 2) Does the claimant have a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments that satisfies the duration requirement and significantly limits his or her ability to do basic work activities? ... 3) Does the claimant have an impairment that meets or medically equals the criteria of a listed impairment within Appendix 1? ... 4) Does the claimant have the residual functional capacity to return to his or her past relevant work? ... 5) Does the claimant’s residual functional capacity, age, education, and past work experience allow him or her to perform a significant number of jobs in the national economy? Here, the ALJ denied Plaintiff’s claim at the fifth step. ... At the fifth step, it is the Commissioner’s burden to show that there exists a significant number of jobs in the local, regional and national economies that the claimant can perform, given their residual functional capacity. ... In making a determination at step five of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ must consider a claimant's age, education, past relevant work experience and residual functional capacity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(f), 416.920(f).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential process, including whether the claimant can perform past relevant work or other work.

STITT v. KIJAKAZI · filed 2021-12-21(a)

The Commissioner has provided the ALJ with a five-step sequential analysis to use when evaluating the disabled status of each claimant. 20 C.F.R. §404.1520(a). The ALJ must determine: (1) whether the claimant is currently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) if not, whether the claimant has a severe impairment; (3) if the claimant has a severe impairment, whether it meets or equals the criteria listed in 20 C.F.R., pt. 404, subpt. P., appx. 1; (4) if the impairment does not satisfy one of the impairment listings, whether the claimant’s impairments prevent him from performing his past relevant work; and (5) if the claimant is incapable of performing his past relevant work, whether he can perform any other work which exists in the national economy, in light of his age, education, work experience and residual functional capacity. 20 C.F.R. §404.1520.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) provides that once the agency finds a claimant disabled or not disabled at a step, it makes its determination without proceeding to the next step.

McClellon v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2021-12-28(a)(4)

Thus, even if the ALJ failed to resolve a conflict between the VE’s testimony as to the job of command and control specialist, his finding that Plaintiff could perform the job of purchasing agent was sufficient to end the inquiry at step four. The Magistrate Judge appropriately concluded that any error in the alternative finding at step five was inconsequential, as substantial evidence supported the finding that Plaintiff was not disabled at step four. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (“If we can find that you are disabled or not disabled at a step, we make our determination or decision and we do not go on to the next step.”).

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to continue the sequential disability analysis after finding a severe impairment.

Neace v. SSA · filed 2022-01-05(a)(4)(ii), (iv)

Having made that determination, the ALJ was required to continue the sequential analysis to determine if Neace is disabled. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), (iv).

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential evaluation of disability, including consideration at the final step of whether the claimant can perform other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy.

PEREZ v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-01-11(b)-(f)

The Commissioner has promulgated regulations4 for determining disability that require application of a five-step sequential analysis. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. This five-step process is summarized as follows: ... 5. Finally, the Commissioner will consider the claimant’s ability to perform work (“residual functional capacity”), age, education, and past work experience to determine whether or not she is capable of performing other work which exists in the national economy. If she is incapable, she will be found “disabled.” If she is capable, she will be found “not disabled.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b)-(f). Entitlement to benefits is therefore dependent upon a finding that the claimant is incapable of performing work in the national economy. ... Once it has been determined that a claimant is not capable of performing his past relevant work, the burden shifts to the ALJ to show that the claimant's RFC permits the claimant to perform other jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b)-(f).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step process for deciding whether a claimant is entitled to Social Security disability benefits, including a step-three determination of whether a severe impairment meets or equals a listed impairment.

LEFKOVITS v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-01-18(d)

Under the authority of the SSA, the Social Security Administration (the “Administration”) has established a five-step evaluation process for determining whether a claimant is entitled to benefits. 20 CFR § 404.1520. This Court’s review necessarily incorporates a determination of whether the ALJ properly followed the five-step process, which is prescribed by regulation. The steps may be briefly summarized as follows: ... Step 3: Determine whether the severe impairment meets or equals the criteria of any impairment found in the Listing of Impairments. 20 CFR Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, Pt. A. If so, the claimant is automatically eligible to receive disability benefits (and the analysis ends); if not, move to step four. Id. § 404.1520(d).

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires the sequential evaluation to stop once the claimant is found disabled or not disabled at a step, so an ALJ need not proceed to the next step after a conclusive step-four finding.

Sevec v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-01-20(a)(4)

Because the five-step evaluation is sequential, however, the ALJ “need not progress” to step five if she makes a “conclusive finding” at step four that the claimant can perform past relevant work. ... 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (“If we can find that [a claimant is] disabled or not disabled at a step, we make our determination or decision and we do not go on to the next step.”). Where, as here, Georgann did not satisfy her burden at step four of showing she could not perform past relevant work, the ALJ was not required to perform a step-five analysis.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step disability evaluation and directs the ALJ at step two to determine whether the claimant has a severe impairment; if not, the evaluation ends with a finding of no disability.

King v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-01-31(a), (a)(4), and (c)

When determining whether an individual is disabled, the ALJ follows a five-step sequential evaluation process. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a). At step two, which is at issue in this matter, the ALJ determines whether the individual has an impairment or combination of impairments that is “severe.” Id. § 404.1520(c). If it is found that an individual does not have a severe medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments, the ALJ will find the individual is not disabled and will not proceed to the next step of the evaluation process.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential evaluation of disability claims, including assessment of the claimant’s residual functional capacity and ability to perform past or other work.

Bergland v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-02-16

In evaluating a claim for disability benefits, the ALJ must follow a five-step, sequential process. Apke v. Saul, 817 F. App’x 252, 255 (7th Cir. 2020). At step one, “the ALJ must determine whether the claimant was engaged in substantial gainful activity.” Id. (citing 20 C.F.R. §§404.1520(b), 416.920(b)). At step two, “the ALJ must assess whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment that is ‘severe’ or a combination of impairments that is ‘severe.’” Id. (citing 20 C.F.R. §§404.1520(c), 416.920(c)). At step three, “the ALJ must evaluate whether the claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments is of a severity to meet or medically equal the criteria of an impairment listed in the regulations.” Id. (citing 20 C.F.R. §§404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526, 416.920(d), 416.925, 416.926). “Before moving onto the next step, the ALJ must also consider the claimant’s residual functional capacity, which is assessed by considering all claimed impairments including those that are not severe.” Id. (citing 20 C.F.R. §§404.1520(e), 404.1545, 416.920(e), 416.945). At step four, “the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform the requirements of [his] past relevant work.” Id. (citing 20 C.F.R. §§404.1520(f), 416.920(f)). “Finally, the ALJ must assess whether the claimant is able to do any other work by considering [his] residual functional capacity, age, education, and work experience.” Id. (citing 20 C.F.R §§404.1520(g), 416.920(g)). If it appears at any step that the claimant is not disabled, the analysis ends. 20 C.F.R. §404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential process for evaluating disability claims.

Buckman v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-03-02

The Commissioner has promulgated regulations setting forth a five-step sequential evaluation process for evaluating a disability claim.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires an administrative law judge evaluating a disability claim to use a five-step procedure.

Morgan v. Saul · filed 2022-03-09(a)(4)

When evaluating a claim of disability, the administrative law judge (“ALJ”) is required to undertake a five-step procedure set out in the regulations governing the administration of Social Security benefits. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to use a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine eligibility for disability benefits.

Vasquez v. Social Security Administration · filed 2022-03-11(a)(4)

The Commissioner must use a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine eligibility for benefits.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a sequential five-step process that ends when a claimant is found disabled or not disabled at any step.

White v. Commissioner Of Social Security · filed 2022-03-15(a)(4)

The Commissioner uses a sequential, five-step approach to determine whether the claimant is disabled. See Schofield v. Saul, 950 F.3d 315, 317 (5th Cir. 2020); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4) (2017). The claimant bears the burden of proof on the first four steps, but the Commissioner bears the burden on the fifth step. See Keel v. Saul, 986 F.3d 551, 555 (5th Cir. 2021). A finding that the claimant is disabled or not disabled at any point in the five-step review terminates the analysis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4) (2017).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential evaluation under which an ALJ considers substantial gainful activity, severe impairments, listed impairments and residual functional capacity, past relevant work, and other work.

Miles v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner · filed 2022-03-18

As noted above, under the Social Security Act, an ALJ follows a five-step process to evaluate an alleged disability. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. The Court follows that process as it examines the ALJ’s decision. ... At step one, an ALJ must determine whether a claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i). ... If an ALJ finds that a claimant engages in substantial gainful activity, the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b). If the ALJ finds that an individual has not engaged in substantial gainful activity, the analysis proceeds to step two. ... At step two, an ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment or a combination of impairments that is severe. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). ... At step three, an ALJ must determine whether a claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments meets or medically equals the criteria of an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R. § 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 404.1525, and 404.1526. ... At step four, an ALJ must determine whether a claimant has the RFC to perform past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). ... If the ALJ finds that a claimant cannot perform past relevant work, then the analysis proceeds to the fifth step. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v). ... At step five, an ALJ must establish the existence, in significant numbers, of jobs in the national economy that the claimant can perform. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c).

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential evaluation, including consideration of the combined severity of medically determinable impairments at step two.

Mayweather v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner · filed 2022-03-22(a)(4)(ii)

The second step of the sequential disability evaluation requires the ALJ to consider the combined severity of the claimant’s medically determinable physical and mental impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). ... At step two of the analysis, the ALJ identified Ms. Mayweather’s obesity and cellulitis as severe impairments. R. 22. Therefore, the ALJ satisfied step two of the sequential disability analysis.

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to use a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled.

DiRienzo v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-03-23

The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled under the Act. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires the ALJ to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential process: current work, severe impairment, listed impairment, past work, and other work in the national economy.

Osei-Danquah v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-03-23(a)(4)(i)-(v)

In assessing whether a claimant is disabled, the ALJ must employ a five-step sequential analysis. See Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 464, 467 (2d Cir. 1982) (per curiam). The five steps are: (1) whether the claimant is currently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) if not, whether the claimant has any “severe impairment” that “significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities”; (3) if so, whether any of the claimant’s severe impairments meets or equals one of the impairments listed in Appendix 1 of Subpart P of Part 404 of the relevant regulations (the “Listings”); (4) if not, whether despite the claimant’s severe impairments, the claimant retains the residual functional capacity [(“RFC”)] to perform [his or her] past work; and (5) if not, whether the claimant retains the [RFC] to perform any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v) & 416.920(a)(4)(i)-(v); Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d at 467.

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step framework for determining whether a claimant is disabled and eligible for Social Security benefits.

Jenkins v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration · filed 2022-03-28

The Social Security Administration uses a five-step framework to determine whether a claimant meets the necessary conditions to receive Social Security benefits. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.

Section 404.1520(a) sets out the five-step sequential evaluation process for determining whether an individual is disabled.

Miller v. Social Security Administration · filed 2022-03-28(a)

Here, the Court finds that the ALJ correctly acknowledged the five-step sequential evaluation process for determining whether an individual is disabled. Tr. 21 (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)).

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential evaluation for adult disability claims, and a dispositive finding at one step ends the inquiry.

Good v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner of · filed 2022-03-28

The Commissioner employs a five-step sequential evaluation to determine whether an adult claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. The following five issues are addressed in order: (1) if a claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity, she is not disabled; (2) if a claimant does not have a severe impairment, she is not disabled; (3) if the claimant's impairment meets or equals a listed impairment, she is disabled; (4) if the claimant is capable of returning to work she has done in the past, she is not disabled; (5) if the claimant can do other work that exists in significant numbers in the regional or the national economy, she is not disabled. Id. If, at one step, an ALJ makes a dispositive finding, the inquiry ends without proceeding to the next. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520; 416.920; Skinner v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 902 F.2d 447, 449-50 (6th Cir. 1990).

Section 404.1520(a) requires the SSA to determine disability through a five-step sequential evaluation, including whether the claimant can adjust to other work.

Mack v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-03-30(a)

In Plaintiff’s case, the ALJ proceeded in accordance with applicable law. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a) (describing the SSA’s five-step sequential evaluation for determining disability). First, the ALJ ruled in Plaintiff’s favor at step one, determining that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since his application date. Tr. 442; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i). ... At step three, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff’s physical impairments did not meet or medically equal the criteria of any listings. Tr. 447; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii). ... Because the ALJ determined that there were jobs existing in significant numbers in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform, he appropriately concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled under Social Security law. Tr. 452-53; see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v) (“If you can make an adjustment to other work, we will find that you are not disabled.”).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate disability claims through a five-step sequential analysis and stop once a claimant is found disabled or not disabled.

ECHEVARRIA v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-03-30(a)

To make a disability determination, the ALJ follows a five-step sequential analysis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a), 416.920(a); see also Cruz, 244 F. App’x at 480. If the ALJ determines at any step that the claimant is or is not disabled, the ALJ does not proceed to the next step. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to evaluate disability through five ordered steps and stop once a claimant is found disabled or not disabled at a step.

Gagliardo v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-03-30

An ALJ must proceed through a five-step process to make a disability determination. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. The steps are followed in order; if it is determined that the claimant is or is not disabled at a step of the evaluation process, the evaluation will not progress to the next step. See id.

Section 404.1520 establishes a five-step sequential evaluation for disability claims, including a step-two requirement that the claimant have a severe impairment or combination of impairments.

Courtney v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-03-31(c)

The Social Security regulations provide a five-step sequential evaluation process for determining whether a claimant has proven her disability. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. Under this process, the claimant must first prove that she has not engaged in substantial gainful activity during the relevant period. ... The second step requires the claimant to prove that she has a severe impairment or combination of impairments. ... Plaintiff does not challenge the ALJ’s alternative step two finding or his application of the later steps of the sequential evaluation process, except for her challenge to the ALJ’s RFC assessment, which, as discussed previously, is supported by substantial evidence. In light of the ALJ’s subsequent analysis of Plaintiff’s impairments based on the alternative finding that Plaintiff’s medically determinable impairments are severe, any error in initially finding Plaintiff’s impairments to be non-severe at step two was harmless.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) sets out a five-step sequential process for deciding whether a claimant is disabled, including evaluation of substantial gainful activity, severe impairments, listed impairments, residual functional capacity and past work, and the ability to adjust to other work.

LEON v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-04-08(a)(4)(i-v)

The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration has promulgated a five-step, sequential analysis for evaluating a claimant’s disability, as outlined in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i-v). The analysis proceeds as follows: At step one, the ALJ determines whether the claimant is performing “substantial gainful activity[.]” If he is, he is not disabled. Otherwise, the ALJ moves on to step two. At step two, the ALJ considers whether the claimant has any “severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment” that meets certain regulatory requirements. A “severe impairment” is one that “significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work activities[.]” If the claimant lacks such an impairment, he is not disabled. If he has such an impairment, the ALJ moves on to step three. At step three, the ALJ decides “whether the claimant’s impairments meet or equal the requirements of an impairment listed in the regulations[.]” If the claimant’s impairments do, he is disabled. If they do not, the ALJ moves on to step four. At step four, the ALJ assesses the claimant’s “residual functional capacity” (“RFC”) and whether he can perform his “past relevant work.” A claimant’s “[RFC] is the most [he] can still do despite [his] limitations.” If the claimant can perform his past relevant work despite his limitations, he is not disabled. If he cannot, the ALJ moves on to step five. At step five, the ALJ examines whether the claimant “can make an adjustment to other work[,]” considering his “[RFC,] . . . age, education, and work experience[.]” That examination typically involves “one or more hypothetical questions posed by the ALJ to [a] vocational expert.” If the claimant can make an adjustment to other work, he is not disabled. If he cannot, he is disabled.

Section 404.1520 requires an ALJ to use a five-step sequential analysis to determine disability and stop once a step resolves the claim.

JOHNSON v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-05-13(a)

To make a disability determination, the ALJ follows a five-step sequential analysis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a), 416.920(a); see also Cruz, 244 F. App’x at 480. If the ALJ determines at any step that the claimant is or is not disabled, the ALJ does not proceed to the next step. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(v) directs the Commissioner at step five to consider whether, given the claimant’s residual functional capacity and vocational factors, the claimant can adjust to other work in the national economy.

Pearcy v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-05-19(a)(4)(v)

At step five, the Commissioner considers whether, in view of the claimant’s RFC, the claimant is capable of performing other work in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v). In making this determination, the Commissioner must also consider vocational factors such as the claimant’s age, education, and past work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v). If the claimant is capable of adjusting to other work, the Commissioner must find that the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g)(1), 416.920(g)(1). If the claimant is not capable of adjusting to other work, the analysis concludes with a finding that the claimant is disabled and is therefore entitled to benefits. Id. ... The ALJ did not err in assessing the RFC or finding Plaintiff capable of performing work existing in the national economy, and the RFC adequately addresses the medical opinions in this record.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated sequentially, including a step-two determination whether medically determinable impairments are severe.

Winch v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-05-19(a)(4)(ii), (c)

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). ... An impairment is not considered “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); Social Security Ruling (“SSR”) 96-3p, 1996 WL 374181, at *1. ... The ALJ found that Plaintiff had medically determinable mental impairments of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, but that these mental impairments did not cause more than minimal limitation in Plaintiff’s ability to perform basic mental work activities and were, therefore, non-severe. AR. 24.

Section 404.1520(a) requires the Commissioner to evaluate a disability claim through a five-step sequence.

Ajayi v. Saul · filed 2022-06-10(a)

The regulations prescribe a five-part sequential test for determining disability, see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a), 416.920, requiring the Commissioner to consider whether: (1) the claimant has performed any substantial gainful activity during the period for which she claims disability; (2) the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) the claimant's impairment meets or equals any listed impairment; (4) the claimant retains the residual functional capacity to perform (“RFC”) her past relevant work; and (5) the claimant is able to perform any other work existing in significant numbers in the national economy, id.; see also Zurawski v. Halter, 245 F.3d 881, 885 (7th Cir. 2001).

Section 404.1520(a) establishes a five-step sequential process for determining whether an individual is disabled, with the steps followed in order and each potentially dispositive.

McIlhenny v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration · filed 2022-07-08(a)

The SSA has created a five-step sequential evaluation process for determining whether an individual is disabled. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(1). The steps are followed in order, and each step is potentially dispositive. See id. § 404.1520(a)(4).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to use a five-step sequential process to evaluate disability claims, including consideration of work activity, impairment severity, listed impairments, past relevant work, and other work in the national economy.

Stark v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-07-20(a)(4)(i)-(v)

The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential analysis to determine whether a claimant satisfies the above criteria. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v). ... As the case is being remanded for the ALJ to obtain additional VA records, and consider the evidence underlying the VA disability rating, the ALJ is also instructed to perform the five-step process anew, including reconsidering Plaintiff’s severe impairments at step two. ... As the case is being remanded for the ALJ to obtain additional VA records, and consider the evidence underlying the VA disability rating, the ALJ’s instruction to perform the five-step process anew includes reconsidering whether Plaintiff’s impairments meet or equal a listing at step three. ... As the case is being remanded for the ALJ to obtain additional VA records, the ALJ’s instruction to perform the five-step process anew includes reconsidering his step five analysis and taking new vocational expert testimony should such testimony be deemed necessary.

Section 404.1520 requires the agency to determine disability through a five-step sequential evaluation, including assessing work activity, impairment severity, listed impairments, past work, and other available work.

Rodriguez v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-07-26

The agency has prescribed a five-step evaluative process to be employed in determining whether an individual is disabled. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. The first step requires a determination of whether the claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity; if so, then the claimant is not disabled, and the inquiry need proceed no further. Id. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If the claimant is not gainfully employed, then the second step involves an examination of whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly restricts his or her physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. Id. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). If the claimant is found to suffer from such an impairment, the agency must next determine whether it meets or equals an impairment listed in Appendix 1 of the regulations. Id. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d); see also id. Part 404, Subpt. P, App. 1. If so, then the claimant is “presumptively disabled.” Martone v. Apfel, 70 F. Supp. 2d 145, 149 (N.D.N.Y. 1999) (citing Ferraris v. Heckler, 728 F.2d 582, 584 (2d Cir. 1984)); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If the claimant is not presumptively disabled, step four requires an assessment of whether the claimant’s RFC precludes the performance of his or her past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), (f), 416.920(e), (f). If it is determined that it does, then as a final matter, the agency must examine whether the claimant can do any other work. Id. §§ 404.1520(g), 416.920(g).

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(v) directs the fact finder to consider a claimant's age, education, and work experience with the claimant's RFC only at the final step of the sequential evaluation.

Wolfe v. Social Security Administration Commissioner · filed 2022-07-27(a)(4)(v)

The fact finder only considers Plaintiff’s age, education, and work experience in the light of her RFC if the final stage of the analysis is reached. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v). ... In the present case, the ALJ ended his analysis at step four, finding the Plaintiff could return to her PRW. As such, the age provisions did not apply, and Plaintiff’s argument is without merit.

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(iv) requires the ALJ to determine a claimant’s residual functional capacity before deciding whether the claimant can perform past relevant work.

Isom v. Social Security Administration Commissioner · filed 2022-07-28(a)(4)(iv)

Prior to Step Four of the sequential analysis in a disability determination, the ALJ is required to determine a claimant’s RFC.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step sequence, including determining at step four whether the claimant can perform past relevant work.

Walker v. Saul · filed 2022-08-02(f)

The Social Security Administration has established a five-step sequential process for determining whether a claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a). Steps 1–3 require the claimant to prove: (1) she is not currently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) she suffers from a severe impairment; and (3) her disability meets or equals a listed impairment. Id. at §§ 404.1520(a)–(d). ... At Step 4, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant can return to her past relevant work by comparing the RFC with the physical demands of the claimant’s past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f). If the ALJ finds at Step 4 that a claimant can return to past relevant work, the claimant is not disabled. Id.

Section 404.1520 requires a five-step sequential process for determining whether a claimant is disabled, including consideration of residual functional capacity and the ability to perform past or other work.

JOHNSON v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-08-09

The Commissioner has promulgated regulations for determining disability that require application of a five-step sequential analysis. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. This five-step process is summarized as follows: 1. If the claimant currently is engaged in substantial gainful employment, she will be found “not disabled.” 2. If the claimant does not suffer from a “severe impairment,” she will be found “not disabled.” 3. If the severe impairment meets or equals a listed impairment in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 and has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least twelve months, the claimant will be found “disabled.” 4. If the claimant can still perform work she has done in the past (“past relevant work”) despite the severe impairment, she will be found “not disabled.” 5. Finally, the Commissioner will consider the claimant’s ability to perform work (“residual functional capacity”), age, education, and past work experience to determine whether or not she is capable of performing other work which exists in the national economy. If she is incapable, she will be found “disabled.” If she is capable, she will be found “not disabled.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b)-(f). Entitlement to benefits is therefore dependent upon a finding that the claimant is incapable of performing work in the national economy.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) uses a sequential disability evaluation that ends when a claimant is found disabled at an earlier step, so a step-three finding eliminates the need to assess residual functional capacity or available jobs.

Matheson v. Saul · filed 2022-08-15(a)(4)

If Matheson had been found to meet or medically equal any of these five listed criteria, she would have been deemed presumptively disabled and entitled to benefits. The ALJ’s analysis would have ended there—without the need for the ALJ to determine Matheson’s RFC or ability to perform jobs in the national economy. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4).

Section 404.1520(a)(4)(i)–(v) sets out a five-step sequential process for evaluating disability claims.

CAESAR v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY · filed 2022-08-18(a)(4)(i)–(v)

The Commissioner has promulgated a five-step, sequential analysis for evaluating a claimant’s disability, as outlined in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)–(v).

Section 404.1520(c) provides that a claimant is not disabled at step two when no impairment or combination of impairments significantly limits the ability to perform basic work activities.

Craig C v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-08-24(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). ... Second, although Step 2 is plainly a screening mechanism, the ALJ properly utilized the mechanism to determine that, prior to the DLI, Plaintiff did not prove that he had a severe impairment.

Section 404.1520 requires disability claims to be evaluated through a five-step process, including a step-two determination of whether an impairment is medically determinable and severe and consideration of its limiting effects in the RFC.

Matott v. Kijakazi · filed 2022-08-31(c)

The Commissioner uses a five-step process, set forth in 20 C.F.R. sections 404.1520 and 416.920, to evaluate disability insurance and SSI disability claims. ... In sum, remand is warranted in this matter because the ALJ’s conclusion at step two was not supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, this matter should be remanded in order for the ALJ to examine, inter alia, whether plaintiff's right upper extremity condition was a medically determinable impairment prior to plaintiffs date last insured, whether it was severe or non-severe in nature, and the limiting effects it may have on her RFC.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires the Commissioner to determine disability through a five-step process addressing work activity, severity, listed impairments, past work, and other available work.

Moore v. Saul · filed 2022-08-31(a)(4)

The Commissioner must use a five-step process to determine whether a claimant is disabled under the Act. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). Essentially, “if the Commissioner determines (1) that the claimant is not working, (2) that he has a ‘severe impairment,’ (3) that the impairment is not one [listed in Appendix 1 of the regulations] that conclusively requires a determination of disability, and (4) that the claimant is not capable of continuing in his prior type of work, the Commissioner must find him disabled if (5) there is not another type of work the claimant can do.” Burgess v. Astrue, 537 F.3d 117, 120 (2d Cir. 2008) (internal citations omitted).

Section 404.1520 requires the ALJ to use a five-step sequence to decide whether a claimant is disabled, including assessing work activity, severity, listed impairments, past work, and other work in the national economy.

Rizo v. Commissioner of Social Security · filed 2022-09-13(a)(4)(i)-(v)

The ALJ follows a five-step inquiry to determine whether a claimant is disabled: (1) whether the claimant has engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset of disability, (2) whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments that is severe, (3) whether the claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments meets or medically equals the criteria of any presumptively disabling impairment listed in the regulations, (4) if the claimant does not meet a listing, whether she is unable to perform her past relevant work, and (5) if the claimant is unable to perform past relevant work, whether she is unable to perform any work in the national economy. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v).

Section 404.1520 requires the Commissioner to use a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability.

Hill v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner of · filed 2022-09-13

The court finds that the ALJ applied the correct legal test—the five-step evaluation process required by 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 to determine disability.

Section 404.1520(a)(4) requires the SSA to use a five-step evaluation to determine whether a claimant is disabled.

EDMONSON v. KIJAKAZI · filed 2022-09-23(a)(4)

The SSA applies a five-step evaluation to determine whether the claimant is disabled. Stephens, 888 F.3d at 327 (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4); 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(a)(4)).