Grady J. Leupold
How Judge Leupold rules, drawn from 22 signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
How Judge Leupold decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
When evaluating medical opinions, he requires the administrative law judge to address both supporting and contrary examination findings rather than selecting normal observations while leaving abnormal ones unexplained.
“The ALJ erred by pointing only to the normal mental status examination results without making findings regarding the extent to which the abnormal findings in the examination support the opinion.”
A calm presentation during a brief medical visit does not necessarily contradict symptoms that arise with exertion; he looks for a reasoned connection between the cited observation and the limitation being rejected.
“Appearing alert and focused without respiratory distress during a medical appointment does not inherently preclude a person from experiencing shortness of breath during exertion or fatigue requiring lengthy naps during the day.”
Procedural preferences
When drug or alcohol use may affect disability, he requires the agency to determine disability with all impairments included before separately asking whether substance use is material to that disability finding.
“The ALJ’s decision impermissibly commingles Plaintiff’s physical health issues with his DAA without making the required initial finding of disability.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“the Court ORDERS that this matter be REVERSED and REMANDED pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) to the Commissioner for further consideration consistent with this order. The Clerk is directed to enter judgment for Plaintiff and close the case.”
“ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Grady J Leupold. The Commissioner's final decision is AFFIRMED, and this case is DISMISSED. ... JUDGMENT BY COURT in favor of Commissioner of Social Security and against Robert Smith.”
“After considering and reviewing the record, the Court concludes the Administrative Law Judge (‘ALJ’) did not err in finding Plaintiff not disabled. The Court accordingly AFFIRMS the Commissioner’s final decision in this matter.”
“After considering and reviewing the record, the Court concludes: (1) the Administrative Law Judge (‘ALJ’) harmfully erred when he failed to properly consider the opinion of Abebe Belete, PMHNP (‘NP’); and (2) a remand for further proceedings is appropriate. The Court accordingly REVERSES the Commissioner’s final decision and REMANDS the case for further proceedings.”
“After considering and reviewing the record, the Court concludes that (1) the Administrative Law Judge (‘ALJ’) harmfully erred by rejecting the opinion of Dr. Jan Kouzes; and (2) an award for benefits is appropriate. The Court accordingly REVERSES the Commissioner’s final decision and REMANDS the case for calculation of an award of benefits.”
“After considering and reviewing the record, the Court concludes the Administrative Law Judge (‘ALJ’) did not err in finding Plaintiff not disabled. The Court accordingly AFFIRMS the Commissioner’s final decision in this matter.”
“On June 14, 2023, the Court determined the ALJ did not err in finding Plaintiff not disabled and affirmed Defendant’s decision to deny Plaintiff’s application for Supplemental Security Income benefits.”
“After considering and reviewing the ALJ’s decision, the administrative record (AR), and all memoranda of record, the Court concludes that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) erred in failing to consider Plaintiff’s chronic pain disorder and degenerative disc disease. Accordingly, this matter is REVERSED and REMANDED for further administrative proceedings.”
“After considering and reviewing the record, the Court concludes the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) erred in evaluating Plaintiff’s subjective testimony. The Court accordingly REVERSES and REMANDS this matter for further administrative proceedings.”
“After considering and reviewing the record, the Court concludes the Administrative Law Judge (‘ALJ’) erred in discounting Plaintiff’s subjective symptom testimony. The Court accordingly REVERSES and REMANDS this matter for further proceedings.”
“ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Grady J Leupold. The Commissioner's final decision is REVERSED and this case is REMANDED for further administrative proceedings.”
“ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Grady J Leupold. The Commissioner's final decision is REVERSED and this case is REMANDED for further administrative proceedings.”
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Ezel grounds your drafting and research in this profile: what has persuaded Judge Leupold, and what has not, cited to the signed orders.
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