Administrative: Supplemental Security Income-Denial of Benefits-Residual Functional Capacity

Plaintiff appealed from the denial of his application for supplemental security income. Although plaintiff was found to suffer from borderline intellectual functioning, learning delays, schizoaffective disorder, and mood, personality, and anxiety disorders, an ALJ concluded that plaintiff could perform his past relevant work and that there were significant numbers of jobs plaintiff could perform within his residual functional capacity.

Where there was significant evidence to find that plaintiff was not disabled despite his mental disorders as he did not have “extreme” or marked limitations in adaptive functioning and responded well to medication and counseling, the ALJ did not err in denying SSI benefits where plaintiff had an RFC that permitted him to work jobs available in the national economy.

Erickson, J., dissenting: “ While it is commendable that Cronin completes some activities of daily living (“ADLs”) and accomplishes moderate therapy goals within his limitations, it is clear to me on this record that he is a person unable to work.  Because I would hold that a finding of no disability is not supported by substantial evidence on the record, I respectfully dissent.”

Judgment is affirmed.

Cronin v. Saul (MLW No. 74363/Case No. 18-3682 – 16 pages) (U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit, Beam, J.) Appealed from U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas, Deere, J. (Eugene Gregory Wallace, of Raleigh, NC for appellant; Eugene Gregory Wallace, of Raleigh, NC., Stephanie Bartels Wallace, of Jonesboro, AR on brief) (Eric Bradford Tucker, of Dallas, TX for appellee; Eric Bradford Tucker, of Dallas, TX on brief)