Newark, NJ – A New Jersey man who was denied disability insurance benefits by the Social Security Administration has won his appeal in federal court after a judge ruled that the agency’s decision failed to properly evaluate medical evidence documenting his severe mental and physical impairments.
In an opinion filed December 23, U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin granted the appeal of Philip L.S., vacated the SSA’s denial of benefits, and remanded the case for further proceedings. The court found that the agency’s decision lacked adequate consideration of the claimant’s long-term psychiatric treatment and physical limitations.
Philip, born in 1964, worked for over a decade as an accounts receivable clerk and collections supervisor before suffering a mental breakdown in September 2020 that he said left him unable to work. He has since been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and osteoarthritis in both knees. His care included intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs from late 2020 through 2021, followed by continued therapy and psychiatric treatment through at least 2023.
Medical providers, including therapist Ryan Crowley-Hughes and nurse Rafael Contreras, documented significant functional limitations, such as difficulty interacting with others, maintaining a work pace, managing panic attacks, and performing daily activities outside of medical appointments. Philip’s long-time therapist, Lisa LaBrunda, who has treated him since 2013, also diagnosed recurring major depression.
The Administrative Law Judge initially denied the claim in October 2023, concluding that Philip was not disabled under the Social Security Act. Judge Padin ruled that the ALJ’s findings were not supported by substantial evidence and failed to properly weigh the consistent medical opinions and longitudinal treatment history.
The case now returns to the Social Security Administration for a new evaluation consistent with the court’s findings.