ERIN L. WIEDEMANN, Magistrate Judge.
Plaintiff, Joel Newman, brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking judicial review of a decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (Commissioner) denying his claims for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits (DIB) and supplemental security income (SSI) under the provisions of Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (Act). In this judicial review, the Court must determine whether there is substantial evidence in the administrative record to support the Commissioner's decision.
Plaintiff protectively filed his current applications for DIB and SSI on September 22, 2015, alleging an inability to work since May 3, 2013, due to testicular cancer in lymph nodes that was in remission, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and nerve damage. (Tr. 108, 114, 122, 138). For DIB purposes, Plaintiff maintained insured status through December 31, 2018. (Tr. 60, 108, 114, 122, 138). An administrative video hearing was held on July 26, 2016, at which Plaintiff and a vocational expert testified. (Tr. 73-105).
By written decision dated November 29, 2016, the ALJ found that during the relevant time period, Plaintiff had severe impairments of testicular cancer, status post-surgical intervention and chemotherapy; peripheral neuropathy; chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD); and major depression. (Tr. 60). However, after reviewing all of the evidence presented, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff's impairment did not meet or equal the level of severity of any impairment listed in the Listing of Impairments found in Appendix I, Subpart P, Regulation No. 4. (Tr. 61). The ALJ found that Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform light work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b), except for the following: Plaintiff should perform jobs in a controlled environment which did not risk exposure to dust, fumes, smoke in concentrated amounts, or temperature extremes; Plaintiff should perform only simple tasks and simple instructions; and Plaintiff should have incidental contact with the public. (Tr. 63). With the help of a vocational expert (VE), the ALJ determined that although Plaintiff was unable to perform his past relevant work, there were jobs that existed in significant numbers in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform, such as a power screw driver operator, a can filling and closing machine tender, and a compression molding machine tender. (Tr. 67). The ALJ concluded that the Plaintiff had not been under a disability, as defined in the Social Security Act, from May 3, 2013, through the date of the decision. (Tr. 68).
Plaintiff then requested a review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council, which after considering additional evidence submitted by Plaintiff, denied that request on December 22, 2017.
This Court's role is to determine whether the Commissioner's findings are supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole.
The Court has reviewed the entire transcript and the parties' briefs. For the reasons stated in the ALJ's well-reasoned opinion and the Government's brief, the Court finds Plaintiff's arguments on appeal to be without merit and finds that the record as a whole reflects substantial evidence to support the ALJ's decision. Accordingly, the ALJ's decision is hereby summarily affirmed and Plaintiff's Complaint is dismissed with prejudice.
IT IS SO ORDERED AND ADJUDGED.