ALJ Error Disability Benefits.

Byline: Derek Hawkins

7th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Christopher Jozefyk v. Nancy A. Berryhill

Case No.: 18-1898

Officials: KANNE, HAMILTON, and ST. EVE, Circuit Judges.

Focus: ALJ Error Disability Benefits

Christopher Jozefyk applied for Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income, claiming disability based on several physical and mental conditions, including degenerative changes in his cervical spine, lumbar strain, obesity, affective disorder, and anxiety disorder. An Administrative Law Judge denied benefits, and the district court concluded that substantial evidence supported the ALJ's decision. Jozefyk raises two arguments on appeal: (1) the ALJ did not establish a valid waiver of attorney representation before allowing Jozefyk to proceed pro se at the hearing, and (2) the residual functional capacity...