John Higgins v. Commissioner, Social Security

SMITH, Chief Judge.

This social security case turns on whether the administrative law judge (ALJ) properly relied on expert testimony about an accommodation commonly found in the workplace. Concluding the reliance was proper, we affirm the district court's 1 decision upholding the denial of benefits.

I. Background

John Higgins suffers from bipolar disorder, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes. His conditions are exacerbated by obesity. Higgins applied for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits, as well as supplemental security income, alleging that he became unable to work in…