Leon BURNS, Appellant, v. Louis W. SULLIVAN, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Appellee

Leon Burns appeals from a judgment of the district court affirming the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ (Secretary) denial of his claim for social security disability benefits.

Burns is thirty-nine years old, with a high school education and past work experience as a laborer and a chemical plant worker. Burns’ claim for disability benefits stems from a November, 1985 work-related accident in which he fell from a catwalk after inhaling chemical fumes. Burns was treated by his doctor and returned to work. In April, 1986, Burns returned to his doctor, complaining of increasing back pain. A…