E. L. Wilkinson v. Richard S. Schweiker, Secretary of Health and Human Services

Elmer L. Wilkinson has applied for disability insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 423. He alleges that pain in his back and left leg and hip has rendered him incapable of working since September 2, 1976. After agency denials of his application at the initial and reconsideration stages, Wilkinson requested a hearing. At the conclusion of that hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) likewise denied benefits, finding that Wilkinson, although unable to perform his past work, was able to work at a sedentary level. That decision was approved by the Appeals…