Etta J. Caviness v. Larry G. Massanari, Acting Commissioner, 1 Social Security Administration

RICHARD S. ARNOLD, Circuit Judge.

Etta J. Caviness claims that she is entitled to disability insurance benefits. The Commissioner, acting through an administrative law judge (ALJ), found that benefits should be denied. On review, the District Court granted the Commissioner’s motion for summary judgment and upheld this decision. We hold that the ALJ committed two errors of law and therefore reverse for further proceedings.

Ms. Caviness alleged disability since March 1989 from a bad back, nervousness, depression, and other problems. Her insured status expired in December 1994. After a hearing,…