Curtis D. Gudgel v. Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security

Curtis D. Gudgel applied for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) in January 2000, claiming that he was disabled because of bone deterioration in his knees, arthritis throughout his body, a pinched nerve in his left hand, and chronic bronchitis. Gudgel’s claim was denied initially, upon reconsideration, and after a hearing before an administrative law judge. The Appeals Council declined review, making the ALJ’s decision the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security. The district court affirmed, and Gudgel now appeals. Because the ALJ’s decision is not supported by…