William PIERCY, Appellant, v. Otis R. BOWEN, Secretary of Health & Human Services, Appellee

ARNOLD, Circuit Judge.

Appellant William Piercy brought this action for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 416(i) and § 423. His claim was denied by an Administrative Law Judge, and the District Court upheld that decision. We reverse.

Piercy is a 57-year-old former trust administrator with a history of health problems. In 1949 his phrenic nerve, which controls movement of the diaphragm, was crushed to treat his tuberculosis. As a result, his lungs never developed to adult capacity. In 1981 Piercy suffered a heart attack. This condition is stable with…