Re: Listing 1.04A

As published in Volume 34, No. 9, September 2012 edition of the Social Security Forum of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).

The ALJ issued a fully favorable decision finding that the combination of the claimant’s multilevel degenerative disc disease, Hepatitis C, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) equaled Listing 1.04A (Disorders of the spine with nerve root compression). At the hearing, a medical expert (ME) testified that the claimant’s ongoing chronic lower back pain was compounded by Hepatitis C and RA. These conditions add to the limitations and pain that the claimant has. He further noted that the back surgery the claimant underwent did not provide pain relief and that she continued to have lower extremity weakness. She was found disabled as of the amended alleged onset date of March 1, 2010 (her date last insured was March 31, 2010), based on the application filed in August 2010. John E. Horn, Esq., Tinley Park, IL.