8.1 Judicial Review Flashcards
“What is judicial review in the context of SSA disability claims?”
Answer: “Judicial review refers to a federal court’s authority to review SSA’s final decision to determine if it complies with the law and is supported by substantial evidence.”
Explanation: “Judicial review is the final step in the appeals process, occurring after the Appeals Council denies a claimant’s request for review.”
Source: 42 U.S.C. §405(g).
“What is the scope of judicial review in SSA cases?”
Answer: “The federal court reviews whether the SSA’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were applied.”
Explanation: “Courts generally do not reweigh evidence or substitute their judgment for the SSA’s findings unless legal or procedural errors occurred.”
Source: Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389 (1971).
“What constitutes a ‘final decision’ by the SSA for purposes of judicial review?”
Answer: “A final decision is the SSA’s decision after the Appeals Council denies a request for review or issues its decision on a case.”
Explanation: “Claimants cannot file a lawsuit in federal court until they have exhausted all administrative remedies.”
Case Scenario: After exhausting all SSA administrative appeals, Claire files a lawsuit in federal court, claiming the ALJ did not properly evaluate her medical evidence. She seeks a review of the SSA’s decision.
Question: What is the scope of judicial review in federal court?
Answer: Federal court review is limited to determining whether the SSA’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were applied.
Legal Explanation: Federal courts do not conduct de novo reviews or reweigh evidence. Instead, they evaluate whether SSA’s decisions are supported by substantial evidence and made in compliance with applicable laws.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g) – Judicial review of SSA decisions.
Case Scenario: Michael files a lawsuit in federal district court after his claim is denied at the Appeals Council. He introduces new medical evidence that was not submitted during SSA’s administrative process.
Question: Can the federal court consider new evidence in reviewing Michael’s claim?
Answer: No, federal courts review the administrative record as it existed during the SSA proceedings. New evidence is not considered.
Legal Explanation: Judicial review is based on the administrative record. New evidence can only be introduced under limited circumstances, typically requiring a remand to SSA under Sentence Six of 42 U.S.C. §405(g).
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g), Sentence Six – Rules for remand based on new evidence.
Judicial Review:
- Limited to substantial evidence and legal compliance.
- Based on the administrative record.
Case Scenario: After exhausting all SSA administrative appeals, Claire files a lawsuit in federal court, claiming the ALJ did not properly evaluate her medical evidence. She seeks a review of the SSA’s decision.
Question: What is the scope of judicial review in federal court?
Answer: Federal court review is limited to determining whether the SSA’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were applied.
Legal Explanation: Federal courts do not conduct de novo reviews or reweigh evidence. Instead, they evaluate whether SSA’s decisions are supported by substantial evidence and made in compliance with applicable laws.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g) – Judicial review of SSA decisions.
Case Scenario: Michael files a lawsuit in federal district court after his claim is denied at the Appeals Council. He introduces new medical evidence that was not submitted during SSA’s administrative process.
Question: Can the federal court consider new evidence in reviewing Michael’s claim?
Answer: No, federal courts review the administrative record as it existed during the SSA proceedings. New evidence is not considered.
Legal Explanation: Judicial review is based on the administrative record. New evidence can only be introduced under limited circumstances, typically requiring a remand to SSA under Sentence Six of 42 U.S.C. §405(g).
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g), Sentence Six – Rules for remand based on new evidence.
Judicial Review:
- Limited to substantial evidence and legal compliance.
- Based on the administrative record.
