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When applying for Social Security disability benefits, a person will need to provide evidence to show that they have severe physical or mental impairments that affect their ability to find gainful employment. If disability benefits are denied, a person can appeal this decision, and their case will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). In these types of hearings, the ALJ must base their decision on evidence provided by both sides, as well as the opinions of medical and vocational experts. Any additional evidence considered by the ALJ is known as “extra-record evidence,” and certain rules apply regarding when this type of evidence can be used.
Magistrate Reverses ALJ’s Decision Based on Reliance on Extra-Record Evidence
A recent case in Illinois, Elizabeth D. v. Commissioner of Social Security, illustrates when extra-record evidence can and cannot be used by an ALJ. In this case, a woman had been found disabled in 2003 after receiving kidney and pancreas transplants. In 2011, Social Security determined that she was no longer disabled, and she appealed this decision, stating that in addition to her prior medical issues, she also suffered from extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, migraines, and personality disorder.
When reviewing the evidence, the ALJ chose to give limited weight to the opinions of a doctor who had been treating the plaintiff since 2003, since this doctor’s opinions relied heavily on the plaintiff’s subjective complaints. Instead, the ALJ gave great weight to the opinion of a doctor who saw the plaintiff twice in preparation for hysterectomy surgery. This doctor stated that the plaintiff had an exercise capacity of 10 METs.
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For those who have suffered an injury, illness, or another type of physical or mental condition that has affected their ability to work, 
To receive Social Security disability benefits, you will not only need to show that your physical or mental conditions have caused you to be unable to work in jobs you have previously done, but you will also need to demonstrate that you are unable to find gainful employment in positions that are available in the United States economy. In many cases, 
