Zirnsak v. Colvin

Zirnsak was involved in a motor vehicle accident. She sustained head and lung injuries and skeletal fractures and was hospitalized from October 8 through November 14, 2001, temporarily on life support. Upon her discharge, she was sent to a rehabilitation facility, where she was treated from January 16, 2002 through October 18, 2005. In 2003, she suffered a seizure. She was prescribed medication and did not suffer any further seizures. Between January 5, 2005 and August 11, 2006, Zirnsak underwent plastic surgery for lipoma reductions. Zirnsak sought treatment from several medical professionals, including treatment for “traumatic brain injury, left hemiparesis cognitive impairments with short-term memory deficits, organic affective changes[,] and a seizure disorder.” In 2010, Zirnsak applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits alleging a disability commencing on May 11, 2006. Zirnsak’s date last insured was December 31, 2007. The SSA denied Zirnsak’s application, finding that Zirnsak was capable of performing certain jobs available in the national economy, so long as those jobs were sedentary and routine. The district court and Third Circuit affirmed. Substantial evidence supports Zirnsak’s ability to perform jobs widely available in the national economy: order clerk, food and beverage; charge account clerk; and telephone clerk. View "Zirnsak v. Colvin" on Justia Law