Opinion
Case No: 5:19-cv-344-Oc-PRL
02-03-2020
REBECCA RICHARDS, Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
ORDER
This matter is before the undersigned on Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Entry of Judgment with Remand in which Defendant requests the Court to remand this case so that the Commissioner can take further administrative action. (Doc. 18). Defendant states that Plaintiff has no objection to the Motion to Remand.
Pursuant to Title 42, United States Code, Section 405(g) the Court is empowered to reverse the decision of the Commissioner with or without remanding the cause for a rehearing. Shalala v. Schaefer, 113 S. Ct. 2625 (1993). The failure of the ALJ to develop the record constitutes sufficient grounds for remand. Brissette v. Heckler, 730 F.2d 548 (8th Cir. 1984), appeal after remand 613 F. Supp. 722 (E.D. Mo. 1985), judgment aff'd in part, rev'd in part, 784 F.2d 864 (8th Cir. 1986). On remand under sentence four, the ALJ should review the case on a complete record, including any new material evidence. Diorio v. Heckler, 721 F.2d 726, 729 (11th Cir. 1983) (finding that it was necessary for the ALJ on remand to consider psychiatric report tendered to Appeals Council); Reeves v. Heckler, 734 F.2d 519, 522 n. 1 (11th Cir. 1984) (holding that the ALJ should consider on remand the need for an orthopedic evaluation).
Therefore, the undersigned agrees with the parties that it is appropriate to remand this matter to the Commissioner. Accordingly, it is ordered that:
(1) Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Entry of Judgment with Remand (Doc. 18) is GRANTED.
(2) This action is REVERSED AND REMANDED pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) to the Commissioner for the following reasons:
The Commissioner requests remand for an administrative law judge (ALJ) to conduct further administrative proceedings and further evaluate the medical evidence of record, including the medical opinion evidence and Plaintiff's subjective complaints. The ALJ shall also update the record, conduct another hearing at which the Plaintiff can provide testimony, and issue a de novo decision.
(3) The Clerk is directed to enter judgment accordingly, terminate any pending motions, and close the file.
DONE and ORDERED in Ocala, Florida on February 3, 2020.
/s/_________
PHILIP R. LAMMENS
United States Magistrate Judge Copies furnished to: Counsel of Record
Unrepresented Parties