Opinion
5:23-cv-33-PRL
10-28-2024
PHILLIP RICHARDSON, Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
ORDER
PHILIP R. LAMMENS UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
The Commissioner has filed an unopposed motion to remand this case for further proceedings under sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). (Doc. 26). Upon review, the Court agrees with the parties that it is appropriate to remand this matter to the Commissioner.
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, 509 U.S. 292, 296 (1993). Where the court cannot discern the basis for the Commissioner's decision, a sentence-four remand may be appropriate to allow him to explain the basis for his decision. Falcon v. Heckler, 732 F.2d 827, 829-30 (11th Cir. 1984) (holding remand was appropriate to allow the ALJ to explain the basis for the determination that the claimant's depression did not significantly affect her ability to work). 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).
Accordingly, the Commissioner's unopposed motion for entry of judgment with remand (Doc. 26) is GRANTED. This action is REVERSED AND REMANDED pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Upon remand, the Commissioner will: (1) offer Plaintiff the opportunity for a hearing; (2) if warranted, obtain supplemental vocational evidence; (3) take any further action needed to complete the administrative record; and (4) issue a new decision. The Clerk is directed to enter judgment accordingly and close the file.
Remand pursuant to sentence four of § 405(g) makes the plaintiff a prevailing party for purposes of the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412, and terminates this Court's jurisdiction over this matter. Shalala v. Schaefer, 509 U.S. 292 (1993).
DONE and ORDERED.