Case Explained: NORTHAM V. BISIGNANO

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Filed: 2026-08-03 Docket: 1:23-cv-00132-TJC The ninth-circuit affirmed the district court’s order upholding the Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of disability benefits. The court applied de novo review, reversing an administrative law judge’s decision only if it involved legal error or lacked substantial evidence. The court held that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s discounting of a counseling therapist’s opinion, which was inconsistent with her own treatment notes and other medical records. Additionally, the court found the ALJ provided specific, clear, and convincing reasons for rejecting the claimant’s subjective testimony, citing effective treatment of impairments, inconsistencies in the claimant’s statements regarding his use of a cane and attention span, contradictions with lay witness testimony, and inconsistent daily activities. The court rejected derivative arguments regarding the residual functional capacity assessment and declined to consider an argument based on *Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo* due to forfeiture for lack of specificity in the briefing. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.