Figueroa-Rodriquez V. Sec'y HHS

Dysthymic disorder is severe impairment. To determine the severity of a mental impairment, an ALJ must rate the degree of functional loss in four areas that the SSA has identified as essential to work: 1) activities of daily living; 2) social functioning; 3) concentration, persistence, or pace; and 4) deterioration or decompensation in work or work- like settings. Substantial evidence did not support ALJ's finding of a non-severe mental impairment where medical advisor's uncontradicted assessment that claimant had moderate restrictions in activities of daily living. Substantial evidence did not support ALJ's finding of a non-severe mental impairment where medical advisor's uncontradicted assessment that claimant had moderate restrictions in activities of daily living.