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Step Three
The brief argues medical equivalence to Listing 1.17 rather than a strict “meets” theory because the assistive-device documentation does not cleanly satisfy paragraph C's requirements under SSA's formal documentation rule. That is the weakest element. The surgery history and 12-month duration are strong.
The brief counters the paragraph C weakness by stacking evidence: the March 2023 parking certification for inability to walk 200 feet, repeated observations of cane-assisted ambulation, a formal wheeled walker fitting, sitting-only work restrictions, a documented fall from knee buckling, and post-revision therapy deficits. Individually, no single piece is airtight. Together, they make a credible equivalence case.
I chose 1.17 over 1.18 because the serial reconstructive surgery history made the theory cleaner and more intuitive for the ALJ.
See the analysis behind every decision
Every argument in your brief comes with the strategy behind it. What was chosen, what was dropped, and where it's vulnerable.
Meet Leo
Leo has read every page of your client's file.
Ask things like:
- ●“Why did you choose Listing 1.15 over 1.18?”
- ●“What impairments did you consider but decide against, and why?”
- ●“What are the weakest points in this case?”
- ●“Summarize Dr. Rivera's treatment notes”
- ●“If the ALJ finds the claimant can do light work, do the Grid Rules still direct disabled?”
Click any citation.
See the source.
Click any citation in your brief to see the exhibit, the page, and the relevant excerpt from the record.
Exhibit 11F p. 4
MRI Lumbar Spine Without Contrast
Technique: Sagittal T1, T2, STIR. Axial T2 at L3-L4 through L5-S1.
L3-L4: Mild disc desiccation. No significant canal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.
L4-L5: Broad-based disc herniation with moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis. There is effacement of the ventral thecal sac and compression of the traversing L5 nerve roots bilaterally.
L5-S1: Mild disc bulge. Mild facet arthropathy. No significant stenosis.
Impression: Broad-based disc herniation at L4-L5 with moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis and L5 nerve root compression. Mild degenerative changes at remaining levels.