What is the definition of a disability under the Social Security Act?

The Social Security Act defines "disability" as the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(1)(A). While the regulations provide that the existence of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, symptoms alone are not enough. Ukolov v. Barnhart, 420 F.3d 1003, 1005 (9th Cir. 2005).

A. Whether there is Substantial Evidence to Support the ALJ's Decision