Social Security disability insurance benefits-eligibility. Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security v. Walton

SSA's interpretation of the Social Security Act and its regulation requiring that eligibility for benefits requires that an applicant be both impaired and unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (work) for at least 12 months was permitted by the act and the regulation was lawful. SSA was entitled to the benefit of hindsight, and even though an individual might have been awarded benefits under the act if the decision were made before the end of 12 months because the impairment and inability to work could be expected to last at least 12 months, it could deny benefits when it makes its decision after 12 months from the onset of the impairment and knows the applicant was able to work after 11 months.