Sikes v. Colvin (CONSENT)

Filing 17

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Judge Charles S. Coody on 5/13/2014. (wcl, )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION
GWENDOLYN D. SIKES,
Plaintiff,
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Acting Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.

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CIVIL ACTION NO. 1:13cv353-CSC
(WO)

MEMORANDUM OPINION
I. Introduction
The plaintiff applied for disability insurance benefits pursuant to Title II of the Social
Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 401 et seq., and for supplemental security income benefits under
Title XVI of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1381 et seq., alleging that she was
unable to work because of a disability.

Her application was denied at the initial

administrative level. The plaintiff then requested and received a hearing before an
Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). Following the hearing, the ALJ concluded that the
plaintiff was not under a “disability” as defined in the Social Security Act. The ALJ,
therefore, denied the plaintiff’s claim for benefits. The Appeals Council rejected a
subsequent request for review. The ALJ’s decision consequently became the final decision
of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”).1 See Chester v. Bowen, 792
1

Pursuant to the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994, Pub.L. No.
103-296, 108 Stat. 1464, the functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to Social
Security matters were transferred to the Commissioner of Social Security.

F.2d 129, 131 (11th Cir. 1986). Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), the parties have consented
to entry of final judgment by the United States Magistrate Judge. The case is now before
the court for review pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 405 (g) and 1383(c)(3). Based on the court's
review of the record in this case and the briefs of the parties, the court concludes that the
decision of the Commissioner should be affirmed.
II. Standard of Review
Under 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A), a person is entitled to disability benefits when the
person is unable 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 . . .
To make this determination,2 the Commissioner employs a five-step, sequential
evaluation process. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.
(1) Is the person presently unemployed?
(2) Is the person’s impairment severe?
(3) Does the person's impairment meet or equal one of the specific
impairments set forth in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1?
(4) Is the person unable to perform his or her former occupation?
(5) Is the person unable to perform any other work within the economy?
An affirmative answer to any of the above questions leads either to the next
question, or, on steps three and five, to a finding of disability. A negative
answer to any question, other than step three, leads to a determination of “not
disabled.”

2

A “physical or mental impairment” is one resulting from anatomical, physiological, or
psychological abnormalities which are demonstrable by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory
diagnostic techniques.

2

McDaniel v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 1026, 1030 (11th Cir. 1986).3
The standard of review of the Commissioner’s decision is a limited one. This court
must find the Commissioner’s decision conclusive if it is supported by substantial evidence.
42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Graham v. Apfel, 129 F.3d 1420, 1422 (11th Cir. 1997). “Substantial
evidence is more than a scintilla, but less than a preponderance. It is such relevant evidence
as a reasonable person would accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Richardson v.
Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971). A reviewing court may not look only to those parts of
the record which supports the decision of the ALJ but instead must view the record in its
entirety and take account of evidence which detracts from the evidence relied on by the ALJ.
Hillsman v. Bowen, 804 F.2d 1179 (11th Cir. 1986).
[The court must] . . . scrutinize the record in its entirety to determine the
reasonableness of the [Commissioner’s] . . . factual findings . . . No similar
presumption of validity attaches to the [Commissioner’s] . . . legal
conclusions, including determination of the proper standards to be applied in
evaluating claims.
Walker v. Bowen, 826 F.2d 996, 999 (11th Cir. 1987).
III. The Issues
A. Introduction. The plaintiff was 36 years old at the time of the hearing before the
ALJ and had completed the twelfth grade. (R. 51). Following the hearing, the ALJ
concluded that the plaintiff has severe impairments of “status post pericardial effusion;

3

McDaniel v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 1026 (11th Cir. 1986) is a supplemental security income case (SSI).
The same sequence applies to disability insurance benefits. Cases arising under Title II are appropriately
cited as authority in Title XVI cases. See e.g. Ware v. Schweiker, 651 F.2d 408 (5th Cir. 1981) (Unit A).

3

endocarditis4; right hip bursitis; diabetes; hepatitis C; anxiety; depression; headaches; and
history of substance abuse, not material and in reported remission.” (R. 32) (footnote
added). Her prior work experience includes work as a secretary, payroll clerk, and waitress.
(R. 38). The ALJ concluded that Sikes could not perform any of her past relevant work,
(id.), but that she had the residual functional capacity to perform less than the full range of
light work. (R. 34). Relying on the testimony of a vocational expert, the ALJ concluded
that there were jobs existing in significant numbers in the national economy that Sikes could
perform. (R. 39). Consequently, the ALJ concluded that she was not disabled. (R. 40).
B. Plaintiff’s Claims. The plaintiff presents two issues for the court’s review. As
stated by the plaintiff, the issue are as follows:
1.

The Commissioner’s decision should be reversed because the ALJ failed to
properly apply the two-part “pain standard” established by the Eleventh
Circuit.

2.

The Commissioner’s decision should be reversed because the ALJ failed to
include any accommodations for Ms. Sikes’ severe impairment of headaches
in her RFC assessment.

(Pl’s Br., doc. # 12 at 3).

IV. Discussion
A disability claimant bears the initial burden of demonstrating an inability to return
to her past work. Lucas v. Sullivan, 918 F.2d 1567 (11th Cir. 1990). In determining
4

Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves and can
be caused by a bacterial infection.

4

whether the claimant has satisfied this burden, the Commissioner is guided by four factors:
(1) objective medical facts or clinical findings, (2) diagnoses of examining physicians, (3)
subjective evidence of pain and disability, e.g., the testimony of the claimant and her family
or friends, and (4) the claimant’s age, education, and work history. Tieniber v. Heckler, 720
F.2d 1251 (11th Cir. 1983). The court must scrutinize the record in its entirety to determine
the reasonableness of the ALJ’s decision. See Walker, 826 F.2d at 999. The ALJ must
conscientiously probe into, inquire of and explore all relevant facts to elicit both favorable
and unfavorable facts for review. Cowart v. Schweiker, 662 F.2d 731, 735-36 (11th Cir.
1981). The ALJ must also state, with sufficient specificity, the reasons for her decision
referencing the plaintiff’s impairments.
Any such decision by the Commissioner of Social Security which involves a
determination of disability and which is in whole or in part unfavorable to
such individual shall contain a statement of the case, in understandable
language, setting forth a discussion of the evidence, and stating the
Commissioner’s determination and the reason or reasons upon which it is
based.
42 U.S.C. § 405(b)(1) (emphases added).
A. Pain analysis. Sikes contends that the ALJ failed to properly apply the pain
standard, and thus her testimony should be taken as true, leading to a finding of disability.
As explained below, the ALJ did not fully credit Sikes’ testimony. “Subjective pain
testimony supported by objective medical evidence of a condition that can reasonably be
expected to produce the symptoms of which the plaintiff complains is itself sufficient to
sustain a finding of disability.” Hale v. Bowen, 831 F.2d 1007 (11th Cir. 1987). The
5

Eleventh Circuit has established a three-part test that applies when a claimant attempts to
establish disability through her own testimony of pain or other subjective symptoms. Landry
v. Heckler, 782 F.2d 1551, 1553 (11th Cir. 1986); see also Holt v. Sullivan, 921 F.2d 1221,
1223 (11th Cir. 1991). This standard requires evidence of an underlying medical condition
and either (1) objective medical evidence that confirms the severity of the alleged pain
arising from that condition or (2) an objectively determined medical condition of such
severity that it can reasonably be expected to give rise to the alleged pain. Landry, 782 F.
2d at 1553. In this circuit, the law is clear. The Commissioner must consider a claimant’s
subjective testimony of pain if she finds evidence of an underlying medical condition and
the objectively determined medical condition is of a severity that can reasonably be expected
to give rise to the alleged pain. Mason v. Bowen, 791 F.2d 1460, 1462 (11th Cir. 1986);
Landry, 782 F.2d at 1553. Thus, if the Commissioner fails to articulate reasons for refusing
to credit a claimant's subjective pain testimony, the Commissioner has accepted the
testimony as true as a matter of law. This standard requires that the articulated reasons must
be supported by substantial reasons. If there is no such support then the testimony must be
accepted as true. Hale, 831 F.2d at 1012.
At the administrative hearing, Sikes testified that pain is the basis for her disability
claim. (R. 53-54). She testified that she has
chest pain all the time. Three to four times out of a month, I have severe pains
coming from my left side. Probably about seven or eight times a month, I –
it’s hard for me to even get out of the bed. If I do anything – it doesn’t matter
what it is I try to do, and I do try to do something because I don’t want to feel
6

worthless, you know, I want to be able to do something around the house.
And – but I have to take – I, I can do something for probably about 10
minutes, at the most, and that’s something light. Usually, if I go to put clothes
in the washing machine, I’ll take that break that they’re in the washing
machine before I, you know, to put them in the dryer. But I have to take that
break. Any steps that I go up or down, I have to hold on to something or I’ll
fall. I’m weak all the time. I have migraines, severe migraines. I just – I’m
– I understand how there are jobs out there that I could sit down at and do, but
in – I don’t think it would be fair to the employer of the absentees that I’ll be,
and I know I’ll be late, because every single day it takes me two to three hours
to get ready just to go anywhere.
(Id.)
The ALJ recited Sikes’ testimony and discussed the medical evidence. The ALJ
acknowledged that Sikes has “medically determinable impairments that could reasonably be
expected to cause some of her alleged symptoms; however, the claimant’s statements
concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects of these symptoms are not credible
to the extent that they are inconsistent with the above residual functional capacity
assessment.” (R. 36). If this were the extent of the ALJ’s credibility analysis, the plaintiff
might be entitled to some relief. However, a review of the ALJ’s analysis demonstrates that
the ALJ properly considered and discredited Sikes’ testimony. Rather than give a synopsis
of it, the court will quote it.
At the hearing, the claimant testified that she is disabled due to her numerous
impairments. (Hearing testimony). She claimed chronic chest pain on a daily
basis, with severe episodes occurring 3 - 4 times a month. Her heart problems
also included shortness of breath and hot flashes/sweating, with any activity.
She further claims having low energy and fatigue since having heart problems,
and stated that she could lift no more than a gallon of milk. She alleged
having severe migraine headaches 7 - 8 times a month, but admitted only
taking over-the-counter pain medications. The claimant testified to having
7

occasional pain in her right hip, and confirmed diagnoses for diabetes and
hepatitis C; however, she admitted no significant functional limitations to
these impairments. She also carries diagnoses for anxiety and depression, but
admitted that she is not taking any medications and is not receiving any
treatment at this time. The claimant alleged that she has not taken any
medications for her (sic) any of her impairments and has not returned to her
treating doctor since 2009, because she could not afford the medicine or office
visits. She admitted having a history of substance abuse problems, but
claimed that ended 6 - 7 years ago. Despite her allegedly disabling symptoms,
the claimant admitted she is able to live with her parents and brother, share
household responsibilities with her mother, care for her own personal needs,
and care for her mother who has cancer and drive her to chemotherapy every
Wednesday. She and her mother take the opportunity on those days to shop
at Walmart, and the claimant admitted that she is able to walk alongside her
mother, who rides in a motorized cart, for up to 15 minutes. The claimant also
admitted that she is able to do laundry, watch TV, care for her three dogs (2
Pomeranians and 1 poodle), prepare simple meals, reads the newspaper every
morning and enjoys hobbies like crafts and sewing.
*

*

*

The undersigned finds that the longitudinal medical evidence does not support
the severity of impairments alleged or the presence of disabling physical
impairments that would preclude claimant from all work. The claimant
underwent a consultative examination, performed by Myrtle Goore, M.D., on
August 18, 2011, and the results of this examination are inconsistent with the
claimant’s allegation of total disability. (Exhibit 15F). The claimant’s chief
complaints included heart problems and endocarditis. She complained of
shortness of breath with activity and recent irregular heartbeats, but admitted
that she had been off all medications due to costs. Dr. Goore noted that the
claimant had not been compliant with her present medications since
November 2011,5 and the claimant denied any medication specifically for her
heart. On physical examination, Dr. Goore observed that the claimant had a
healed surgical scar over the lower sternum; PMI was normal size and location
in mid-clavicular line; there was systolic ejection murmur at LSB 1-2/6, but
heart sounds S1 and S2 were normal; nor S3 or S4; no click, heave or thrill
palpated; no JV distension; and no HJ reflux at 45 degrees. The claimant also
5

This date appears to be a scrivener’s error as Dr. Goore noted that Sikes reported she had not been
complaint with her medications since November 2009. (R. 475).

8

had normal findings and ranges of motion in her extremities and back; she
demonstrated the ability to get on and off the examination table without
problems, used no assistive device, station was normal and there was no
ataxia/spacticity; and she was able to squat, heel/toe walk and tandem walk.
Motor, sensory and reflexes were all normal; seated leg raising was negative;
no atrophy noted in her muscles; and fine and gross manipulation was normal.
Dr. Goore’s diagnostic impression included heart murmur-tricuspid murmur,
but no signs of congestive heart failure, and she noted that while the claimant
has followed up with the cardiologist, no specific treatment has ever been
prescribed for heart rhythm or congestive heart failure. Dr. Goore also
diagnosed the claimant with anxiety and depression, based upon her
subjective complaints, but noted that she had not been taking any medication
for this condition, since November 2009. Again, allegedly due to inability to
afford the medication.
*

*

*

Based upon the longitudinal medical record, the undersigned finds that the
claimant’s medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected
to cause some of her symptoms; however, the claimant’s statements
concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of these symptoms
are not credible to the extent they are inconsistent with the above residual
functional capacity assessment. The classification of claimant’s exertional
level to less than a Full Range of light work accommodates her physical and
mental impairments. The claimant testified that she had not sought treatment
from a cardiologist since September 2009. She has prescribed medications for
depression and anxiety but is not taking them, and she is also not seeking
mental health treatment. Her activities of daily living are not consistent with
a finding of disability in that she is able to live at home with her mother, father
and brother, without any reported difficulty. She is helping care for her
mother, who has cancer and drives her mother to chemotherapy sessions. In
addition, the claimant is able to perform some chores, goes grocery shopping,
has a driver’s license and drives. She watches TV, does laundry, feeds her
3 dogs and prepares simple meals. She does not need help dressing or
bathing. The claimant also stated that she liked doing crafts and sewing.
To the extent that the claimant allege that she has been unable to afford
medical treatment/medication, Social Security Rulings 87-6 and 82-59 provide
that a claim of financial inability to obtain prescribed treatment is only a
justifiable cause for failure to follow the prescribed treatment when free
9

community resources are unavailable. While the claimant testified that she
has tried some free clinics and they have not treated her because she is
applying for disability, there is no evidence to support this claim. At the
hearing she also admitted that she was going to check into another free
medical service provider, but never followed through. (Hearing testimony).
In any event, the record provides that the claimant has actually sought medical
care when she felt it was medically necessary; as evidenced by her ER
treatments in May and August 2009. (Exhibits 2F and 5F).
In sum, the evidence of record does not support the claimant’s allegations of
totally incapacitating symptomataology. The record fails to document
persistent, reliable manifestations of a disabling loss of functional capacity by
the claimant resulting from her reported symptomataology. After considering
the entirety of the record, the undersigned concludes that the claimant would
not be precluded from performing the physical and mental requirements of
less than the full range of light work, on a regular and sustained basis.
(R. 35-38).
Where an ALJ decides not to credit a claimant’s testimony, the ALJ must articulate
specific and adequate reasons for doing so, or the record must be obvious as to the
credibility finding. Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1561-62 (11th Cir. 1995); Jones v. Dept.
of Health & Human Servs., 941 F.2d 1529, 1532 (11th Cir. 1991) (articulated reasons must
be based on substantial evidence). If proof of disability is based on subjective evidence and
a credibility determination is, therefore, critical to the decision, “‘the ALJ must either
explicitly discredit such testimony or the implication must be so clear as to amount to a
specific credibility finding.’” Foote, 67 F.3d at 1562, quoting Tieniber, 720 F.2d at 1255
(although no explicit finding as to credibility is required, the implication must be obvious
to the reviewing court). The ALJ has discretion to discredit a plaintiff’s subjective
complaints as long as she provides “explicit and adequate reasons for [her] decision.” Holt,
10

921 F.2d at 1223. Relying on the treatment records, objective evidence, and Sikes’ own
testimony, the ALJ concluded that her allegations regarding the extent of her pain were not
credible to the extent alleged and discounted that testimony. After a careful review of the
ALJ’s careful and thoughtful analysis, the court concludes that the ALJ properly discounted
the plaintiff’s testimony and substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s credibility
determination. It is undisputed that the plaintiff suffers from pain. However, the ALJ
concluded that while Sikes’ underlying conditions are capable of giving rise to some pain
and other limitations, her impairments are not so severe as to give rise to the disabling
intractable pain she alleged.
The medical records support the ALJ’s conclusion that while Sikes’ impairments
could reasonably be expected to produce some pain, Sikes was not entirely credible in her
description of her symptoms or her pain. For example, Sikes testified that she suffers from
severe migraines and it takes her two to three hours to get ready to go somewhere. (R. 54).
However, she further testified that she takes her mother to chemotherapy treatment each
week and then goes grocery shopping with her. (R. 58). She also testified that she makes
her bed, does her laundry, feeds her dogs, and cleans her own room. (Id.). Although Sikes
testified that she has “chest pain all the time,” she has not seen her cardiologist since 2009.
(R. 54-55).
Furthermore, the medical records do not corroborate her testimony of debilitating
pain. In May 2009, Sikes presented to the Southeast Alabama Medical Center complaining

11

that she was “blue.” (R. 272). She was diagnosed with a tension headache. (R. 274). At
that time, she indicated that she had chronic headaches only occasionally. (R. 282). Her
breathing was clear. (R. 284). On May 21, 2009, Sikes was admitted to Flowers Hospital
complaining of right hip pain and chest pain. (R. 288-89). An MRI of the pelvis showed
“very minimal uptakes on either side,” and an MRI of the lumbar spine “revealed mild
degenerative changes in the lower lumbar spine but no other significant abnormality.” (Id.)
During her hospitalization, Sikes complained of generalized aches and pains and a low grade
fever. (R. 293) She was subsequently diagnosed with tricuspid endocarditis secondary to
staph aureus. (R. 291, 300-01). She was discharged on June 4, 2009. (R. 311)
Sikes presented to her treating physician, Dr. Diana Mancuso, on June 22, 2009,
complaining of increased shortness of breath. (R. 311). Sikes was readmitted to Flowers
Hospital on June 25, 2009. (Id.) During that hospitalization, Sikes underwent surgery to
create a pericardial window to drain fluid from her heart. (R. 304, 307, 318). Prior to her
discharge, Dr. David Hewitt noted that “[s]he should be cured from her endocarditis at this
point and she has no other signs of ongoing infection.” (R. 308).
Sikes was seen by Dr. Mancuso on July 8, 2009. At that time, Dr. Mancuso noted
that Sikes “does not appear to be in any distress whatsoever including any type of respiratory
distress.” (R. 390). Dr. Mancuso noted that there was “no evidence of infection,” and Sikes
denied “any upper respiratory distress.” (Id.)
On July 22, 2009, Sikes presented to Dr. Mancuso and reported that she “felt overall

12

better since her last visit.” (R. 386). Dr. Mancuso refilled Sikes’ prescriptions for Lortab
and Ambien. (Id.) Dr. Mancuso saw Sikes on August 4, 2009. (R. 385). Sikes was “in no
distress.” (Id.) Nonetheless, at Sikes’ request, Dr. Mancuso refilled Sikes’ prescription for
Lortab 10 and prescribed Xanax for anxiety. (R. 384).
Sikes next presented to the emergency room at Flowers Hospital on August 8, 2009,
complaining of a headache. (R. 328). At that time, she had no difficulty breathing, and her
heart rate was tachycardic with regular rhythm. (R. 328-30).
On August 10, 2009, Sikes requested a refill for Lortab. Because she had an
appointment scheduled for August 11, 2009, the prescription was not refilled. (R. 383).
Sikes did not keep her appointment on August 11, but she was seen by Dr. Mancuso on
August 12, 2009. (R. 383-82). Sikes reported that her headaches were better. (R. 382). Dr.
Mancuso refilled her prescription for Lortab. (Id.)
Sikes was also referred at Dr. Planz’s office because of a “questionable infected area
of her pericardial window incision.” (R. 332). On August 12, 2009, Sikes reported to Dr.
Planz’s office that she was taking Singulair, Lortab, Ambien and Xanax, and she requested
more Lortab. (Id.) She was emotional and complained of anxiety, unable to breath and “too
weak to do anything.” (Id.) The physician’s assistant noted that “[a]s far as her symptoms
of shortness of breath, weakness, and left side chest pain, [he was] not sure what this could
be.” (Id.) He further noted
Her chest x-ray that she had performed on 8/8/09 shows that there is no
significant pleural effusion and her heart size seems within normal limits. This
13

is confirmed by clear breath sounds at both bases. . . . As far as her wound
goes, I think this will heal uneventfully. . . . I will not give her a refill of her
Lortab 10, as I think this medication is not necessary for the surgery that we
performed.
(R. 332-33).
On August 18 and 21, 2009, Sikes called Dr. Mancuso’s office requesting refills of
Lortab.

(R. 381-82). Dr. Mancuso declined to call in refills but offered Sikes an

appointment on August 22, 2009. (R. 381). On August 22, 2009, Dr. Mancuso’s office
called Sikes to again offer her an appointment. Sikes declined but requested refills of Lortab
and Xanax. (Id.) Dr. Mancuso did not refill her prescriptions because Sikes refused the
appointment. (Id.)
On September 1, 2009, Sikes presented to Dr. Mancuso complaining of worsening
anxiety and depression due to martial difficulties with her husband. (R. 381). Dr. Mancuso
diagnosed Sikes with stress related headaches, depression and anxiety. (R. 380). Sikes was
directed to check with her insurance company about mental health coverage and Dr.
Mancuso prescribed Paxil for her depression. Dr. Mancuso also refilled Sikes’ prescriptions
for Lortab and Xanax. (Id.)
On September 25, 2009, Sikes complained to Dr. Mancuso of vomiting, although she
was “not in acute distress” when Dr. Mancuso saw her. (R. 379). She requested refills of
Lortab, Ambien and Xanax. (Id.) Dr. Mancuso prescribed Phenergan for nausea and
refilled her prescriptions for Ambien, Xanax and Lortab. (R. 378-79).
Dr. Mancuso last saw Sikes on September 30, 2009. At that time, Sikes reported that
14

she “felt better since her last visit.” (R. 377). Dr. Mancuso noted that “[s]he looks generally
well, in fact better than I have seen her in the past few months.” (Id.)
During a consultative psychological evaluation on December 31, 2009, Sikes reported
that she was suffering from congestive heart failure and depression. She reported her
current medications were Ambien, Xanax and Lortab. (R. 454).
During a consultative physical examination on August 18, 2011, Sikes complained
of shortness of breath and irregular heart beats. (R. 475). Sikes also revealed that she had
not been compliant with her medications since November 2009. (Id.) Dr. Goore noted that
Sikes’ breathing was “normal. No retractions, wheezing or use of accessory muscles of
respiration.” (R. 476). In addition, Dr. Goore noted that Sikes “[g]ets on and off the
examination table without problems. Uses no assistive device. Station is normal and no
ataxia or spasticity. Is able to squat, heel/toe walk and tandem walk.” (Id.) Finally, while
Dr. Goore diagnosed Sikes with “[h]eart murmur - tricuspid murmur,” she noted “[n]o signs
of congestive heart failure.” (R. 477).
After a careful review of the record, the court concludes that the ALJ’s reasons for
discrediting the plaintiff’s testimony were both clearly articulated and supported by
substantial evidence. To the extent that the plaintiff is arguing that the ALJ should have
accepted her testimony regarding her pain, as the court explained, the ALJ had good cause
to discount her testimony. This court must accept the factual findings of the Commissioner
if they are supported by substantial evidence and based upon the proper legal standards.

15

Bridges v. Bowen, 815 F.2d 622 (11th Cir. 1987).
B. Headaches. Sikes also asserts that the ALJ failed to include limitations from her
headaches in her residual functional capacity assessment. (Doc. # 12 at 7 & 9). The ALJ
concluded that the plaintiff has the residual functional capacity
to perform less than the Full Range of light work as defined in 20 CFR §
404.1567(b) and 416.967(b). The claimant is able to lift and carry 10 pounds
frequently and 20 pounds occasionally; sit for a total of 6 hours during an 8
hour workday; stand and walk for a total of 4 hours during an 8 hour workday;
frequently use the upper and lower extremities for pushing and pulling;
occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb ramps and stairs;
frequently balance; precluded from climbing ladders ropes and scaffolds; no
limitation on reaching, handling, fingering and feeling; precluded from
exposure to extreme heat and cold; no work around hazardous machinery or
unprotected heights; able to perform simple routine tasks involving no more
than simple, short instructions and simple work related decisions with few
work place changes.
(R. 34).
An ALJ is required to independently assess a claimant’s residual functional capacity
“based upon all of the relevant evidence.” 20 CFR § 404.1545(a)(3) (“We will assess your
residual functional capacity based on all of the relevant medical and other evidence.”); 20
C.F.R. § 404.1546(c) (“Responsibility for assessing residual functional capacity at the
administrative law judge hearing . . . level. If your case is at the administrative law judge
hearing level . . ., the administrative law judge . . . is responsible for assessing your residual
functional capacity.”) See also Lewis v. Callahan, 125 F.3d 1436, 1440 (11th Cir. 1997)
(“The residual functional capacity is an assessment, based upon all of the relevant evidence,
of a claimant’s remaining ability to do work despite [her] impairments.”). “Residual
16

functional capacity, or RFC, is a medical assessment of what the claimant can do in a work
setting despite any mental, physical or environmental limitations caused by the claimant’s
impairments and related symptoms. 20 C.F.R. § 416.945(a).” Peeler v. Astrue, 400 Fed.
Appx. 492, 494 n.2 (11th Cir. 2010).
It is clear from the context of the ALJ’s opinion, and from the record as a whole, that
the ALJ reviewed and considered all the medical evidence in the record in determining
Sikes’ RFC. The court has independently considered the record as a whole and finds that
the record provides substantial support for the ALJ’s conclusions. Consequently, the court
concludes there was sufficient medical evidence before the ALJ from which she properly
could made a residual functional capacity assessment.
To the extent that Sikes asserts that the ALJ’s RFC determination is flawed because
it does not include the severity of her headaches, she is entitled to no relief. It is undisputed
that Sikes suffers from headaches. However, the medical records do not demonstrate that
the headaches are as severe as alleged. For example, when she presented to the hospital in
May 2009, Sikes reported that she only occasionally suffered from headaches. (R. 282).
The medical record demonstrates that Sikes’ headaches are tension or stress related, and she
testified that she takes over the counter medication for them. (R. 56). Although Sikes
testified that she suffers from “really bad, severe migraine (sic) about seven times out of a
month, seven to eight times out of a month,” (id.), the medical record does not support her
testimony. In fact, the medical records demonstrate that Sikes complained of headaches only

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three times – on May 16, 2009, August 8, 2009, and September 1, 2009.6 (R. 274-85; 328;
381). Thus, the court concludes that the ALJ’s RFC decision is supported by substantial
evidence.
V. Conclusion
The court has carefully and independently reviewed the record and concludes that the
decision of the Commissioner is supported by substantial evidence and is due to be affirmed.
A separate order will be entered.
Done this 13th day of May, 2014.

/s/Charles S. Coody
CHARLES S. COODY
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

6

On August 12, 2009, she reported to Dr. Mancuso that her headaches were better. (R. 382).

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