Waddle v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner
Filing
12
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Magistrate Judge T Michael Putnam on 9/30/15. (MRR )
FILED
2015 Sep-30 PM 01:01
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
N.D. OF ALABAMA
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
NORTHEASTERN DIVISION
MICHELLE JONES WADDLE,
Plaintiff,
vs.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.
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Case No. 5:14-cv-01325-TMP
MEMORANDUM OPINION
I.
Introduction
The plaintiff, Michelle Jones Waddle, appeals from the decision of the
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (“Commissioner”) denying
her application for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) and Disability
Insurance Benefits (“DIB”). Ms. Waddle timely pursued and exhausted her
administrative remedies and the decision of the Commissioner is ripe for review
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g), 1383(c)(3).
Ms. Waddle was forty-four years old on the alleged disability onset date.
(Tr. at 49). Her past work experience includes employment as a wire worker,
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machine operator, linen supply load builder, laundry inspector, and store
laborer/stocker. (Tr. at 48). Ms. Waddle claims that she became disabled on
November 5, 2009, due to anxiety, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, and
depression. (Tr. at 189, 193).
When evaluating the disability of individuals over the age of eighteen, the
regulations prescribe a five-step sequential evaluation process. See 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520, 416.920; see also Doughty v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 1274, 1278 (11th Cir.
2001). The first step requires a determination of whether the claimant is “doing
substantial gainful activity.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). If
he or she is, the claimant is not disabled and the evaluation stops. Id. If he or she is
not, the Commissioner next considers the effect of all of the physical and mental
impairments combined. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). These
impairments must be severe and must meet the durational requirements before a
claimant will be found to be disabled. Id. The decision depends on the medical
evidence in the record. See Hart v. Finch, 440 F.2d 1340, 1341 (5th Cir. 1971). If
the claimant’s impairments are not severe, the analysis stops.
20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). Otherwise, the analysis continues to step
three, which is a determination of whether the claimant’s impairments meet or
equal the severity of an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, Subpart P,
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Appendix 1. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(a)(4)(iii). If the claimant’s
impairments fall within this category, he or she will be found disabled without
further consideration. Id. If they do not, a determination of the claimant’s residual
functional capacity will be made and the analysis proceeds to the fourth step. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e). Residual functional capacity (“RFC”) is an
assessment, based on all relevant evidence, of a claimant’s remaining ability to do
work despite his or her impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.945(a)(1).
The fourth step requires a determination of whether the claimant’s
impairments prevent him or her from returning to past relevant work. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(a)(4)(iv). If the claimant can still do his or her past
relevant work, the claimant is not disabled and the evaluation stops. Id. If the
claimant cannot do past relevant work, then the analysis proceeds to the fifth step.
Id. Step five requires the court to consider the claimant’s RFC, as well as the
claimant’s age, education, and past work experience, in order to determine if he or
she can do other work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v). If the
claimant can do other work, the claimant is not disabled. Id. The burden is on the
Commissioner to demonstrate that other jobs exist which the claimant can
perform; and, once that burden is met, the claimant must prove his or her inability
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to perform those jobs in order to be found disabled. Jones v. Apfel, 190 F.3d 1224,
1228 (11th Cir. 1999).
Applying the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ found that Ms. Waddle
meets the nondisability requirements for a period of disability and DIB and was
insured through the date of his decision. (Tr. at 36). He further determined that
Ms. Waddle has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset
of her disability. (Id.) According to the ALJ, Plaintiff’s depression, anxiety,
obesity, and headaches are considered “severe” based on the requirements set
forth in the regulations. 1 (Id.) However, he found that these impairments neither
meet nor medically equal any of the listed impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404,
Subpart P, Appendix 1. (Tr. at 41). The ALJ determined that the plaintiff’s
assertions regarding the intensity and limiting effects of her impairments were not
fully credible. (Tr. at 43).
The ALJ found that the plaintiff has the residual functional capacity to
perform light work with several limitations. (Tr. at 42). The plaintiff can lift and
carry up to 20 pounds continuously, 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds
occasionally. (Id.) During an eight hour workday, the plaintiff can sit for up to four
1
The ALJ found that several other alleged impairments claimed by the plaintiff, including
GERD and carpel tunnel syndrome, either did not exist or were not “severe.” He expressly
found that plaintiff did not have a severe impairment for mental retardation, which appears to be
principally on the basis that the evidence does not show that she is mentally retarded. This
finding is the issue raised on this appeal.
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hours, stand for up to two hours, and walk for up to two hours. However, she can
sit continuously for only two hours and walk continuously for only one hour. She
can continuously operate bilateral foot controls, climb ramps and stairs, stoop, and
kneel. She can frequently climb ladders and scaffolds, and she can frequently
balance, crouch, and crawl. The plaintiff can work around moving, mechanical
parts. She can work in humid or wet environments and at unprotected heights.
She can operate a motor vehicle. The plaintiff occasionally can work in exposure to
dust, fumes, gas, vibrations, and extreme heat or cold. She can have occasional
interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and the public. (Tr. at 42).
According to the ALJ, Ms. Waddle is unable to perform any of her past
relevant work. (Tr. at 48). The plaintiff is a younger individual, has at least a high
school education, and is able to communicate in English as those terms are defined
by the regulations. (Tr. at 49). He determined that “[t]ransferability of job skills is
not material to the determination of disability,” because the plaintiff is due to be
found not disabled “whether or not the claimant has transferable job skills.” (Id.)
The ALJ found that Ms. Waddle has the residual functional capacity to perform a
significant range of light work. (Id.) Even though Plaintiff cannot perform the full
range of light work, the ALJ determined that there are a significant number of jobs
in the national economy that she is capable of performing, such as machine tender,
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assembler, and hand packer. (Id.) The ALJ concluded his findings by stating that
Plaintiff “has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social Security Act,
from November 5, 2009, through the date of this decision.” (Id.)
II.
Standard of Review
This Court’s role in reviewing claims brought under the Social Security Act
is a narrow one. The scope of its review is limited to determining (1) whether there
is substantial evidence in the record as a whole to support the findings of the
Commissioner, and (2) whether the correct legal standards were applied. See
Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 390, 401 (1971); Wilson v. Barnhart, 284 F.3d
1219, 1221 (11th Cir. 2002). The Court approaches the factual findings of the
Commissioner with deference, but applies close scrutiny to the legal conclusions.
See Miles v. Chater, 84 F.3d 1397, 1400 (11th Cir. 1996). The Court may not decide
facts, weigh evidence, or substitute its judgment for that of the Commissioner. Id.
“The substantial evidence standard permits administrative decision makers to act
with considerable latitude, and ‘the possibility of drawing two inconsistent
conclusions from the evidence does not prevent an administrative agency’s finding
from being supported by substantial evidence.’” Parker v. Bowen, 793 F.2d 1177,
1181 (11th Cir. 1986) (Gibson, J., dissenting) (quoting Consolo v. Federal Mar.
Comm’n, 383 U.S. 607, 620 (1966)). Indeed, even if this Court finds that the
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evidence preponderates against the Commissioner’s decision, the Court must
affirm if the decision is supported by substantial evidence. Miles, 84 F.3d at 1400.
No decision is automatic, however, for “despite this deferential standard [for
review of claims] it is imperative that the Court scrutinize the record in its entirety
to determine the reasonableness of the decision reached.” Bridges v. Bowen, 815
F.2d 622, 624 (11th Cir. 1987). Moreover, failure to apply the correct legal
standards is grounds for reversal. See Bowen v. Heckler, 748 F.2d 629, 635 (11th Cir.
1984).
The court must keep in mind that opinions such as whether a claimant is
disabled, the nature and extent of a claimant’s residual functional capacity, and the
application of vocational factors “are not medical opinions, . . . but are, instead,
opinions on issues reserved to the commissioner because they are administrative
findings that are dispositive of a case; i.e., that would direct the determination or
decision of disability.”
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(e), 416.927(d).
Whether the
plaintiff meets the listing and is qualified for Social Security disability benefits is a
question reserved for the ALJ, and the court “may not decide facts anew, reweigh
the evidence, or substitute [its] judgment for that of the Commissioner.” Dyer v.
Barnhart, 395 F.3d 1206, 1210 (11th Cir. 2005). Thus, even if the court were to
disagree with the ALJ about the significance of certain facts, the court has no power
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to reverse that finding as long so there is substantial evidence in the record
supporting it.
III.
Discussion
Ms. Waddle alleges that the ALJ’s decision should be reversed and
remanded because the ALJ failed to include the plaintiff’s diminished intellectual
functioning as a severe impairment, making her ineligible for disability under listing
12.05(C).
A. Severe Impairment
The ALJ addressed the plaintiff’s assertion of diminished intellectual
functioning in his determination of the plaintiff’s severe impairments, stating:
The undersigned finds the claimant has no severe impairment of
mental retardation. Neither the claimant nor Mr. Hill [plaintiff’s
counsel at the administrative hearing] alleged the claimant is disabled
in part due to mental retardation in Disability Reports. The claimant
stated she finished high school and was not in special education
classes. There is no mention of difficulty with intellectual functioning
until Jon E. Rogers, Ph.D., consultatively evaluated and tested the
claimant on January 10, 2012. The claimant told Dr. Rogers that she
received mental health treatment beginning in October 2005 due to
problems with one of her supervisors and those problems affected her
ability to concentrate on her job. She did not allege difficulty
concentrating on her job due to mental retardation. The evidence of
record contains treatment records from Behavioral Medicine Center
covering the period from October 2005 through August 2007 for the
claimant’s complaints of harassment by one of her supervisors at
work. She took FMLA leave from April 2006 through March 2007
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and during that time she stated she was working toward obtaining her
general equivalency diploma (GED) and looking for another job. The
claimant did not allege to her therapist that she had difficulty with her
job or obtaining her GED due to low-level intellectual functioning and
the therapist did not state he found evidence of such. The claimant
told William D. McDonald, Ph.D., during a consultative psychological
evaluation on August 17, 2010 that she obtained her GED in 2007.
She said she made below-average grades in school, but she was not in
special education classes. She denied history of occupational
difficulties, despite her history of conflicts with one of her supervisors.
Dr. McDonald did not administer psychological testing to the
claimant, but he opines she functioned intellectually in the lowaverage range. He did not opine that she is mentally retarded. Dr.
Rogers tested the claimant in January 2012 and she obtained a verbal
comprehension IQ score of 66, perceptual reasoning score of 73,
working memory score of 69, processing speed score of 65, and fullscale IQ score of 63. Based on these scores, Dr. Rogers assessed the
claimant has the mental ability to understand, remember and carry out
simple instructions and make judgments on simple work-related
decisions with no more than moderate limitations. Dr. Rogers did not
assess the claimant’s adaptive functioning (Exhibits 2E, 8E, 5F, 13F,
and 28F).
The undersigned finds the evidence of record does not support a
finding of mental retardation despite the claimant’s test scores at the
consultative evaluation. She has a history of semi-skilled work. The
claimant told Sherry A. Lewis, M.D., during a consultative
examination on August 30, 2010 that she obtained her GED without
going through a GED program. The claimant stated in her July 2,
2010 Function Report that she prepared full meals, performed
household chores, watched television, cared for her personal hygiene,
drove, shopped, paid bills, handled her financial affairs, visited with
friends, read the Bible, attended church regularly and sang in the
choir. The claimant told Dr. McDonald in August 2010 that she
performed these daily activities and added that she drove her niece’s
sons to school daily. However, the claimant told Dr. Rogers in
January 2012 that she did not perform household chores, cook, pay
bills, etc. She said she had no friends and had no social activities other
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than attending church. It is apparent that the claimant functions
without significant adaptive deficits required for a diagnosis of mental
retardation, and if she discontinued those activities by the time she
saw Dr. Rogers, it was not due to lifelong mental retardation (Exhibits
5E, 13F, 14F, and 28F).
(Tr. at 37). The Eleventh Circuit has acknowledge that “a valid I.Q. score need
not be conclusive of mental retardation where the I.Q. score is inconsistent with the
other evidence in the record on the claimant’s daily activities and behavior.”
Lowery v. Sullivan, 979 F.2d 835, 837 (11th Cir. 1992), citing Popp v. Heckler, 779
F.2d 835, 837 (11th Cir. 1986) (rejecting a claim of section 12.05(C) mental
retardation where the claimant’s IQ score of 69 was inconsistent with evidence that
he had a two-year college associate’s degree, was enrolled in a third year of college
as a history major, and had worked in various technical jobs such as an
administrative clerk, statistical clerk, and algebra teacher).
The plaintiff cites consultative evaluations from Jon G. Rogers, Ph.D. and
William David McDonald, Ph.D. to support her assertion that diminished
intellectual functioning should have been listed among the plaintiff’s severe
impairments. Dr. Rogers evaluated the plaintiff on January 10, 2012. During his
evaluation, he had the plaintiff take the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th
Edition (“WAIS-IV”), on which the plaintiff had a full scale IQ score of 63. Dr.
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Rogers noted that the score “places her in the mildly retarded range
intellectually.” (Tr. at 845). Accordingly, he listed under Axis II of his Diagnostic
Impression “Mild Mental Retardation DSM IV 317.” (Tr. at 846). However, Dr.
Rogers also noted in the “Implications for Employment” section of his evaluation
that the plaintiff “is able to function independently.” (Tr. at 844). Furthermore,
on the plaintiff’s disability report, she did not list diminished intellectual
functioning as a condition that limits her ability to work. (Tr. at 193). The only
mental limitations asserted by the plaintiff are anxiety and depression. (Tr. at 193,
222-29).
The plaintiff states in her Function Report that she is able to do household
chores such as preparing food, doing laundry, and cleaning, and that she can attend
to her own personal care. (Tr. at 224-25). She also states that she is able to drive
to go shopping for food and medication, and that she is able to pay bills, count
change, handle a savings account, and use a checkbook and money orders. (Id.)
Although the plaintiff asserts that her anxiety and depression affect her memory
and her ability to concentrate, understand, complete tasks, and follow instructions,
she does not allege that such difficulties are a result of diminished intellectual
functioning. (Tr. at 227). Accordingly, although the plaintiff scored in the mildly
retarded range on the WAIS-IV, there is substantial evidence upon which the ALJ
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could properly find that the score was not consistent with her daily activities or
with the other evidence in the record.
William McDonald, Ph.D., evaluated the plaintiff on August 17, 2010. He
did not diagnose the plaintiff with diminished intellectual functioning, instead
finding that the plaintiff’s intelligence appeared to be “in the low average range.”
(Tr. at 564). Dr. McDonald determined that the plaintiff “seems capable of
independent living” and “seems quite capable of managing any financial benefits
that she may receive.” (Tr. at 563). He also commented that “[h]er ability to
understand, carry out and remember instructions appears to be at least mildly
impaired. Her ability to respond appropriately to supervisors, co-workers, and
work pressures is severely impaired at this time.” (Tr. at 565). The ALJ gave little
weight to Dr. McDonald’s assessment that “the claimant has severe impairment in
her ability to respond to supervisors, coworkers and work pressures,” because it is
“inconsistent with his own assessment of no more than moderate mental
limitations, his observations at the evaluation, the claimant’s report of no
occupational difficulties, and her daily activities.” (Tr. at 46).
Dr. McDonald’s opinion regarding the plaintiff’s ability to function in a work
environment, while helpful to the ALJ, is not binding. Ultimately, decisions
regarding whether a plaintiff is disabled, her RFC, and the application of vocational
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factors are reserved for the Commissioner, because such decisions direct the
outcome of the plaintiff’s case. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(e), 416.927(d). The Court
is interested in the doctors’ evaluations of the claimant’s “condition and the
medical consequences thereof, not their opinions of the legal consequences of his
[or her] condition.” Lewis, 125 F.3d at 1440. Such statements by a physician are
relevant to the ALJ’s findings, but they are not determinative, as it is the ALJ who
bears the responsibility for assessing a claimant’s residual functional capacity. See,
e.g., 20 C.F.R. § 404.1546(c). Although the plaintiff argues that Dr. McDonald’s
opinion should have been used by the ALJ to identify diminished intellectual
functioning as a severe impairment, Dr. McDonald’s statement regarding the
plaintiff’s ability to perform in a work environment speaks to a decision that is
reserved to the Commissioner and is not a medical determination. Moreover, Dr.
McDonald expressly did not find plaintiff to be mentally retarded, but of lowaverage intelligence.
B. Listing 12.05(C)
The plaintiff argues that, had the ALJ determined that diminished intellectual
functioning was one of the plaintiff’s severe impairments, the plaintiff would have
been presumptively disabled under listing 12.05(C) which states, in relevant part:
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Mental retardation:
Mental retardation refers to significantly
subaverage general intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive
functioning initially manifested during the developmental period, i.e.,
the evidence demonstrates or supports onset of the impairment before
age 22.
The required level of severity for this disorder is met when the
requirements in A, B, C, or D are satisfied.
***
C. A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70 and a
physical or other mental impairment imposing an additional and
significant work-related limitation of function.
20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, app. 1, § 12.05. The introductory material to the
mental disorders listing clarifies that to meet the listing, an impairment must satisfy
“the diagnostic description in the introductory paragraph and any one of the four
sets of criteria” listed in subsections A through D. 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P,
app. 1, § 12.00A (emphasis added). Accordingly, it is the burden of the plaintiff to
show subaverage general intellectual functioning with adaptive-function deficits
manifesting prior to age 22.
Although the record does include a full scale IQ score of 63, and the plaintiff
does have other impairments imposing work-related limitations (her depression,
anxiety, obesity and headaches), she has not put forth evidence of diminished
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intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive function that manifested prior to
age 22. The record indicates that the plaintiff obtained her GED and, although she
was a below-average student in high school, she was never in any sort of special
education program. The plaintiff argues that that Dr. Rogers diagnosis of mild
mental retardation “necessarily means that the plaintiff experiences deficient in
adaptive functioning initially manifested during the developmental period.” (Doc.
9, p. 10). However, this circular argument cannot stand.
Dr. Rogers does not indicate that his diagnosis of mild mental retardation is
based on anything other than the plaintiff’s full scale IQ score of 63. (Tr. at 84186). Although he does not specifically characterize them as such, Dr. Rogers does
note issues in adaptive functioning. For example, the plaintiff told him that she
does not do daily household tasks such as laundry, cooking, cleaning up and paying
bills and that she does not participate in any social activities other than going to
church. However, there is no indication that these limitations existed before the
plaintiff was 22 years of age. In fact, she indicated on her Function Report that
does prepare meals and do household chores. The ALJ appropriately observed that
“the claimant functions without significant adaptive deficits required for a
diagnosis of mental retardation, and if she discontinued those activities by the time
she saw Dr. Rogers, it was not due to lifelong mental retardation (Exhibits 5E, 13F,
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14F and 28F).” (Tr. at 37). Accordingly, even if the ALJ had listed diminished
intellectual functioning as one of the plaintiff’s severe impairments, the record
does not indicate that the plaintiff meets the requirements of listing 12.05(C).
IV.
Conclusion
The ALJ’s determination is supported by substantial evidence and was both
comprehensive and consistent with the applicable SSA rulings. The objective
medical and other evidence supports the ALJ’s conclusion that Ms. Waddle’s
conditions did not cause disabling limitations and instead shows that she could
perform some work. Upon review of the administrative record, and considering all
of Ms. Waddle’s arguments, the Commissioner’s decision is due to be and hereby
is AFFIRMED and the action is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.
DATED this 30th day of September, 2015.
_______________________________
T. MICHAEL PUTNAM
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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