Sanderson v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner
Filing
15
MEMORANDUM OPINION, as set out. Signed by Magistrate Judge John H England, III on 3/3/15. (CTS, )
FILED
2015 Mar-03 AM 09:39
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
N.D. OF ALABAMA
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
JASPER DIVISION
RICHARD ALTON SANDERSON,
Plaintiff,
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN, ACTING
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION,
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Case Number: 6:14-cv-00069-JHE
Defendant.
MEMORANDUM OPINION 1
Plaintiff Richard Alton Sanderson (“Sanderson”) seeks review, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §
405(g), § 205(g) of the Social Security Act, of a final decision of the Commissioner of the Social
Security Administration (“Commissioner”), denying his application for a period of disability,
disability insurance benefits (“DIB”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). Sanderson
timely pursued and exhausted his administrative remedies. The case is therefore ripe for review
under 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g), 1383(c)(3). The undersigned has carefully considered the record
and, for the reasons stated below, the Commissioner’s decision is AFFIRMED.
I. Factual and Procedural History
Sanderson was a forty-seven year old male at the time of the Administrative Law Judge
(“ALJ”) decision. (Tr. 22, 23). Sanderson has limited education and previously worked as a
welder fitter. (Tr. 22).
Sanderson filed his application for a period of disability, DIB and SSI on November 8,
1
In accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Federal Rule of Civil
Procedure 73, the parties have voluntarily consented to have a United States Magistrate Judge
conduct any and all proceedings, including trial and the entry of final judgment. (Doc. 14).
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2010, alleging an initial onset date of December 31, 2002. (Tr. 114-29). The Commissioner
denied Sanderson’s application, and Sanderson requested a hearing before an ALJ. (Tr. 70-71).
On September 13, 2012, the ALJ found he was not disabled. (Tr. 9-23). Sanderson sought
review by the Appeals Council, but, despite accepting new evidence into the record, it declined
his request for review on November 22, 2013. (Tr. 1-5). On that date, the ALJ’s decision
became the final decision of the Commissioner. On January 14, 2014, Sanderson initiated this
action. (See doc. 1).
II. Standard of Review 2
The court’s review of the Commissioner’s decision is narrowly circumscribed. The
function of this Court is to determine whether the decision of the Commissioner is supported by
substantial evidence and whether proper legal standards were applied. Richardson v. Perales,
402 U.S. 389, 390, 91 S. Ct. 1420, 1422 (1971); Wilson v. Barnhart, 284 F.3d 1219, 1221 (11th
Cir. 2002). This court must “scrutinize the record as a whole to determine if the decision
reached is reasonable and supported by substantial evidence.” Bloodsworth v. Heckler, 703 F.2d
1233, 1239 (11th Cir. 1983). Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable
person would accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Id. It is “more than a scintilla, but
less than a preponderance.” Id.
This Court must uphold factual findings that are supported by substantial evidence.
However, it reviews the ALJ’s legal conclusions de novo because no presumption of validity
attaches to the ALJ’s determination of the proper legal standards to be applied. Davis v. Shalala,
2
In general, the legal standards applied are the same whether a claimant seeks DIB or
SSI. However, separate, parallel statutes and regulations exist for DIB and SSI claims.
Therefore, citations in this opinion should be considered to refer to the appropriate parallel
provision as context dictates. The same applies to citations for statutes or regulations found in
quoted court decisions.
2
985 F.2d 528, 531 (11th Cir. 1993). If the court finds an error in the ALJ’s application of the
law, or if the ALJ fails to provide the court with sufficient reasoning for determining the proper
legal analysis has been conducted, it must reverse the ALJ’s decision. Cornelius v. Sullivan, 936
F.2d 1143, 1145-46 (11th Cir. 1991).
III. Statutory and Regulatory Framework
To qualify for disability benefits and establish his or her entitlement for a period of
disability, a claimant must be disabled as defined by the Social Security Act and the Regulations
promulgated thereunder. 3
The Regulations define “disabled” as “the inability to do 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 twelve (12) months.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a). To
establish entitlement to disability benefits, a claimant must provide evidence of a “physical or
mental impairment” which “must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological
abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic
techniques.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1508.
The Regulations provide a five-step process for determining whether a claimant is
disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i-v). The Commissioner must determine, in sequence:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
whether the claimant is currently employed;
whether the claimant has a severe impairment;
whether the claimant’s impairment meets or equals an impairment listed
by the [Commissioner];
whether the claimant can perform his or her past work; and
whether the claimant is capable of performing any work in the national
economy.
Pope v. Shalala, 998 F.2d 473, 477 (7th Cir. 1993) (citing to the formerly applicable C.F.R.
3
The “Regulations” promulgated under the Social Security Act are listed in 20 C.F.R.
Parts 400 to 499, revised as of April 1, 2013.
3
section), overruled on other grounds by Johnson v. Apfel, 189 F.3d 561, 562-63 (7th Cir. 1999);
accord McDaniel v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 1026, 1030 (11th Cir. 1986). “Once the claimant has
satisfied steps One and Two, she will automatically be found disabled if she suffers from a listed
impairment. If the claimant does not have a listed impairment but cannot perform her work, the
burden shifts to the [Commissioner] to show that the claimant can perform some other job.”
Pope, 998 F.2d at 477; accord Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1559 (11th Cir. 1995). The
Commissioner must further show such work exists in the national economy in significant
numbers. Id.
IV. Findings of the Administrative Law Judge
After consideration of the entire record and application of the sequential evaluation
process, the ALJ made the following findings:
At Step One, the ALJ found Sanderson met the insured status requirements of the Social
Security Act through December 31, 2014, and that Sanderson had not engaged in substantial
gainful activity since October 22, 2010, the alleged onset date of his disability. (Tr. 14). At Step
Two, the ALJ found Sanderson has the following severe impairments: degenerative disc disease
of the cervical and lumbar spine and headaches/development venous abnormality (“DVA”). (Tr.
15). At Step Three, the ALJ found Sanderson does not have an impairment or combination of
impairments that meets or medically equals one of the listed impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404,
Subpart P, Appendix 1. (Tr. 17-18).
Before proceeding to Step Four, the ALJ determined Sanderson’s residual functioning
capacity (“RFC”), which is the most a claimant can do despite his impairments. See 20 C.F.R. §
404.1545(a)(1). The ALJ determined Sanderson has the RFC “to perform light work as defined
in 20 C.F.R. 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b)”; “can perform postural movements such as bending,
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stooping, crouching and crawling occasionally” but “never climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds”;
and “should avoid all exposure to concentrated heat and cold temperature extremes and high
humidity,” as well as unprotected heights. (Tr. 18).
At Step Four, the ALJ determined Sanderson is not able to perform his past relevant
work. (Tr. 21-22). At Step Five, the ALJ determined, based on Sanderson’s age, education, work
experience, and residual functional capacity, there are other jobs that exist in significant numbers
in the national economy Sanderson could perform. (Tr. 22-23). Therefore, the ALJ determined
Sanderson has not been under a disability and denied his claim. (Tr. 23).
V. Analysis
Although the Court may only reverse a finding of the Commissioner if it is not supported
by substantial evidence or because improper legal standards were applied, “[t]his does not relieve
the court of its responsibility to scrutinize the record in its entirety to ascertain whether
substantial evidence supports each essential administrative finding.” Walden v. Schweiker, 672
F.2d 835, 838 (11th Cir. 1982) (citing Strickland v. Harris, 615 F.2d 1103, 1106 (5th Cir. 1980)).
The Court, however, “abstains from reweighing the evidence or substituting its own judgment
for that of the [Commissioner].” Id. (citation omitted).
Sanderson contends the ALJ erred by improperly applying the Eleventh Circuit pain
standard, (doc. 12 at 4-10), and failing to properly articulate good cause for according less
weight to the opinion of Sanderson’s treating physician, (id. at 11-14).
A. The ALJ’s Adverse Credibility Finding Regarding Sanderson’s Subjective Pain
Testimony is Supported by Explicit and Adequate Reasons, as well as Substantial
Evidence
The Eleventh Circuit “has established a three part ‘pain standard’ that applies when a
claimant attempts to establish disability through his or her own testimony of pain or other
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subjective symptoms. The pain standard requires (1) evidence of an underlying medical
condition and either (2) objective medical evidence that confirms the severity of the alleged pain
arising from that condition or (3) that the objectively determined medical condition is of such a
severity that it can be reasonably expected to give rise to the alleged pain.” Holt v. Sullivan, 921
F.2d 1221, 1223 (11th Cir. 1991).
Subjective testimony supported by medical evidence
satisfying the standard is sufficient to support a finding of disability. Id. “If the ALJ decides not
to credit such testimony, he must articulate explicit and adequate reasons for doing so.” Id.
Failure to articulate such reasons requires the testimony be accepted as true as a matter of law.
Id.
The ALJ found Sanderson’s medically determinable impairments could reasonably be
expected to cause the alleged symptoms, satisfying the pain standard and establishing his
testimony as sufficient to support a finding of disability. (Tr. 19). However, the ALJ must still
make a credibility determination on the claimant’s statements about the intensity and effect of
that pain. See Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1561-62 (11th Cir. 1995); Hogard v. Sullivan, 733
F.Supp. 1465, 1469 (M.D. Fla. 1990). The ALJ’s adverse credibility determination must be
supported by “explicit and adequate reasons,” Holt v. Sullivan, 921 F.2d 1221, 1223 (11th Cir.
1991), and substantial evidence, see Foote, 67 F.3d at 1561-62. The ALJ discussed Sanderson’s
allegations in the context of his medical history and found Sanderson’s “statements regarding
symptoms and functional limitations only partially credible.” (Tr. 19-21).
Sanderson’s first argument breaks out a single thread of the ALJ’s argument and argues
the whole thing is therefore not supported by substantial evidence. (Doc. 12 at 4-6). He
contends the ALJ refused to credit his testimony of disabling neck and back pain because of two
isolated incidents of activity in one of which he fell off of a ladder in December 2011 and the
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other he was picking up a weed eater in May 2012. (Id. at 5) (citing tr. 19). Sanderson argues
extensively that “participation in everyday activities of short duration, such as housework or
fishing does not disqualify a claimant from disability.” (Id. at 5) (quoting Lewis v. Callahan, 125
F.3d 1346, 1441 (11th Cir. 1997)). Sanderson concludes that “[f]or the ALJ to rely on two
isolated events to discredit the Plaintiff’s testimony based on his ‘daily activities’ renders it not
based on substantial evidence.” (Id. at 6).
That conclusion may have been true if those two isolated events were the only bases for
discrediting Sanderson’s testimony.
However, in that same paragraph, the ALJ also cited
extensively to objective medical testimony. (Tr. 19). Acknowledging Sanderson had been
diagnosed with degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, the ALJ also noted
MRI evidence showed the condition to be very mild with no nerve root impingement and other
tests were normal with normal ranges of motion, normal gait and station, the ability to squat and
arise without difficulty. (Id.). Consistent with that evidence, Dr. Boyde Harrison, a consultative
physician, concluded the claimant was capable of performing work related activity in spite of his
low back pain. (Id.). Lastly, the ALJ compared Sanderson’s statement his pain was so severe it
caused him to stay in bed most of the day with ER records evidencing the two incidents
Sanderson references. (Id.). The ALJ concluded Sanderson’s “allegations of disabling neck and
back pain are not supported by his daily activities or the objective medical evidence.” (Id.)
(emphasis added).
Sanderson then separately addresses the objective medical evidence support for the ALJ’s
conclusion. (Doc. 12 at 6). To support his contention the ALJ’s conclusion is not supported by
the medical evidence, he points to the same tests showing mild and mild-to-moderate issues as
the ALJ cited in her decision. (Id.). Sanderson does not explain why these results showing
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“mild” conditions support his contention of debilitating pain; instead, he shifts focus to his DVA
and headaches. (Id. at 6-7).
The ALJ, Sanderson argues, “incorrectly minimize[d] the impact of the abnormalities
shown by objective medical evidence and ignore[d] [Sanderson]’s continued complaints and
treatment for his debilitating pain.” (Id. at 7) (citing SSR 96-7P 1996 WL 374186 at *7 (noting a
longitudinal medical record of a followed treatment supports allegations of pain)). Sanderson
points to a history of seeking treatment for his headaches, from late 2009 through 2012,
including his frequent reports to his doctors his medication was not helping. (Id. at 7-10). He
concludes “[t]he longitudinal medical record overwhelmingly supports [his] testimony regarding
his disabling pain and limitations.”
Although Sanderson’s longitudinal history of seeking treatment for pain (much of which
occurred after he filed for disability) supports his testimony to some extent, it is not conclusive.
There is also substantial evidence in the record undermining his credibility. Despite his claims
of debilitating pain and ineffective medication, his physicians found him several times to be in
less distress than he claimed. On January 28, 2011, Sanderson reported a pain level of 10 of 10
to the ER, but the hospital records indicated he “really appear[ed] to be in no acute distress.” (Tr.
301-02). In March 2011, Sanderson wore sunglasses to his consultative examination with Dr.
Harrison, saying they were necessary to protect his eyes, but Dr. Harrison found his pupils
reactive to light with no signs of photophobia.
(Tr. 285).
Furthermore, the ALJ noted
Sanderson’s credibility was undermined by the fact he had applied for and received
unemployment income until August 9, 2010. (Tr. 14). Such benefits in Alabama are explicitly
precluded where the claimant is unemployed due to sickness or disability. (Id.) (citing Ala. Code
§ 25-4-77 & -78). “The ALJ’s conclusion that the receipt of unemployment benefits is a factor
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undermining [Sanderson]’s credibility is consistent with . . . the great weight of legal authority.”
Turner v. Colvin, No. 5:12-CV-2648-LSC, 2013 WL 5574920, at *4 (N.D. Ala. Oct. 10, 2013)
(citing Carmickle v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 533 F.3d 1155, 1161–62 (9th Cir. 2008);
Workman v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 105 F. App’x 794, 801–02 (6th Cir. 2004) (per curiam)
(unpublished); Barrett v. Shalala, 38 F.3d 1019, 1024 (8th Cir. 1994); Peden v. Comm’r, Soc.
Sec. Admin., No. 2:12-cv-0081-AKK, 2012 WL 5379172, at *5 (N.D. Ala. Oct. 31, 2012)).
The record contains such relevant evidence as a reasonable person would accept as
adequate to support the ALJ’s conclusion Sanderson’s testimony of severe, debilitating pain was
not credible in light of the medical and other evidence. As this constitutes substantial evidence
and is based on application of the proper legal standards, the undersigned may not override that
conclusion.
B. The ALJ Properly Weighed Treating Physician Testimony
Sanderson contends the ALJ’s decision is not supported by substantial evidence because
the ALJ did not articulate good cause for according less weight to the opinion of Sanderson’s
treating physician, Dr. Keith Morrow. (Doc. 13 at 9). Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2), a
treating physician’s opinion is given controlling weight where it is “supported by medically
acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other
substantial evidence in [the] case record.” Accordingly, “[t]he ALJ must clearly articulate the
reasons for giving less weight to the opinion of a treating physician, and the failure to do so is
reversible error.” Lewis, 125 F.3d at 1440. Good cause to reduce the weight given to a treating
physician’s opinion exists “when the: (1) treating physician’s opinion was not bolstered by the
evidence; (2) evidence supported a contrary finding; or (3) treating physician’s opinion was
conclusory or inconsistent with the doctor’s own medical records.” Phillips v. Barnhart, 357
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F.3d 1232, 1241 (11th Cir. 2004).
Sanderson notes Dr. Morrow makes three separate statements in the record. First, he
cites to Dr. Morrow’s statement “Mr. Sanderson is unable to work due to these medical
conditions.” (Doc. 12 at 11) (quoting tr. 339) (emphasis from Sanderson’s brief). Second, he
cites a letter from Dr. Morrow setting out Sanderson’s issues, how they affect his daily life, and
that he is “unable to work” and, “if he tried to work he would miss an estimated forty plus days
yearly.” (Id. at 11-12) (quoting tr. 366). Lastly, Sanderson points to a letter from Dr. Morrow
stating that Sanderson had been referred to UAB for further testing, that Sanderson had reported
severe symptoms, that Sanderson’s medication could interfere with concentration or cause side
effects, and that Dr. Morrow believes Sanderson to be “permanently and totally disabled.” (Id. at
12) (quoting tr. 389).
First, any part of Dr. Morrow’s opinion on a subject reserved to the commissioner is not
entitled to special significance. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(3). Specifically, this includes all
of the statements Dr. Morrow makes to the effect Sanderson is “unable to work” or “permanently
and totally disabled.” See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(1). The ALJ also pointed out many of Dr.
Morrow’s statements are based entirely on Sanderson’s subjective reports and not entitled to
special deference. (Tr. 20-21) (citing Hudson v. Heckler, 755 F.2d 781, 784 (11th Cir. 1985)
(“The opinion of a treating physician may be rejected when it is so brief and conclusory that it
lacks persuasive weight or when it is unsubstantiated by any clinical or laboratory findings.”)
(internal quotation marks omitted)). (See also tr. 366 (“Mr. Sanderson regularly relates . . . . He
relates . . . .”), 389 (“Mr. Sanderson has frequently related . . . . He relates that . . . .”)).
Dr. Morrow further stated Sanderson was limited in lifting, repetitive motion activities,
and climbing, crawling, and repetitive bending and “would miss an estimated forty plus days
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yearly.” (Tr. 366) Some of these facts were incorporated into the RFC, (see tr. 18) (imposing
limitations on bending, crawling, climbing, and lifting), but the ALJ generally found the clinical
and objective evidence did not support Dr. Morrow’s opinions, (tr. 21). The ALJ observed some
of the information in Dr. Morrow’s opinions was not accurate, noting that, contrary to Dr.
Morrow’s statement, Sanderson had a DVA but not a cerebral aneurysm. (Tr. 21). The medical
evidence supports a DVA, (tr. 251, 307), but Dr. Alsharabati, another treating physician, noted
“no significant intracranial aneurysm or source that would be suspicious for bleeding in the
future,” (tr. 341). Dr. Morrow also cited osteoarthritis of the spine and knees. (Tr. 366).
However, testing showed only mild spinal issues with no evidence of nerve root impingement,
(tr. 32-13), and the medical record shows no evidence of disabling osteoarthritis of the knees as
examinations revealed Sanderson’s gait and station were normal with full strength in all
extremities, (tr. 21, 286, 341, 350).
Dr. Morrow also mentioned mood disorders and
concentration issues, (tr. 366), but the ALJ noted psychological complaints and treatment were
not otherwise in evidence from anyone other than him, (tr. 21). Moreover, Dr. Alsharabati found
no neurological issues despite the complaints of severe pain. (Tr. 341).
The ALJ’s decision to discount Dr. Morrow’s opinion applied the correct legal principles
and is supported by substantial evidence.
VI. Conclusion
For the reasons set forth herein, and upon careful consideration of the administrative
record and memoranda of the parties, the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security
denying Sanderson’s claim for a period of disability, disability insurance benefits, and
supplemental security income is AFFIRMED and this action DISMISSED WITH
PREJUDICE.
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DONE this 3rd day of March 2015.
_______________________________
JOHN H. ENGLAND, III
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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