Lawson v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner

Filing 17

MEMORANDUM OPINION as more fully set out in order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Harwell G Davis, III on 11/23/15. (SPT )

FILED
2015 Nov-23 AM 11:17
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
N.D. OF ALABAMA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
JASPER DIVISION

CARLTON LAWSON,
Plaintiff
vs.
COMMISSIONER, SOCIAL SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION,
Defendant

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Case No. 6:14-cv-01459-HGD

MEMORANDUM OPINION
This matter is before the undersigned United States Magistrate Judge based upon
the consent of the parties pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and LR 73.2. Plaintiff, Carlton
Lawson, filed an application for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits
on December 13, 2010.

His claim was administratively denied on February 28, 2011.

Plaintiff requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and A HEARING
was held on February 29, 2012.

Plaintiff, represented by counsel, was present and

testified. On April 19, 2012, ALJ Ricky V. South issued an unfavorable decision
declaring that the claimant was not entitled to disability benefits.
requested review by the Appeals Council.

(Tr. 24-33).

Plaintiff

On August 16, 2013, the Appeals Council

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denied plaintiff’s request for review. (Tr. 25). This case is now ripe for review under 42
U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3).
I.

ALJ Decision
Disability under the Social Security Act is determined under a five-step test.

C.F.R. § 404.1520.

20

First, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant is engaging in

substantial gainful activity.

20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i).

“Substantial work activity”

is work that involves doing significant physical or mental activities.

20 C.F.R. §

404.1572(a). “Gainful work activity” is work that is done for pay or profit. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1520(b).

Second, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has a medically

determinable impairment or a combination of medical impairments that significantly
limits the claimant’s ability to perform basic work activities.
404.1520(a)(4)(ii).

20 C.F.R. §

Absent such impairment, the claimant may not claim disability.

Id.

Third, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant’s impairment meets or medically
equals the criteria listed in 20 C.F.R. § 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. See 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(d), 404.1525 and 404.1526. If such criteria are met, the claimant is declared
disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii).
If the claimant does not fulfill the requirements necessary to be declared disabled
under the third step, the ALJ may still find disability under the next two steps of the
analysis.

The ALJ first must determine the claimant’s residual functional capacity (RFC),

which refers to the claimant’s ability to work despite his impairments.
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20 C.F.R.

§ 404.1520(e). In the fourth step, the ALJ determines whether the claimant has the RFC
to perform past relevant work.

20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv).

If the claimant is

determined to be capable of performing past relevant work, then the claimant is deemed
not disabled. Id. If the ALJ finds that the claimant is unable to perform past relevant
work,

then the analysis proceeds to the fifth and final step.

20

C.F.R.

§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v). In the last part of the analysis, the ALJ must determine whether the
claimant is able to perform any other work commensurate with his RFC, age, education
and work experience. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(g). Here, the burden of proof shifts from
the claimant to the ALJ to prove the existence in significant numbers of jobs in the
national economy that the claimant can do given the RFC, age, education and work
experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g) and 404.1560(c).
Following this protocol, the ALJ found that plaintiff meets the insured status
requirements of the Social Security Act through March 31, 2011. He found that plaintiff
had not been engaged in substantial gainful employment since January 1, 2011, and that
he had the severe impairment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. (Tr. 26).
The ALJ next found that plaintiff does not have an impairment or combination of
impairments that meets or medically equals the severity of one of the listed impairments
in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. According to the ALJ, plaintiff has the
residual functional capacity to perform light work, lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds
occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently. He can occasionally climb ladders, ropes
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and scaffolds, but should avoid exposure to hazardous conditions such as work at
unprotected heights and work around dangerous machinery. (Tr. 27).
Based on plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ found that plaintiff is not able to perform past
relevant work. (Tr. 31). Based on the testimony of a vocational expert (VE), the ALJ
concluded that, considering plaintiff’s age, education, work experience and RFC, he is
capable of making a successful adjustment to other work that exists in significant
numbers in the national economy.

These jobs include representative occupations such

as assembler, laundry sorter, and packager.

Consequently, the ALJ concluded that

plaintiff is not disabled under the Social Security Act. (Tr. 32).
In his decision, the ALJ notes that plaintiff testified at the hearing that he is 5 feet
10 ½ inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has a high school degree but was in special
education classes.

He had no vocational training.

Plaintiff testified that he can make

change and read, but that he does not read well. He does not currently have a driver’s
license because he has not had money to pay for traffic tickets. He dresses himself but
cannot tie his shoes. He also helps around the house and goes to the grocery store with
his wife, just to get out.

He states that he last worked in 2009, but quit due to an

overdose. According to plaintiff, he cannot work because his body is not able and then
he gets depressed. He reports that he was electrocuted at work on one occasion and that
he has hepatitis C, hypertension and nerve damage. (Tr. 28).

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The ALJ noted that plaintiff reported significant limitations in his activities when
he completed the Function Report-Adult. However, the ALJ concluded that the medical
evidence did not support limitations consistent with his allegations. (Id.).
Medical records reflect that plaintiff was admitted to Baptist Medical CenterPrinceton emergency room on September 22, 2007, after an electrocution injury that
occurred earlier in the day. His boot on his left foot touched a wire and he had a near
syncopal episode.1

Although he did not have a complete loss of consciousness, he

reported left side weakness, numbness and tingling, but an MRI was negative. Although
improvement was noted, he continued to report some mild paresthesias2 and physical
therapy was arranged. He was discharged on September 24, 2007.
Medical records also reflect that he was seen at the Center for Neurological Care
from October 2008 through January 2010. He reported headaches and neck, leg and back
pain. X-rays in October 2008 showed decreased disc space at C5-6 and C6-7, but there
were only mild spondylotic changes at C5-6. The ALJ noted that plaintiff reported no
double vision, fainting, blackouts, paralysis, numbness, tremors or weakness.
reported only moderate pain at 5/10 in January 2010. (See Ex. C4F).

1

A syncopal episode denotes a loss of consciousness.

2

Parasthesia means numbness or tingling.
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He

According to the ALJ, “continuing treatment has not been evidenced.”

(Tr. 29).

He further stated that “[d]espite his allegations of limitations, there is little evidence the
claimant sought continuing treatment, with records showing only occasional visits to the
emergency room.”

(Id.).3

He noted that in June 2009, plaintiff was treated at the

emergency room for a skin rash and in October 2010 for a persistent cough and right side
pain. (See Ex. C13F). He also had an emergency room visit on June 7, 2011, for heat
exhaustion and cramps. He was treated with IV hydration. (See Ex. C11F). Plaintiff has
a hospital admission on June 14, 2011, reporting that he had painful cramps in his back
and lower extremities, ringing in his ears, and feelings of generalized weakness. Plaintiff
stated that his work was very demanding and that he had to work outdoors in 100+ degree
heat. In spite of drinking water and Gatorade, his symptoms had returned.
On his June 14, 2011, hospital visit, plaintiff reported that the only medication he
was taking was over-the-counter potassium. On examaniation, his heart rate and rhythm
and lungs were normal.

His extremities showed no cyanosis, clubbing or edema, and

peripheral pulses were 2+ bilaterally. The ALJ noted that the records show plaintiff was
very prone to dehydration and renal insufficiency, and it was noted that he might have an

3

Medical records reflect that plaintiff saw Dr. Lorn Miller, M.D. at the Center for Neurological
Care on a monthly basis from January 2009 through January 2010. The records do not reflect that he
received any treatment other than the continued renewal of the pain medication Oxycontin as well as
other medications, including Xanax, Neurontin, Celebrex Zanaflex and Lexapro. (See, e.g., Ex. C4F
at Tr. 305).
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underlying kidney condition. He was advised to stay off work until he saw a nephrologist
and followed up with his primary-care physician. However, the ALJ noted that there was
no evidence of additional treatment from any source. (See Ex. C12F).
The ALJ further noted that the state agency requested a physical examination and
this was performed by Dr. Robert MacGregor on January 29, 2011. Plaintiff advised Dr.
MacGregor that he had suffered from severe back pain since 1999, stating that an MRI
had shown degenerative disc disease at L4-5. He stated that he had not been able to
follow up due to lack of insurance and the inability to afford medications.
reported residual pain from his electrocution in 2007.

He also

According to the ALJ, plaintiff

reported that he was able to perform his daily activities without difficulty.4

The ALJ

further states that the report reflected that plaintiff walked without assistance and was
able to get on and off the exam table, but had difficulty getting up from the recumbent
position.5 His blood pressure was 138/90 and his heart rate and rhythm were regular. He
had a painful gait and was unable to tandem walk.

Romberg testing was positive, and

plaintiff was unable to walk toe to heel. Tenderness was noted to palpation of his lumbar

4

The medical report states, “The claimant is able to bathe, dress, use the toilet and eat without
difficulty. He does not drive or do any household chores. He spends most of the day ‘doing very
little.’” (Ex. C5F at Tr. 410).
5

The report states, “The claimant walks into the examination room without assistance. He
appears uncomfortable while sitting throughout the exam. He is able to get on and off the examination
table, but has great difficulty getting up from the recumbent position. He is able to remove his shoes,
but requires help getting his socks back on.” (Ex. C5F at Tr. 411).
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spine and there was some limitation in range of motion. However, strength was 5/5 in
all extremities.

Dr. MacGregor’s diagnosis found that plaintiff suffered from low back

pain of unclear etiology and hypertension. (Tr. 413). The ALJ states that, despite this
diagnosis, Dr. MacGregor did not opine that plaintiff experienced limitations that
significantly affected his level of functioning. (Tr. 29).
A consultative psychological examination was also performed by Dr. Jerry Gragg,
Psy.D., on February 19, 2011. Based on the evaluation, Dr. Gragg found that plaintiff did
not currently have nor had he ever suffered from formal thought disorder, and that there
was no evidence of a personality disorder. (Tr. 30). Dr. Gragg further noted that, while
his electrical accident was noted to be the type of incident that could cause some
cognitive dysfunction, plaintiff’s description seemed to indicate there was no brain
involvement.

He also noted that plaintiff had a history of extensive drug abuse which

could have resulted in some cognitive disorder.6

His diagnoses included depressive

disorder, an anxiety disorder, rule out cognitive disorder, and an antisocial personality
disorder.

However, Dr. Gragg opined that plaintiff would have adequate intellectual

functioning to be able to understand, remember and carry out simple instructions in jobs

6

Among other things, plaintiff admitted that he had been addicted to Oxycontin and that his last
use/abuse of the substance was approximately one year before. (Ex. C6F at Tr. 416). This would
coincide with plaintiff’s last visit to the Center for Neurological Care where he had been receiving
prescriptions for Oxycontin and numerous other drugs.
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of a repetitive nature.

(Tr. 30; Ex. C6F).

The ALJ gave considerable weight to this

opinion. (Tr. 30).
The ALJ gave little weight to a psychological examination of Alan Blotcky, Ph.D.,
wherein he opined that plaintiff would have serious symptoms related to his impairments
of a depressive disorder, mild mental retardation and methamphetamine abuse in
remission.

(Tr. 30; Ex. C10F).

inconsistent with the treatment

The ALJ found that Dr. Blotcky’s opinion was
plaintiff had received.

Despite the intellectual

limitations reported by Dr. Blotcky, which were also evidenced in school records from
1984, plaintiff showed the ability to work in numerous jobs, including skilled and semiskilled, prior to his injury when he was electrocuted. Furthermore, he has worked since
that incident, with evidence showing that he worked as a safety inspector at a welding
company from March 2008 until April 2009, and was working as a farm laborer in June
2011. (Tr. 30).
The ALJ also again noted that Dr. Gragg reported that the electrocution accident
did not involve plaintiff’s brain and that he could function at jobs that required that he be
able to understand, remember, and carry out at least simple instructions, but would appear
best suited for jobs that were repetitive in nature and not too challenging, cognitively
speaking. (Tr. 30; Ex. C6F).
The state agency single decision-maker opined that plaintiff retained the RFC to
perform a medium level of exertional activity. (Tr. 84). However, this opinion was not
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given any weight as it was not from a medical source. (Tr. 30). Furthermore, the ALJ
found that plaintiff’s history of back pain would result in more significant limitations and
limit him to a light level of exertion.

The ALJ accepted the findings reported by Dr.

MacGregor but noted that he did not opine that plaintiff has limitations that would
prevent him from performing work activity.

Likewise, the ALJ noted that none of his

treating sources indicated plaintiff had limitations that would prevent all work activity.
(Tr. 30-31).
With regard to plaintiff’s alleged inability to work due to hypertension and
hepatitis C, the ALJ found there was little evidence of treatment for these impairments
and no evidence they resulted in significant limitations.

In addition, the ALJ found that

plaintiff’s work as a farm laborer in 2011 is inconsistent with his allegation that he
cannot work and significantly limits his credibility. (Tr. 31).
Although records support plaintiff’s claim of electrocution, with residual nerve
damage, the ALJ noted that he is not currently seeking treatment for this condition and
records show only occasional treatment for any of his impairments. In addition, he found
that the medical evidence and reported daily activities do not support the severity of pain
and limitations alleged by plaintiff. (Tr. 31). The ALJ also noted that, despite plaintiff’s
reported psychological problems and a history of limited intellectual functioning,
plaintiff has performed semi-skilled and skilled jobs in the past and reported that he
performed the job of safety inspector since his electrocution, which is inconsistent with
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significant intellectual limitations.

As

a result, the ALJ found that plaintiff’s

psychological impairments have no more than minimal impact on his ability to perform
basic work-related functions, and his impairment is non-severe. (Id.).
Using the RFC which the ALJ found applicable to plaintiff, a VE testified that
plaintiff could work as an assembler, laundry sorter and packager. Hence, the ALJ found
plaintiff to be “not disabled” under the Social Security Act. (Tr. 32).
II.

Plaintiff’s Argument for Reversal
Plaintiff argues that the VE’s testimony does not provide substantial evidence to

support the ALJ’s finding that plaintiff could perform other work because the ALJ did not
include a sit/stand option and other limitations in his hypothetical question to the VE.
(Doc. 15, Plaintiff’s Brief, at 11).

Plaintiff also argues that the ALJ did not properly

include mental limitations in the hypothetical question and should have found plaintiff’s
mental impairments to be severe. (Id. at 12). In addition, he states that the ALJ erred in
not considering the plaintiff’s severe mental impairment and his severe

physical

impairment of degenerative cervical spine in combination with each other. (Id.).
III.

Standard of Review
Judicial review is limited to whether the record reveals substantial evidence to

sustain the ALJ’s decision, see 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Walden v. Schweiker, 672 F.2d 835,
838 (11th Cir. 1982), and whether the correct legal standards were applied. See Lamb
v. Bowen, 847 F.2d 698, 701 (11th Cir. 1988); Chester v. Brown, 792 F.2d 129, 131
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(11th Cir. 1986). Title 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) mandates that the Commissioner’s findings
are conclusive if supported by “substantial evidence.”

Martin v. Sullivan, 894 F.2d

1520, 1529 (11th Cir. 1990). The district court may not reconsider the facts, re-evaluate
the evidence, or substitute its judgment for that of the Commissioner; instead, it must
review the final decision as a whole and determine if the decision is reasonable and
supported by substantial evidence.

See id. (citing Bloodsworth v. Heckler, 703 F.2d

1233, 1239 (11th Cir. 1983)).
Substantial evidence falls somewhere between a scintilla and a preponderance of
evidence; “[i]t is such relevant evidence as a reasonable person would accept as adequate
to support a conclusion.” Martin, 894 F.2d at 1529 (quoting Bloodsworth, 703 F.2d at
1239)

(other

citations omitted).

If supported by substantial evidence,

the

Commissioner’s factual findings must be affirmed even if the evidence preponderates
against the Commissioner’s findings.

See Martin, 894 F.2d at 1529.

While the court

acknowledges that judicial review of the ALJ’s findings is limited in scope, the court also
notes that review “does not yield automatic affirmance.” Lamb, 847 F.2d at 701.
IV.

Discussion
Plaintiff first asserts that the ALJ’s light work hypothetical did not include all of

his impairments, including an alleged need to have a sit/stand option, elevate his legs and
take five unscheduled daily work breaks. However, the ALJ determined, based on the
evidence, that plaintiff did not require these limitations.
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For example, an MRI taken in

September 2007, following plaintiff’s electrocution, showed negative results even
though he continued to complain about left side weakness, numbness and tingling.

(Tr.

225-26). X-rays taken in November 2008 showed decreased disc space at C6 and C7,
but only mild spondylotic changes at C5-6. (Tr. 306). 7

He reported only moderate pain

of 5/10 in January 2010.
At the consultative examination performed in January 2011 by Dr. MacGregor,
plaintiff reported that he could perform some of his daily activities without difficulty.
He walked without assistance and was able to get on and off the examining table, though
with great difficulty.

(Tr. 410-11).

Plaintiff did exhibit a painful gait and could not

tandem walk; the Romberg test showed positive results; and plaintiff could not heel-totoe walk. (Tr. 412). He also exhibited some limitation in range of motion in the spine
and tenderness to palpation. (Id.). However, he did exhibit strength of 5/5 in both arms
and legs. (Tr. 413).
In addition, the ALJ noted that plaintiff has worked as a safety inspector and a farm
laborer since his electrocution, which tends to counter his claim that he cannot work or
needs a sit/stand option. The ALJ further noted that plaintiff has had very little treatment
lately for any of his impairments. Although he was seen at the Center for Neurological
Care every month in 2009 and once in 2010, there is no evidence that he actually

7

Plaintiff claims a Dr. Rollins told him he had degenerative discs in L4 and L5. (Tr. 56).
However, there are no medical records in evidence to back up this claim.
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received any kind of therapy or treatment other than to refill prescriptions for pain
killers, muscle relaxers and other types of medication.

The regulations permit the ALJ

to consider this evidence in determining plaintiff’s credible limitations.

See 20 C.F.R.

§§ 404.1545(e) and 416.945(e) (“ In assessing the total limiting effects of your
impairment(s) and any related symptoms, we will consider all of the medical and
nonmedical evidence, including the information described in § 404.1529(c).”)
The ALJ did not totally discount plaintiff’s testimony concerning his pain and
other limitations.

He accounted for it by assigning plaintiff an RFC in the light range of

exertion and explained his reasons for doing so. Therefore, the ALJ did not err.
Plaintiff also argues that the ALJ did not properly include mental limitations in his
hypothetical question.

In particular, plaintiff asserts that the ALJ took his testimony

about his mental condition and Dr. Blotcky’s report stating that plaintiff would have
serious symptoms related to his impairments far too lightly.
at 12).

(Doc. 15, Plaintiff’s Brief,

He points out that plaintiff, while a high school graduate, was in special

education classes; he can read some but had to take an oral driver’s license examination;
and he tried to kill himself with an overdose of drugs. In addition, he also entered a “best
interest” plea to criminal charges where he tried to steal dynamite. (Tr. 65). He alleges
that these are not just mild limitations; they have severely affected him.
In evaluating plaintiff’s mental impairments, the ALJ noted that Dr. Gragg, the
state agency consultative examiner, found that plaintiff never suffered from a formal
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thought disorder and showed no signs of personality disorder.

(Tr. 417).

Though

plaintiff did exhibit some depressive mood, anxiety, difficulty focusing, and some
memory impairment, the ALJ noted that Dr. Gragg found no clear-cut reason to explain
his symptoms.

(Id.).

Dr. Gragg noted that, though the electrocution could potentially

cause cognitive dysfunction, plaintiff’s description seemed to implicate no brain
involvement. (Id.). Likewise, Dr. Gragg noted that plaintiff had a history of drug abuse
which could have caused some cognitive impairment. (Id.). Nonetheless, he concluded
that plaintiff retained adequate intellectual functioning to understand, remember and
carry out simple instructions in jobs of a repetitive nature. (Tr. 418).
In addition, Dr. Robert Estock, a state agency psychological consultant, found no
severe impairments after examining the record. (Tr. 419). This was consistent with the
results of Dr. Gragg’s examination.
impairments from which plaintiff

Furthermore, the ALJ noted that any mental

may have suffered resulted in no more than minimal

impact on his ability to perform after his injury and as a farm laborer as late as June
20110.

(Tr. 187, 469).

Dr. Gragg opined that plaintiff’s accident did not involve his

brain and that he could perform simple work, which undermines Dr. Blotcky’s testimony.
Based on all of these things, the ALJ determined that plaintiff did not have a
mental impairment to include in the hypothetical question to the VE.
Substantial evidence supports these conclusions.

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(Tr. 31, 7-74).

Plaintiff also asserts that the ALJ should have considered his mental limitations
in combination with his degenerative disc disease. However, he provides no authority to
support this argument.

Issues not argued are waived.

See Outlaw v. Barnhart, 197

Fed.Appx 825, 828 n.3 (11th Cir. 2006); N.L.R.B. v. McClain of Georgia, 138 F.3d1418,
1422 (11th Cir, 1998).
V.

Conclusion
Because the court has determined that the hypothetical question contained all of

plaintiff’s credible limitations, as supported by the record, the ALJ properly relied on the
VE’s testimony to determine plaintiff could perform other work. (Tr. 73-74). Because
the ALJ’s decision is

supported by substantial evidence, the decision of the

Commissioner is due to be affirmed. A separate order will be entered.
DONE this 23rd day of November, 2015.

HARWELL G. DAVIS, III
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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