Hutchins v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner

Filing 13

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Magistrate Judge John E Ott on 6/14/2017. (KAM, )

FILED
2017 Jun-13 PM 04:26
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
N.D. OF ALABAMA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
WESTERN DIVISION
JENNIFER HUTCHINS,
Plaintiff,
v.
NANCY A. BERRYHILL, Acting
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.

)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)

Case No. 7:16-cv-00676-JEO

MEMORANDUM OPINION
Plaintiff Jennifer Hutchins brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g),
seeking review of the final decision of the Acting Commissioner of Social
Security (“Commissioner”)1 denying her applications for disability insurance
benefits and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). (Doc. 1).2 The case has been
assigned to the undersigned United States Magistrate Judge pursuant to this
court’s general order of reference. The parties have consented to the jurisdiction
1

Nancy A. Berryhill was named the Acting Commissioner on January 23, 2017. See
https://www.ssa.gov/agency/commissioner.html. Under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), “[a]ny action
instituted in accordance with this subsection shall survive notwithstanding any change in the
person occupying the office of Commissioner of Social Security or any vacancy in such office.”
Accordingly, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and Rule 25(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, the Court has substituted Nancy A. Berryhill for Carolyn W. Colvin in the case
caption above and HEREBY DIRECTS the clerk to do the same party substitution on CM/ECF.
2

References herein to “Doc(s). __” are to the document numbers assigned by the Clerk of
the Court to the pleadings, motions, and other materials in the court file, as reflected on the
docket sheet in the court’s Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system.

of this court for disposition of the matter. (Doc. 12). See 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), FED.
R. CIV. P. 73(a). Upon review of the record and the relevant law, the undersigned
finds that the Commissioner’s decision is due to be affirmed.
I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On June 18, 2012, Hutchins protectively filed applications for a period of
disability and disability insurance benefits and for SSI, alleging disability
commencing June 11, 2012. (R. 187-200, 262).3 She amended her alleged onset
date to October 16, 2012. (R. 16,70, 72). Following the initial denial of her
applications, Hutchins requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
(“ALJ”). (R. 99-100). The hearing was held on December 3, 2013. (R. 12-43).
The ALJ issued a decision on July 10, 2014, finding that Hutchins was not
disabled. (R. 68-80).
Hutchins requested Appeals Council review on August 13, 2014. (R. 10,
353-57). The Appeals Council initially remanded the case because it found that
the ALJ had not proffered the consultant examination report of Dr. Walid Freji to
Hutchins. (R. 85-87). The Appeals Council later determined that the ALJ had in
fact proffered the report to Hutchins. (R. 14). It vacated the remand order on
February 25, 2016, and denied review on April 27, 2016. (R. 1-5, 7-10). On that

3

References herein to “R.__” are to the page numbers of the administrative record.
2

date, the ALJ’s decision became the final decision of the Commissioner. Hutchins
then filed this action for judicial review under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) & 1383(c)(3).
(Doc. 1).
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court’s review of the Commissioner’s decision is narrowly
circumscribed. The function of the court is to determine whether the
Commissioner’s decision 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).
The 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.
The 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, 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
3

provide the court with sufficient reasoning for determining that the proper legal
analysis has been conducted, it must reverse the ALJ’s decision. See Cornelius v.
Sullivan, 936 F.2d 1143, 1145-46 (11th Cir. 1991).
III. STATUTORY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
To qualify for disability benefits and SSI under the Social Security Act, a
claimant must show the inability 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.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A); 42
U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A). A physical or mental impairment is “an impairment that
results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which are
demonstrable by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic
techniques.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(3); 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(D).
Determination of disability under the Social Security Act requires a five
step analysis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4) and 416.920(a)(4). Specifically, the
Commissioner must determine in sequence:
whether the claimant: (1) is unable to engage in substantial gainful
activity; (2) has a severe medically determinable physical or mental
impairment; (3) has such an impairment that meets or equals a Listing
and meets the duration requirements; (4) can perform his past relevant
work, in light of his residual functional capacity; and (5) can make an
adjustment to other work, in light of his residual functional capacity,
4

age, education, and work experience.
Evans v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 551 F. App’x 521, 524 (11th Cir. 2014)4 (citing 20
C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)). “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.’” McDaniel v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 1026, 1030 (11th
Cir. 1986 ). “Once a finding is made that a claimant cannot return to prior work
the burden shifts to the [Commissioner] to show other work the claimant can do.”
Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1559 (11th Cir. 1995) (citation omitted). The
Commissioner must further show that such work exists in the national economy in
significant numbers. Id.; Evans, 551 F. App’x at 524.
IV. FACTS
Hutchins initially alleged disability based on type II diabetes mellitus with
neuropathy, a painful right knee, insomnia with fatigue, high blood pressure,
blurred vision at times in her right eye, and irregular menstrual cycle with anemia.
(R. 266). She was 37 years old on her amended onset date of October 16, 2012.
(R. 16, 116, 261). She has a high school education and past relevant work as a

4

Unpublished opinions of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals are not considered
binding precedent; however, they may be cited as persuasive authority. 11th Cir. R. 36-2.
5

cashier-checker and cashier II. (R. 267, 324). Since her onset date, Hutchins has
received some unemployment compensation. She has also applied for various jobs
online. (R. 16-17, 221-22).
At her hearing before the ALJ, Hutchins testified that she was unable to
work because of difficulty standing for more than thirty minutes due to problems
with her feet; a three-year history of difficulty gripping objects; and a one-year
history of dizziness and shortness of breath when bending and stooping. (R. 1821). The ALJ determined that Hutchins could perform her past work as a cashier
and, alternatively, could perform work as a counter clerk, furniture rental clerk,
and dealer accounts investigator. (R. 79).
V. DISCUSSION
Hutchins asserts two claims of error: (1) the ALJ acted improperly in
“rejecting the opinion[s]” of treating physician Dr. Gary Walton and consultative
examiner Dr. Walid W. Freji and (2) the Appeals Council erred in failing to
consider evidence submitted to the ALJ and before it. (Doc. 9 at 2).
A.

Consideration of Opinion Evidence
1.

Generally

When determining the weight to be given an acceptable medical source such
as a physician, an ALJ is to consider numerous factors, including whether the
6

physician examined the individual, whether the physician treated the individual,
the evidence the physician presents to support his or her opinion, whether the
physician’s opinion is consistent with the record as a whole, and the physician’s
specialty. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c), 416.927(c). A treating physician’s
opinion generally is entitled to more weight, and an ALJ must give good reasons
for discounting a treating physician’s opinion. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2),
416.927(c)(2); Winschel v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 631 F.3d 1176, 1179 (11th Cir.
2011). This is particularly true when the treatment “has been over a considerable
period of time.” Chester v. Bowen, 792 F.2d 129, 131 (11th Cir. 1986).
“However, the nature of the relationship between the doctor and the claimant is
only one factor used to determine the weight given to a medical opinion.”
Chambers v. Astrue, No. 1:11-cv-02412-TWT-RGV, 2013 WL 486307, at *27
(N.D. Ga. Jan. 11, 2013) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527). An ALJ may discount a
physician’s opinion, including a treating physician’s opinion, when the opinion is
conclusory, the physician fails to provide objective medical evidence to support
his or her opinion, the opinion is inconsistent with the record as a whole, or the
evidence otherwise supports a contrary finding. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(3),
(c)(4), 416.927(c)(3), (c)(4); Crawford v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 363 F.3d 1155,
1159-60 (11th Cir. 2004); Phillips v. Barnhart, 357 F.3d 1232, 1240-41 (11th Cir.
7

2004).
2.

Dr. Gary Walton

Hutchins argues that the ALJ improperly rejected Dr. Walton’s opinion
when she found that Dr. Walton had not treated Hutchins between her June 25,
2013 office visit and the date he completed her Medical Source Statement (MSS)
forms on November 4, 2013. (Doc. 9 at 2-5). The Commissioner responds that
the ALJ properly considered the relevant evidence in assessing Hutchins’s residual
functional capacity (RFC). (Doc. 10 at 5).
Dr. Walton completed a MSS concerning Hutchins in November 2013 in
which he opined that in an eight-hour day, Hutchins could sit for three hours,
stand/walk for two hours, and lift ten pounds occasionally and five pounds
frequently. (R. 405). Dr. Walton also opined Hutchins could rarely push or pull
with the upper or lower extremities, climb stairs or ladders, balance, or work with
or around hazardous machinery but could occasionally bend and stoop, reach, and
operate a motor vehicle. (Id.) He further opined that Hutchins should avoid dust,
fumes, gases, extremes of temperature, humidity, and other environmental
pollutants and that she would be absent from work about three times per month
due to her treatment/impairments. (Id.) In support of his opinion, he indicated
Hutchins has diagnoses of osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and
8

uncontrolled hypertension; that she experiences side effects of medications
including frequent urination and diarrhea; and she wears splints on both wrists and
a boot on the right foot. (Id.) The ALJ found that Dr. Walton’s opinion regarding
Hutchins’s functioning was entitled to little probative weight because the opinion
was inconsistent with his own records, which showed generally normal
examinations. (R. 75).
Articulating his reasoning, the ALJ made a number of determinations that
are instructive. First, the ALJ stated that the June 2013 examination, which was
the last examination by Dr. Walton prior to his completion of the MSS, was
essentially unremarkable except for the assessment of obesity and hypertension.
(R. 75, 413-14). Thus, the treatment rendered for that visit did not relate to
Hutchins’s allegedly disabling medical conditions. (R. 413).
Second, the ALJ noted that one week after Dr. Walton completed the MSS,
Hutchins’s November 12, 2013 treatment was only for irregular menses. The visit
also showed Hutchins’s examination was normal except for her obesity. She
showed no evidence of respiratory, vascular, extremity, musculoskeletal,
neurological, cardiovascular, or psychiatric abnormalities. (R. 75, 407-09).
Third, the ALJ noted that although Dr. Walton opined Hutchins should
avoid pulmonary irritants (R. 405), there was no evidence of a medically
9

determinable pulmonary impairment in the record (R. 75). This is correct. Dr.
Walton’s examinations consistently demonstrated normal pulmonary findings. (R.
73-75, 383, 386, 391, 396, 400, 408, 412, 486, 489, 494, 499, 502, 507, 543, 547,
551). Similarly, examinations performed by other physicians have shown normal
respiratory/pulmonary findings as well. (R. 441, 456, 465, 482, 519).
Fourth, the ALJ found that Dr. Walton’s opinion that Hutchins experiences
adverse medication side effects (R. 405) was not supported by the record.
Specifically, the ALJ noted Hutchins never sought treatment for any side effects,
she never mentioned them during her treatment, and the treatment notes show no
complaints of frequent urination or diarrhea, which is indicative of such issues.
(R. 75, 77). Additionally, in one of her Disability Reports, Hutchins disavows any
medication side effects. (R. 303).
Fifth, the ALJ found that, contrary to Dr. Walton’s general statement, that
Hutchins wears wrist splints, there was no evidence she wore wrist splints during
the day. (R. 75). In fact, while Hutchins was told she could try splints (R. 384),
they were prescribed to be worn at night. (R. 34, 425). Additionally, the record
demonstrates that she wore them intermittently between March 2013 and
December 2013 without relief. (R. 425). The record does not indicate that she
used them after December 2013.
10

Sixth, with regard to Dr. Walton’s assessments of osteoarthritis, the ALJ
noted there was no evidence of significant osteoarthritis as Hutchins’s
examinations showed no musculoskeletal deformities and normal exam/full range
of motion. (R. 72-75, 377, 383, 386, 391, 396, 400, 402, 409, 412, 466, 486, 489,
494, 499, 502, 507, 543, 552).
Seventh, the ALJ further found that the record was inconsistent with Dr.
Walton’s assessment of postural limitations of reaching, stooping and bending.
(R. 75). The ALJ also observed, “Neither the claimant’s complaints during
treatment or examination findings suggest that she would be frequently absent”
from work (Tr. 75).
The foregoing findings by the ALJ provide substantial evidence for her
conclusion that Dr. Walton’s opinion was not supported by or consistent with
Hutchins’s treatment records. Accordingly, Dr. Walton’s opinion was entitled to
little weight. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(3), (4), 416.927(c)(3), (4); Crawford,
363 F.3d at 1159-60; Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1240-41.
Hutchins cites to various treatment notes, including the following from her
report on October 31, 2013, to UAB Highlands with hand pain: “a positive
Phalen’s test, right greater than left”; a diagnosis of “bilateral carpal tunnel
syndrome, bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome, and bilateral cheralgia paresthetica”;
11

and
pain with Durkins, [positive] Tinel’s median distribution at wrist,
numbness with phalan’s [sic], numbness ulnar distribution with elbow
flexion at 6 seconds, 2 point approx 8 mm median distribution, 4-6
mm ulnar distribution, decreased sensation to light touch median and
ulnar distributions, grip strength full and equal [bilaterally] and
decreased sensation superficial radial nerve distribution from wrist
crease distal.[5]
(Doc. 9 at 3 (citing R. 425)). However, while these notes are descriptive of her
diagnoses and symptoms, they do not adequately support Dr. Walton’s
conclusions as pointed out by the ALJ. Additionally, these records do not
establish work-related limitations. See Moore v. Barnhart, 405 F.3d 1208, 1213
n.6 (11th Cir. 2005); see also Wind v. Barnhart, 133 F. App’x 684, 690 (11th Cir.
2005) (“a diagnosis or a mere showing of ‘a deviation from purely medical
standards of bodily perfection or normality’ is insufficient; instead, the claimant
must show the effect of the impairment on her ability to work”) (quoting McCruter
v. Bowen, 791 F.2d 1544, 1547 (11th Cir. 1986)). Further, symptoms, like
diagnoses, do not establish functional limitations. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1528(a),
404.1529(a), 404.1545(a), 404.1569(a), 416.928(a), 416.929(a), 416.945(a),
416.969(a). Symptoms are considered with the other evidence in the record to

5

The Durkan’s test, Phalen test, and Tinel’s test are used to detect carpal tunnel
syndrome. The Durkan’s test, or carpal tunnel compression test, is the most sensitive of the tests.
wttp://www.orthobllets.com/hand/6018/carpal- tunnel- syndrome.
12

determine a claimant’ s ability to work, and specifically in assessing a claimant's
RFC. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1528(a), 404.1529(a), 404.1545(a), 404.1569(a),
416.928(a), 416.929(a), 416.945(a), 416.969(a). The ALJ fully considered Dr.
Walton’s treatment notes, and as discussed above, those treatment notes showed
that Hutchins generally presented with normal findings (Tr. 72-78). Thus, this
evidence supports, rather than undermines, the ALJ’s evaluation.
2.

Dr. Walid Freji

Hutchins argues that the ALJ improperly rejected Dr. Freji’s opinion and
failed to properly consider her as a “whole person.” (Doc. 9 at 4-7). The
Commissioner responds that the ALJ did not rejected Freji’s opinion and she
correctly considered the entire record. (Doc. 10 at 13-16).
Dr. Freji performed a consultative examination on Hutchins at the request of
the Social Security Administration on March 20, 2014. Hutchins reported
progressive numbness and tingling in both hands with morning stiffness. (R. 465).
Upon examination, Dr. Freji determined she had increased pinprick sensation over
her palms with a sensation of pain. (R. 466). She also exhibited a positive Tinel’s
sign bilaterally. (R. 467). Dr. Freij performed a nerve conduction study, which
revealed mild bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. (R. 471). He diagnosed that
Hutchins was experiencing bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, progressively
13

worsening; diabetes mellitus, well controlled; hypertension, still fluctuating;
obstructive sleep apnea; and obesity. He concluded,
Based on the above history and physical examination patient would
have difficulty performing jobs that would require her to use her
hands repeatedly because that would increase her symptoms of carpal
tunnel syndrome and would make her carpal tunnel syndrome worse.
She would have also have difficulty in standing and walking for a
prolonged period of time because of her obesity.
(R. 467).
Dr. Freij completed a Medical Source Statement on the date of his
examination. He stated Hutchins could occasionally lift and/or carry up to twenty
pounds. (R. 472). He stated she could sit six hours at a time for a total of eight
hours in an eight-hour workday; she could stand one hour at a time for a total of
three hours in an eight-hour workday; and she could walk one hour at a time for a
total of three hours in an eight-hour workday. (R. 473). He stated she could
occasionally use either hand for reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, and
pushing or pulling, and she could occasionally operate foot controls. (R. 474).
He stated she could occasionally climb stairs and ramps, balance, stoop, kneel,
crouch and crawl, but she could never climb ladders and scaffolds. (R. 475).
He stated she could occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts,
operating a motor vehicle, humidity and wetness, dust, orders, fumes and
pulmonary irritants, extreme cold or heat, and vibrations, but she could never
14

be exposed to unprotected heights. (R. 476). He stated she could not walk a
block at a reasonable pace on rough or uneven surfaces and could not climb a few
steps at a reasonable pace with the use of a single hand rail. (R. 477). He
stated these limitations had been present at this level since 2009. (R. 477).
With regard to Hutchins’s first contention - that the ALJ rejected Freji’s
opinion – the court disagrees. The ALJ did not reject the opinion. She found that
the opinion was due “significant but not great weight.” (R. 76). She did find that
portions of Dr. Freji’s opinion were inconsistent with his examination and the
record as a whole. (R. 76, 78). By way of example, the ALJ noted Dr. Freji’s
assessment of Hutchins indicated “only ‘mild’ carpal tunnel syndrome with full
range of motion, no atrophy and no motor deficits” and thus “there is no evidence
she was unable to perform frequent fine and gross manipulation.” (R. 76).
Additionally, in determining Hutchins’s carpal tunnel syndrome was mild, the ALJ
found Hutchins’s treatment was conservative and there was no recommendation
for surgery. (R. 78). Although NVC/EMG testing6 specifically showed “evidence
of only mild bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome affecting the sensory and motor
components without evidence of denervation” (R. 467-71), Hutchins cites two
6

“An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles when they're at
rest and when they're being used. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the
nerves can send electrical signals.” http://www.webmd.com/brain/electromyogram-emg-andnerve-conduction-studies#1 (last visited June 12, 2017).
15

examinations and argues that the record provides evidence of carpal tunnel
syndrome of greater severity than the NVC/EMG studies performed by Dr. Freji
indicate. (Doc. 9 at 6). However, contrary to Hutchins’s contentions, Dr. Freji’s
own examination showed “[n]o swelling, redness, heat or limitation in range of
motion of any joint.” (R. 466). The UAB Highlands records indicate symptoms
and diagnoses, with no evidence of any manipulative limitation. (R. 425). As
stated above, symptoms and diagnoses do not establish functional limitations. See
Moore, 405 F.3d at 1213 n.6; see also Wind, 133 F. App’x at 690; McCruter, 791
F.2d at 1547; 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1528(a), 404.1529(a), 404.1545(a), 404.1569(a),
416.928(a), 416.929(a), 416.945(a), 416.969(a). Thus, the record provides
substantial evidence that although Hutchins might experience symptoms, she did
not have any greater work-related limitations due to her carpal tunnel syndrome
than determined by the ALJ and reflected in the RFC. (R. 71-78).
Additionally, the record supports the ALJ’s observation that as to Dr. Freji’s
opinions related to environmental restrictions, “[t]here is no medically
determinable impairment that would cause pulmonary or noise restrictions.” (R.
76). Still further, the ALJ correctly stated that Hutchins had “full range of motion
of the back and spine and, thus, there is no medically determinable impairment
that would cause limitations in reaching.” (R. 76, 383). The court, therefore,
16

concludes that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision to discount
portions of Dr. Freji’s opinions.
Hutchins also argues that the ALJ failed to consider her as a “whole
person.” (Doc. 9 at 5). The ALJ must evaluate a disability claimant as a whole
person, and not in the abstract as having several hypothetical and isolated
illnesses. Davis v. Shalala, 985 F.2d 528, 534 (11th Cir. 1993). Here, the ALJ
first stated that Hutchins did not have a combination of impairments that met or
equaled a listing. (R. 18). See Burgin v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 420 F. App’x 901,
902-03 (11th Cir. 2011) (holding that a clear statement that the ALJ considered the
combination of impairments is adequate); see also Wilson, 284 F.3d 1219 (holding
that language virtually identical to that used by the ALJ here was sufficient to
satisfy the ALJ’s burden to consider the claimant’s impairments in combination);
Jones v. Dep’t of Health & Human Servs., 941 F.2d 1529 (11th Cir. 1991) (same).
Additionally, the ALJ’s discussion of the medical evidence and inclusion of
limitations related to several different impairments in the RFC finding shows that
she considered the impairments in combination and evaluated Hutchins as a whole
person. (R. 71-78). See Jones v. Bowen, 810 F.2d 1001, 1006 (11th Cir. 1986)
(given the ALJ’s exhaustive consideration of the effect of these impairments on
Jones's residual functional capacity, we conclude that the Secretary’s findings
17

were sufficient ); Argo v. Astrue, No. 2:11-cv-2265-AKK, 2012 WL 1424912, at
*6 (N.D. Ala. Apr. 23, 2012) (stating that “by exhaustively evaluating each of
Argo’s alleged sources of pain or impairment—and finding that the objective
medical evidence fails to support the severity and intensity of these
allegations—the ALJ sufficiently considered Argo’s impairments in
combination”). Still further, the ALJ also stated she carefully considered the
entire record (R. 71) and there is no rigid requirement to refer to every piece of
evidence in the decision so long as there is sufficient evidence to conclude the
ALJ considered the claimant’s medical condition as a whole. Mitchell v. Comm’r
of Soc. Sec., 771 F.3d 780, 782 (11th Cir. 2014) (citing Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1211).
Accordingly, the objective medical evidence provides substantial evidence to
support the ALJ’s finding that Hutchins was not as limited as opined by Dr. Freji
and that she could perform a reduced range of light exertional activity.
B.

The Appeals Council Did Not Err In Its Consideration of
Submitted Evidence

As discussed above, the Appeals Council initially remanded Hutchins’s
claim to the ALJ. It did so because it found that the ALJ had not proffered Dr.
Freji’s consultative neurological report to Hutchins. (R. 9). While the claim was
still pending at the hearing office, Hutchins submitted updated medical records
from Dr. Walton and from DCH Regional Medical Center. (See R. 485-554).
18

After the remand was vacated, Hutchins submitted records from Hill Hospital of
Sumter County and Whatley Health Services.7 Hutchins argues that neither the
ALJ or the Appeals Council considered these records. (Doc. 9 at 7). The
Commissioner argues that Hutchins’s contentions are meritless. (Doc. 10 at 1718).
In support of her contentions, Hutchins initially argues that the Appeals
Council’s denial notice dated April 4, 2016, states that the Council considered
only two letters submitted by Hutchins’s representative. (Doc. 9 at 7 (citing R.
5)). The Commissioner responds that it was not necessary for the foregoing
medical records to be specifically listed because they already were part of the
hearing level record on remand. (Doc. 10 at 18 (citing R. 1-5)). The court agrees
with the Commissioner that it was not necessary under the circumstances for the
medical records to be enumerated in the Appeals Council listing on the exhibits
list. The pertinent question for this court now is whether the decision under
review is supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole record. See
Ingram v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 496 F.3d 1253, 1267-68 (11th Cir. 2007) (stating

7

Hutchins refers to the Whatley Health Services records as being the updated medical
records from Dr. Walton. (See Doc. 9 at 8). The Appeals Council identifies them in the record
as the Whatley Health Services records. (R. 2). They are captioned in the administrative record
before the court as Whatley Health Services, Inc. records. (R. 556-81). The court will refer to
them herein as the Whatley Health Services records or the Whately records for the sake of clarity.
19

that the district court did not determine whether the Appeals Council correctly
decided that the “administrative law judge’s action, findings, or conclusion is [not]
contrary to the weight of the evidence currently of record”); Smith v. Soc. Sec.
Adm., 272 F. App’x 789 (11th Cir. 2008) (the court must determine whether the
denial of benefits was erroneous).
1.

Dr. Walton’s Records

Hutchins initially states that the Appeals Council did not consider Dr.
Walton’s records that were dated November 12, 2013, through May 21, 2015.
(Doc. 9 at 7). She further states that these records show ongoing treatment for
diabetes, hypertension, obesity and sleep apnea, and an additional diagnosis of
idiopathic peripheral neuropathy on August 11, 2014. (Id. at 7-8). While these
records do demonstrate ongoing treatment, they do not undermine the substantial
evidence supporting the ALJ’s decision. The information in Dr. Walton’s notes is
consistent with the other treatment records before the ALJ, which evidence reflects
“uncomplicated” diabetes mellitus (R. 487, 490, 495, 500, 503, 543, 553);
generally stable, but obese, weight with body mass index ranging from 50.44 to
52.88 (R. 486, 489, 494, 499, 542, 547); stable, but high, blood pressure ranging
from 144/106 to 160/95 (R. 486, 489, 494, 499, 502, 542, 547, 551); and
essentially normal physical examinations (R. 486, 489, 494, 499, 502, 543, 547,
20

551-52). The May 21, 2015 office notes also reflect Hutchins was negative for
new hypertension or diabetes mellitus symptoms. (R. 541). See Smith, 272 F.
App’x at 802. Accordingly, the court finds that Dr. Walton’s additional medical
records do not undermine the substantial evidence supporting the ALJ’s findings
and conclusion that Hutchins was not entitled to any benefits.
2.

DCH Regional Medical Center Records

Hutchins next argues that records from DCH Regional Medical Center dated
May 13, 2015, through May 15, 2015, show inpatient treatment for hematemesis,
urinary tract infection, hypertension, diabetes, and iron deficiency anemia. (Doc.
9 at 7 (citing R. 510-39)). Instead of arguing how the evidence undermines the
ALJ’s decision, Hutchins simply asserts that the Appeals Council refused to
consider them. (Doc. 9 at 8).
The court has examined the DCH records and finds they are insufficient to
warrant a remand of this case for a number of reasons. First, the records concern
an incident ten months after the ALJ’s decision. Second, while Hutchins was
found to be positive for H. pylori bacteria and treated for an upper gastrointestinal
bleed and urinary tract infection during her hospitalization, she was discharged in
improved condition with instructions that she “[m]ay return to usual activity level
as tolerated.” (R. 513). Third, this appears to be a one-time occurrence.
21

Hutchins’s May 21, 2015 follow-up visit notes show no complaints of abnormal
bleeding. (R. 541). Accordingly, the court finds that these records involve a onetime incident well after the relevant period, and do not undermine the ALJ’s
findings and conclusion in any way.
3.

Hill Hospital and Whatley Health Services Records

Hutchins states that the Hill Hospital records for September 13, 2015, show
a diagnosis of right knee arthritis. (Doc. 9 at 8 (citing R. 577-81). Similarly, she
states that the Whatley records show the same diagnosis. (Id.) She also states that
the Whatley records show “continued treatment for diabetes, hypertension and
obesity[;] ... new diagnoses of gastroesophageal reflux disease and right leg
pain”[;]and that she “used an immobilizer for her carpal tunnel syndrome and was
referred to a surgeon.” (Id. (citing 556-71)). Hutchins offers no further discussion
concerning the medical records, but again argues the Appeals Council refused to
consider them. (Doc. 9 at 8). The Commissioner argues that these records are not
chronologically relevant to the ALJ’s decision. (Doc. 10 at 22).
The record is clear that the Appeals Counsel “looked at this evidence,”
found that it was “about a later time,” and determined “it does not affect the
decision about whether [Hutchins] was disabled beginning on or before July 10,
2014. (R. 2). Additionally, even if this evidence were to be deemed relevant,
22

which is a big step because it shows continuing treatment,8 Hutchins has not
demonstrated how or why this evidence makes a difference in the determination
under review.
To the extent these records reflect an overall worsening of Hutchins’s
physical condition because of new treatment for her carpal tunnel syndrome and
because of the onset of new impairments, including right knee arthritis with pain
and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, that would still not make the records
chronologically relevant. (R. 556-81). The new records show, at most, that her
condition worsened or deteriorated after the ALJ’s decision. They do not
demonstrate a basis for remand of this matter.
Finally, to the extent these records might be deemed relevant, they still do
not evidence that the ALJ’s RFC determination is erroneous. Hutchins has not
challenged the ALJ’s RFC determination. These records continue to evidence
similar clinical and diagnostic findings regarding Hutchins’s impairments as noted
by the ALJ. Specifically, the new evidence continues to show uncomplicated
diabetes mellitus (R. 560, 565, 568), obesity, and hypertension (R. 558, 564, 569,
578), and essentially normal physical examinations. (R. 558-59, 565, 568, 578).

8

See Recla v. Soc. Sec. Admin. Comm’r, 594 F. App’x 592, 594 (11th Cir. 2015) (stating
that an examination report’s classification of a condition as “‘[r]ecurrent’ [was not] enough,
without more, to show the evaluation’s chronological relevance to the time period.”)
23

C.

Articulation Duty

Hutchins lastly asserts that the Appeals Council did not demonstrate that it
adequately evaluated the new evidence discussed above. Accordingly, she argues
that a remand is required. (Doc. 9 at 8-9). The Commissioner responds that the
Appeals Council articulated a legally sufficient rationale for denying review.
(Doc. 10 at 25).
Hutchins argues that “[t]he A[ppleals] C[ouncil] must show in its written
denial of review that it has evaluated adequately the new evidence.” (Doc. 9 at 9
(citing Epps v. Harris, 624 F.2d 1267 (5th Cir. 1980)). However, the Eleventh
Circuit has rejected this position. It has stated:
“The Appeals Council may deny or dismiss [a] request for review....”
20 C.F.R. § 416.1467. But the Appeals Council is not required to
make specific findings of fact when it denies review. It need only
“consider the additional evidence” that is new, material, and
chronologically relevant. Id. § 416.1470(b). The Appeals Council
stated that it considered the new evidence that Parks submitted, and
the Appeals Council added the evidence to the record. The Appeals
Council was not required to do more.
.... Our Court recently decided Mitchell v. Commissioner, Social
Security Administration, which controls this question. 771 F.3d 780
(11th Cir. 2014). In Mitchell, we held that there is no requirement
that “the Appeals Council ... provide a detailed discussion of a
claimant’s new evidence when denying a request for review.” Id. at
783. We explained that, where “the Appeals Council expressly stated
in its letter to [the claimant] that it had considered his additional
evidence, ... we ha[d] no basis ... to second-guess that assertion.” Id.
Parks’s situation is indistinguishable from that of the claimant in
24

Mitchell. Parks submitted additional evidence to the Appeals
Council, and the Appeals Council added the evidence to the record,
stated that it considered the evidence, and denied review. As in
Mitchell, nothing suggests that the Appeals Council failed to consider
Parks’s new evidence.
Parks’s reliance on Epps v. Harris, 624 F.2d 1267 (5th Cir. 1980),
and Bowen v. Heckler, 748 F.2d 629 (11th Cir.1984), is misplaced. In
Epps, our predecessor court found that the Appeals Council had not
“adequately evaluate[d]” new evidence. 624 F.2d at 1273. But as we
explained in Mitchell, the decision in Epps “arose in a different
procedural context,” where the Appeals Council affirmed the decision
of the administrative law judge. Mitchell, 771 F.3d at 783. Epps has
little bearing on a denial of a request for review. Bowen is inapposite
too. In Bowen, our Court “concluded the record established that the
Appeals Council did not adequately evaluate additional evidence
submitted to it because it viewed each of the claimant’s impairments
in isolation and did not consider their combined effect.” Mitchell,
771 F.3d at 784. “Bowen requires the Appeals Council to apply the
correct legal standards in performing its duties,” but it does not
require that the Appeals Council include with every denial of review
a “detailed rationale for why each piece of new evidence submitted to
it does not change the [administrative law judge]’s decision.”
Mitchell, 771 F.3d at 784.
Parks ex rel D.P. v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 783 F.3d 847, 852-53 (11th Cir.
2015).
Hutchins is not entitled to any relief on this claim. In denying review, the
Appeals Council stated that it looked at the new evidence consisting of the Hill
Hospital and Whatley Health Services records. (R. 2). It also stated, “This
information is about a later time. Therefore, it does not affect the decision about
whether you were disabled beginning on or before July 10, 2014.” (R. 2). The
25

court finds this to be sufficient rationale for the Appeals Council’s decision to
deny review.
VI. CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the undersigned concludes that the
Commissioner’s decision is due to be affirmed. An appropriate order will be
entered separately.
DONE, this the 13th day of June, 2017.

______________________________
JOHN E. OTT
Chief United States Magistrate Judge

26