Register v. Astrue

Filing 19

ORDER that the Commissioner's decision denying Plaintiff's application for disability benefits is AFFIRMED. The Clerk of Court is kindly directed to terminate this action. Signed by Magistrate Judge Lawrence O Anderson on 12/20/11. (DMT)

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1 WO 2 3 4 5 6 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 7 FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ) ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) vs. ) Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of the) ) Social Security Administration, ) ) Defendant. ) David Eugene Register, No. CV-10-2749-PHX-LOA ORDER 15 Plaintiff has filed a Complaint seeking judicial review of the Commissioner of Social 16 Security’s denial of his application for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security 17 income benefits. 2 U.S.C. § 405(g). The parties have consented to proceed before a United 18 States Magistrate Judge. In accordance with Local Rule of Civil Procedure 16.1, the parties 19 have filed briefs addressing Plaintiff’s claims. (Docs. 16, 17, 18) Based on the record as a 20 whole and the applicable law, the decision of the Commissioner is affirmed. 21 I. Procedural Background 22 On March 13, 2006, Plaintiff applied for Disability Insurance Benefits and 23 Supplemental Social Security Income under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the 24 “Act”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 401-433 and §§ 1381-1383c. (Tr. 122-29, 152, 1561) Plaintiff alleged 25 disability with an onset date of July 5, 2004 due to cardiac problems, depression, and anxiety. 26 (Tr. 122-29, 152, 156) Plaintiff’s applications were denied initially, on August 8, 2006, and on 27 28 1 Citations to “Tr.” are to the administrative transcript which appears at docket 15. 1 reconsideration, on August 10, 2007. (Tr. 48-66) On October 16, 2007, Plaintiff requested a 2 hearing before an administrative law judge. (Tr. 67) Before the hearing, on May 26, 2009, 3 Plaintiff filed a letter with the “Office of Disability Adjudication and Review”, requesting to 4 amend the disability onset date to May 4, 2007. (Tr. 19) On June 3, 2009, a hearing was held 5 before Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) M. Kathleen Gavin. (Tr. 9) On August 6, 2009, the 6 ALJ denied Plaintiff’s application for social security benefits. (Tr. 9-18) This decision became 7 the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security when the Social Security 8 Administration Appeals Council denied Plaintiff’s request for review. (Tr. 1-4) Plaintiff then 9 brought this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) for judicial review of the Commissioner’s 10 final decision. This matter is fully briefed and ripe for review. 11 II. Applicable Legal Standards 12 A. Sequential Evaluation Process 13 Under the Social Security Act, a “disability” is defined as an “inability to engage in 14 any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental 15 impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to 16 last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). An 17 individual is determined to be under a disability if his “physical or mental impairment or 18 impairments are of such severity that he is not only unable to do his previous work but cannot, 19 considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial 20 gainful work which exists in the national economy.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A). The claimant 21 bears the initial burden of proving that he is disabled. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5); Burch v.Barnhart, 22 400 F.3d 676, 679 (9th Cir. 2005). If the claimant shows that he is unable to perform past 23 relevant work, the burden shifts to the Commissioner to show that the claimant “can perform 24 other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy.” Takcett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 25 1094, 1098 (9th Cir. 1999). 26 27 An ALJ determines an applicant’s eligibility for disability benefits by following the five steps listed below: 28 -2- 1 (1) determine whether the applicant is engaged in “substantial gainful activity”; 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (2) determine whether the applicant has a “medically severe impairment or combination of impairments”; (3) determine whether the applicant’s impairment equals one of a number of listed impairments that the Commissioner acknowledges as so severe as to preclude the applicant from engaging in substantial gainful activity; (4) if the applicant’s impairment does not equal one of the “listed impairments,” determine whether the applicant has the residual functional capacity to perform his or her past relevant work; (5) if the applicant is not capable of performing his or her past relevant work, determine whether the applicant “is able to perform other work in the national economy in view of his age, education, and work experience.” 10 Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-41 (1987) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b)-(f)). At the 11 fifth step, the burden of proof shifts to the Commissioner. Bustamante v. Massanari, 262 F.3d 12 949, 953-54 (9th Cir. 2001) (citing Tackett, 180 F.3d at 1098). 13 Applying the five-step analysis, the ALJ found that Plaintiff has severe impairments: 14 cardiomyopathy, depression, and anxiety which prevent him from performing past relevant 15 work. (Tr. 11, 16) However, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff has the residual functional 16 capacity to perform the full range work at all exertional levels but with the following 17 nonexertional limitations: “Claimant is capable of performing simple, unskilled work with 18 minimum contact with the general public and on a mostly individualized basis, or in other words 19 not a part of a team or group of co-workers.” (Tr. 13) The ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not 20 disabled as defined in Social Security Act. (Tr. 17) 21 B. Standard of Review 22 This Court must affirm the Commissioner’s findings if they are supported by 23 substantial evidence and are free from reversible legal error. Sandgathe v. Chater, 108 F.3d 978, 24 980 (9th Cir. 1997) (per curiam); Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1279 (9th Cir. 1996). 25 Substantial evidence means more than a mere scintilla, but less than a preponderance; it is “such 26 relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” 27 Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971) (citations omitted); see also Reddick v. Chater, 28 157 F.3d 715, 720 (9th Cir. 1998). In determining whether substantial evidence supports a -3- 1 decision, the court considers the record as a whole, weighing both the evidence that supports 2 and that which detracts from the ALJ’s conclusions. Reddick, 157 F.3d at 720. The ALJ is 3 responsible for resolving conflicts, determining credibility, and resolving ambiguities. Andrews 4 v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 1995); Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 750 (9th 5 Cir. 1989). If sufficient evidence supports the ALJ’s determination, the Court cannot substitute 6 its own determination. Young v. Sullivan, 911 F.2d 180, 184 (9th Cir. 1990). Therefore, if on 7 the whole record before the Court substantial evidence supports the Commissioner’s decision, 8 this Court must affirm it. Hammock v. Bowen, 879 F.2d 498, 501 (9th Cir. 1989); 42 U.S.C.A. 9 § 405(g). 10 III. Factual Background 11 A. Plaintiff’s Background 12 Plaintiff was born on November 29, 1960 and was 48 years old at the time of the 13 administrative decision. (Tr. 161) Plaintiff has a high school education, and one year of college 14 education. Plaintiff’s past relevant work includes truck loader, meat cutter, and office worker. 15 (Tr. 28, 122, 157) 16 B. Medical Evidence 17 Plaintiff was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia and had a defibrillator implanted in 18 his heart in February 2003. (Tr. 256, 283) Because Plaintiff’s claims pertain to his mental 19 health, the Court will only address his physical impairments as necessary to provide context. 20 21 On June 5, 2006, Plaintiff saw Minette Doss, Ed.D, a licensed psychologist, for a 22 consultative mental examination. Plaintiff reported that he could care for his personal needs, 23 felt best when working, and had been soliciting “odd jobs . . . for cash on a daily basis.” (Tr. 24 268, 270) He also watched television and did crossword puzzles. Plaintiff reported getting along 25 with family, having good friends, and socializing daily. (Tr. 286-71) Dr. Doss noted that 26 Plaintiff was distressed, worried, and concerned that his heart defibrillator would “go off”, was 27 “unrealistically concerned about having a titanium defibriallator in his body,” but was otherwise 28 well grounded in reality. On examination, Plaintiff avoided eye contact and “exhibited little -4- 1 positive affect,” but was fully oriented, answered questions in a logical and coherent manner, 2 and carried on “an adequate conversation.” (Tr. 271) He had adequate grooming and hygiene, 3 average-appearing intelligence, adequate memory, very good common sense judgment, and 4 good insight as long as the situation did not involve his defibrillator. Plaintiff was unable to 5 adequately perform concentration tasks. Dr. Doss noted that Plaintiff seemed to be “poorly 6 educated about how the defibrillator works,” and had not had any “follow-up [care for the 7 defibrillator] since it was implanted.” (Tr. 271) She concluded that, “[i]n essence, this man is 8 scared to death over his physical illness. He is not clinically depressed.” (Tr. 268) 9 On June 23, 2006, Dr. Doss completed a “Mental Source Statement of Ability to do 10 Work Related Activities (Mental).” (Tr. 263) Dr. Doss opined that Plaintiff had no limitations 11 or was not significantly limited in all areas of work-related mental functioning, except Plaintiff 12 had moderate limitations in his ability to maintain attention and concentration for extended 13 periods because he is distracted by his physical condition, and had moderate limitations in his 14 ability to set realistic goals or make plans independently of others due to “obsessive worry over 15 [his] heart defibrillator.” (Tr. 263-67) Dr. Doss diagnosed Plaintiff with “anxiety disorder due 16 to physical cond[ition].” (Tr. 263) 17 On August 1, 2006, Paul Tangeman, M.D., a state agency physician, reviewed the 18 medical record and completed a Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment. (Tr. 275) 19 Dr. Tangeman found that Plaintiff was moderately limited in his ability to carry out detailed 20 instructions and set realistic goals or make plans independently of others. (Tr. 275-76) Dr. 21 Tangeman concluded that Plaintiff’s “anxiety may interfere with his ability to concentrate and 22 attend at times[, however,] the overall record does not show marked problems resulting from 23 this condition. Claimant retains the ability to sustain basic work activities.” (Tr. 277) 24 On May 25, 2007, Plaintiff saw Lawrence Allen, Ph.D, a psychologist, for a 25 consultative mental evaluation. (Tr. 310) Plaintiff drove himself to the evaluation. He reported 26 spending his days looking for odd jobs, doing crossword puzzles, visiting friends, watching 27 television, and reading. Plaintiff stated that he tended to his personal needs, vacuumed, made 28 his bed, prepared two simple meals a day, and shopped twice a month. He also reported that he -5- 1 liked to repair broken appliances. (Tr. 311-12) On examination, Plaintiff appeared unclean and 2 had a “slumped” posture, a hypoactive motor level, and a dysphoric2 mood with an affect 3 congruent to his mood. (Tr. 312) He was fully oriented and had good eye contact, a normal gait, 4 normal sensorium, verbose but normal speech, logical associations, and no unusual mannerisms 5 or physiological responses. He was able to recall three items immediately and after five minutes, 6 calculate 17 times 3 without difficulty, properly interpret a proverb, and spell “world” forward 7 and backward. He reported panic attacks and “dreams of the defibrillator.” (Tr. 312) Plaintiff 8 said that a previous therapist had diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), 9 and was upset when Dr. Allen said Plaintiff did not meet the criteria for PTSD. (Id.) Dr. Allen 10 diagnosed an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, possible panic 11 disorder without agoraphobia3, and a possible specific situational phobia. (Tr. 310-13) 12 Dr. Allen opined that Plaintiff had no limitations or was not significantly limited in 13 all areas of work-related mental functioning, except that he had moderate limitations in his 14 ability to accept instructions and respond appropriately to criticism from superiors, and had 15 moderate limitations in his ability to maintain socially appropriate behavior and adhere to basic 16 standards of neatness and cleanliness. (Tr. 314-18) 17 In early May 2007, Plaintiff presented at Mohave Mental Health Clinic (Mohave) with 18 intake therapist Jettie Blanton, MSW, LSW, LADC, and Vera Gaspar, LSCW, BHP. At that 19 time, he was taking Zoloft and Xanax for his mental impairments. (Tr. 338-39) He arrived for 20 his appointment on time, denied suicidal ideation, and reported having a good support system. 21 He said he had anxiety about his defibrillator and was concerned that he could no longer 22 perform his past jobs. The therapists discussed job alternatives and coping skills. Plaintiff was 23 2 24 A state of feeling unwell or unhappy. Merriam-webster.com online dictionary (last viewed December 19, 2011) 25 26 27 3 An abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or unescapable situation that is characterized especially by the avoidance of open or public places. Merriam-webster.com online dictionary (last viewed December 19, 2011) 28 -6- 1 diagnosed with a mood disorder and anxiety due to cardiac problems and was assessed a GAF 2 score of 52. (Tr. 338-40, 343-57, 394-96, 399-419) 3 On June 12, 2007, Plaintiff saw therapist Gaspar for his first individual therapy 4 session. Plaintiff continued counseling sessions with Ms. Gaspar during June 2007. (Tr. 336, 5 341-42, 386-87, 392, 397-98) On June 27, 2007, Plaintiff reported no progress, but admitted 6 that he had not tried breathing, meditation, or other coping tools discussed at his previous 7 appointment. Ms. Gaspar assessed a GAF score of 52. (Tr. 386-87) 8 On June 29, 2007, Grace Fletcher, Ph.D., a state agency psychologist, reviewed the 9 record and found Plaintiff’s mental impairments did not meet a Listing and caused, at most, 10 “mild” limitations. (Tr. 364-77) Dr. Fletcher found that the opinions of Drs. Doss and Allen 11 “were consistent in describing virtually no mental problems, except anxiety that is at present 12 focused on his heart defibrillator.” (Tr. 376) 13 On July 19, 2007, Plaintiff saw Lisa Garcia, PA-C, a physician’s assistant at Mohave. 14 (Tr. 483-84) Plaintiff said he had been trying to cope with anxiety and depressive symptoms 15 since having a defibrillator implanted in 2003, and that Xanax had previously helped. (Tr. 483- 16 84) On examination, Plaintiff was alert and fully-oriented with a disheveled appearance, a sad 17 and helpless demeanor, very poor eye contact, a “down” mood, and a congruent and depressed 18 affect. (Tr. 485) He had coherent and organized thoughts, fair judgment and insight, and no 19 suicidal ideation. Ms. Garcia diagnosed depressive disorder and assessed a GAF score of 45. 20 She prescribed Zoloft, Xanax, and a sleep medication. (Tr. 483-86) Ms. Garcia recommended 21 that Plaintiff continue individual counseling with Ms. Gaspar. (Tr. 485) 22 On August 20, 2007, Plaintiff’s representative contacted Mohave and requested that 23 Ms. Garcia’s treatment notes pertaining to Plaintiff be cosigned by a psychiatrist because the 24 Social Security Administration would not otherwise accept them. (Tr. 463) 25 During an August 22, 2007 appointment, Ms. Garcia noted that Plaintiff was still 26 depressed and having episodes of anxiety, and did not feel a big difference on Zoloft. (Tr. 481) 27 She also noted that his claim for disability benefits had been denied, and that he was going to 28 start looking for a job that he would be able to do, such as, working with computers. He said he -7- 1 was still concerned about his defibrillator, but had not followed up with his cardiologist. On 2 examination, Plaintiff was alert and oriented with diminished grooming and hygiene, poor eye 3 contact, slightly diminished psychomotor activity, a depressed mood, normal speech, coherent 4 and redirectable thought processes, fair judgment and insight, and no suicidal ideation. Ms. 5 Garcia diagnosed a mood disorder due to cardiac condition with depressive features, and 6 assessed a GAF score of 51. She increased Plaintiff’s dosage of Zoloft and encouraged him to 7 follow up with his cardiologist. (Tr. 480, 481) 8 During a September 17, 2007 appointment, Plaintiff reported no progress to Ms. 9 Gaspar. (Tr. 461) Ms. Gaspar reviewed coping skills with Plaintiff, such as, breathing, 10 meditation, and stress-relieving stretches. (Tr. 461) 11 On October 2, 2007, Plaintiff reported to Ms. Garcia that he doing “okay” and that he 12 felt his medications were helping. (Tr. 478-79) Plaintiff said that he did not think “his 13 debrillator has gone off and he has not had any problems with his anxiety.” (Tr. 479) On 14 examination, Plaintiff was alert, oriented, and appropriately groomed and dressed. He had 15 improved eye contact, normal psychomotor activity, and “alright” mood with congruent affect, 16 coherent and redirectible thoughts, improved judgment and insight, and no suicidal ideation. 17 Ms. Garcia noted that Plaintiff had improved since his last visit, and was able to make a joke. 18 She assessed a GAF score of 55. Ms. Garcia recommended that Plaintiff continue individual 19 counseling, and suggested that Plaintiff explore vocational groups. Plaintiff said he might try 20 to look for a job with computers or non-labor jobs. (Tr. 478, 479) 21 The following day, Ms. Gaspar noted that Plaintiff had demonstrated progress in 22 coping and utilizing tools of distraction - such as laughing and doing puzzles. (Tr. 460) In 23 December 2007, Ms. Gaspar noted continued progress, Tr. 459, and in January 2008, she noted 24 that Plaintiff “believes he is coping as well as possible with his medical situation.” (Tr. 458) 25 On January 18, 2008, Plaintiff told Ms. Garcia that he had recently “been more 26 himself,” but was dealing with a recall of his defibrillator and wanted a new cardiologist. (Tr. 27 476) He said he was proud of himself for having helped his sister through a recent break-up 28 with her boyfriend, and said that he might be going to Hawaii with his girlfriend in February. -8- 1 On examination, Plaintiff was alert and oriented with good hygiene, fair eye contact, normal 2 speech, an “okay” mood, an apprehensive but much improved affect, coherent thought process, 3 fair judgment and insight, and no suicidal ideation. Dr. Garcia noted that Plaintiff was doing 4 well since the increase in Zoloft. (Tr. 476, 477) 5 During a February 25, 2008 appointment with Ms. Garcia, Plaintiff reported having 6 declined his daughter’s invitation to move to Las Vegas to live with her because he did not “feel 7 that he is disabled and does not want his daughter to be taking care of him.” (Tr. 475) On 8 examination, Plaintiff was fully alert and oriented. He was dressed adequately, but had 9 diminished hygiene. Plaintiff had normal speech, fair eye contact, an “okay” mood, a concerned 10 affect, coherent and redirectible thought processes, fair judgment, and insight, and no suicidal 11 ideation. (Id.) Ms. Garcia prescribed medication to help Plaintiff sleep. She diagnosed “mood 12 disorder due to cardiac condition with depressive features, in partial remission,” and a GAF 13 score of 55. (Tr. 475, 477) 14 At his next appointment on April 24, 2008, Ms. Garcia noted that Plaintiff was fully 15 oriented and had fair eye contact and rapport, normal psychomotor activity, normal speech, 16 coherent thought processes, an apprehensive affect, an “I am here” mood, no suicidal ideation 17 and no anxiety attacks. (Tr. 474) On April 25, 2008, Ms. Garcia completed a Supplemental 18 Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire for the SSA.4 (Doc. 456) Ms. Garcia found that 19 Plaintiff was moderately limited in his ability to understand, remember, and carry out short, 20 simple instructions; understand detailed instructions; make judgment on simple work-related 21 22 decisions; interact appropriately with the public and co-workers; and respond appropriately to 23 changes in routine work setting. (Tr. 456-57) She found that Plaintiff was markedly limited in 24 his ability to interact appropriately with supervisors, and respond appropriately to work pressure 25 in a usual work setting. (Tr. 457) 26 4 27 28 The Supplemental Questionnaire defines “moderate” as “moderate limitations, claimant can function well,” and defines “marked” as “serious limitations, ability to function is severely limited.” (Tr. 444, 456) -9- 1 On July 15, 2008, Ms. Garcia noted that Plaintiff was fully oriented with good eye 2 contact and rapport, normal psychomotor activity, normal speech, logical and goal-directed 3 thought process, a stable and bright affect, a good mood, no suicidal ideation, and no anxiety 4 attacks. (Tr. 471) Ms. Garcia was assessed a GAF score of 60. (Id.) Ms. Garcia noted that 5 Plaintiff was “doing well,” and therefore continued his medications. (Id.) 6 During a September 12, 2008 appointment with Ms. Garcia, Plaintiff was fully 7 oriented, had good eye contact and rapport, normal psychomotor activity, normal speech, bright 8 affect, an“alright” mood, goal-oriented and logical thought process, no suicidal ideation, and 9 no anxiety attacks. Ms. Garcia assessed a GAF score of 60. (Tr. 470) Ms. Garcia again noted 10 that Plaintiff was “doing well,” and continued his medications. (Id.) 11 On November 21, 2008, Plaintiff continued to be fully oriented with good eye contact 12 and rapport, normal psychomotor activity, normal speech. (Tr. 469) Plaintiff had a “bothered” 13 affect, and a “distraught” mood because his defibrillator had been “beeping” regularly at 3:00 14 a.m. Plaintiff had a coherent thought process, no suicidal ideation, and no anxiety attacks. (Id.) 15 Ms. Garcia assessed a GAF score of 60. (Id.) 16 17 Andrea Burris telephoned Plaintiff on March 2, 2009, to check his status and Plaintiff reported that he was “doing fine.” (Tr. 447) 18 Ms. Garcia completed another Supplemental Questionnaire as to Residual Functional 19 Capacity on May 6, 2009. (Tr. 444) She found that Plaintiff was moderately limited in his 20 ability to understand, remember, and carry out short, simple instructions; interact appropriately 21 with co-workers; and respond appropriately to changes in a routine work setting. (Tr. 444-45) 22 Ms. Garcia found that Plaintiff has marked limitations in his ability to understand and remember 23 detailed instructions; make judgments on simple work-related decisions; and interact 24 appropriately with supervisors. (Id.) Finally, she noted that Plaintiff had extreme5 limitations 25 in his ability to interact appropriately with the public; and respond appropriately to work 26 27 28 5 The Supplemental Questionnaire as to Residual Functional Capacity defines “extreme” as “major limitation, no useful ability to function.” (Tr. 444) - 10 - 1 pressures in a ususal work setting. (Tr. 445) In support of her assessment, Ms. Garcia noted that 2 Plaintiff “continue[d] to have [illegible] due to his mental illness,” and had mood disorder due 3 to his cardiac condition. (Tr. 445) 4 IV. Hearing Testimony 5 Plaintiff and vocational expert, Nathan Dean, testified at the June 3, 2009 6 administrative hearing. Plaintiff testified that he is divorced and lives with his sister. (Tr. 25) 7 Plaintiff said he had anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. (Tr. 34, 38, 40) 8 Plaintiff stated that he has not worked since 2004 because of anxiety about his defibrillator. (Tr. 9 27, 29-30) Plaintiff explained that his brain could not handle the electrical impulses from the 10 defibrillator, and that it made him anxious and irritable. (Tr. 29, 30, 32, 36, 37) Plaintiff said 11 he had been told his defibrillator was working properly, although it had gone off 21 times in 12 three years. (Tr. 31) Plaintiff said he takes medication and attends counseling sessions. (Tr. 35- 13 36) He said his medications cause drowsiness, nausea, and disorientation. (Tr. 40-41) 14 Plaintiff testified that he regularly showers, brushes his teeth, changes his clothes, 15 looks through “want ads,” visits neighbors, mows the lawn, goes to the grocery store, and takes 16 care of his sister’s “two little dogs.” (Tr. 33-35) Plaintiff said he likes to read, but loses his 17 place when he tries to read. (Tr. 39) Plaintiff said he did not think there was any kind of work 18 he could do because he could not control or predict his “episode[s].” (Tr. 36) 19 The vocational expert testified in response to a hypothetical question by the ALJ that 20 assumed a person who could perform work at any exertional level with the following 21 limitations: simple work, minimum contact with the general public, work in proximity to others 22 - but not as part of a team. (Tr. 43) The vocational expert testified that such a person could 23 perform unskilled work existing in the national economy, including hand packager, small 24 product assembler, and packing line worker. (Tr. 44-45) In response to questioning from 25 Plaintiff’s attorney, the vocational expert testified that a person with moderate limitations 26 following short, simple instructions, marked limitations dealing with supervisors, and marked 27 limitations responding to work pressures would preclude all work. (Tr. 46) 28 V. The ALJ’s Decision - 11 - 1 The ALJ denied Plaintiff’s application for benefits. At the first step of the sequential 2 analysis, the ALJ found that Plaintiff had not performed any substantial gainful activity since 3 the disability onset date. (Tr. 11) The ALJ then found that Plaintiff had the following severe 4 impairments: cardiomyopathy, depression, and anxiety. (Tr. 11) At the third step, the ALJ 5 found that none of Plaintiff’s impairments, or a combination of impairments, met or medically 6 equaled a presumptively disabling impairment in the Listing of Impairments, 20 C.F.R. Part 7 404, Appendix 1, Subpart P. (Tr. 11-13) 8 After considering the record, the ALJ found that Plaintiff’s subjective complaints were 9 not fully credible, and that he had the residual functional capacity to perform simple, unskilled 10 work with minimum contact with the public, and work mostly on an individualized basis (i.e. 11 not part of a team or group of co-workers). (Tr. 13-16) At steps four and five, the ALJ found 12 that Plaintiff could not perform his past relevant work, but could perform other work existing 13 in significant numbers in the national economy, including hand packer, small products 14 assembler, and packaging line worker. (Tr. 16-17) Thus, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was 15 not disabled within the meaning of the Act. (Tr. 17) 16 VI. Analysis 17 In support of his request for relief, Plaintiff argues that (1) the ALJ erred by failing 18 to afford adequate weight to the opinion of Plaintiff’s treating interdisciplinary psychiatric 19 team; and (2) the ALJ erred by failing to recognize the amended onset date in considering 20 incomplete medical evidence from a non-treating source, including records from approxi- 21 mately one year before the amended onset date. (Doc. 16 at 2) Plaintiff argues that the 22 Court should remand for payment of disability benefits. 23 A. Acceptable Medical Source 24 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in evaluating the opinions of nurse practitioner 25 Lisa Garcia regarding his mental limitations. Plaintiff argues that the ALJ ignored the 26 assessment of the “interdisciplinary treating source,” Ms. Garcia, at Mohave Mental Health 27 Clinic and incorrectly determined that Plaintiff’s mental impairment did not cause at least 28 “two marked limitations or one marked limitation and repeated episodes of decompensation - 12 - 1 each of an extended duration.” (Doc. 16 at 4) Plaintiff argues that Ms. Garcia’s opinion 2 constitutes an acceptable medical source opinion because she was part of a treatment team 3 led by Dr. Andrezj Honory. Plaintiff explains that on July 19, 2007, a psychiatric evaluation 4 and record of review was conducted at Mohave Mental Health. Ms. Garcia wrote the report 5 “that was co-signed by Dr. Andrezj Honory, M.D.” (Doc. 18 at 2) The July 19, 2007 report 6 assessed Plaintiff with a GAF of 45. Plaintiff asserts that “Dr. Honory’s signature on the 7 report satisfies the requirement of a signature of an acceptable medical source.” (Id.) 8 Physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, and chiropractors and similar providers 9 are medical professionals, but they are not considered “acceptable medical sources,” under 10 the Social Security regulations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513(d)(1), 416.913(d)(1). Rather, these 11 medical professionals are considered “other sources.” Id. The distinction between “other 12 sources” and “acceptable medical sources” is significant because only “an acceptable 13 medical source” may be considered a “treating source.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1502, 416.902. 14 The opinions of treating sources are generally entitled to controlling weight or at least 15 deference by adjudicators. Lester, 81 F.3d at 830. Generally, medical evaluations created 16 and signed by medical professionals who are not considered “acceptable medical sources” 17 under Social Security regulations are not assigned “treating-source” status. 18 However, the Ninth Circuit created an exception in Gomez v. Chater, 74 F.3d 967 19 (9th Cir. 1996). In Gomez, the court held that a nurse practitioner’s opinion was properly 20 credited to the supervising physician and treated as an opinion of an “acceptable medical 21 source” because the record indicated that the nurse practitioner worked so closely with the 22 physician that she became the physician’s agent. Id. at 971. The court noted that the nurse 23 practitioner regularly consulted with the physician regarding claimant’s treatment. Id. The 24 court relied on C.F.R. § 416.913(a)(6), which at that time provided that, “[a] report on an 25 interdisciplinary team that contains the evaluation and signature of an acceptable medical 26 source is also considered acceptable medical evidence.” Id. The court found that reading 27 paragraph (a)(6) in conjunction with the definition of “other source” evidence “indicates that 28 a nurse practitioner working in conjunction with a physician constitutes an acceptable - 13 - 1 2 medical source, while a nurse practitioner working on her own does not.” Id. A subsequent July 2000 revision to § 416.913 removed paragraph (a)(6) and any 3 reference to an “interdisciplinary team.” 65 Fed.Reg. 34950, 34952 (July 3, 2000). The 4 Social Security Administration explained that the revision recognized that paragraph (a)(6) 5 was “redundant and somewhat misleading” because acceptable medical sources are 6 individuals; thus to be evidence from an “acceptable medical source,” the evaluation or 7 report would still have to be provided and signed by the acceptable medical source, regard- 8 less of whether that source was part of an interdisciplinary team. Id. 9 10 11 This clarified the Social Security Administration’s position that a report from an interdisciplinary team member who is not an acceptable medical source is not transformed into an evaluation from an acceptable medical source because of participation on the team. Rather, to be treated as evidence from an acceptable medical source, the evaluation must be provided by an individual listed in the regulations as an acceptable medical source.” 12 Garcia v. Astrue, 2011 WL 3875483, at * 13 (E.D.Cal. Sept. 1, 2011) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 13 404.1513(a), 416.913(a)). 14 After § 416.913’s revision, in Buck v. Astrue, 2010 WL 2650038, * 15 (D.Ariz. 15 July 1, 2010), the court noted that § 416.913(a)(6) was amended after Gomez and no longer 16 includes “interdisciplinary team.” Id. However, the court recognized that in the case of an 17 agency relationship with an “acceptable medical source,” evidence from an “other source” 18 may be ascribed to the supervising “acceptable medical source.” Id. Buck recognizes that 19 the exception in Gomez remains following the deletion of paragraph (a)(6), but that there 20 must be an extremely close relationship before evidence from an “other source” may be 21 given “acceptable source” status. 22 Contrary to Plaintiff’s assertion, Gomez does not stand for the proposition that any 23 medical professional, who would not otherwise be considered an “acceptable medical 24 source,” is transformed into such a source merely because she works on a treatment team, or 25 is supervised to any degree by a physician. Rather, Gomez instructs that there must be 26 evidence of such close supervision that the “other source” becomes the agent of the 27 “acceptable medical source.” Ramirez v. Astrue, 2011 WL 1155682, at * 4 (C.D.Cal. March 28 - 14 - 1 29, 2011) (finding that physician’s co-signature on patient plan prepared by a social worker 2 did not indicate that the social worker was closely supervised by the physician in treating or 3 preparing the reports, thus the social worker’s evaluation was not from an “acceptable 4 medical source.”); Vasquez v. Astrue, 2009 WL 939339, at * 6 n. 3 (E.D.Wash. April 3, 5 2009) (finding that physician’s assistant’s report “signed off” by a superior did not constitute 6 an “acceptable medical source” opinion). Regardless, the narrow exception carved out in Gomez does not apply here. Plain- 7 8 tiff argues that Ms. Garcia authored a report regarding a July 19, 2007 psychiatric evaluation 9 of Plaintiff that was conducted at the Mohave Mental Health Clinic. (Doc. 18 at 2) Plaintiff 10 notes that this report was co-signed by Andrezj Honory, M.D. (Tr. 486) Plaintiff contends 11 that Dr. Honory’s signature on the report “satisfies the requirement of a signature of an 12 acceptable medical source.” (Doc. 18 at 2) Plaintiff further argues that the evaluation should 13 be treated as that of an acceptable medical source, because “[t]here were multiple partici- 14 pants in [Plaintiff’s] care. Clearly they were all working together in treating Plaintiff.” (Id.) 15 Plaintiff’s general conclusions about his care do not provide any insight into Dr. Honory’s 16 role in treating Plaintiff. Plaintiff has offered no evidence, indicating that Dr. Honory closely 17 supervised Ms. Garcia, consulted with Ms. Garcia, or otherwise had an agency relationship 18 with her. But see Gomez, 74 F.3d at 971 (nurse practitioner consulted with physician 19 numerous times regarding the patient and worked closely under physician’s supervision). 20 And, the record suggests that Dr. Honory - who did not add his signature to the July 19, 21 2007 report until August 20, 2007 - may have signed the report at the behest of Plaintiff’s 22 “non-attorney representative for social security benefits,” Linda Lynch.6 (Tr. 231, 463) 23 Indeed, an entry in Plaintiff’s Mohave Mental Health Clinic case notes made by Vera 24 Gaspar on August 20, 2007 - the same date Dr. Honory added his signature to the July 19, 25 2007 evaluation - reads: “T/C (telephone call) from Social Security Disability Advocate 26 6 27 28 In 2007, Linda Lynch was Plaintiff’s “authorized representative” representiving him for Social Security Benefits. She was affiliated with Helping Hands Disability Advocate, Social Security Disability Insurance Representatives, in Kingman, Arizona. (Tr. 231) - 15 - 1 Linda Lynch. . . requested future app[ointment] notes completed by Ms. Garcia, PAC, be 2 cosigned by a psychiatrist as Social Security Admin[istration] refused to accept her notes 3 without this.” (Tr. 463) The August 20, 2007 case note further states that Linda Garcia was 4 informed of the foregoing request that same day. (Tr. 463, “[s]taffed with PAC Lisa Garcia. 5 Informed her of the above noted request.”). 6 In view of the foregoing, the ALJ correctly concluded that Ms. Garcia was “not an 7 acceptable medical source” and her treatment notes and reports should not be credited to an 8 acceptable medical source. Garcia, 2011 WL 3875483, at * 15 (finding that doctor’s 9 signature on reports authored by physician’s assistant did not transform reports into evidence 10 from an “acceptable medical source” where the evidence indicated that the physicians 11 assistant prepared the reports following his examination of claimant); Freeman v. Astrue, 12 2011 WL 4625334, * 4-5 (E.D.Wash. Oct. 3, 2011) (finding that “interdisciplinary team” 13 approach noted in Gomez did not apply where there was no evidence that nurse practitioner 14 worked closely with doctor who signed nurse’s opinion letter). 15 B. Weight Assigned to Ms. Garcia’s Opinions 16 Although Ms. Garcia, a nurse practitioner, is not an acceptable medical source, she 17 is an “other source” under SSR 06-3p. Pursuant to SSR 06-03p, although nurse practitioners 18 and physician’s assistants are listed alongside laymen under “other sources,” the SSA does 19 not intend their opinions to automatically be given the same weight. Rather, the opinions of 20 medical sources not listed as “acceptable medical sources” are an important part of an 21 evaluation and their assessments should be carefully considered, and given appropriate 22 weight, when making a decision. SSR 06-03p, 2006 WL 2329939, at * 2 (Aug. 9, 2006). 23 When considering how much weight to afford the opinion of an“other source”, the court 24 should consider the following factors: the length and frequency of treatment with the source; 25 the consistency of the opinion with other evidence; the degree to which the source presents 26 relevant evidence to support the opinion; the specialty of the source; and any other factors 27 that tend to support or refute the opinion. SSR 06-03p. Because evidence from a non- 28 acceptable medical source or lay witness “as to a claimant’s symptoms is competent - 16 - 1 evidence that an ALJ must take into account . . .”, an ALJ errs “unless he or she expressly 2 determines to disregard such testimony and gives reasons germane to each witness for doing 3 so.” Lewis v. Apfel, 236 F.3d 503, 511 (9th Cir. 2001). 4 Here, the ALJ found that, “although Ms. Garcia has a treating relationship with 5 [Plaintiff], she is not an acceptable medical source and therefore her opinion is afforded less 6 weight.” (Tr. 15) The ALJ further explained that there was 7 little evidence to support [Ms. Garica’s] restrictive assessment of [Plaintiff’s] limitations within Ms. Garcia’s treatment records or any other medical evidence submitted regarding [Plaintiff’s] mental health impairments. As such, the undersigned gives Ms. Garcia’s opinion very little weight as to the restrictions on [Plaintiff’s] ability to perform work-related to tasks. 8 9 10 11 (Id.) The ALJ “expressly determine[d] to disregard” Ms. Garcia’s opinion and gave 12 “reasons germane to [Ms. Garcia] for doing so.” Lewis, 236 F.3d at 511; see also SSR 06- 13 03p (factors for evaluating opinions include how consistent the opinion is with other 14 evidence and the degree to which the source presents relevant evidence to support the 15 opinion); Batson v. Comm. Social Sec., 359 F.3d 1190, 1197 (9th Cir. 2003) (the lack of 16 objective medical evidence supporting claimant’s claims supported the ALJ’s determin- 17 ation). The record contains substantial evidence in support of the ALJ’s determination. 18 First, Ms. Garcia’s treatment notes support the ALJ’s decision to give little weight 19 to her opinion. Ms. Garcia began treating Plaintiff in July 2007. Her examinations showed 20 that, although Plaintiff exhibited signs of depression and anxiety, he remained alert and fully 21 oriented with coherent and organized thoughts, normal speech, at least fair insight and 22 judgment, and no suicidal ideation. (Tr. 469-71, 474-76, 479, 481, 485) Moreover, both Ms. 23 Garcia’s and Ms. Gaspar’s treatment notes reflected improvement in Plaintiff’s condition by 24 October 2007, less than twelve months after Plaintiff’s amended onset date in May 2007 - 25 once the correct medications and dosages were determined. (Tr. 459-60, 471, 476, 479) 26 Tommasetti v. Astrue, 533 F.3d 1035, 1040 (9th Cir. 2008) (finding that ALJ’s decision was 27 supported, in part, by the fact that claimant’s impairment was controlled with medication). 28 In October 2007, Ms. Garcia encouraged Plaintiff to “possibly look[] into different voca- 17 - 1 tional groups,” and noted that Plaintiff was interested in looking for non-labor jobs such as 2 those working with computers. (Tr. 479) Ms. Gaspar also discussed job alternatives with 3 Plaintiff in 2007. (Tr. 394) In view of the foregoing, there was substantial evidence in the 4 record to support the ALJ’s decision to discount Ms. Garcia’s opinion regarding Plaintiff’s 5 limitations. 6 Additionally, in June 2006, Dr. Doss’s examination showed that Plaintiff avoided 7 eye contact and “exhibited little positive affect,” but was fully oriented and answered all 8 questions in a logical and coherent manner and had adequate grooming and hygiene, 9 average-appearing intelligence, adequate memory skills, very good common sense 10 judgment, and good insight as long as the situation did not involve his defibrillator. (Tr. 270- 11 71) Dr. Doss concluded that Plaintiff had no limitations or was not significantly limited in 12 most areas of work-related mental functioning. (Tr. 263-67) 13 Similarly, Dr. Allen’s examination of Plaintiff in May 2007 showed that Plaintiff 14 had signs of depression and anxiety, but that he was fully oriented and had good eye contact, 15 a normal gait, normal sensorium, verbose but normal speech, logical associations, and no 16 unusual mannerisms or physiological responses. (Tr. 312) He was able to recall three items 17 immediately and after five minutes, calculate 17 times 3 without difficulty, properly 18 interpret a proverb, and spell the word “world” correctly both forward and backward. (Tr. 19 312) Dr. Allen opined that Plaintiff had no limitations or was not significantly limited in 20 most areas of work-related mental functioning. (Tr. 314-18) The ALJ properly gave the 21 opinions of Drs. Doss and Allen “considerable weight” because they were “supported by 22 their clinical observations and are consistent with the rest of the record.” (Tr. 15) 23 Further supporting the ALJ’s decision, Drs. Tangeman and Fletcher, the State 24 agency psychologists who reviewed the record in August 2007 and June 2007, respectively, 25 concluded that Plaintiff’s mental impairments would not preclude unskilled work. (Tr. 277, 26 376) See C.F.R. § 404.1527(f) (stating that ALJ will consider opinions of nonexamining 27 state agency medical sources). 28 Additionally, the degree of limitations found by Ms. Garcia was inconsistent with - 18 - 1 Plaintiff’s reported daily activities, which included caring for his personal needs, visiting 2 friends, shopping, doing crossword puzzles, doing some housework, preparing simple meals, 3 looking for work on a regular basis, and doing odd jobs such as pulling weeds, mowing the 4 lawn, and helping care for his sister’s dogs. (Tr. 33-35, 271, 311-12) In 2008, Plaintiff 5 dismissed his daughter’s suggestion that he move to Las Vegas to live with her, because he 6 said he did not consider himself disabled. (Tr. 475) 7 Finally, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred by failing to mention that Plaintiff 8 amended the alleged onset date from July 5, 2004 to May 4, 2007. (Tr. 19) This argument 9 lacks merit. The ALJ’s decision in this case indicates that she considered all of the evidence 10 in the record, and that she concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled at any time through the 11 date of her decision on August 6, 2009. (Tr. 17) Thus, the ALJ’s failure to specifically 12 mention the amended onset date was, at most, harmless error. Plaintiff has not met his 13 burden of showing that the ALJ’s failure to specifically note the amended onset date was 14 harmful. Shinseki v. Sanders, ___ U.S. ___, 129 S.Ct. 1696, 1706 (2009) (finding that “the 15 burden of showing that an error is harmful normally falls upon the party attacking the 16 agency’s determination.”). 17 VII. Conclusion 18 For the reasons set forth above, the Court finds that the Commissioner’s decision is 19 supported by substantial evidence and is free from harmful legal error. Accordingly, the 20 Commissioner’s decision is affirmed. Robbins v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 885 (9th 21 Cir. 2006). 22 Based on the foregoing, 23 IT IS ORDERED that the Commissioner’s decision denying Plaintiff’s 24 application for disability benefits is AFFIRMED. The Clerk of Court is kindly directed to 25 terminate this action. 26 Dated this 20th day of December, 2011. 27 28 - 19 -

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