Standridge v. Social Security Administration

Filing 12

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER denying the appeal. Signed by Magistrate Judge Beth Deere on 10/9/2012. (mcz)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
DALLAS D. STANDRIDGE
V.

PLAINTIFF

CASE NO. 4:11CV00794 BD

MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, Commissioner,
Social Security Administration

DEFENDANT

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff Dallas Standridge appeals the final decision of the Commissioner of the
Social Security Administration (the “Commissioner”) denying his claims for
Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security
Act (the “Act”). For reasons set out below, the decision of the Commissioner is
AFFIRMED.
I.

Background
On March 22, 2010, Mr. Standridge protectively filed an application for SSI,

alleging an onset date of November 28, 2009, due to his inability to lift, bend, or climb;
lack of depth perception; depression; anxiety; and blindness in his right eye. (Tr. 141-45,
178) Mr. Standridge’s claims were denied initially and upon reconsideration. At his
request, an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) held a hearing on May 10, 2011, at which
Mr. Standridge appeared with his attorney. (Tr. 23) At the hearing, the ALJ heard
testimony from Mr. Standridge and Jim B. Spragins, a vocational expert (“VE”). (Tr. 2453)

The ALJ issued a decision on July 5, 2011, finding that Mr. Standridge was not
disabled under the Act. (Tr. 10-19) On September 19, 2011, the Appeals Council denied
Mr. Standridge’s request for review, making the ALJ’s decision the Commissioner’s final
decision. (Tr. 1-3)
Mr. Standridge was thirty-six years old at the time of the hearing. (Tr. 26) He had
experienced back pain since age sixteen when he hurt his back moving a motor in his
garage. (Tr. 29) He had completed the eighth grade at age seventeen, but did not return
to school because of back pain. (Tr. 27, 29) He had suffered a gunshot wound to the
lower calf of his left leg, and had been involved in three automobile accidents. (Tr. 30)
Mr. Standridge reported no earnings for the years 2005 - 2009. (Tr. 30) Before
that, he had done logging and firewood work. (Tr. 30-31) He had worked for several
weeks as a forklift operator in late 2009 into early 2010, but complained of problems with
his depth perception and pain in his back. (Tr. 34) He had also worked in recent years as
a handyman for a neighbor, earning approximately $80 - $100 a month. (Tr. 48)
Mr. Standridge testified that he mows his one-quarter-acre yard, taking breaks as
necessary. (Tr. 37, 42-43) He helps his wife with the laundry and helps his wife put
away the dishes. (Tr. 37, 41) He vacuums some. (Tr. 41) He cooks, but sits while
cooking. (Tr. 42) He feeds and waters his six dogs. (Tr. 43) He drives as necessary.
(Tr. 44) He said that he spends five to six hours a day watching television. (Tr. 47)

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Mr. Standridge testified that he could walk only 75-100 yards before having
problems with his back or legs, and that bending and lifting anything hurt his back. (Tr.
37) He also testified that he “feels like somebody is standing there stabbing me in the
back with an ice pick,” even when sitting, and that he hurts constantly. (Tr. 38-39)
Mr. Standridge was taking no prescription or over-the-counter medication for his pain.
(Tr. 45) He also testified that he got depressed fairly easily. When depressed, he did not
feel like doing anything. (Tr. 36)
II.

Decision of the Administrative Law Judge
The ALJ followed the required sequential analysis to determine: (1) whether the

claimant was engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) if not, whether the claimant had a
severe impairment; (3) if so, whether the impairment (or combination of impairments)
met or equaled a listed impairment; and (4) if not, whether the impairment (or
combination of impairments) prevented the claimant from performing past relevant work;
and (5) if so, whether the impairment (or combination of impairments) prevented the
claimant from performing any other jobs available in significant numbers in the national
economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)-(g) (2005), 416.920(a)-(g) (2005).
The ALJ found that Mr. Standridge had not engaged in substantial gainful activity
since his alleged disability onset date and that he had the following severe impairments:
vision impairment and back pain. (Tr. 12) The ALJ also found, however, that Mr.
Standridge did not have an impairment or combination of impairments meeting or

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equaling an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 C.F.R. §§
404.1526, 416.926). (Tr. 12-13) The ALJ found that while Mr. Standridge alleged
depression, leg pain, and foot pain, those conditions were not objectively corroborated
and only minimally affected his ability to perform work-related activities. (Tr. 12)
Taking into account the entire record, the ALJ determined that Mr. Standridge had
the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to perform light work, as defined in
20 C.F.R. § 416.967(b), except that he could only lift and carry 20 pounds occasionally
and 10 pounds frequently; could sit, stand or walk for about 6 hours in an 8-hour
workday; could frequently climb, balance, crawl, kneel, stoop, and crouch. (Tr. 13) He
also determined that Mr. Standridge could not perform work requiring excellent vision,
but that he could see well enough to avoid hazards in the workplace and to distinguish
between shapes and colors of objects, such as screws, nuts, and bolts. (Tr. 13) After
considering VE testimony, the ALJ determined that Mr. Standridge could perform the
jobs of housekeeping, fast food worker, and sales clerk, all of which existed in significant
numbers in the national economy. (Tr. 18) Accordingly, the ALJ found that Mr.
Standridge was not disabled. (Tr. 18)
III.

Analysis
A.

Standard of Review

In reviewing the Commissioner’s decision, this Court must determine whether
there is substantial evidence in the record as a whole to support the decision. Boettcher v.

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Astrue, 652 F.3d 860, 863 (8th Cir. 2011); 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Substantial evidence is
“less than a preponderance, but sufficient for reasonable minds to find it adequate to
support the decision.” Id. (citing Guilliams v. Barnhart, 393 F.3d 798, 801 (8th Cir.
2005)).
In reviewing the record as a whole, the Court must consider both evidence that
detracts from the Commissioner’s decision and evidence that supports the decision; but,
the decision cannot be reversed, “simply because some evidence may support the opposite
conclusion.” Id. (citing Pelkey v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 575, 578 (8th Cir. 2006)).
B.

Plaintiff’s Arguments for Reversal

Mr. Standridge claims that the ALJ’s decision was not supported by substantial
evidence because: (1) the ALJ erred in failing to fully and fairly develop the record;
(2) the ALJ erred at step two by not evaluating the severity of Mr. Standridge’s alleged
mental impairment using the Special Technique; (3) the ALJ erred in the evaluation of
Mr. Standridge’s subjective complaints; and (4) the ALJ erred at step five in his residual
functional capacity determination. (#10)
C.

The Record

In an apparent concession that the current record does not support his claims,
Mr. Standridge argues that the ALJ failed to adequately develop the record. (#10, p.10)
With respect to his vision impairment, he argues that there is no indication that the ALJ
authorized either a return examination by the treating source, or a new examining source

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for assessments of his impairments. (#10, p. 6) He points out that the last treating-source
medical evidence from Dr. Uwaydat, his eye surgeon, states that he should return for
further testing to assess the level of vision in his right eye. (#10, p. 6)
With respect to his spinal injury, Mr. Standridge notes that the ALJ relied only on
the treating source, but did not ask the treating physician’s opinion as to the RFC. Mr.
Standridge additionally notes that the ALJ gave little weight to the state agency
consultants or the orthopaedic consultative examiner. (#10, p.7) He asserts that there
was no evidence to support the ALJ’s RFC. (#10, p.7)
An ALJ has a duty to develop the record fairly and fully, independent of the
claimant’s burden to press his case. Vossen v. Astrue, 612 F.3d 1011, 1016 (8th Cir.
2010) (citation omitted). The duty to develop additional evidence arises when medical
source evidence is inadequate to determine disability. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512(e),
416.912(e); Hacker v. Barnhart, 459 F.3d 934, 938 (8th Cir. 2006). A fully and fairly
developed record must contain enough evidence to determine the effect of a claimant’s
impairment on his ability to work. Byres v. Astrue, 687 F.3d 913, 916 (8th Cir. 2012).
Reversal due to failure to develop the record is warranted, however, only where the
failure is unfair or prejudicial. Shannon v. Chater, 54 F.3d 484, 488 (8th Cir. 1995).
Vision Impairment
In a June 30, 2010 letter, Mr. Standridge’s treating physician, Dr. Sami H.
Uwaydat, wrote that he could not complete the vision impairment residual functional

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capacity questionnaire until Mr. Standridge returned for a follow-up appointment to check
if further improvements could be made in his vision. (Tr. 270) Mr. Standridge argues
that the ALJ failed to develop the record based on Dr. Uwaydat’s statement and based on
the fact that the ALJ did not authorize a return examination to the treating physician or
new examining source.
A further opinion as to whether Mr. Standridge’s vision could be improved,
however, is not determinative in this case. The record contains sufficient evidence
otherwise to determine Mr. Standridge’s ability to work. The ALJ adequately developed
the record, and Mr. Standridge’s claim in connection with his vision impairment fails.
The ALJ considered Mr. Standridge’s vision impairment under Listings 2.02, 2.03
and 2.04, and concluded that his condition did not satisfy the severity requirements of the
listed impairment: remaining vision in the better eye after best correction was 20/200 or
less; or visual efficiency of the better eye of 20 percent or less after best correction; or
visual field in the better eye with the widest diameter subtending an angle around the
point of fixation no greater than 20 degrees; or a mean deviation of -22 or worse; or a
visual field efficiency of 20 percent or less as determined by kinetic perimetry. (Tr. 12)
The ALJ considered all medical evidence in connection with Mr. Standridge’s
vision impairment. After Mr. Standridge injured his eye on November 28, 2009 and
underwent a CT scan, Dr. Inci Dersu diagnosed him with a ruptured globe of the right

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eye, hephema, and a rupture of the lens of the right eye. (Tr. 15) Mr. Standridge
underwent surgery that same day and was discharged the following day. (Tr. 15)
During a December 7, 2009 follow-up visit with Dr. Uwaydat, Mr. Standridge was
able to see colors of light, bright lights, and inferiorly, but with blurred vision. (Tr. 15)
At a January 13, 2010 follow-up visit, Mr. Standridge reported that he had peripheral
vision. However, Dr. Uwaydat determined that Mr. Standridge had a dense membrane
pulling the ciliary body centrally and recommended surgery. (Tr. 15-16)
On February 18, 2010, Mr. Standridge underwent further surgery. (Tr. 16) At his
February 24, 2010 follow-up appointment, Mr. Standridge reported that he was able to
see better than at the last visit. (Tr. 15-16) In April, 2010, Dr. Uwaydat noted that Mr.
Standridge was doing well and exhibited 20/20 vision in his left eye and 20/CF@1.5 in
his right eye.
The ALJ concluded that while Mr. Standridge’s vision impairment was severe, it
was not disabling. (Tr. 16) He noted that Mr. Standridge had good vision in his left eye,
and some vision in his right eye. (Tr. 16) He further noted that Mr. Standridge was able
to drive, shop, put away dishes, sweep the floor, and watch television. (Tr. 16)
The ALJ gave substantial weight to the medical opinions of physicians treating Mr.
Standridge’s eye injury. (Tr. 17; 205-42; 246-262; 266-69; 270-310) Based on the
medical evidence and Mr. Standridge’s activities, the ALJ found that Mr. Standridge
could see well enough to avoid hazards in the workplace and to distinguish between

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shapes and colors of objects, such as screws, nuts, and bolts. (Tr. 16) The ALJ noted that
the record contained no medical opinion that Mr. Standridge was disabled or had
limitations greater than those determined in the ALJ’s decision.
The ALJ further found that Mr. Standridge’s statements about the intensity,
persistence, and limiting effects of his symptoms were not credible to the extent that those
statements were inconsistent with the residual functional capacity assessment. (Tr. 16)
The ALJ found the following detrimental to Mr. Standridge’s credibility: (1) Mr.
Standridge did not complete his treatment with Dr. Uwaydat; (2) the lack of evidence that
Mr. Standridge ever tried a visual aid; (3) the fact that Mr. Standridge took no
medication; and (4) Mr. Standridge had not sought help from a charitable organization.
(Tr. 16)
Back Injury
Plaintiff asserts that the key to this appeal is that only hip x-rays were authorized
and performed -- when Mr. Standridge was not alleging a left hip injury, but a spinal
injury -- which rendered the record void of medical evidence in connection with Mr.
Standridge’s spinal injury. (#10, at 8) The record, however, shows that Mr. Standridge
did allege a hip injury.
In the Disability Determination for Social Security Pain and Other Symptoms
form, he described the location of his pain as back, hip, leg, and head. (Tr. 181) He
testified that the gunshot wound to his left leg affected his ability to walk, and affected

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both his hip and back. (Tr. 30) He also testified that doing anything in the garden
affected his back and hip; that his hip “locks up” when he tried to rise from a kneeling
position. (Tr. 32) At the hearing, the ALJ noted the scant medical evidence regarding
Mr. Standridge’s injury and granted his motion for an orthopedic examination. (Tr. 52)
The additional services authorized were an x-ray of the left hip, complete, minimum of
two views, and an orthopedic exam with narrative report. (Tr. 311) The two x-rays
indicated that Mr. Standridge had a normal left hip. (Tr. 314) Dr. Ted Honghiran’s
examination showed that Mr. Standridge had complete range of motion in his left hip, but
with pain. (Tr. 314)
In connection with Mr. Standridge’s alleged back injury, Dr. Ted Honghiran found
that Mr. Standridge showed painful range of motion of the lumbar spine. (Tr. 314) He
could flex to 90 degrees with no extension, and bend side to side to 10 degrees only. (Tr.
314) He had increasing pain on straight leg raise of the left leg, and normal reflex and
sensation in both knees and ankles. (Tr. 314) Dr. Honghiran found no muscle atrophy.
Dr. Honghiran recommended that Mr. Standridge get an MRI scan of his lumbar spine,
and possible surgery if needed. In Dr. Honghiran’s opinion, Mr. Standridge was not able
to do any work of any kind at the time of the examination.
The ALJ gave little weight to Dr. Honghiran’s opinion regarding Mr. Standridge’s
ability to work because the opinion was not supported by the findings of Dr. Honghiran’s
physical examination or the objective medical evidence. (Tr. 17) Krogmeier v. Barnhart,

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294 F.3d 1019, 1023 (8th Cir. 2002) (when treating physician’s opinion is inconsistent
with medical evidence, opinion is not entitled to deference). The ALJ noted that Dr.
Honghiran’s opinion was an administrative finding that is determinative of this case, and,
as such, is reserved to the Commissioner. See id. (statements of a treating physician that
a claimant cannot be gainfully employed are opinions under the sole discretion of the
Commissioner). Considering the medical evidence, along with Mr. Standridge’s own
statements of his activities, the record contained enough evidence to determine the effect
of Mr. Standridge’s impairment on his ability to work.
D.

Alleged Mental Impairment

Mr. Standridge alleges that the ALJ erred at step two by not evaluating the severity
of his alleged mental impairment using the special technique set out in 20 C.F.R. § 1520a.
(#10, at 9) At step two, the ALJ addressed Mr. Standridge’s alleged mental impairment
as follows: “The claimant also alleges depression . . . . However, the undersigned finds
that said conditions were not objectively corroborated and do not impact his ability to
perform significant work-related activities more than minimally.” (Tr. 12)
Here, even if the ALJ erred in not using the special technique, the error was
harmless. While an ALJ should follow the technique in evaluating a mental impairment,
at step two, the burden is on the claimant to show that he is severely impaired. King v.
Astrue, 564 F.3d 978, 979 n.2 (8th Cir. 2009). Mr. Standridge submitted no evidence in
connection with his alleged mental impairment. There is no evidence that he ever sought

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treatment for depression. While Mr. Standridge may not have the financial resources
available to seek medical care, there is no evidence that he ever received charitable
medical services for depression, or was denied medical help for financial reasons.
Further, the medical reports in the record that note Mr. Standridge’s mental state do not
indicate that he displayed symptoms of depression. (Tr. 207, 238) The record as a whole
supports the ALJ’s assessment.
E.

Credibility Determination

Mr. Standridge argues that the ALJ failed to perform a proper credibility
assessment. (#10, p. 10) Under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529 and 416.929, the ALJ must
consider all symptoms, including pain, and the extent to which those symptoms are
consistent with the objective medical evidence. An ALJ’s conclusions may be upheld if
the record as a whole supports them. Dunahoo v. Apfel, 241 F.3d 1033, 1038 (8th Cir.
2001).
In connection with Mr. Standridge’s alleged spinal injury, the ALJ found that
Mr. Standridge’s “allegations regarding his pain and limitations are so extreme as to
appear implausible.” (Tr. 14) The ALJ noted that Mr. Standridge allegedly suffered
constant back, hip, and leg pain. (Tr. 14) The ALJ further noted that Mr. Standridge’s
symptoms were unsupported by the medical evidence. He discussed an x-ray of Mr.
Standridge’s lumbar spine that was interpreted as negative. (Tr. 14) He pointed out that
Mr. Standridge never returned for treatment for his spinal injury, although he was

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instructed to do so if he saw no improvement. (Tr. 14) He acknowledged Mr.
Standridge’s financial constraints, but noted the lack of evidence that Mr. Standridge ever
sought help through charitable organizations. (Tr. 14) He noted Dr. Honghiran’s
observation that Mr. Standridge walked with a severe limp, but also that he walked
without the help of an assistive device. (Tr. 14)
The ALJ noted Mr. Standridge’s substantial daily activities: mowing the lawn;
housework; hanging laundry; putting up dishes; sweeping; vacuuming; driving a vehicle;
and preparing meals. He further noted that Mr. Standridge testified that he injured his
back at age 16 and injured his leg several years earlier, but continued to work with the
impairments that he now claims render him unable to work. (Tr. 16) The ALJ found that
the severity of the symptoms Mr. Standridge described was unsupported by his selfdescribed activities of daily life.
In connection with Mr. Standridge’s vision impairment, the ALJ acknowledged
that the impairment was severe. (Tr. 16) He found that the impairment was not disabling,
however, because Mr. Standridge enjoyed good vision in his left eye and remained
capable of many daily activities. (Tr. 16) The ALJ discredited Mr. Standridge’s
statements about the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of his symptoms. He
noted that Mr. Standridge failed to avail himself of available countermeasures. He also
noted that despite alleged severe pain, Mr. Standridge took no pain medication. (Tr. 16)

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The ALJ discussed many of the factors relevant to credibility. See Curran-Kicksey
v. Barnhart, 315 F.3d 964, 968 (8th Cir. 2003) (objective medical evidence, prior work
history, daily activities, duration, frequency, and intensity of pain, precipitating or
aggravating factors, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of medication, and functional
restrictions are all factors to consider when assessing the credibility of a claimant’s
subjective allegations). The ALJ is not required to discuss each Polaski factor as long as
he acknowledges and considers the factors before discounting a claimant’s subjective
complaints. Jones v. Astrue, 619 F.3d 963, 975 (8th Cir. 2010) (citing Moore v. Astrue,
572 F.3d 520, 524 (8th Cir. 2009)). The record as a whole supports the ALJ’s
conclusions. This Court cannot find error in the ALJ’s credibility determination.
F.

RFC Determination

Mr. Standridge argues that due to the ALJ’s failure to develop the record, his RFC
is flawed. (#10, p. 12) As explained, this Court finds no failure by the ALJ in
developing the record. Further, the ALJ noted the findings of both Dr. Honghiran and
Dr. Uwaydat, and based his RFC on Mr. Standridge’s limitations.
The ALJ bears the initial responsibility for assessing a plaintiff’s RFC. Anderson
v. Shalala, 51 F.3d 777, 779 (8th Cir. 1995). The RFC is what a claimant can do despite
his limitations. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545, 416.945 (2003). The ALJ has a duty to establish
the physical and mental activities that a plaintiff can perform in a work setting, after
giving appropriate consideration to all of his or her impairments. Ostronski v. Chater, 94

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F.3d 413, 418 (8th Cir. 1996). The ALJ must determine the plaintiff's RFC based on all
relevant evidence, including medical records, observations of treating physicians and
others, and plaintiff’s own descriptions of his or her limitations. Baldwin v. Barnhart,
349 F.3d 549, 556 (8th Cir. 2003); Pearsall v. Massanari, 274 F.3d 1211, 1217 (8th Cir.
2001).
In making his RFC determination, the ALJ considered all symptoms to the extent
to which they were reasonably consistent with the objective medical evidence and other
evidence, as required by 20 C.F.R. § 416.929 and SSRs 96-4p and 96-7p. He also
considered opinion evidence in accordance with the requirements of 20 C.F.R. § 416.927
and SSRs 96-2p, 96-5p, 96-6p, and 06-3p. (Tr. 13)
The ALJ considered that Mr. Standridge was treated for back pain in 2007, that the
physical examination revealed pain with extension and flexion and some mild tenderness
across the lumbar spine, and that an x-ray of his lumbar spine was interpreted as negative.
(Tr. 14) Dr. Finley Turner diagnosed “lumbrosacral with right radiculopathy.” (Tr. 14)
Because of the sparse medical evidence in connection with Mr. Standridge’s back injury,
the agency requested an orthopedic examination.
Dr. Honghiran’s examination showed a reduced range of motion in Mr.
Standridge’s lumbar spine, and x-rays showed a normal left hip. (Tr. 14) Dr. Honghiran
diagnosed Mr. Standridge with chronic pain in the lower back and left leg pain, most

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likely from degenerative disc disease and herniated disc in nature. Dr. Honghiran
recommended an MRI of Mr. Standridge’s lumbar spine. (Tr. 14)
Considering Mr. Standridge’s admitted activities (he mows the lawn, helps with
housework, hangs the laundry, puts up dishes, sweeps, vacuums, prepares meals, and
drives a vehicle) together with the medical evidence, the ALJ found that Mr. Standridge’s
RFC should include work where he may occasionally be required to lift and carry items
weighing 20 pounds, and frequently carry items weighing 10 pounds.
The ALJ acknowledged Mr. Standridge’s allegation that he is unable to stand,
walk, and/or sit any length of time without pain, but noted that Mr. Standridge indicated
that he sits in his recliner for most of the day. (Tr. 15) Alluding to his earlier finding that
the severity of Mr. Standridge’s back, hip, and leg pain were unsupported by the medical
evidence and Mr. Standridge’s daily activities, the ALJ found that Mr. Standridge’s RFC
should include work where he may be required to sit, stand, and/or walk for about six
hours of an eight-hour workday.
Again finding that Mr. Standridge’s alleged limitations were not supported by his
admitted activities, in particular caring for six dogs, attending church services, driving a
vehicle with no power steering, vacuuming, and mowing the lawn, the ALJ determined
that Mr. Standridge’s RFC may include frequent climbing, balancing, crawling, kneeling,
stooping, and crouching. (Tr. 15)

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In connection with Mr. Standridge’s vision impairment, the ALJ discussed the
medical history in detail. The ALJ noted how and when the injury occurred, that a CT
scan revealed that Mr. Standridge’s right eye had a ruptured globe and contained a small
foci of air, and that the lens was not seen and was felt to have been dislocated or
extruded. (Tr. 15) Mr. Standridge was diagnosed with a ruptured globe of the right eye,
hephema, and a rupture of the lens in the right eye for which he underwent surgery to
correct. (Tr. 15)
The ALJ took into account that on Mr. Standridge’s follow-up visits he could see
colors of light, bright lights, and inferiorly, but that his right-eye vision was blurry
(December 7, 2009 visit), and that he had peripheral vision in his right eye (January 13,
2010 visit). However, Dr. Uwaydat recommended further surgery to correct a dense
membrane pulling the ciliary body centrally. (Tr. 15-16) Mr. Standridge underwent the
additional surgery, and on a follow-up visit on February 24, 2010, he reported that he was
able to see a little better than he had been able to on his last visit. (Tr. 16). Dr. Uwaydat
last saw Mr. Standridge in April, 2010, and noted that he was doing well post surgery,
with 20/20 vision in his left eye and 20/C@1.5 vision in his right eye.
Considering both the medical evidence and Mr. Standridge’s admitted activities,
the ALJ found that Mr. Standridge’s RFC may not include work that requires him to have
excellent vision, but that he is well enough to avoid workplace hazards and to distinguish
between shape and color of objects like screws, nuts, and bolts. (Tr. 15)

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There is little to no evidence that would support physical limitations precluding
Mr. Standridge’s performance of this work. The ALJ’s mental and physical RFC findings
are supported by substantial evidence in the record. The primary evidence supporting
further limitations was Mr. Standridge’s subjective complaints, which the ALJ found to
be less than fully credible.
IV.

Conclusion
The Court has reviewed all of the evidence in the record, including the medical

evidence, the assessment of the consulting physician, and the hearing transcript. There is
sufficient evidence in the record as a whole to support the Commissioner’s determination
that Dallas Standridge retained the residual functional capacity to perform jobs existing in
significant numbers in the economy.
Accordingly, this appeal is DENIED, and the Clerk of Court is directed to close
the case, this 9th day of October, 2012.

___________________________________
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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