Flynn v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
18
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Erin L. Setser on December 18, 2012. (lw)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DIVISION OF ARKANSAS
FORT SMITH DIVISION
STEVEN E. FLYNN
PLAINTIFF
V.
NO. 10-2156
MICHAEL J. ASTRUE,
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Plaintiff, Steven E. Flynn, brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking
judicial review of a decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
(Commissioner) denying his claims for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits
(DIB) and supplemental security income (SSI) under the provisions of Titles II and XVI of the
Social Security Act (Act). In this judicial review, the Court must determine whether there is
substantial evidence in the administrative record to support the Commissioner’s decision. See
42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
I.
Procedural Background:
Plaintiff filed his current applications for DIB and SSI on April 7, 2008, alleging an
inability to work since October 1, 2007, due to back and mental problems. (Tr. 123-127, 159,
164). An administrative hearing was held on July 23, 2009, at which Plaintiff appeared with
counsel, and he and his brother testified. (Tr. 40-78).
By written decision dated January 22, 2010, the ALJ found that during the relevant time
period, Plaintiff had an impairment or combination of impairments that were severe - disorder
of the back and intermittent explosive disorder. (Tr. 91). However, after reviewing all of the
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evidence presented, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff’s impairments did not meet or equal the
level of severity of any impairment listed in the Listing of Impairments found in Appendix I,
Subpart P, Regulation No. 4. (Tr. 91). The ALJ found Plaintiff retained the residual functional
capacity (RFC) to:
lift and carry 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently. The
claimant can sit for about six hours during an eight-hour workday and
stand and walk for about six hours during an eight-hour workday. The
claimant can occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
The claimant must avoid concentrated exposure to dusts, fumes, gases,
odors, and poor ventilation. The claimant can understand, remember, and
carry out simple, routine, and repetitive tasks and can respond
appropriately to supervisors and usual work situations; and he can have
occasional contact with co-workers and cannot have contact with the
general public.
(Tr. 93). With the help of the vocational expert (VE), the ALJ determined that during the
relevant time period, Plaintiff could perform such jobs as hand packager, meat processor, and
mail clerk. (Tr. 97).
Plaintiff then requested a review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council, which
denied that request on September 22, 2010. (Tr. 1-3). Subsequently, Plaintiff filed this action.
(Doc. 1). This case is before the undersigned pursuant to the consent of the parties. (Doc. 5).
Both parties have filed appeal briefs, and the case is now ready for decision. (Docs. 11, 12).
The Court has reviewed the entire transcript. The complete set of facts and arguments
are presented in the parties’ briefs, and are repeated here only to the extent necessary.
II.
Applicable Law:
This Court’s role is to determine whether the Commissioner’s findings are supported by
substantial evidence on the record as a whole. Ramirez v. Barnhart, 292 F. 3d 576, 583 (8th Cir.
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2002). Substantial evidence is less than a preponderance but it is enough that a reasonable mind
would find it adequate to support the Commissioner’s decision. The ALJ’s decision must be
affirmed if the record contains substantial evidence to support it. Edwards v. Barnhart, 314 F.
3d 964, 966 (8th Cir. 2003). As long as there is substantial evidence in the record that supports
the Commissioner’s decision, the Court may not reverse it simply because substantial evidence
exists in the record that would have supported a contrary outcome, or because the Court would
have decided the case differently. Haley v. Massanari, 258 F.3d 742, 747 (8th Cir. 2001). In
other words, if after reviewing the record, it is possible to draw two inconsistent positions from
the evidence and one of those positions represents the findings of the ALJ, the decision of the
ALJ must be affirmed. Young v. Apfel, 221 F. 3d 1065, 1068 (8th Cir. 2000).
It is well established that a claimant for Social Security disability benefits has the burden
of proving his disability by establishing a physical or mental disability that has lasted at least one
year and that prevents him from engaging in any substantial gainful activity. Pearsall v.
Massanari, 274 F. 3d 1211, 1217 (8th Cir. 2001); see also 42 U.S.C. §§423(d)(1)(A),
1382c(a)(3)(A). The Act defines “physical or mental impairment” as “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),
1382(3)(D). A Plaintiff must show that his disability, not simply his impairment, has lasted for
at least twelve consecutive months.
The Commissioner’s regulations require him to apply a five-step sequential evaluation
process to each claim for disability benefits: (1) whether the claimant had engaged in substantial
gainful activity since filing his claim; (2) whether the claimant had a severe physical and/or
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mental impairment or combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment(s) met or equaled
an impairment in the listings; (4) whether the impairment(s) prevented the claimant from doing
past relevant work; and (5) whether the claimant was able to perform other work in the national
economy given his age, education, and experience. See 20 C.F.R. §416.920. Only if the final
stage is reached does the fact finder consider the Plaintiff’s age, education, and work experience
in light of his residual functional capacity (RFC). See McCoy v. Schneider, 683 F.2d 1138,
1141-42 (8th Cir. 1982); 20 C.F.R. §416.920.
III.
Discussion:
Plaintiff raises the following arguments on appeal: 1) The ALJ did not accord appropriate
weight to certain medical opinions; 2) The ALJ erred as it relates to RFC; 3) The ALJ erred as
it relates to “severe findings; and 4) The ALJ erred as to credibility findings.
A.
RFC Findings and Weight Given to Physician’s Opinions:
The Court will address the first two arguments together. RFC is the most a person can
do despite that person’s limitations. 20 C.F.R. §404.1545(a)(1). It is assessed using all relevant
evidence in the record. Id. This includes medical records, observations of treating physicians
and others, and the claimant’s own description of his limitations. Guilliams v. Barnhart, 393
F.3d 798, 801 (8th Cir. 2005); Eichelberger v. Barnhart, 390 F.3d 584, 591 (8th Cir. 2004).
Limitations resulting from symptoms such as pain are also factored into the assessment. 20
C.F.R. § 404.1545(a)(3). The Eighth Circuit has held that a “claimant’s residual functional
capacity is a medical question.” Lauer v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 700, 704 (8th Cir. 2001). Therefore,
an ALJ’s determination concerning a claimant’s RFC must be supported by medical evidence
that addresses the claimant’s ability to function in the workplace.” Lewis v. Barnhart, 353 F.3d
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642, 646 (8th Cir. 2003). “The ALJ is [also] required to set forth specifically a claimant’s
limitations and to determine how those limitations affect his RFC.” Id.
In this case, the ALJ thoroughly discussed the opinions of the treating, examining and
non-examining physicians, and explained why he gave certain opinions greater weight. He
carefully reviewed Plaintiff’s surgical history as well as his various treatments and diagnoses.
(Tr. 93-96). He discussed the Medical Source Statement completed by Dr. Ronald V. Myers, one
of Plaintiff’s treating physicians, dated March 24, 2009. (Tr. 387-389). The ALJ noted that Dr.
Myers saw Plaintiff four times between May 2008 and September 2008, and did not see him
thereafter until he completed his Medical Source Statement in 2009. (Tr. 94). The ALJ
concluded that it appeared Dr. Myers’s opinion was based on Plaintiff’s subjective complaints
of pain rather than on objective testing which would support his opinions regarding Plaintiff’s
limitations. The ALJ also discussed the opinion submitted by Dr. Van Hoang in his General
Physical Examination dated June 30, 2008. Dr. Hoang concluded that Plaintiff had: normal
range of motion in his extremities and 0-60 degree range of motion in his lumbar spine; no
muscle weakness, atrophy; or sensory abnormalities; and normal gait/coordination. (Tr. 330331). Dr. Hoang found that Plaintiff could stand/walk without assistive devices, could walk on
his heel and toes, and could squat/arise from a squatting position.
(Tr. 331). Dr. Hoang
diagnosed Plaintiff with mild mental retardation with illiteracy; chronic low back pain post
laminectormy (lumbar); and psychotic disorder. (Tr. 332). Dr. Hoang then added the following
remark: “Severe mental and physical limitation for work.” (Tr. 332).
The ALJ addressed Dr. Hoang’s opinion as follows:
However, Dr. Hoang’s opinion is not fully supported by the results of his
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evaluation. Dr. Hoang found that the claimant had normal range of
motion in his shoulder, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles,
cervical spine, and lumbar spine (exhibit C7F). The claimant in Dr.
Hoang’s examination had 100% grip strength and could squat and arise
from a squatting position (exhibit C7F). Such findings are inconsistent
with a finding of “severe” physical limitations, and they diminish the
weight given to the testimony from the claimant and his brother regarding
the claimant’s inability to perform work-like activities.
(Tr. 94). In addition, the ALJ concluded that Dr. Hoang’s diagnosis of psychotic disorder should
be given little weight, and great weight to Dr. Robert L. Spray, Jr.’s report dated June 23, 2008.
(Tr. 96).
On June 13, 2008, x-rays of Plaintiff’s lumbar spine revealed that the lumbar vertebral
body heights and alignment were normal, there was mild narrowing of the L5-S1 interspace, and
no spondylolisthesis was evident. (Tr. 326).
On July 11, 2008, non-examining physician Dr. Ronald Crow, completed a Physical RFC
Assessment, finding that Plaintiff was capable of performing medium work, and no other
limitations were established. (Tr. 355-362). On September 22, 2008, Lucy Sauer affirmed this
assessment. (Tr. 385).
The Eighth Circuit has held that a treating physician’s opinion is given controlling weight
if it “‘is well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and
is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [a claimant’s] case record.’” Halverson
v. Astrue, 600 F.3d 922, 929 (8th Cir. 2010) (citations omitted). “When a treating physician’s
opinions ‘are inconsistent or contrary to the medical evidence as a whole, they are entitled to less
weight.’” Id. at 930 .(citation omitted).
The Court finds that with respect to Plaintiff’s physical limitations, based upon the record
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as a whole, there is substantial evidence to support the weight given by the ALJ to the various
medical opinions.
With regard to Plaintiff’s mental limitations, the ALJ gave greater weight to the
assessment of Dr. Spray dated June 23, 2008. (Tr. 315-319). Dr. Spray did not find any
evidence of psychosis (Tr. 318), and diagnosed Plaintiff as follows:
Axis I:
Axis II:
Axis V:
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder with narcissistic and
paranoid features, severe
45-50.
(Tr. 318). Dr. Spray noted that Plaintiff’s concentration was good during the exam, but that he
was not likely to attend and concentrate on tasks that he felt he was unable to do or did not want
to do; that he would not persist with tasks that he did not want to do or that required him to
consistently follow orders of others; and that he would have difficulty completing tasks in a
timely manner when he felt that there was an interpersonal issue involved or when he did not
want to do the task. (Tr. 319). The ALJ concluded that his RFC took into account the testimony
and report from Dr. Spray by finding that Plaintiff could understand, remember, and carry out
simple, routine, and repetitive tasks, respond appropriately to supervisors and usual work
situations, and have occasional contact with co-workers, but not with the general public. (Tr.
95). He also found that Dr. Spray’s report was not inconsistent with the testimony that was
offered by Plaintiff and his brother. (Tr. 95).
On July 16, 2008, a Mental RFC Assessment was completed by non-examining
consultant Jerry R. Henderson. (Tr. 337-339). Dr. Henderson found that Plaintiff was able to
perform work where interpersonal contact was incidental to work performed, e.g. assembly work,
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where complexity of tasks was learned and performed by rote, with few variables, little
judgment, and where supervision required was simple, direct and concrete. (Tr. 339). In his
Psychiatric Review Technique form dated July 16, 2008, Dr. Henderson concluded that Plaintiff
had a moderate degree of limitation in difficulties in maintaining social functioning and
concentration, persistence or pace, a mild degree of limitation in restriction of activities of daily
living, and no episodes of decompensation. (Tr. 351). Dr. Henderson also noted:
It is noteworthy that the claimant did not describe remarkable behavioral
problems or adjustment issues while previously incarcerated. Also the
behavior presented during the mental status exam contrasted sharply with
the description of the claimant during a face-to-face at the D.O.’s office
in which the claimant was described as very nice and soft spoken with no
mental limitations noted. It would appear that the claimant can exhibit
control over hostile type behaviors so motivated. Overall MER would
suggest the claimant retains the capacity for basic work in an environment
where interpersonal contact is only incidental.
(Tr. 353). On September 19, 2008, Kay M. Gale affirmed the July 16, 2008 assessment as
written. (Tr. 382).
Based upon the total record, the Court finds there is substantial evidence to support the
weight the ALJ gave to the medical opinions regarding Plaintiff’s mental limitations, as well as
physical limitations, and to support the ALJ’s RFC findings.
B.
Severe Impairments:
An impairment is severe within the meaning of the regulations if it significantly limits
an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. § § 1520(a)(4)ii),
416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impairment or combination of impairments is not severe when medical
and other evidence establish only a slight abnormality or a combination of slight abnormalities
that would have no more than a minimal effect on an individual’s ability to work. 20 C.F.R. §
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§ 404.1521, 416.921. The Supreme Court has adopted a “de minimis standard” with regard to
the severity standard. Hudson v. Bowen, 870 F.2d 1392, 1395 (8th Cri. 1989).
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed to address the issue of “personality disorder.”
However, as noted by Defendant, the ALJ determined at step-two that Plaintiff’s severe
impairments consisted of disorder of the back, and intermittent explosive disorder.
The ALJ found that Plaintiff’s mental impairment did not meet or medically equal the
criteria of listing 12.08, which is entitled “Personality Disorders.” (Tr. 92). 20 C.F.R. Part 404,
Subpt. P, App. 1. The Court finds that Plaintiff’s argument that the ALJ failed to address the
issue of personality disorder is without merit, and that there is substantial evidence to support
the ALJ’s severe impairment findings.
C.
Credibility Findings:
The ALJ was required to consider all the evidence relating to Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints, including evidence presented by third parties that relates to: (1) Plaintiff’s daily
activities; (2) the duration, frequency, and intensity of her pain; (3) precipitating and aggravating
factors; (4) dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of her medication; and (5) functional
restrictions. See Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320, 1322 (8th Cir. 1984). While an ALJ may not
discount claimant’s subjective complaints solely because the medical evidence fails to support
them, an ALJ may discount those complaints where inconsistencies appear in the record as a
whole. Id. As the Eighth Circuit has observed, “Our touchstone is that [a claimant’s] credibility
is primarily a matter for the ALJ to decide.” Edwards v. Barnhart, 314 F.3d 964, 966 (8th Cir.
2003).
In the present case, the ALJ found that Plaintiff’s medically determinable impairments
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could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms. However, the ALJ found that
Plaintiff’s statements concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects of the symptoms
were not credible to the extent they were inconsistent with his RFC assessment. (Tr. 93-94).
The ALJ noted that while Plaintiff had undergone surgery for a herniated nucleus pulposus, he
also returned to work during certain times in 2007 and 2008, and Plaintiff was not given any
particular limitations on his ability to perform basic work activities.
In an April 15, 2008 Function Report-Adult, Plaintiff reported that he was homeless, and
fed and walked his pets daily. (Tr. 175-176). He reported that his mother and sister or girlfriend
did his laundry, that he shopped for groceries, and visited friends and family members. (Tr. 177179).
He reported that he did not get along with authority figures and had been fired for not
getting along with other people.
In a June 9, 2008 report from Stephen D. Chiouoloni, LMSW, it was reported that
Plaintiff presented in a calm manner, appeared in good spirits and his thoughts were well
directed. (Tr. 369). Mr. Chiouoloni reported that Plaintiff dropped out of treatment after one
individual therapeutic session. (Tr. 376).
Plaintiff testified at the hearing that he did not have any health insurance or money.
However, Plaintiff testified that he smoked two packs of Black Mouse (like a cigar). In addition,
there is no evidence that Plaintiff was ever denied treatment for financial reasons. When asked
what he believed to be his biggest problem that prevented him from working, Plaintiff stated that
it was his “ability to comprehend, move fast enough for them.” (Tr. 71).
With respect to Plaintiff’s allegations regarding his mental impairment, the Court
believes that the ALJ’s RFC takes into account the testimony presented at the hearing, as well
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as the report from Dr. Spray, by finding that Plaintiff can understand, remember, and carry out
simple, routine, and repetitive tasks, respond appropriately to supervisors and usual work
situations, and have occasional contact with coworkers, but not with the general public.
Based upon the record as a whole, as well as Defendant’s well-reasoned brief, the Court
finds there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s credibility findings.
IV.
Conclusion:
Accordingly, having carefully reviewed the record, the undersigned finds substantial
evidence supporting the ALJ’s decision denying the Plaintiff benefits, and thus the decision is
affirmed. The Court further finds that the Plaintiff’s Complaint should be dismissed with
prejudice.
DATED this 18th day of December, 2012.
/s/ Erin L. Setser
HON. ERIN L. SETSER
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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