Murphy v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
14
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable James R. Marschewski on October 11, 2013. (lw)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
FORT SMITH DIVISION
EMILY JANE MURPHY
v.
PLAINTIFF
CASE NO.
12-2254
CAROLYN W. COLVIN1, Commissioner
of Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Plaintiff brings this action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking judicial review of a decision
of the Commissioner of Social Security Administration (Commissioner) denying his claim for a
period of disability and disability insurance benefits (DIB) and supplemental security income
(“SSI”) under Title II of the Social Security Act (Act), 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). 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:
The plaintiff filed an applications for DIB and SSI on September 8, 2010, alleging an
onset date of September 5, 2009, due to plaintiff’s back surgery for ruptured disc (T. 111).
Plaintiff’s applications were denied initially and on reconsideration. Plaintiff then requested an
administrative hearing, which was held on June 28, 2011. Plaintiff was present and represented
by counsel.
1
Carolyn W. Colvin became the Social Security Commissioner on February 14, 2013. Pursuant to Rule
25(d)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Carolyn W. Colvin has been substituted for Commissioner Michael
J. Astrue as the defendant in this suit.
-1-
At the time of the administrative hearing, plaintiff was 44 years of age and possessed a
High School Education. The Plaintiff had past relevant work (“PRW”) experience as a line
worker and house keeper (T. 113).
On August 17, 2011, the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) concluded that, although
severe, plaintiff’s back injury did not meet or equal any Appendix 1 listing. T. 15. The ALJ
found that plaintiff maintained the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to perform sedentary
work. T. 15. With the assistance of a vocational expert, the ALJ then determined Plaintiff could
perform the requirements of representative occupation such as assembly worker, call out
operator, and cashier. T. 19.
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. Cox v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 614, 617 (8th Cir. 2007).
Substantial evidence is less than a preponderance, but enough that a reasonable mind would find
it adequate to support the Commissioner’s decision. Id. “Our review extends beyond examining
the record to find substantial evidence in support of the ALJ’s decision; we also consider
evidence in the record that fairly detracts from that decision.” Id. As long as there is substantial
evidence in the record to support the Commissioner’s decision, the court may not reverse the
decision simply because substantial evidence exists in the record to support a contrary outcome,
or because the court would have decided the case differently. Haley v. Massanari, 258 F.3d 742,
747 (8th Cir. 2001). If the court finds it possible “to draw two inconsistent positions from the
evidence, and one of those positions represents the Secretary’s findings, the court must affirm the
decision of the Secretary.” Cox, 495 F.3d at 617 (internal quotation and alteration omitted).
-2-
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 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)(c). A plaintiff
must show that his disability, not simply his impairment, has lasted for at least twelve
consecutive months. Titus v. Sullivan, 4 F.3d 590, 594 (8th Cir. 1993).
The Commissioner’s regulations require him to apply a five-step sequential evaluation
process to each claim for disability benefits. See 20 C.F.R. § § 404.1520(a)- (f)(2003). Only if
the final stage is reached does the fact finder consider the plaintiff’s age, education, and work
experience in light of his or her residual functional capacity. See McCoy v. Schweiker, 683 F.2d
1138, 1141-42 (8th Cir. 1982); 20 C .F.R. § § 404.1520, 416.920 (2003).
III. Discussion:
A. RFC:
RFC is the most a person can do despite that person’s limitations. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1545(a)(1). It is defined as the individual’s maximum remaining ability to do sustained
work activity in an ordinary work setting “on a regular and continuing basis.” 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1545 and 416.945; Social Security Ruling (SSR) 96-8p (1996). 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 descriptions of her limitations. Guilliams v.
-3-
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 United States Court of Appeals for 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 642, 646 (8th Cir. 2003).
Nevertheless, in evaluating a claimant's RFC, an ALJ is not limited to considering
medical evidence exclusively. Cox v. Astrue, 495 F. 3d 614 at 619 citing Lauer v. Apfel, 245
F.3d 700 at 704; Dykes v. Apfel, 223 F.3d 865, 866 (8th Cir.2000) (per curiam) (“To the extent
[claimant] is arguing that residual functional capacity may be proved only by medical evidence,
we disagree.”). Even though the RFC assessment draws from medical sources for support, it is
ultimately an administrative determination reserved to the Commissioner.*620 20 C.F.R. §§
416.927(e)(2), 416.946 (2006).
1. Development of the Record
The Plaintiff contends the ALJ committed error by failing to obtain an RFC assessment
from the Plaintiff’s treating physician. (ECF No. 12, p. 6).
The ALJ has a duty to fully and fairly develop the record. See Frankl v. Shalala, 47 F.3d
935, 938 (8th Cir. 1995)(ALJ must fully and fairly develop the record so that a just determination
of disability may be made). This duty exist “even if ... the claimant is represented by counsel.”
Boyd v. Sullivan, 960 F.2d 733, 736 (8th Cir.1992) (quoting Warner v. Heckler, 722 F.2d 428,
431 (8th Cir.1983)). The ALJ is not required to act as Plaintiff’s counsel. See Clark v.
-4-
Shalala, 28 F.3d 828, 830 (8th Cir. 1994) (ALJ not required to function as claimant’s substitute
counsel, but only to develop a reasonably complete record); see also Shannon v. Chater, 54 F.3d
484, 488 (8th Cir. 1995) (“reversal due to failure to develop the record is only warranted where
such failure is unfair or prejudicial”).
On November 4, 2008, Plaintiff reported continued back pain and that her radicular
symptoms were getting worse. Her doctor diagnosed sciatica, ordered her off work for a few
days, and prescribed 800 mg. Ibuprofen and Lorcet. ('I'. 197-198). Plaintiff visited Dr. Carrick on
November 11,2008, and reported having back pain and radicular symptoms into her lower
extremities and feel. She had limited range of motion and diminished reflexes on the left. He
ordered an MRI. ('I'. 195-196). It showed facet hypertrophy at L4-5 and L5-S I but no disc
herniation. ('I'. 209). Plaintiff visited her doctor again on December 16, 2008, and was feeling
better because of her hack brace, She had full range of motion and no pain going into her legs.
He continued to prescribe Lorcet and 800 mg. Ibuprofen but released her to full duty. (T. 189190), On December 26, 2008, Plaintiff went to the doctor again, She reported that she was
experiencing severe hack pain again after mopping. The doctor reviewed her MRI and prescribed
medication for pain as well as a back brace. (T.187-188). Plaintiff saw Dr. Carrick again on
January 14,2009, and noted that she continued to have back pain, especially with activities such
as lifting or mopping. The doctor prescribed 800 mg. Ibuprofen and Lorcet ('I', 185- 186).
The Plaintiff began to treat with Dr. James Blankenship, M.D., F.A.C.S. in February
2009. In April 2009 another MRI was performed that showed no disc herniations or
impingements but increased signal was noted in the zygapophyseal joints at L4-5. (T. 236) and
Dr. Blankenship recommended “bilateral Z joint injection”. (T. 222). A second Z joint injection
-5-
was recommended in July 2009 (T. 220). In December Dr. Blankenship notes that the rhizotomy
procedure2 was not effective and surgery was discussed (T. 219). An MRI in January 2010
showed the Plaintiff had a “ grade 4, bordering on grade 5, annular disruption based on
the modified Dallas diskogram scale at L4-L5. She also has retrolisthesis3 at the L4-L5 level.
Surgery was performed on February 23, 2010. (T. 225). All of the Plaintiff’s post operative x-ray
reports showed that the operative procedure was successful. (T. 232, 231, 230). Dr. Blankenship
found the Plaintiff had reached MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement) on April 22, 2010 and
rated her, for workman’s compensation purposes, at 9% to the body as a whole. He felt her
weight lifting restrictions should be “25 pounds for another six weeks and then at three months
postop unless there has been a change in her clinical condition, she would have a permanent
weight-lifting restriction of 50 pounds”. (T. 214-215). The Plaintiff saw Dr. Blankenship in
August 2010 and his impression was “early solid arthrodesis without complication” although he
acknowledge that the Plaintiff reported her pain persisted and that “she certainly has not made
the degree of recovery we could have liked, she is capable of functioning”. (T. 213). Dr.
Blankenship did not indicate any deviation from his prior assessment.
Dr. Blankenship is a specialist in his field. Opinions of specialists on issues within their
areas of expertise are “generally” entitled to more weight than the opinions of non-specialists.
See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(d)(5), 416.927(d)(5). Guilliams v. Barnhart 393 F.3d 798, 803
(C.A.8 (Mo.),2005), 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527.
2
Rhizotomy /rhi·zot·o·my/ (ri-zot´ah-me) interruption of a cranial or spinal nerve root, such as by chemicals
or radio waves. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/rhizotomy.
3
Backward slippage of one vertebra onto the vertebra immediately below. See
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/retrolisthesis.
-6-
The Commissioner obtained a Physical RFC assessment on October 19, 2010. Dr. Payne
evidently had the medical opinion of Dr. Blankenship (T. 250) and Dr. Payne found that the
Plaintiff could lift 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and stand and/or walk and sit
for 6 hours in an 8-hour workday. (T. 245). Dr. Payne’s opinion was reviewed and affirmed by
Dr. Sharon Keith in December 2010. (T. 254).
We have stated many times that the results of a one-time medical evaluation do not
constitute substantial evidence on which the ALJ can permissibly base his decision. See, e.g.,
Jenkins v. Apfel, 196 F.3d 922, 925 (8th Cir.1999) (stating that the opinion of a consultative
physician does not generally satisfy the substantial evidence requirement). This is especially true
when the consultative physician is the only examining doctor to contradict the treating physician.
Id.; Cox v. Barnhart 345 F.3d 606, 610 (C.A.8 (Ark.),2003).
In this case, however, the consultive physician does not contradict the opinion of the
treating specialist but agrees with it. While Dr. Blankenship did not perform a “functional
capacity evaluation” (T. 214) he specifically found that the Plaintiff had reached MMI, had rated
her at only 9% impairment to the body as a whole, and found that she could lift up to 50 pounds
occasionally after 6 months (T. 214) and that she was capable of functioning. (T. 214).
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the Commissioner's RFC assessment in
cases where the ALJ did not rely on a treating physician's functional assessment of the claimant's
abilities and limitations. See Page v. Astrue, 484 F.3d at 1043 (the medical evidence, state
agency physician opinions, and claimant's own testimony were sufficient to determine RFC);
Stormo v. Barnhart, 377 F.3d 801, 807-08 (8th Cir. 2004) (medical evidence, state agency
physicians' assessments, and claimant's reported activities of daily living supported RFC
-7-
finding); Masterson v. Barnhart, 363 F.3d 731, 738 (8th Cir. 2004) (ALJ's RFC assessment
properly relied upon assessments of consultative physicians and a medical expert, which did not
conflict with the treating physician's records).
The question is whether the treating physician’s opinion adequately address the ability of
the Plaintiff to function in the workplace. If a treating physician has not issued an opinion which
can be adequately related to the disability standard, the ALJ is obligated to address a precise
inquiry to the physician so as to clarify the record. See Vaughn v. Heckler, 741 F.2d 177, 179
(8th Cir. 1984). “An ALJ should recontact a treating or consulting physician if a critical issue is
undeveloped. See Ellis v. Barnhart, 392 F.3d 988, 994 (8th Cir.2005).” Johnson v. Astrue, 627
F.3d 316, 319–20 (8th Cir.2010). There is no bright line rule indicating when the Commissioner
has or has not adequately developed the record; rather, such an assessment is made on a
case-by-case basis. Battles v. Shalala, 36 F.3d 43 at 45 (C.A.8 (Ark.), 1994). In this case the
court believes that the Commissioner has fully and fairly developed the record and the opinion of
the treating physician, coupled with the PRFC assessment is sufficient.
2. Credibility
In determining a claimant's RFC, “ ‘the ALJ must first evaluate the claimant's credibility.’
” Wagner v. Astrue, 499 F.3d 842, 851 (8th Cir.2007) (quoting Pearsall v. Massanari, 274 F.3d
1211, 1217 (8th Cir.2002)). Assessing and resolving credibility issues is a matter that is properly
within the purview of the ALJ. Johnson v. Chater, 87 F.3d 1015, 1018 (8th Cir. 1996) (court will
not substitute its own credibility opinion for that of the ALJ). 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). The court should , “ defer to
-8-
the ALJ's determinations regarding the credibility of testimony, so long as they are supported by
good reasons and substantial evidence.” Perks v. Astrue 687 F.3d 1086, 1091 (C.A.8Ark.),
2012).
The court has reviewed the record and believes that the record supports the ALJ decision
to discount the credibility of the Plaintiff and that the ALJ's credibility determination is entitled
to deference, see Renstrom v. Astrue, 680 F.3d 1057, 1067 (8th Cir.2012).
B. Vocational Expert Testimony:
Testimony from a vocational expert ("VE") based on a properly-phrased hypothetical
question constitutes substantial evidence. See Cruze v. Chater, 85 F.3d 1320, 1323 (8th Cir.
1996); cf. Hinchey v. Shalala, 29 F.3d 428, 432 (8th Cir. 1994) (when hypothetical question does
not encompass all relevant impairments, VE's testimony does not constitute substantial evidence
to support the ALJ's decision). The ALJ's hypothetical question needs to "include only those
impairments that the ALJ finds are substantially supported by the record as a whole." Id. (citing
Stout v. Shalala, 988 F.2d 853, 855 (8th Cir.1993)); see also Morse v. Shalala, 32 F.3d 1228,
1230 (8th Cir.1994).
The court finds that the ALJ's hypothetical to the vocational expert (VE) accounted for
all of Plaintiff's proven impairments, see Buckner v. Astrue, 646 F.3d 549, 560–61 (8th Cir.2011)
(VE's testimony constitutes substantial evidence when it is based on hypothetical that accounts
for all of claimant's proven impairments; hypothetical must include impairments that ALJ finds
substantially supported by record as a whole).
IV. Conclusion:
Accordingly, having carefully reviewed the record, the undersigned finds substantial
-9-
evidence supporting the ALJ's decision, and thus the decision should be affirmed. The
undersigned further finds that the plaintiff’s Complaint should be dismissed with prejudice.
Dated this October 11, 2013.
/s/ J. Marschewski
HONORABLE JAMES R. MARSCHEWSKI
CHIEF U. S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE
-10-
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?