Wilhoite v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
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MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Barry A. Bryant on December 18, 2013. (rw)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
FORT SMITH DIVISION
GISELE D. WILHOITE
vs.
PLAINTIFF
Civil No. 2:12-cv-02267
CAROLYN COLVIN
Commissioner, Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Gisele Wilhoite (“Plaintiff”) brings this action pursuant to § 205(g) of Title II of the Social
Security Act (“The Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (2006), seeking judicial review of a final decision of
the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) denying her application for
Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) under Titles II and
XVI of the Act. The parties have consented to the jurisdiction of a magistrate judge to conduct any
and all proceedings in this case, including conducting the trial, ordering the entry of a final judgment,
and conducting all post-judgment proceedings. ECF No. 5.1 Pursuant to this authority, the Court
issues this memorandum opinion and orders the entry of a final judgment in this matter.
1. Background:
Plaintiff’s application for DIB and SSI was filed on April 19, 2010. (Tr. 17, 133-143).
Plaintiff alleged she was disabled due to diabetes, depression, migraines, glaucoma, and COPD. (Tr.
176). Plaintiff alleged an onset date of January 1, 2010. (Tr. 133). These applications were denied
initially and again upon reconsideration. (Tr. 17, 72-89). Thereafter, Plaintiff requested an
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The docket numbers for this case are referenced by the designation “ECF. No.___” The transcript pages
for this case are referenced by the designation “Tr.”
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administrative hearing on her applications and this hearing request was granted. (Tr. 90-91).
Plaintiff’s administrative hearing was held on January 27, 2011. (Tr. 43-67). Plaintiff was
present and was represented by counsel, Wayne Young, at this hearing. Id. Plaintiff and Vocational
Expert (“VE”) Montie Lumpkin testified at this hearing. Id. At the time of this hearing, Plaintiff
was fifty-one (51) years old, which is defined as a “person closely approaching advanced age” under
20 C.F.R. § 404.1563(d), and had a 11th grade education. (Tr. 48, 51).
On April 11, 2011, the ALJ entered an unfavorable decision denying Plaintiff’s application
for DIB and SSI. (Tr. 17-26). In this decision, the ALJ determined Plaintiff met the insured status
requirements of the ACT through December 31, 2012. (Tr. 19, Finding 1). The ALJ also determined
Plaintiff had not engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (“SGA”) since January 1, 20010. (Tr. 19,
Finding 2).
The ALJ determined Plaintiff had the severe impairment of obesity, diabetes mellitus with
diabetic neuropathy, history of diverticulitis, and personality disorder. (Tr. 19, Finding 3). The ALJ
then determined Plaintiff’s impairments did not meet or medically equal the requirements of any of
the Listing of Impairments in Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Regulations No. 4 (“Listings”). (Tr. 19-21,
Finding 4).
In this decision, the ALJ evaluated Plaintiff’s subjective complaints and determined her RFC.
(Tr. 21-24). First, the ALJ indicated he evaluated Plaintiff’s subjective complaints and found her
claimed limitations were not entirely credible. Id. Second, the ALJ determined Plaintiff retained
the RFC to lift and carry 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently; sit for about six hours
during and an 8-hour workday; stand and walk for about six hours during an 8-hour workday, but
could only occasionally climb ramps and stairs, balance, kneel, crouch, and crawl; and could not
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climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds. (Tr. 21, Finding 5). The ALJ further found Plaintiff could
understand, remember, and carry out simple, routine, and repetitive tasks; and could respond
appropriately to supervisors, co-workers, the general public, and usual work situations. Id
The ALJ evaluated Plaintiff’s Past Relevant Work (“PRW”). (Tr. 24, Finding 6). The ALJ
found Plaintiff was unable to perform her PRW. Id. The ALJ also determined there was other work
existing in significant numbers in the national economy Plaintiff could perform. (Tr. 24-25, Finding
10). The VE testified at the administrative hearing regarding this issue. (Tr. 63-67). Based upon
that testimony, the ALJ determined Plaintiff retained the ability to perform other work such as a
motel maid with 3,290 such jobs in region and 376,779 such jobs in the nation, a machine tender
with 2,599 such jobs in region and 248,177 such jobs in the nation, and a production worker with
11,184 such jobs in region and 657,959 such jobs in the nation. (Tr. 25). Given this, the ALJ
determined Plaintiff had not been under a disability as defined in the Act from January 1, 2010
through the date of his decision. (Tr. 25, Finding 11).
Thereafter, Plaintiff requested the Appeals Council review the ALJ’s unfavorable decision.
(Tr. 12). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.968. The Appeals Council declined to review this unfavorable
decision. (Tr. 1-3). On November 7, 2012, Plaintiff filed the present appeal. ECF No. 1. The
Parties consented to the jurisdiction of this Court on February 12, 2013. ECF No. 5. Both Parties
have filed appeal briefs. ECF Nos. 8, 10. This case is now ready for decision.
2. Applicable Law:
In reviewing this case, this Court is required to determine whether the Commissioner’s
findings are supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
(2006); Ramirez v. Barnhart, 292 F.3d 576, 583 (8th Cir. 2002). Substantial evidence is less than
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a preponderance of the evidence, but it is enough that a reasonable mind would find it adequate to
support the Commissioner’s decision. See Johnson v. Apfel, 240 F.3d 1145, 1147 (8th Cir. 2001).
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. See
Haley v. Massanari, 258 F.3d 742, 747 (8th Cir. 2001). 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. See 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 or her disability by establishing a physical or mental disability that lasted at least one
year and that prevents him or her from engaging in any substantial gainful activity. See Cox v. Apfel,
160 F.3d 1203, 1206 (8th Cir. 1998); 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A). The Act defines
a “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 or her disability, not simply his or her impairment, has lasted for at least twelve consecutive
months. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A).
To determine whether the adult claimant suffers from a disability, the Commissioner uses
the familiar five-step sequential evaluation. He determines: (1) whether the claimant is presently
engaged in a “substantial gainful activity”; (2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment that
significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities; (3)
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whether the claimant has an impairment that meets or equals a presumptively disabling impairment
listed in the regulations (if so, the claimant is disabled without regard to age, education, and work
experience); (4) whether the claimant has the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to perform his
or her past relevant work; and (5) if the claimant cannot perform the past work, the burden shifts to
the Commissioner to prove that there are other jobs in the national economy that the claimant can
perform. See Cox, 160 F.3d at 1206; 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)-(f). The fact finder only considers
the plaintiff’s age, education, and work experience in light of his or her RFC if the final stage of this
analysis is reached. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920 (2003).
3. Discussion:
Plaintiff brings the present appeal claiming the ALJ erred: (A) in assessing Plaintiff’s RFC
and (B) in assessing Plaintiff’s credibility. ECF No. 8, Pgs. 17-19. In response, the Defendant
argues the ALJ did not err in any of his findings. ECF No. 10.
A. RFC
Prior to Step Four of the sequential analysis in a disability determination, the ALJ is required
to determine a claimant’s RFC. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). This RFC determination must
be based on medical evidence that addresses the claimant’s ability to function in the workplace. See
Stormo v. Barnhart, 377 F.3d 801, 807 (8th Cir. 2004). The ALJ should consider “‘all the evidence
in the record’ in determining the RFC, including ‘the medical records, observations of treating
physicians and others, and an individual’s own description of his limitations.’” Stormo v. Barnhart,
377 F.3d 801, 807 (8th Cir. 2004) (quoting Krogmeier v. Barnhart, 294 F.3d 1019 (8th Cir. 2002)).
The Plaintiff has the burden of producing documents and evidence to support his or her claimed
RFC. See Cox, 160 F.3d at1206; 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A).
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The ALJ, however, bears the primary responsibility for making the RFC determination and
for ensuring there is “some medical evidence” regarding the claimant’s “ability to function in the
workplace” that supports the RFC determination. Lauer v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 700, 703-04 (8th Cir.
2001). Furthermore, this Court is required to affirm the ALJ’s RFC determination if that
determination is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole. See McKinney v. Apfel,
228 F.3d 860, 862 (8th Cir. 2000).
In this matter, the ALJ determined Plaintiff retained the RFC to lift and carry 20 pounds
occasionally and 10 pounds frequently; sit for about six hours during and an 8-hour workday; stand
and walk for about six hours during an 8-hour workday, but could only occasionally climb ramps and
stairs, balance, kneel, crouch, and crawl; and could not climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds. (Tr. 21,
Finding 5). The ALJ further found Plaintiff could understand, remember, and carry out simple,
routine, and repetitive tasks; and could respond appropriately to supervisors, co-workers, the general
public, and usual work situations. Id. Plaintiff argues the ALJ erred in this RFC determination.
ECF No. 8, Pgs. 18-19.
In arguing the ALJ erred in the RFC assessment of Plaintiff she alleges the ALJ failed to
evaluate or discuss the weight assigned to the opinions within the records; failed to obtain a
consultative examination or medical expert testimony; and improperly evaluated the evidence
regarding Plaintiff’s diabetic neuropathy. ECF No. 8, Pgs. 18-19. Although, substantial evidence
supports the ALJ’s RFC determination, Plaintiff’s arguments will be discussed.
Plaintiff alleges the ALJ did not evaluate the opinion evidence or discuss the weight afforded
to the opinions within the record. ECF No. 8, Pg. 18. However, Plaintiff does not identify which
medical opinions in the record the ALJ failed to evaluate. Id. In fact, Plaintiff’s total argument in
support of this is a single sentence which says “the ALJ decision does not contain an evaluation of
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the opinion evidence or discussion of the weight afforded to the opinions within the record.” Id.
Plaintiff’s argument is without merit. The ALJ relied on and discussed in detail Plaintiff’s
treatment record, medical opinions from state agency physicians, a mental diagnostic evaluation from
a consultative examiner, and Plaintiff’s and her friends’ statements regarding her daily functioning
in evaluating her RFC. (Tr. 21-24). The ALJ considered these treatment records in assessing
Plaintiff’s RFC, and assigned functional restrictions that more than accommodated Plaintiff’s
impairments, including lifting and postural limitations. Id.
Plaintiff’s also alleges the ALJ erred in the RFC determination by failing to obtain a
consultative examination and medical expert testimony. ECF No. 8, Pg. 18. To begin with, Plaintiff
provides no analysis of this alleged error, other than to say the ALJ erred by failing to obtain
consultative examination. Id. Plaintiff fails to discuss why the ALJ should have order a consultative
exam or how such an exam would have changed an RFC determination. Id. Further, Plaintiff is
responsible for providing specific medical evidence to support her disability claim, and the burden
of proof remains on Plaintiff to prove a disability. See Thomas v. Sullivan, 928 F.2d 255, 260 (8th
Cir. 1991); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512(c), 416.912(c).
A consultative examination is limited only to instances in which such an examination is
necessary to enable the ALJ to make a disability decision. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1517, 404.1519a(b),
416.917, 416.919a(b). Further, there is no requirement the ALJ obtain medical expert testimony in
every case. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(e)(2)(iii), 416.927(e)(2)(iii). In this matter, the record was
797 pages and included 550 pages of medical records. (Tr. 247-797). The record was sufficiently
developed with respect to Plaintiff’s impairments and contained sufficient evidence for the ALJ to
make an informed decision. The ALJ was not required to obtain a consultative evaluation or obtain
medical expert testimony and no error was made in this decision as it relates to Plaintiff’s RFC.
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Finally, in alleging error in the ALJ’s RFC determination, Plaintiff argues the ALJ
improperly evaluated the evidence regarding Plaintiff’s diabetic neuropathy. ECF No. 8, Pg. 19.
However, as with Plaintiff’s other arguments, she provides little discussion or analysis and the entire
argument is contained in a single paragraph in her brief. ECF No. 8, Pg. 19.
To begin with, the ALJ did find Plaintiff’s diabetic neuropathy as a severe impairment. (Tr.
19, Finding 3). In discussing the Plaintiff’s impairments, the ALJ noted progress notes from Good
Samaritan clinic showed only routine conservative treatment for Plaintiff’s longstanding diabetes
mellitus in 2008 through 2010. (Tr. 22). Further, in December 2009, Plaintiff’s treating physician
stated her diabetes was under good control. (Tr. 495). Also, the ALJ noted there was no evidence
indicating exacerbation of her diabetes in 2010. (Tr. 22). An impairment that can be controlled by
treatment or medication, cannot be considered disabling. See Brown v. Astrue, 611 F.3d 941, 955
(8th Cir. 2010).
There was no indication in any of the medical record that Plaintiff’s diabetic neuropathy was
disabling. However, the ALJ accommodated Plaintiff’s subjective complaints of diabetic neuropathy
to a significant extent by limiting her to only occasional climbing of ramps and stairs, and no
climbing of ladders, ropes, or scaffolds. (Tr. 21).
Substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s RFC determination. Plaintiff has the burden of
establishing her claimed RFC. See Goff v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785, 790 (8th Cir. 2005) (quoting
Eichelberger v. Barnhart, 390 F.3d 584, 590 (8th Cir. 2004)). Because Plaintiff has not met her
burden in this case and because the ALJ’s RFC determination is supported by sufficient medical
evidence, this Court finds the ALJ’s RFC determination should be affirmed.
B. ALJ’s Credibility Determination
Plaintiff also claims the ALJ erred in his credibility determination. ECF No. 8, Pgs. 17-18.
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In response, Defendant argues that the ALJ properly evaluated and discredited Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints pursuant to the directives of Polaski. ECF No. 10, Pgs. 5-13.
In assessing the credibility of a claimant, the ALJ is required to examine and to apply the five
factors from Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320 (8th Cir. 1984) or from 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529 and
20 C.F.R. § 416.929.2 See Shultz v. Astrue, 479 F.3d 979, 983 (2007). The factors to consider are
as follows: (1) the claimant’s daily activities; (2) the duration, frequency, and intensity of the pain;
(3) the precipitating and aggravating factors; (4) the dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of
medication; and (5) the functional restrictions. See Polaski, 739 at 1322.
The factors must be analyzed and considered in light of the claimant’s subjective complaints
of pain. See id. The ALJ is not required to methodically discuss each factor as long as the ALJ
acknowledges and examines these factors prior to discounting the claimant’s subjective complaints.
See Lowe v. Apfel, 226 F.3d 969, 971-72 (8th Cir. 2000). As long as the ALJ properly applies these
five factors and gives several valid reasons for finding the Plaintiff’s subjective complaints are not
entirely credible, the ALJ’s credibility determination is entitled to deference. See id.; Cox v.
Barnhart, 471 F.3d 902, 907 (8th Cir. 2006). The ALJ, however, cannot discount Plaintiff’s
subjective complaints “solely because the objective medical evidence does not fully support them
[the subjective complaints].” Polaski, 739 F.2d at 1322.
When discounting a claimant’s complaint of pain, the ALJ must make a specific credibility
determination, articulating the reasons for discrediting the testimony, addressing any
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Social Security Regulations 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529 and 20 C.F.R. § 416.929 require the analysis of two
additional factors: (1) “treatment, other than medication, you receive or have received for relief of your pain or other
symptoms” and (2) “any measures you use or have used to relieve your pain or symptoms (e.g., lying flat on your
back, standing for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, sleeping on a board, etc.).” However, under Polaski and its progeny,
the Eighth Circuit has not yet required the analysis of these additional factors. See Shultz v. Astrue, 479 F.3d 979,
983 (2007). Thus, this Court will not require the analysis of these additional factors in this case.
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inconsistencies, and discussing the Polaski factors. See Baker v. Apfel, 159 F.3d 1140, 1144 (8th
Cir. 1998). The inability to work without some pain or discomfort is not a sufficient reason to find
a Plaintiff disabled within the strict definition of the Act. The issue is not the existence of pain, but
whether the pain a Plaintiff experiences precludes the performance of substantial gainful activity.
See Thomas v. Sullivan, 928 F.2d 255, 259 (8th Cir. 1991).
Plaintiff argues the ALJ erred in assessing her credibility as it related to the limiting effects
of her impairments and did not fully consider her subjective complaints as required by Polaski. The
Defendant argues the ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff’s subjective complaints of pain in compliance
with Polaski.
In the present action, this Court finds the ALJ properly addressed and discounted Plaintiff’s
subjective complaints. In his opinion, the ALJ addressed the factors from 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529 and
20 C.F.R. § 416.929, and stated inconsistencies between Plaintiff’s testimony and the record. (Tr.
21-24). Specifically, the ALJ noted the following: (1) Absence of objective medical findings to
support Plaintiff’s alleged disabling pain, (2) Plaintiff’s described activities of daily living are not
limited to any serious degree, (3) No physician has placed a level of limitation on Plaintiff’s
activities comparable to those described by Plaintiff, (4) Plaintiff’s medication has been effective
in controlling her symptoms with no side effects, and (5) Plaintiff failed to follow up with physician
recommendations. Id.
These findings are valid reasons supporting the ALJ’s credibility determination, and this
Court finds the ALJ’s credibility determination is supported by substantial evidence and should be
affirmed. See Lowe, 226 F.3d at 971-72. Accordingly, the ALJ did not err in discounting Plaintiff’s
subjective complaints of pain.
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4. Conclusion:
Based on the foregoing, the undersigned finds that the decision of the ALJ, denying benefits
to Plaintiff, is supported by substantial evidence and should be affirmed. A judgment incorporating
these findings will be entered pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 52 and 58.
ENTERED this 18th day of December 2013.
/s/ Barry A. Bryant
HON. BARRY A. BRYANT
U. S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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