Jones v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
15
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Erin L. Wiedemann on August 16, 2017. (lw)(A copy of the NEF and document, if attached, will be furnished to any non-ECF Case Participant.)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
FORT SMITH DIVISION
GWENNA JONES
PLAINTIFF
v.
CIVIL NO. 16-2160
NANCY A. BERRYHILL, 1 Commissioner
Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Plaintiff, Gwenna Jones, 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 her claims for disabled widow's insurance benefits (DWB) and
supplemental security income (SSI) benefits 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 protectively filed her current applications for DWB and SSI on October 21,
2013, alleging an inability to work since June 15, 1995, 2 due to Type II diabetes and severe
depression. (Doc. 12, pp.75, 186, 193). An administrative hearing was held on November 12,
2014, at which Plaintiff appeared with counsel and testified. (Doc. 12, pp. 31-71).
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Nancy A. Berryhill, has been appointed to serve as acting Commissioner of Social Security, and is substituted as
Defendant, pursuant to Rule 25(d)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
2
Plaintiff, through her counsel, amended her alleged onset date to January 27, 2011. (Doc. 12, pp. 16, 35-36).
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By written decision dated May 8, 2015, the ALJ found that Plaintiff met the nondisability requirements for DWB’s. (Doc. 12, p. 18). The ALJ found that during the relevant
time period, Plaintiff had an impairment or combination of impairments that were severe. (Doc.
12, p. 19). Specifically, the ALJ found Plaintiff had the following severe impairments: major
depression, an adjustment disorder with depressed and anxious mood, and an anxiety disorder,
not otherwise specified. However, after reviewing all of the 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. (Doc. 12, p. 20). The ALJ found Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity
(RFC) to:
perform a full range of work at all exertional levels but that she has
nonexertional limitations. The claimant must avoid concentrated exposure to
hazards, including no driving as part of work, due to potential fluctuations in
her blood sugar levels. In addition, she can perform work where interpersonal
contact with coworkers and supervisors is incidental to the work performed,
there is no contact with the general public, the complexity of tasks is learned
and performed by rote with few variables and little use of judgment, and the
supervision required is simple, direct and concrete.
(Doc. 12, p. 22). With the help of a vocational expert, the ALJ determined Plaintiff could
perform work as a production helper, a warehouse worker, a merchandise marker, and an office
helper. (Doc. 12, p. 26).
Plaintiff then requested a review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council, which
after reviewing additional evidence submitted by Plaintiff denied that request on May 23, 2016.
(Doc. 12, pp. 5-10). Subsequently, Plaintiff filed this action. (Doc. 1). This case is before the
undersigned pursuant to the consent of the parties. (Doc. 6). Both parties have filed appeal
briefs, and the case is now ready for decision. (Docs. 13, 14).
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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. 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 her disability by establishing a physical or mental disability that has lasted
at least one year and that prevents her 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.”
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42 U.S.C. §§
423(d)(3), 1382(3)(C). A Plaintiff must show that her disability, not simply her impairment,
has lasted for at least twelve consecutive months.
The Commissioner’s regulations require her to apply a five-step sequential evaluation
process to each claim for disability benefits: (1) whether the claimant has engaged in
substantial gainful activity since filing her claim; (2) whether the claimant has a severe physical
and/or mental impairment or combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment(s) meet
or equal an impairment in the listings; (4) whether the impairment(s) prevent the claimant from
doing past relevant work; and, (5) whether the claimant is able to perform other work in the
national economy given her age, education, and experience. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520,
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 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.
With regard to Plaintiff’s DWB application, to be entitled to benefits as a disabled
widow Plaintiff must be at least fifty years old, but less than sixty years old. 20 C.F.R. §
404.335(c). Furthermore, the alleged disability must have started not less than eighty-four
months after either the insured wage earner died or eight-four months after Plaintiff was last
entitled to survivor’s benefit’s, whichever is later. 20 C.F.R. § 404.335.
III.
Discussion:
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in determining Plaintiff’s RFC. Defendant argues
that substantial evidence of record supports the ALJ’s determination.
A.
Subjective Complaints and Symptom Evaluation:
We now address the ALJ's assessment of Plaintiff's subjective complaints. The ALJ
was required to consider all the evidence relating to Plaintiff’s subjective complaints including
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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 a
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 United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit 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).
After reviewing the administrative record, it is clear that the ALJ properly considered
and evaluated Plaintiff’s subjective complaints, including the Polaski factors. A review of the
record revealed that during the relevant time period, Plaintiff was able to help take care of her
husband until his passing in September of 2013. In a Function Report completed by Plaintiff
on November 6, 2013, Plaintiff indicated that she did have low blood sugar at times but was
still able to take care of her personal needs, do household chores, take care of her two dogs,
shop, prepare simple meals, use the riding lawn mower, and spend time with her family. In
December of 2013, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Robert L. Spray that her daily routine consisted of
getting up in the morning and taking a walk, drinking her coffee while watching the news,
eating breakfast, doing some housework, and listening to her grandchildren do their homework.
With respect to Plaintiff’s physical impairments, the record revealed that Plaintiff is a
diabetic with periodic low blood sugar levels. However, Plaintiff appeared to be able to
manage her blood sugars with the occasional medication adjustment and food or glucose tablets
when her blood sugar level dropped.
Plaintiff’s treating medical providers placed no
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limitations upon Plaintiff and counseled her on the proper use of her insulin to include when
and where to inject herself, and to refrain from smoking for at least thirty minutes after using
insulin. Plaintiff was also instructed to work on meal consistency and exercise. After
reviewing the record as a whole, the Court finds substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s
determination the Plaintiff’s diabetes is severe but not disabling.
With respect to Plaintiff’s mental impairment, the medical evidence revealed Plaintiff
was treated and responded well to medication.
While Plaintiff experienced increased
depression upon the loss of her husband, the evidence revealed that she responded well to
medication and her depression and anxiety were noted as controlled in April of 2015. (Doc.
12, p. 885). After reviewing the record as a whole, the Court finds substantial evidence
supports the ALJ’s determination that Plaintiff had mild restrictions of activities of daily living;
moderate difficulties in social functioning; moderate difficulties with concentration,
persistence and pace; and no episodes of decompensation for an extended duration.
With regard to a third-party statement, witness letters completed by Plaintiff’s family
and friends and the testimony of Plaintiff’s daughter, the ALJ properly considered this
evidence but found it unpersuasive. This determination was within the ALJ's province. See
Siemers v. Shalala, 47 F.3d 299, 302 (8th Cir. 1995); Ownbey v. Shalala, 5 F.3d 342, 345 (8th
Cir. 1993).
Therefore, although it is clear that Plaintiff suffers with some degree of limitation, she
has not established that she is unable to engage in any gainful activity. Accordingly, the Court
concludes that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s conclusion that Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints were not totally credible.
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B.
ALJ’s RFC Determination and Medical Opinions:
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
descriptions of her 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
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). “[T]he ALJ is [also] required to set forth specifically a
claimant’s limitations and to determine how those limitations affect h[er] RFC.” Id.
“The [social security] regulations provide that a treating physician's opinion ... will be
granted ‘controlling weight,’ provided the opinion is ‘well-supported by medically acceptable
clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial
evidence in [the] record.’” Prosch v. Apfel, 201 F.3d 1010, 1012-13 (8th Cir. 2000) (citations
omitted). An ALJ may discount such an opinion if other medical assessments are supported
by superior medical evidence, or if the treating physician has offered inconsistent opinions. Id.
at 1013. Whether the weight accorded the treating physician's opinion by the ALJ is great or
small, the ALJ must give good reasons for that weighting. Id. (citing 20 C.F.R. §
404.1527(d)(2)).
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In the present case, the ALJ considered the medical assessments of examining and nonexamining agency medical consultants, Plaintiff’s subjective complaints, and her medical
records when he determined Plaintiff could perform a full range of exertional work with some
limitations. The Court notes that in determining Plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ discussed the
medical opinions of examining and non-examining medical professionals, and set forth the
reasons for the weight given to the opinions. Renstrom v. Astrue, 680 F.3d 1057, 1065 (8th
Cir. 2012) (“It is the ALJ’s function to resolve conflicts among the opinions of various treating
and examining physicians”)(citations omitted); Prosch v. Apfel, 201 F.3d 1010 at 1012 (the
ALJ may reject the conclusions of any medical expert, whether hired by the claimant or the
government, if they are inconsistent with the record as a whole).
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ improperly discounted the November 14, 2014, Medical
Source Statement of Ability to do Work-Related Activities (Physical) completed by Dr. Danny
Silver opining that Plaintiff would need a sit/stand/walk option at will if employed and would
miss about four days of work per month. After review, the Court finds that the ALJ did not err
in discounting the opinion of Dr. Silver. The ALJ declined to give controlling weight to Dr.
Silver’s opinion for good and well-supported reasons. See Goff v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785,
790–91 (8th Cir. 2005) (“[A]n appropriate finding of inconsistency with other evidence alone
is sufficient to discount [the treating physician's] opinion.”).
A review further reveals
substantial evidence supports the weight that the ALJ gave to the opinions of Drs. Spray and
Van Hoang.
While Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in the analysis of Plaintiff’s GAF scores, a
GAF score is not essential to the RFC’s accuracy. Howard v. Commissioner of Social Security,
276 F.3d 235, 241 (6th Cir. 2002). “[A]n ALJ may afford greater weight to medical evidence
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and testimony than to GAF scores when the evidence requires it.” Jones v. Astrue, 619 F.3d
963, 974 (8th Cir. 2010). Based on the record as a whole, the Court finds substantial evidence
to support the ALJ’s RFC determination.
C.
Hypothetical Question to the Vocational Expert:
After thoroughly reviewing the hearing transcript along with the entire evidence of
record, the Court finds that the hypothetical the ALJ posed to the vocational expert fully set
forth the impairments which the ALJ accepted as true and which were supported by the record
as a whole. Goff v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785, 794 (8th Cir. 2005). Accordingly, the Court finds
that the vocational expert's opinion constitutes substantial evidence supporting the ALJ's
conclusion that Plaintiff's impairments did not preclude her from performing work as a
production helper, a warehouse worker, a merchandise marker, and an office helper. Pickney
v. Chater, 96 F.3d 294, 296 (8th Cir. 1996) (testimony from vocational expert based on
properly phrased hypothetical question constitutes substantial evidence).
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
should be affirmed. The undersigned further finds that the Plaintiff’s Complaint should be
dismissed with prejudice.
DATED this 16th day of August 2017.
/s/ Erin L. Wiedemann
HON. ERIN L. WIEDEMANN
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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