Sims v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
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MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Barry A. Bryant on February 7, 2013. (src)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
HOT SPRINGS DIVISION
TINA SIMS
On Behalf Of
A MINOR CHILD, P.D.J.
vs.
PLAINTIFF
Civil No. 6:12-cv-06021
MICHAEL J. ASTRUE
Commissioner, Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Tina Sims (“Plaintiff”) brings this action on behalf of a minor child, P.D.J., and 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 Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) on behalf of P.D.J. under
Title 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. 6.1 Pursuant to this authority,
the Court issues this memorandum opinion and orders the entry of a final judgment in this matter.
1. Background:
Plaintiff protectively filed an application for SSI on behalf of P.D.J. on June 9, 2009. (Tr.
12, 113-115). Plaintiff alleges P.D.J. was disabled due to attentive deficit disorder (“ADD”),
emotional disorders and right eye problems. (Tr.124). Plaintiff alleges P.D.J.’s onset date was
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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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October 3, 2001. (Tr. 124). This application was denied initially and was denied again on
reconsideration. (Tr. 65-67, 74-77).
On March 19, 2010, Plaintiff requested an administrative hearing on her application. (Tr.
78). An administrative hearing was held on September 8, 2010 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. (Tr. 3962). Plaintiff was present and was represented by counsel, James Street, at this hearing. See id.
Plaintiff testified at this hearing. See id. At the time of this hearing, P.D.J. was ten years old and
was in the fifth grade. (Tr. 42, 45).
On November 15, 2010, the ALJ entered an unfavorable decision denying Plaintiff’s request
for disability benefits for P.D.J. (Tr. 12-27). In this opinion, the ALJ determined P.D.J. was born
on December 22, 1999, was a school-age child on June 9, 2009 (the date the application was filed),
and was a school-age child on November 15, 2010 (the date of the ALJ’s decision). (Tr. 15, Finding
1). The ALJ determined P.D.J. had not engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (“SGA”) at any time
relevant to the ALJ’s decision. (Tr. 15, Finding 2).
The ALJ determined P.D.J. had the following severe impairments: asthma, learning disorder,
heart murmur, and decreased vison in the right eye. (Tr. 15, Finding 3). The ALJ, however, also
determined the evidence did not establish P.D.J. had an impairment or a combination of impairments
that were either listed in, or medically equivalent to, those listed in Appendix 1, Subpart P,
Regulation No. 4 (“Listings”). (Tr. 15, Finding 4).
The ALJ also evaluated the six functional domains and determined P.D.J. did not have an
impairment or a combination of impairments that were functionally equivalent to the Listings. (Tr.
17-27, Finding 5). Specifically, the ALJ determined P.D.J. had a less than marked limitation in
acquiring and using information and in interacting and relating with others. The ALJ also
determined P.D.J. had no limitation in attending and completing tasks, in moving about and
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manipulating objects, in ability to care for himself, and in health and physical well-being. See id.
The ALJ determined that because P.D.J. did not have an impairment or combination of
impairments that resulted in either a “marked” limitation in any two domains of functioning or an
“extreme” limitation in any one domain of functioning, P.D.J.’s impairments or combination of
impairments were not functionally equivalent to the Listings. (Tr. 27). Accordingly, the ALJ also
determined P.D.J. was not disabled and had not been disabled at any time since June 9, 2009, the
date Plaintiff filed P.D.J.’s application. (Tr. 29, Finding 6).
Plaintiff requested the Appeals Council review the ALJ’s hearing decision and order. (Tr.
7). On December 23, 2011, the Appeals Council declined to review the ALJ’s unfavorable decision.
(Tr. 1-3). On February 1, 2012, Plaintiff filed the present appeal. ECF No. 1. Both Plaintiff and
Defendant have filed appeal briefs. ECF Nos. 9, 11. 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 in 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
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,
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1068 (8th Cir. 2000).
In this case, Plaintiff is seeking disability benefits on behalf of a minor child. On August 22,
1996, Congress enacted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of
1996, Public Law No. 104-193, 110 Stat. 2105 (1996) (codified at 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(C)),
which provided a more stringent standard for determining eligibility for Title XVI childhood
disability benefits than the old law and prior regulations required. See Rucker v. Apfel, 141 F.3d
1256, 1259 (8th Cir. 1998); 142 Cong. Rec. H8913; H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 725, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
328 (1996), reprinted in 1996 U.S. Code, Cong. and Ad. News 2649, 2716; Federal Register, Vol.
62, No. 28, p. 6409. Among other things, the new law amended Section 1614(a)(3) of the Act, 42
U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3), and changed the statutory definition of disability for individuals under age
eighteen (18) under the SSI program. Under the new standard, a child is entitled to disability
benefits only if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which results
in marked and severe functional limitations, and which can be expected to result in death or which
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. See Pub. L.
No. 104-193 § 211(a)(4)(c); 20 C.F.R. § 416.906. The new standard applies to all applicants who
filed claims on or after August 22, 1996, or whose claims had not been finally adjudicated by August
22, 1996. Since Plaintiff filed her application in 2009, the new law applies.
Under the new law, the ALJ’s disability determination is based upon a three-step analysis.
See 20 C.F.R. § 416.924. First, the ALJ must determine whether the minor child has engaged in
substantial gainful activity. If not, the ALJ will proceed to the second step where the ALJ must
consider whether the child has a severe impairment. If a severe impairment is found, the ALJ will
proceed to the third step. At this step, the ALJ, must consider whether the impairment meets, or is
medically or functionally equivalent, to a disability listing in the Listing of Impairments. See 20
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C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1. A minor child may be disabled if his or her impairment is
functionally equivalent to a disability listing, even if the minor child’s impairment does not meet the
standard requirements for a disability listing. See 20 C.F.R. § 416.924(d)(1).
A single method is provided for evaluating whether an impairment is “functionally
equivalent” to a disability listing, based upon six domains of functioning. The six domains are the
following: (1) acquiring and using information, (2) attending and completing tasks, (3) interacting
and relating with others, (4) moving about and manipulating objects, (5) caring for himself or herself,
and (6) health and physical well-being. See 20 C.F.R. § 416.926a(b)(1). If the minor child claiming
benefits has “marked” limitations in two of these domains or an “extreme” limitation in one of these
domains, then the child’s impairment is functionally equivalent to a disability listing. See id. §
416.926a(a); Moore ex rel. Moore v. Barnhart, 413 F.3d 718, 721 (8th Cir. 2005).
A “marked” limitation is a limitation that is “more than moderate” and “less than extreme.”
See id. § 416.926a(e); Lehnartz v. Barnhart, No. 04-3818, 2005 WL 1767944, at *3 (8th Cir. July
27, 2005). A marked limitation is one that seriously interferes with a child’s ability to independently
initiate, sustain, or complete activities. See 20 C.F.R. § 416.926a(e). An “extreme” limitation is
more than “marked” and exists when a child’s impairment(s) interferes very seriously with his or her
ability to independently initiate, sustain or complete activities. See id. “Extreme” limitation is the
rating the Commissioner gives to the most serious limitations. See id.
3. Discussion:
The parties do not dispute P.D.J. meets the disability requirements under Step One (P.D.J.
has not engaged in SGA). Plaintiff, however, claims the ALJ erred at Step Two of the Analysis in
finding P.D.J’s mental impairments were not severe. Plaintiff also argues the ALJ erred in finding
not disabled at Step Three of the Analysis. ECF No. 9, Pages 13-20.
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This Court has considered all arguments raised in the parties’ appeal briefs and has
considered the transcript in P.D.J.’s case. ECF Nos. 9, 11. Based upon this review, this Court finds
the ALJ’s hearing decision dated November 15, 2010 is not supported by substantial evidence and
should be reversed and remanded because the ALJ failed to properly evaluate P.D.J.’s alleged mental
impairment.
In social security cases, it is important for an ALJ to evaluate a claimant’s Global Assessment
of Functioning (“GAF”) score in determining whether that claimant is disabled due to a mental
impairment. GAF scores range from 0 to 100. Am. Psychiatric Ass’n, Diagnostic & Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) 34 (4th ed., text rev. 2000). The Eighth Circuit has
repeatedly held that GAF scores (especially those at or below 40) must be carefully evaluated when
determining a claimant’s RFC. See, e.g., Conklin v. Astrue, 360 F. App’x. 704, 707 (8th Cir. 2010)
(reversing and remanding an ALJ’s disability determination in part because the ALJ failed to
consider the claimant’s GAF scores of 35 and 40); Pates-Fires, 564 F.3d 935, 944-45 (8th Cir. 2009)
(holding that the ALJ’s RFC finding was not supported by substantial evidence in the record as a
whole, in part due to the ALJ’s failure to discuss or consider numerous GAF scores below 50).
Indeed, a GAF score at or below 40 should be carefully considered because such a low score reflects
“a major impairment in several areas such as work, family relations, judgment, or mood.” Conklin,
360 F. App’x at 707 n.2 (quoting Am. Psychiatric Ass’n, Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) 34 (4th ed., text rev. 2000)).
In the present action, P.D.J. was assessed as having several GAF scores below 50. On June
7, 2004, P.D.J. was seen at Community Counseling Services for an Intake Assessment. (Tr. 253261). P.D.J. was given a GAF score of 35. (Tr. 261). P.D.J. had a Mental Diagnostic Evaluation
on September 2, 2009. (Tr. 218-225). P.D.J’s GAF score was 55. (Tr. 224). P.D.J. was seen again
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at Community Counseling Services on September 20, 2010 and October 29, 1010. (Tr. 331-348,
339-341). Each time P.D.J. had a GAF score of 44. The ALJ only mentioned P.D.J’s score of 55
from his Mental Diagnostic Evaluation, in his opinion. (Tr. 19). The ALJ failed to discuss any of
the other GAF scores. It was the ALJ’s responsibility to evaluate those scores and make a finding
regarding their reliability as a part of the underlying administrative proceeding. See Conklin, 360
F. App’x at 707.
It is especially important that the ALJ address low GAF scores where, as in this case, P.D.J.
has been diagnosed with a learning disorder, anxiety, depressed mood, disruptive behavior disorder,
and adjustment disorder. (Tr. 224, 261, 337, 354). When considering these facts, and because the
ALJ did not evaluate P.D.J.’s low GAF scores, this case must be reversed and remanded for further
evaluation of these scores.2
4. Conclusion:
Based on the foregoing, the undersigned finds that the decision of the ALJ, denying benefits
to Plaintiff, is not supported by substantial evidence and should be reversed and remanded. A
judgment incorporating these findings will be entered pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
52 and 58.
ENTERED this 7th day of February 2013.
/s/ Barry A. Bryant
HON. BARRY A. BRYANT
U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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Based on these findings, I do not find it necessary to reach to other points of error raised by the Plaintiff in
this appeal.
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