Davenport v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 25

ORDER Denying Plaintiff's Social Security Appeal signed by Magistrate Judge Stanley A. Boone on 09/19/2016. CASE CLOSED.(Flores, E)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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TINA TWYNETTE DAVENPORT,

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Plaintiff,

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Case No. 1:15-cv-00675-SAB
ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF’S SOCIAL
SECURITY APPEAL

v.

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(ECF Nos. 22, 23, 24)
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY,

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Defendant.
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I.

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INTRODUCTION

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Plaintiff Tina Twynette Davenport (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision
of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner” or “Defendant”) denying her
application for disability benefits pursuant to the Social Security Act. The matter is currently
before the Court on the parties’ briefs, which were submitted, without oral argument, to
Magistrate Judge Stanley A. Boone.1

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Plaintiff suffers from spinal stenosis, sciatica, chronic fatigue, degenerative disc disease,
osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, obesity, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”). For the reasons set forth below, Plaintiff’s Social Security

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The parties have consented to the jurisdiction of the United States Magistrate Judge. (See ECF Nos. 6, 8.)

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1 appeal shall be denied.
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II.

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FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

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Plaintiff protectively filed an application for a period of disability and disability insurance

5 benefits on February 14, 2012, and a Title XVI application for supplemental security income on
6 February 1, 2012. (AR 100, 115.) Plaintiff’s applications were initially denied on June 29,
7 2012, and denied upon reconsideration on January 25, 2013. (AR 171, 181, 203-207, 211-215.)
8 Plaintiff requested and received a hearing before Administrative Law Judge Danny Pittman (“the
9 ALJ”). Plaintiff appeared for a hearing on July 23, 2013. (AR 62-99.) On July 26, 2013, the
10 ALJ found that Plaintiff was not disabled. (AR 182-193.)
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On May 22, 2014, the Appeals Counsel remanded the case to the ALJ for further

12 proceedings. (AR 199-202.) Plaintiff requested and received a second hearing before the ALJ.
13 Plaintiff appeared for a second hearing on August 21, 2014. (AR 27-61.) On September 26,
14 2014, the ALJ found that Plaintiff was not disabled. (AR 7-19.) The Appeals Council denied
15 Plaintiff’s request for review on February 25, 2015. (AR 1-4.)
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A.

Relevant Hearing Testimony

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Plaintiff appeared for a hearing and testified on August 21, 2014. (AR 30-57.)

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Plaintiff has one child who was seventeen years old on the date of the hearing. (AR 30-

19 31.) Plaintiff’s son lives mostly with her and his father comes to see him every few weeks. (AR
20 31.) Plaintiff receives disability benefit from the Veteran’s Administration (“VA”). (AR 32.)
21 Plaintiff has a 70 percent disability rating from the VA. (AR 54.) But the VA did not find
22 Plaintiff unemployable. (AR 54.) Plaintiff has a driver’s license. (AR 32.)
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Plaintiff was in the Army and worked as a medic and a truck driver. (AR 32-33.)

24 Plaintiff was attending college but dropped out in 2010 or 2011 due to having problems with her
25 grades because of migraines. (AR 32.) Plaintiff was accepted to UC Merced but her back went
26 out and she did not attend. (AR 52.) Plaintiff was attending college online through University of
27 Phoenix taking classes at home. (AR 52.)
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Plaintiff takes medication for pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, arthritis, depression and

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1 anxiety. (AR 34. Plaintiff’s medications help her somewhat. (AR 34.) The pain medication
2 helps but does not relieve her pain completely. (AR 34.) Plaintiff has migraines several times a
3 month, three to four times. (AR 49.) Plaintiff sometimes runs out of her migraine medication
4 because her migraines usually last for several days and she only receives around nine pills per
5 month. (AR 34, 49.) Plaintiff was referred to a psychiatrist for her depression and anxiety. (AR
6 34.) Plaintiff’s medication helps sometimes but is kind of up and down. (AR 34-35.) Plaintiff
7 has dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness from her medications.

(AR 35.)

Plaintiff’s

8 neurologist recommended holding off on surgery as long as she possibly can because of her age.
9 (AR 35.) Plaintiff has had injections in her back that help for a couple months and then they
10 wear off. (AR 35.) Her lower back hurts all the time. (AR 35.) Plaintiff had physical therapy
11 that did not help. (AR 35-36.) Plaintiff uses a TENS unit that provides temporary relief. (AR
12 36.) Plaintiff’s lower back pain causes her to have difficulty sleeping. (AR 51.) She also has
13 nightmares sometimes. (AR 51.) Plaintiff has difficulty sleeping about five nights per week.
14 (AR 51.)
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Plaintiff is receiving mental health treatment.

(AR 36.)

Plaintiff missed her last

16 appointment because she had a migraine and needs to get back in. (AR 36.) She has never been
17 hospitalized for mental health issues.

(AR 36.)

Plaintiff’s mental health treatment helps

18 somewhat because it gives her coping mechanisms but it has not improved her condition. (AR
19 37.) Plaintiff is able to concentrate for ten to fifteen minutes before she becomes frustrated. (AR
20 52.)
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Plaintiff has pain all day every day. (AR 37.) She has pain in her neck to the left side of

22 her spine and in her lower back that radiates to her left buttock and leg down to her toes on
23 occasion. (AR 37-38.) Plaintiff was having pain for about nine months before she filed for
24 disability that had her hunched over and she could hardly walk, but then she got an epidural that
25 helped for a couple months. (AR 38.) Plaintiff has not had an epidural for a little longer than a
26 few months. (AR 38.) Plaintiff avoids pain by not doing things that cause pain. (AR 39.) If
27 Plaintiff is on her feet for fifteen to twenty minutes she will hurt enough that she needs to stop
28 what she is doing and sit down for twenty minutes or so. (AR 39, 50.) Then she can stand for

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1 another twenty minutes or so. (AR 50-51.) Plaintiff spends more time in bed than she should, at
2 least four hours during the day. (AR 50.)
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Plaintiff will perform a chore and then sit down to rest before doing something else. (AR

4 39.) Plaintiff does not run anymore. (AR 39.) When she is shopping she leans over the cart
5 because anything that causes her to flex her spine backwards compresses her spine. (AR 39.)
6 Plaintiff can drive short distances, but will lean forward if she is driving a long distance. (AR
7 39.) There have been times when she felt like she could not drive at all. (AR 39.) It bothers
8 Plaintiff to sit for long times. (AR 39.) It is not as bad sitting in a cushioned chair rather than a
9 hard chair. (AR 40.) Plaintiff can sit for an hour before needing to stand. (AR 40.) Plaintiff can
10 lift ten pounds. (AR 40.) Plaintiff can pick something up if she drops it but does so slowly. (AR
11 40.)
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Plaintiff loses focus a lot. (AR 41.) Plaintiff forgets appointments and sometimes forgets

13 to take her medication. (AR 41.) Plaintiff is able to follow three step instructions. (AR 41.)
14 Plaintiff has trouble making decisions because she has difficulty focusing. (AR 41-42.) Plaintiff
15 has problems getting along with people because she has problems biting her tongue in situations
16 where she should. (AR 42.) She sometimes is argumentative. (AR 42.) Plaintiff was let go at
17 her last job because she walked out several times when she had an issue with an employee. (AR
18 42.)
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Plaintiff has crying spells a couple times a month. (AR 43.) Plaintiff has anxiety issues

20 when going to a crowded place. (AR 43.) Plaintiff does not like people coming up behind her or
21 getting too close to her. (AR 43.) Plaintiff can be short tempered and gets short with people.
22 (AR 43.)
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On a typical day, Plaintiff gets up at 8:00 or 9:00 and getting out of bed is painful. (AR

24 43.) It takes her a while to get ready and Plaintiff does not get dressed and ready to go anywhere
25 until noon. (AR 43-44.) Plaintiff cleans up the kitchen, prepares meals, vacuums, mops, sweeps,
26 and does laundry. (AR 44.) Plaintiff goes to bed about 10:30 or so and then will wake up
27 around 2:30 or 3:30. (AR 51.) She will wake up every hour until it is time for her son to get up.
28 (AR 51.)

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Plaintiff has friends and spends time with them and her mother, but has not gone to

2 church, clubs, or anything in a long time. (AR 45.) She hangs out with her friends and talks or
3 watches television. (AR 45.) Plaintiff occasionally goes to the movies or to restaurants. (AR
4 45, 46.) Plaintiff has to take migraine medication before she goes because she will generally get
5 a migraine when she goes to the movies. (AR 46.) Plaintiff recently had tried to bike ride but it
6 did not go well. (AR 46.) Plaintiff goes to the mall occasionally when she needs to go to a
7 specific store but does not go to look or shop around. (AR 46-47.) Plaintiff has not taken a walk
8 in years. (AR 47.)
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Plaintiff has an iPad on which she looks up information and plays Scrabble. (AR 47.)

10 She has a Facebook account that she is rarely on. (AR 47.) Plaintiff watches television, mainly
11 medical and investigative discovery type shows. (AR 47.) She gets frustrated if people ask her
12 questions while she is watching the shows. (AR 48.) She is not sure why she gets frustrated but
13 it may be because it is hard for her to follow the program herself. (AR 50.) Plaintiff has two
14 medium size dogs that she and her son take care of. (AR 48.) The last time Plaintiff took her
15 dogs for a walk was after she had her first cortisone shot. (AR 48.) She used to drive the dogs to
16 the dog park and let them out, but that has not happened in years. (AR 48.) Plaintiff last saw Dr.
17 Villarama one year prior to the hearing. (AR 49.)
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A Vocational Expert, Cheryl Chandler, also testified at the hearing. (AR 57-61.)

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B.

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The ALJ made the following findings of fact and conclusions of law:

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Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset
date of April 30, 2009.

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Plaintiff met the insured status requirements of the Social Security Act through
June 30, 2014.

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ALJ Findings

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Plaintiff has the following severe impairments: degenerative disc disease,

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osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, obesity, major depressive

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disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”).

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Plaintiff does not have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets

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or medically equals the severity of the listed impairments.

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Plaintiff has the residual functional capacity to perform light work as defined in

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20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.976(b) except that she can occasionally balance;

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stoop; kneel; crouch; crawl; and climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds. Plaintiff can

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frequently climb ramps and stairs. Plaintiff can perform simple and routine tasks

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in a non-public setting with occasional interaction with co-workers.

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Plaintiff is unable to perform past relevant work.

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Plaintiff was born on January 29, 1971, and was 38 years old on the alleged
disability onset date which is defined as a younger individual age 18-49.

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English.

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Plaintiff has at least a high school education and is able to communicate in

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Transferability of job skills is not material to the disability determination because

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using the Medical-Vocational Rules as a framework supports a finding that

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Plaintiff is “not disabled” whether or not she has transferable job skills.

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Considering Plaintiff’s age, education, work experience, and residual functional

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capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy

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that Plaintiff can perform.

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Plaintiff has not been under a disability as defined in the Social Security Act from
April 30, 2009, through the date of decision.

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III.

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LEGAL STANDARD

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To qualify for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act, the claimant

24 must show that she is unable “to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
25 medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death
26 or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12
27 months.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A).

The Social Security Regulations set out a five step

28 sequential evaluation process to be used in determining if a claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §

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1 404.1520; Batson v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration, 359 F.3d 1190, 1194 (9th
2 Cir. 2004). The five steps in the sequential evaluation in assessing whether the claimant is
3 disabled are:
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Step one: Is the claimant presently engaged in substantial gainful activity? If so,
the claimant is not disabled. If not, proceed to step two.
Step two: Is the claimant’s alleged impairment sufficiently severe to limit his or
her ability to work? If so, proceed to step three. If not, the claimant is not
disabled.
Step three: Does the claimant’s impairment, or combination of impairments, meet
or equal an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R., pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1? If so, the
claimant is disabled. If not, proceed to step four.
Step four: Does the claimant possess the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to
perform his or her past relevant work? If so, the claimant is not disabled. If not,
proceed to step five.
Step five: Does the claimant’s RFC, when considered with the claimant’s age,
education, and work experience, allow him or her to adjust to other work that
exists in significant numbers in the national economy? If so, the claimant is not
disabled. If not, the claimant is disabled.

14 Stout v. Commissioner, Social Sec. Admin., 454 F.3d 1050, 1052 (9th Cir. 2006).
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Congress has provided that an individual may obtain judicial review of any final decision

16 of the Commissioner of Social Security regarding entitlement to benefits. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
17 In reviewing findings of fact in respect to the denial of benefits, this court “reviews the
18 Commissioner’s final decision for substantial evidence, and the Commissioner’s decision will be
19 disturbed only if it is not supported by substantial evidence or is based on legal error.” Hill v.
20 Astrue, 698 F.3d 1153, 1158 (9th Cir. 2012).

“Substantial evidence” means more than a

21 scintilla, but less than a preponderance. Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1279 (9th Cir. 1996)
22 (internal quotations and citations omitted). “Substantial evidence is relevant evidence which,
23 considering the record as a whole, a reasonable person might accept as adequate to support a
24 conclusion.” Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 955 (9th Cir. 2002) (quoting Flaten v. Sec’y of
25 Health & Human Servs., 44 F.3d 1453, 1457 (9th Cir. 1995)).
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“[A] reviewing court must consider the entire record as a whole and may not affirm

27 simply by isolating a specific quantum of supporting evidence.” Hill, 698 F.3d at 1159 (quoting
28 Robbins v. Social Security Administration, 466 F.3d 880, 882 (9th Cir. 2006). However, it is not

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1 this Court’s function to second guess the ALJ’s conclusions and substitute the court’s judgment
2 for the ALJ’s. See Burch v. Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676, 679 (9th Cir. 2005) (“Where evidence is
3 susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, it is the ALJ’s conclusion that must be
4 upheld.”).
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IV.

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DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred 1) by disregarding the medical opinion of her

8 treating physician, Dr. Villarama; 2) in assessing Plaintiff’s credibility; and 3) by failing to
9 adequately assess Plaintiff’s VA rating. Defendant counters that the ALJ properly provided
10 specific and legitimate reasons to reject the opinion of Dr. Villarama; provided legally adequate
11 reasons for the adverse credibility finding; and adequately considered the VA disability rating.
12 Plaintiff replies that Defendant cannot provide post hac reasons not cited by the ALJ in his
13 opinion. Plaintiff seeks remand for calculation of benefits.
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A.

Medical Opinion

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The weight to be given to medical opinions depends upon whether the opinion is

16 proffered by a treating, examining, or non-examining professional. See Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d
17 821, 830-831 (9th Cir. 1995). In general a treating physician’s opinion is entitled to greater
18 weight than that of a nontreating physician because “he is employed to cure and has a greater
19 opportunity to know and observe the patient as an individual.” Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d
20 1035, 1040-41 (9th Cir. 1995) (citations omitted).

If a treating physician’s opinion is

21 contradicted by another doctor, it may be rejected only for “specific and legitimate reasons”
22 supported by substantial evidence in the record. Ryan v. Commissioner of Social Sec., 528 F.3d
23 1194, 1198 (9th Cir.) (quoting Bayless v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1121, 1216 (9th Cir. 2005)).
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Where the treating physician’s opinion is contradicted by the opinion of an examining

25 physician who based the opinion upon independent clinical findings that differ from those of the
26 treating physician, the nontreating source itself may be substance evidence, and the ALJ is to
27 resolve the conflict. Andrews, 53 F.3d at 1041. However, if the nontreating physician’s opinion
28 is based upon clinical findings considered by the treating physician, the ALJ must give specific

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1 and legitimate reasons for rejecting the treating physician’s opinion that are based on substantial
2 evidence in the record. Andrews, 53 F.3d at 1041.
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The contrary opinion of a non-examining expert is not sufficient by itself to constitute a

4 specific, legitimate reason for rejecting a treating or examining physician's opinion, however, “it
5 may constitute substantial evidence when it is consistent with other independent evidence in the
6 record.” Tonapetyan v. Halter, 242 F.3d 1144, 1149 (9th Cir. 2001). The ALJ need not accept
7 the opinion of any physician that is brief, conclusory, and unsupported by clinical findings.
8 Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 957 (9th Cir. 2002).
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Plaintiff contends that the ALJ failed to provide specific and legitimate reasons for

10 rejecting the opinion of her treating physician, Dr. Villarama. On May 10, 2013, Dr. Villarama
11 saw Plaintiff and completed a medical statement and headache questionnaire. (AR 765-768,
12 791-792, 793-794.) Plaintiff complained that she had a car accident three months prior that had
13 made her headaches a little worse than usual and some neck pain. (AR 765.) Dr. Villarama
14 found Plaintiff to have a limp gait with thoracic and lumber spine tenderness. (AR 767-768.)
15 Plaintiff had “SLT” on the left, but no edema. (AR 768.)
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Dr. Villarama completed a medical source statement in which he diagnosed Plaintiff with

17 spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and disc herniation. (AR 791.) He
18 opined that Plaintiff could stand for 15 minutes; stand in a workday 60 minutes; sit at one time
19 15 minutes; sit in workday 60 minutes; lift on occasional basis 10 pounds; lift on frequent basis 5
20 pounds; and occasionally bend and stoop. (AR 791-792.) Dr. Villarama found that Plaintiff
21 would frequently need to elevate her legs during an 8 hour workday.

(AR 792.)

These

22 limitations were due to moderate to severe pain; with objective signs of pain being tenderness to
23 palpation and limitation of motion.

(AR 792.)

He further opined that she would have

24 interruptions of work station to alleviate pain frequently, would frequently miss work due to
25 exacerbations of pain, and would be unreliable due to this condition and the attendant limitations.
26 (AR 792.)
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Dr. Villarama also completed a headache questionnaire finding that Plaintiff had

28 prodromal symptoms, nausea and vomiting, irritability, photophobia, and increased sensitivity to

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1 noise. (AR 793.) The frequency of her headaches were one per week which lasted 24 hours or
2 several days. (AR 793-794.) Dr. Villarama opined that Plaintiff would be unable to work while
3 suffering a headache, could never work around dangerous equipment or operate a motor vehicle,
4 occasionally tolerate heat, cold, or dust, and never tolerate noise exposure. (AR 794.) Plaintiff’s
5 pain was found to be moderate to severe. (AR 794.) She would frequently need unscheduled
6 interruptions of the work routine to alleviate pain; frequently miss work due to headache pain;
7 and would probably be unreliable. (AR 794.) “The treating physician’s opinion is not . . .
8 necessarily conclusive as to either physical condition or the ultimate issue of disability.”
9 Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 751 (9th Cir. 1989).
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The ALJ gave very little weight to the opinion of Dr. Villarama because it was

11 inconsistent with Plaintiff’s treating records which indicated that her symptoms were generally
12 mild and well-controlled with conservative treatment and was also inconsistent with Plaintiff’s
13 testimony and her demonstrated abilities. (AR 16-17.)
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On February 24, 2012, the record reflects Plaintiff reporting pain of 3-5/10 which was

15 usually controlled by medication. (AR 710.) On March 5, 2012, Plaintiff complained of
16 shooting pain which started in her back and radiated down to her foot. (AR 1017.) She
17 complained of constant pain between 6-8/10 and difficulty walking and was given a steroid
18 injection. (AR 1017, 1019.) On April 6, 2012, Plaintiff reported feeling much better. (AR 707.)
19 Treatment notes reflect TTP over lumbar area. (AR 707.)
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On May 10, 2012, Plaintiff had a comprehensive internal medical examination by Dr.

21 Wagner. Dr. Wagner noted that Plaintiff was easily able to get out of a chair and walk without
22 assistance, had no trouble getting onto and off of the examination table, and could bend over to
23 take off her shoes and put them on with no difficulty. (AR 657.) Plaintiff had a normal physical
24 examination with no lumbar paravertebral muscle spasms or tenderness and motor strength, bulk,
25 and tone were 5/5 bilaterally. (AR 660.) The examiner noted that she has improved in term of
26 overall myalgias since having injections for lower back pain. (AR 660.) Dr. Wagner opined that
27 Plaintiff was able to walk and stand up to six hours and had no limitations in sitting with normal
28 breaks. (AR 660.) She could lift fifty pounds occasionally and 205 pounds frequently; and was

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1 limited to frequently stooping and crouching. (AR 660.) Dr. Wagner found no limitations in
2 handling, reaching, fingering and feeling or in working around heights, heavy machinery,
3 extreme temperatures, fumes, chemicals, dust or excessive noise. (AR 660.)
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On May 29, 2012, Plaintiff started physical therapy and complained of pain ranging from

5 6/10 to 10/10 that was aggravated by sitting, driving, or lumbar extension. (AR 664.) Plaintiff
6 had pain at end range and L5-SP spinous process was tender to palpation. (AR 664.) The record
7 notes that Plaintiff’s pain was able to be reduced to 0 by adjusting the position of the pelvis and
8 she had significant reduction in pain following treatment. (AR 897, 901.)
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On July 1, 2012, Plaintiff presented at the emergency room complaining of exacerbation

10 of back pain that had begun one week prior. (AR 673, 686.) Plaintiff had no trouble bathing or
11 with her activities of daily living and reported pain of 6/10 after 6 hours. (AR 674.) On July 12,
12 2012, Plaintiff was seen complaining of pain down the left leg. She had decreased range of
13 motion in the hips, worse on the left than the right. (AR 704.) On July 25, 2012, physical
14 therapy notes reflect that she had made fair progress and was reporting an increase of low back
15 pain and low level of activities. (AR 669. She ambulated with a forward trunk flexion and knees
16 flexed, with muscle guarding throughout low back and the bilateral lower extremities. (AR 669.)
17 Plaintiff complained that her pain was increasing as the injection wore off. (AR 669.) On this
18 same date she reported to Dr. Villarama that her pain was 4/10 when not moving, 8/10 with
19 activities; and 6/10 when on medication. (AR 852.) She was able to complete household chores.
20 (AR 700.) Plaintiff’s gait was compensated, but she had no cervical or thoracic spine tenderness
21 and had normal mobility and curvature. (AR 702.) Plaintiff had lumbar spine tenderness and
22 moderate pain with motion. (AR 702.) On July 26, 2012, Plaintiff reported to the VA that her
23 pain was 3/10. (AR 998.)
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On August 27, 2012, Plaintiff reported her pain as 1/10. (AR 697.) On examination,

25 Plaintiff was found to have lumbar pain tenderness and mild pain with motion, but the
26 examination was otherwise normal. (AR 698.)
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Plaintiff was seen on September 27, 2012 at Stanford for a neurosurgical consultative

28 examination. (AR 723.) Plaintiff reported that for the last month or so she had quite an

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1 improvement in her symptoms of back pain. (AR 723.) She could cope quite easily with her
2 back pain and her leg pain. (AR 723.) The intensity of the pain had decreased dramatically
3 down to the point that she was only taking one Vicodin a week. (AR 723.) She was able to walk
4 a bit more but still limited her activity because some of her pain happened from time to time.
5 (AR 723.) Plaintiff reported she was quite anxious to reproduce the pain again. (AR 723.)
6

On examination, Plaintiff was found to be in no distress and in relatively good health.

7 (AR 723.) Cranial nerve exam revealed full range of motion of extraocular movement as well as
8 normal strength in trapezius sternocleidomastoid. (AR 723) Motor examination of upper and
9 lower extremities did not reveal any focal weakness, and sensory examination did not reveal any
10 abnormalities. (AR 723.) There was neither Hoffman nor Babinski. (AR 723.) Plaintiff was
11 able to walk on her heels and toes and her posture was normal. (AR 723.) There was some pain
12 on palpation of her lower back as well as the paraspinal muscles, mostly on the left side. (AR
13 723.) Dr. Gelinas-Phaneuf opined that “[g]iven the fact that she has improved dramatically in
14 her symptomatology and that she requires mainly minimal medication to cope with the pain,
15 surgery at this point for a lumbar problem is not indicated.” (AR 724.) Also, given that she has
16 minimal symptoms for her neck issues, Plaintiff should just be followed conservatively. (AR
17 724.)
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On October 24, 2012, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Villarama that her pain was 2/10 to 3/10

19 after an injection. (AR 751, 753.) She was able to do more household chores and had improved
20 ambulation. (AR 751.) On examination, Plaintiff was found to have lumbar pain tenderness and
21 mild pain with motion, but the examination was otherwise normal. (AR 754.) On November 2,
22 2012, Plaintiff reported that she had good relief with the previous procedure and had exercised
23 and lost ten pounds but the pain had returned in July. (AR 988.) She had an injection the
24 previous Monday and her pain was 75 percent better. (AR 988.)
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On February 1, 2013, Plaintiff was seen by Dr. Villarama and reported her pain as 0/10.

26 (AR 758.) There are no musculoskeletal findings on examination. (AR 759.) On February 28,
27 2013, Plaintiff complained of pain of 3/10. (AR 762.) On examination, the physician noted
28 “TTP lumbar and cervical spine,” some spasm.” (AR 763.)

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1

On April 23, 2013, Plaintiff reported pain of 2/10 with more frequent migraines and she

2 was receiving some relief with medication. (AR 978-979.)
3

On May 10, 2013, Plaintiff reported that she had been in a car accident three months prior

4 and her headache was a little worse than usual with some neck pain. (AR 765. Dr. Villarama
5 noted a limp gait, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine tenderness with “SLT left.” (AR 7676 768.)

Plaintiff had no edema.

(AR 768.)

Dr. Villarama completed the medical source

7 statements referenced above. (AR 791-792, 793-794.)
8

On June 5, 2013, Plaintiff had a neurology consultation with Dr. Mehta at the VA. (AR

9 947-958.)

Dr. Mehta’s examination notes no extremity pain; and mild paresthesia and/or

10 dysesthesias and numbness in the bilateral upper extremities. (AR 949) He found normal
11 muscle strength and normal reflexes on examination. (AR 950-951.) Plaintiff had a normal gait
12 and negative Phalen’s and Tinel’s.

(AR 952.)

There was mild medial nerve incomplete

13 paralysis (AR 952), with no other pertinent physical findings (AR 954). Plaintiff had pain on
14 both sides of the head with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and changes in
15 vision lasting 1-2 days that occurred more frequently than one per month. (AR 956-957.) Dr.
16 Mehta opined that Plaintiff’s headache condition does not affect her ability to work. (AR 958.)
17

Plaintiff was seen on June 5, 2013, by Dr. Pham at the VA regarding complaints of foot

18 pain. (AR 960-964.) Plaintiff complained of dull aching pain in left foot that increases with
19 activity which was 3/10. She reported she can stand for about thirty minutes to an hour before
20 experiencing pain. (AR 965.) Dr. Pham opined that Plaintiff’s bunion does not impact her
21 ability to work. (AR 972.)
22

Plaintiff was evaluated for a PTSD questionnaire on June 6, 2013, at the VA. (AR 933-

23 945.) Plaintiff was found to have moderate symptoms of PTSD. (AR 943.) Dr. Sayasane
24 opined that Plaintiff’s PTSD condition does not render her unable to secure or maintain
25 substantially gainful employment. (AR 943.) Dr. Sayasane noted that the recent award of
26 increase “was primarily related to her physical conditions of migraine headaches, and a back
27 condition that has not yet been evaluated. Although she complained of the physical limitations,
28 this writer did not observe impairment with physical and sedentary employment.” (AR 943.) He

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1 deferred the case for a medical opinion. (AR 943.)
2

On October 15, 2013, Plaintiff was seen for a routine follow-up. (AR 923.) MRI of

3 lumbar spine revealed degenerative disc and joint disease causing severe left-sided foraminal
4 stenosis at L5/S1 and moderate right sided foraminal stenosis at L5/S1.

(AR 927.)

On

5 examination of the lumbar spine, Plaintiff was found to have tenderness and mild pain with
6 motion. (AR 821.) On this visit and on her next visit on March 5, 2014, Plaintiff reported pain
7 of 5/10. (AR 926, 915.)
8

Plaintiff was examined on June 30, 2014, at Golden Valley Health Center and reported

9 her pain was a four and was worsening. (AR 819.) However, the record reflects pain of 0/10 on
10 the visit. (AR 820.) On examination, the findings reflect TTP lumbar and cervical spine, some
11 spasms. (AR 820.) Plaintiff had tenderness in lumbar spine and mild pain with motion. (AR
12 821.) An MRI of the cervical spine revealed slight broad based bulges at C5/6 and C6/7 but no
13 significant extradural, intradural extramedullary, or intramedullary abnormalities were noted;
14 loss of normal cervical lordosis; mild disc space narrowing C4/5, C5/6; prominent Modic type II
15 peridscal marginal anterior endplate osteophytes C5/6, C6/7. (AR 815.)
16

Plaintiff had MRIs on April 21, 2014. The MRI of the C spine revealed slight broad

17 based disc bulges C5/6, C6/7 but no significant extradural, intradural extramedullary or
18 intramedullary abnormalities noted; loss of normal cervical lordosis; mild disc space narrowing
19 C4/5, C5/6, prominent Modic type II peridiscal degenerative bone marrow changes C5/6, C6/7;
20 and large peridscal marginal anterior endplate osteophytes C5/6, C6/7. (AR 1061.) The MRI of
21 the lumbar spine showed no evidence for significant pathology. (AR 1062.)
22

On July 22, 2014, Plaintiff had a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation by Dr. Van Kirk.

23 (AR 1099-1103.) Dr. Van Kirk noted that Plaintiff was able to sit comfortably in the exam chair,
24 get up and out of the chair, walk around the examination room, and get on and off the table
25 without difficulty. (AR 1101.) Plaintiff was markedly overweight. (AR 1101.) Her circulation
26 was adequate in both upper and lower extremities. (AR 1101.) Plaintiff’s Romberg was normal
27 and tandem walking with one foot in front of the other was satisfactory. (AR 1101.) Plaintiff
28 could get up on her heels and toes; squat almost all the way down; and had a normal heel-toe gait

14

1 pattern with no limp. (AR 1101.)
2

On examination of the cervical spine, Dr. Van Kirk found generalized discomfort in the

3 mid cervical spine area as well as paracervical soft tissue. (AR 1101.) Plaintiff was able to
4 slowly go through full range of motion of cervical spine. (AR 1101.) Flexion was 0-50 degrees
5 and extension was 0-60 degrees; lateral flexion 0-45 degrees; and rotation 0-80 degrees
6 bilaterally. (AR 1101.)
7

Plaintiff’s main pain was in mid lumbar spine area and radiated into the waist area and

8 buttocks. (AR 1101.) Plaintiff was able to bend over to within eight inches of touching the floor
9 with her long fingers. (AR 1101.) Range of motion was: flexion 0-70 degrees; extension 0-15
10 degrees; side to side tilt 0-15 degrees; and rotation 0-30 degrees in each direction of the
11 dorsolumbar spine. (AR 1101.)
12

Plaintiff’s hip joints, knee joints, ankle joints, shoulder joints, elbow joints, wrist joints,

13 finger, and thumb joints had no pain or difficulty. (AR 1102.) Straight leg raise was 90/90
14 bilaterally in the supine and sitting positions. (AR 1102.) Motor strength was normal 5/5 in the
15 upper and lower extremities bilaterally. (AR 1102.) Light touch and pinprick were intact
16 throughout upper and lower extremities. (AR 1102.) Deep tendon reflexes were bilaterally
17 equal, but present only in the bicep reflexes in the upper extremities. (AR 1102.) Patellar
18 reflexes and ankle jerks were normal. (AR 1102.)
19

Dr. Van Kirk diagnosed Plaintiff with chronic cervical musculoligamentous strain/sprain

20 associated with degenerative changes of the mid to lower cervical spine; chronic lumbosacral
21 musculoligamentous strain/sprain associated with mild disc space narrowing at L5-S1, mild bony
22 proliferative changes at L3-L4; degenerative disc and joint disease causes severe left-sided
23 foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 and moderate right-side foraminal stenosis at L5-S1. (AR 110224 1103.) He opined that Plaintiff should be able to stand and/or walk cumulatively for six hours
25 out of an eight hour day; sit cumulatively for six hours out of an eight hour day; lift and carry ten
26 pounds frequently and twenty pounds occasionally limited due to chronic neck and lower back
27 pain; only occasional postural activities due to chronic lower back pain; and had no manipulative
28 limitations except that she should not be required to work repetitively with her arms over her

15

1 head because this would likely increase neck pain; and she should not work in an extremely cold
2 or damp environment. (AR 1103.)
3

While Plaintiff did have instances where she complained of more pain, significant

4 evidence in the medical record supports the ALJ’s finding that Plaintiff’s symptoms were
5 generally mild and well-controlled with conservative treatment. Although Dr. Villarama found
6 that Plaintiff’s pain was moderate or severe and the record demonstrates that while she did have
7 incidents of pain that was 5/10 or higher (AR 673, 926, 1017, 1010), she generally reported at
8 her medical appointments that her pain was 3/10 or less (AR 567, 697, 710, 751, 753, 758, 762,
9 820, 965, 998, 999, 1016). The ALJ need not accept the opinion of any physician that is brief,
10 conclusory, and unsupported by clinical findings. Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 957 (9th
11 Cir. 2002).
12

The ALJ gave substantial weight to the July 2014 opinion of Dr. Van Kirk because it was

13 consistent with the medical record, examination findings and overall evidence of record. (AR
14 17.) Dr. Van Kirk’s opinion is consistent with the medical findings of the VA evaluation which
15 found that Plaintiff’s medical and psychiatric conditions did not render her unable to secure and
16 maintain substantial gainful employment (AR 16, 933-975), and the other evidence in the
17 medical record. Since Dr. Van Kirk’s opinion is based upon independent clinical findings that
18 differ from those of Dr. Villarama and are supported by other substantial evidence in the record,
19 Dr. Van Kirk’s opinion is substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s opinion. Andrews, 53 F.3d
20 at 1041.
21

The ALJ provided specific and legitimate reasons for rejecting Dr. Villarama’s opinion

22 that are based on substantial evidence in the record.
23

B.

Credibility Finding

24

Plaintiff also contends that the ALJ erred in assessing her credibility. “An ALJ is not

25 required to believe every allegation of disabling pain or other non-exertional impairment.” Orn
26 v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625, 635 (9th Cir. 2007) (internal punctuation and citations omitted).
27 Determining whether a claimant’s testimony regarding subjective pain or symptoms is credible,
28 requires the ALJ to engage in a two-step analysis. Molina v. Astrue, 674 F.3d 1104, 1112 (9th

16

1 Cir. 2012). The ALJ must first determine if “the claimant has presented objective medical
2 evidence of an underlying impairment which could reasonably be expected to produce the pain
3 or other symptoms alleged.” Lingenfelter v. Astrue, 504 F.3d 1028, 1036 (9th Cir. 2007)
4 (internal punctuation and citations omitted). This does not require the claimant to show that her
5 impairment could be expected to cause the severity of the symptoms that are alleged, but only
6 that it reasonably could have caused some degree of symptoms. Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1282.
7

Second, if the first test is met and there is no evidence of malingering, the ALJ can only

8 reject the claimant’s testimony regarding the severity of her symptoms by offering “clear and
9 convincing reasons” for the adverse credibility finding. Carmickle v. Commissioner of Social
10 Security, 533 F.3d 1155, 1160 (9th Cir. 2008). The ALJ must specifically make findings that
11 support this conclusion and the findings must be sufficiently specific to allow a reviewing court
12 to conclude the ALJ rejected the claimant’s testimony on permissible grounds and did not
13 arbitrarily discredit the claimant’s testimony. Moisa v. Barnhart, 367 F.3d 882, 885 (9th Cir.
14 2004) (internal punctuation and citations omitted). Factors that may be considered in assessing a
15 claimant’s subjective pain and symptom testimony include the claimant’s daily activities; the
16 location, duration, intensity and frequency of the pain or symptoms; factors that cause or
17 aggravate the symptoms; the type, dosage, effectiveness or side effects of any medication; other
18 measures or treatment used for relief; functional restrictions; and other relevant factors.
19 Lingenfelter, at 1040; Thomas, 278 F.3d at 958. In assessing the claimant’s credibility, the ALJ
20 may also consider “(1) ordinary techniques of credibility evaluation, such as the claimant’s
21 reputation for lying, prior inconsistent statements concerning the symptoms, and other testimony
22 by the claimant that appears less than candid; [and] (2) unexplained or inadequately explained
23 failure to seek treatment or to follow a prescribed course of treatment. . . .” Tommasetti v.
24 Astrue, 533 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 2008) (quoting Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284).
25

The ALJ found that Plaintiff’s allegations were not fully credible because she testified

26 that she attended college through 2011, took a full course load and planned to complete her
27 degree and she was able to sit through the hearing for over an hour with no apparent discomfort.
28 (AR 16.) Plaintiff argues that the ALJ’s finding that she went to college does not support a

17

1 finding that Plaintiff’s daily activities are transferrable to a work setting. However, Plaintiff
2 testified that she had memory problems. (AR 40-41.) Plaintiff stated that she loses focus, cannot
3 concentrate, forgets things, and is unable to make decisions because of her inability to focus.
4 (AR 41-42.) She also testified that she has frustration issues which affect her ability to interact
5 with other people due to her inability to concentrate and focus and causes her to be unable to
6 finish things she starts. (AR 47-48, 49-50, 52.) Plaintiff’s ability to attend school, even if
7 online, take a full course load, and graduate is inconsistent with her allegations regarding the
8 severity of her concentration and focus issues. The ALJ properly considered that Plaintiff’s
9 allegations regarding the severity of her mental symptoms were inconsistent with her ability to
10 attend school full time and complete her associate’s degree. See Light v. Social Sec. Admin.,
11 119 F.3d 789, 792 (9th Cir. 1997) (ALJ may consider inconsistencies between the claimant’s
12 testimony and his conduct in determining credibility).
13

During the hearing, Plaintiff testified that she was able to sit “maybe an hour” but that

14 she needed to adjust and that she spends most of her time in bed watching television because that
15 way she can position herself so she is comfortable (AR 40, 50), however the ALJ noted that she
16 was able to sit for more than an hour during the hearing without any apparent discomfort (AR
17 16).

The record demonstrates that similar observations were made by physicians when

18 examining Plaintiff. (AR 503, 648, 943, 1101.) While an ALJ’s personal observations may form
19 the sole basis of discrediting a claimant’s credibility, they may be used in the overall evaluation
20 of the credibility of the claimant’s statements. Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625, 639 (9th Cir. 2007).
21

The ALJ also found in addressing Dr. Villarama’s opinion that Plaintiff’s symptoms were

22 generally mild and well controlled with conservative treatment as discussed above. (AR 16-17.)
23 Evidence of conservative treatment is sufficient to discount a claimant’s testimony regarding the
24 severity of the impairment. Parra v. Astrue, 481 F.3d 742, 751 (9th Cir. 2007).
25

The ALJ further found that Plaintiff engaged in a full range of daily activities, including

26 caring for her child, attending college full-time, and interacting with people. (AR 17.) On
27 February 1, 2013, the record notes that household chores become a little difficult after ten
28 minutes.

(AR 756.)

On July 9, 2014, Plaintiff told Dr. Cohn that she had no difficulty

18

1 competing household tasks, cleans the house, and goes shopping. (AR 798.) On June 6, 2013,
2 Plaintiff reported that she has a good relationship with her son and has several good friendships.
3 (AR 937.) On July 22, 2014, Plaintiff told Dr. Van Kirk that she is unable to do heavy yard work
4 or house hold chores such as vacuuming, mopping or taking out the trash, but she drives and
5 rides a bicycle every day. (AR 1100.) During the August 21, 2014 hearing, while Plaintiff
6 testified that she takes a while to get going in the morning, she unloads that dishwasher, prepares
7 meals, vacuums, sweeps and mops, although not on a regular basis, and does laundry. (AR 44.)
8 Plaintiff goes shopping although she does not walk around the mall. (AR 46-47.) There are two
9 ways for an ALJ to “use daily activities to form the basis of an adverse credibility determination:
10 if the claimant’s activity contradicts his testimony or if the claimant’s activity meets the
11 threshold for transferable work skills.” Phillips v. Colvin, 61 F. Supp. 3d 925, 944 (N.D. Cal.
12 2014). Here, the ALJ considered that Plaintiff’s daily activities contradict her claims regarding
13 the severity of her symptoms.
14

The ALJ provided clear and convincing reasons that are supported by substantial

15 evidence in the record, in finding that Plaintiff’s allegations regarding the severity of her
16 symptoms were not entirely credible.
Veteran’s Administration Rating

17

C.

18

Finally, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred by failing to consider her disability rating

19 from the VA. “[A]lthough a VA rating of disability does not necessarily compel the SSA to
20 reach an identical result, 20 C.F.R. § 404.1504, the ALJ must consider the VA’s finding in
21 reaching his decision.” McCartey v. Massanari, 298 F.3d 1072, 1076 (9th Cir. 2002). The ALJ
22 is ordinarily required to give great weight to the VA determination of disability, and must
23 provide persuasive, specific, and valid reasons to give the rating less weight that are supported
24 by the record. Id.
25

In his opinion, the ALJ considered that Plaintiff’s disability rating had been increased

26 from 50 to 70%; and her entitlement to individual un-employability was denied on June 17,
27 2013. (AR 16, 795-796.) Plaintiff argues that remand is required due to the ALJ’s failure to
28 properly assess the VA disability rating, provide the weight given to the opinion and reasons to

19

1 reject the opinion. However, the ALJ did not reject the VA disability rating but found that
2 despite her 70% disability rating, Plaintiff was not unemployable.

Review of the VA

3 consultations and examinations which formed the basis of the determination that she was not
4 entitled to individual un-employability reveals that the VA physicians found that Plaintiff’s
5 medical conditions which entitle her to disability did not affect Plaintiff’s ability to perform
6 work. (AR 947-972.)
7

The Ninth Circuit has recognized the marked similarity between disability programs of

8 the VA and the Social Security Administration. Valentine v. Comm’r Soc. Sec. Admin., 574
9 F.3d 685, 695 (9th Cir. 2009). Here, the VA found that while Plaintiff had a 70% disability
10 rating, her impairments did not impair her ability to find and maintain gainful employment.
11 Specifically, Dr. Mehta found during his neurology consultation that “neither migraine
12 headaches nor [bilateral carpal tunnel] conditions render [Plaintiff] unable to secure and maintain
13 gainful employment.” (AR 947.) Dr. Pham found that Plaintiff’s foot condition did not impact
14 her ability to find work. (AR 972.) Dr. Sayasane opined that “in spite of her persistent sleep
15 problems and notable difficulties with concentration, [Plaintiff’s] PTSD condition does not
16 render her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.” (AR 943.) The ALJ
17 properly considered that, despite her disability rating of 70%, the VA had not found Plaintiff to
18 be un-employable.
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1

V.

2

CONCLUSION AND ORDER
Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that the ALJ did not err in determining the

3

4 weight to be accorded to Dr. Villarama’s opinion, in assessing Plaintiff’s credibility, or in
5 considering the VA disability rating. Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff’s appeal from the decision of the

6

7 Commissioner of Social Security is DENIED. It is FURTHER ORDERED that judgment be
8 entered in favor of Defendant Commissioner of Social Security and against Plaintiff Tina
9 Twynette Davenport. The Clerk of the Court is directed to CLOSE this action.
10
11

IT IS SO ORDERED.

12 Dated:

September 19, 2016
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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