(SS) Hernandez v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
20
ORDER Regarding Plaintiff's Social Security Complaint signed by Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe on 03/31/2021. CASE CLOSED.(Flores, E)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
8
EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
9
10
11
DAVID EDWARD HERNANDEZ,
12
15
ORDER REGARDING PLAINTIFF’S
SOCIAL SECURITY COMPLAINT
Plaintiff,
13
14
Case No.: 1:20-cv-00041-BAM
v.
ANDREW M. SAUL, Commissioner of Social
Security,
Defendant.
16
17
INTRODUCTION
18
19
Plaintiff David Edward Hernandez (“Plaintiff”) seeks judicial review of a final decision of the
20
Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”) denying his applications for disability insurance
21
benefits under Title II and supplemental security income under Title XVI of the Social Security Act.
22
The matter is currently before the Court on the parties’ briefs, which were submitted, without oral
23
argument, to Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe.1
Having considered the briefing and record in this matter, the Court finds the decisions of the
24
25
Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) and the Appeals Council to be supported by substantial evidence
26
27
1
28
The parties consented to have a United States Magistrate Judge conduct all proceedings in this case, including
entry of final judgment, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). (Doc. Nos. 6, 8, 21.)
1
1
in the record as a whole and based upon proper legal standards. Accordingly, this Court affirms the
2
agency’s determination to deny benefits for the period of October 15, 2011 to August 4, 2015.
FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS
3
4
Plaintiff filed applications for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income
5
on December 5, 2011. AR 172-75, 176-81.2 Plaintiff alleged that he became disabled on October 15,
6
2011, due to lower back pain, heart problems, gout, chronic pain, and sleep apnea. AR 196. Plaintiff’s
7
application was denied initially and on reconsideration. AR 76-77, 120-27. Subsequently, Plaintiff
8
requested a hearing before an ALJ. ALJ Tamia N. Gordon held a hearing on November 6, 2013, and
9
issued an order denying benefits on January 17, 2014. AR 21-31. Plaintiff sought review of the ALJ’s
10
decision, which the Appeals Council denied, making the ALJ’s decision the Commissioner’s final
11
decision. AR 1-6. Plaintiff then appealed the decision to United States District Court for the Northern
12
District of California. On March 30, 2017, the U.S. District Court reversed the Commissioner’s final
13
decision and remanded for further proceedings. AR 1168-77.
14
While the civil action was pending, Plaintiff filed a new application for supplemental social
15
security income on August 4, 2015. AR 1184. The second application was granted with a finding of
16
disability on August 4, 2015. AR 1184. The Appeals Council then permitted the ALJ on remand to
17
potentially reopen and revise the disability determination. AR 1184.
On remand, a second ALJ, Ruxanna Meyer, held a rehearing on September 13, 2017, and
18
19
issued an order denying benefits on July 18, 2018. AR 1093-134, 1187-1203. The ALJ declined to
20
reopen the August 4, 2015 application. AR 1190-91. As to the original application, the ALJ issued a
21
decision for the unadjudicated period between October 15, 2011 and August 4, 2015 (the period
22
between the original onset date and the second application). AR 1190-203. Plaintiff requested review
23
and the Appeals Council issued a decision on November 12, 2019. AAR 1085-92. The Appeals
24
Council made some findings but ultimately concluded Plaintiff was not disabled from October 15,
25
2011 to August 3, 2015. AR 1089-92. This appeal followed.
26
///
27
28
2
References to the Administrative Record will be designated as “AR,” followed by the appropriate page number.
2
1
Hearing Testimony
2
The ALJ held a hearing on September 13, 2017, in Fresno, California. Plaintiff appeared with
3
her attorney, Robert Ishikawa. Cheryl Chandler, an impartial vocational expert, also appeared. AR
4
1093.
5
Plaintiff testified that he lives in an assisted living facility for disabled persons. AR 1099.
6
Plaintiff further testified that from October 2011 to the time of the hearing, he gained about 130
7
pounds. AR 1099-100. During the period at issue (October 2011 to August 2015), Plaintiff gained
8
about 115-120 pounds, which he attributed to taking prednisone. AR 1100. Prednisone is prescribed to
9
Plaintiff for blood clots. AR 1100.
10
Plaintiff testified that he is able to drive and has disabled parking. AR 1101. He has been able
11
to drive for the year prior to the hearing. AR 1101. Prior to obtaining a vehicle last year, Plaintiff used
12
disabled persons transportation services and public transportation to get around. AR 1102. Plaintiff
13
further testified that he has his GED and did some vocational training. AR 1102.
14
Plaintiff testified that he last worked in December 2008. AR 1102. He was working in
15
machinery and tools and was walking and standing approximately six hours a day, was lifting about 50
16
pounds at the heaviest and 10 pounds at the lightest, and supervised 25 people. AR 1102. Plaintiff
17
mostly worked in a jobsite foreman position. AR 1102. Plaintiff was then laid off from that position.
18
AR 1103-04. Plaintiff further testified that he attempted to find work elsewhere but in October 2011
19
he fell off a ladder and injured himself. AR 1105-06. Plaintiff also testified that he worked for a
20
furniture company where he was constructing furniture and installing furniture. AR 1122.
21
In response to questions by his attorney, Plaintiff testified that he started using a cane after he
22
had a stent put in in December 2011. AR 1107. The use of a cane was prescribed. AR 1107. Plaintiff
23
explained that after his stent was put in, he had blood clots in his legs and lungs, and had bad knees, so
24
he was prescribed the cane to avoid falling. AR 1108. After receiving the stent, Plaintiff would get
25
chest pains for once or twice a month for a couple of days at a time. AR 1108. He would be
26
hospitalized for the pain on these occasions. AR 1108. The chest pains would occur upon exertion or
27
activity. AR 1108. Plaintiff further testified that between 2011 and 2013 he would need to have his
28
knees elevated at least half the day. AR 1109.
3
1
Plaintiff also testified that he has back problems at the L4-L5 and C3 vertebrae. AR 1110.
2
Plaintiff testified that the pain is constant and chronic. AR 1110. Plaintiff also testified that has sciatica
3
pain a couple times a day for a few minutes at a time, where the pain shoots down his leg to his feet.
4
AR 1111.
5
Plaintiff further testified that he was diagnosed with diabetes in 2014 and takes metformin and
6
insulin. AR 1111. Plaintiff testified that activity aggravated his back, particularly standing up,
7
walking, and sitting down. AR 1112. Plaintiff also testified that he has pain on the C3 vertebrae that is
8
aggravated by looking up, and sometimes to the left. AR 1113. Plaintiff testified that he has
9
neuropathy as a result of his diabetes. AR 1113. Plaintiff also testified that the pain he experiences
10
11
affects his ability to stay focused and pay attention. AR 1114.
Plaintiff further testified that he has sleep apnea which reduces his sleep to about 2-3 hours a
12
night. AR 1114. Plaintiff uses ice and pain medication to help alleviate the pain. AR 1115-16. Physical
13
therapy was not helpful because Plaintiff was in too much pain. AR 1116. Plaintiff further testified
14
that his depression makes him shake and feel useless. AR 1116-17. Plaintiff’s depression causes
15
problems with concentration and pain intensity. AR 1117.
16
Following Plaintiff’s testimony, the ALJ elicited testimony from the vocational expert (“VE”)
17
Cheryl Chandler. The VE characterized Plaintiff’s past work as light but performed at the medium
18
level, SVP 7, and semiskilled, heavy, SVP 4. AR 1121, 1122. The ALJ also asked the VE hypothetical
19
questions. For the first hypothetical, the ALJ asked the VE to assume an individual of Plaintiff’s age,
20
education, and past work experience. The ALJ also asked the VE to assume an individual who could
21
lift or carry 20 pounds occasionally, lift 10 pounds frequently, stand for 6 hours in an 8-hour workday,
22
sit for 6 hours in an 8-hour workday, perform occasional climbing of stairs and ramps, occasional
23
stooping, kneeling, and crawling, frequent balancing and crouching, is to avoid ladders, ropes, and
24
scaffolds as well as avoiding concentrated exposure to hazards such as moving machinery and
25
unprotected heights. AR 1124-25. The VE testified that there would not be work in the national
26
economy with transferrable skills from Plaintiff’s past work. AR 1125. The VE further testified that he
27
could perform jobs at the light, unskilled level such as salesperson, general hardware, cashier, and
28
counter clerk that such an individual could perform. AR 1125-27.
4
1
For the second hypothetical, the ALJ asked the VE to take hypothetical one but that the
2
individual could only stand and walk for a total of 4 hours in an 8-hour workday. AR 1127. The VE
3
testified that there would be jobs in the national economy including cashier, counter clerks, and
4
courier. AR 1128.
5
For the third hypothetical, the ALJ asked the VE to take hypothetical two but that individual
6
would be able to perform simple, routine tasks. AR 69. The VE testified that there would still remain
7
jobs in the national economy that such an individual could perform. AR 69. The VE further testified
8
that due to the change in age category, as experienced by Plaintiff during the relevant time, the
9
following jobs at the sedentary level would also be available, ticket counter worker, charge accounts
10
11
clerk, and assembler. AR 1130.
For the fourth hypothetical, the ALJ asked the VE to assume an individual that can lift or carry
12
20 pounds occasionally, lift 10 pounds frequently, sit or stand but not for extended periods of time
13
defined as more than two hours, perform work that does not involve driving, climbing ladders, or
14
using power equipment, perform work that does not involve repetitive stooping defined as occasional
15
stooping, and would require a job that permits a period of sitting after 15 minutes of standing or
16
walking. AR 1130-31. The VE testified that such an individual would not be able to work. AR 1131.
17
Medical Record
18
The relevant medical record was reviewed by the Court and will be referenced below as
19
necessary to this Court’s decision.
20
The ALJ’s Decision
21
Using the Social Security Administration’s five-step sequential evaluation process, the ALJ
22
determined that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act. AR 1191. Specifically, the
23
ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity from the alleged onset date of
24
October 15, 2011, to the date last insured, December 21, 2013. AR 1193. The ALJ identified coronary
25
artery disease status post coronary angioplasty with stent placement, morbid obesity, degenerative disc
26
disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, degenerative joint disease of the right knee with meniscal
27
tear, history of deep vein thrombosis, secondary to anticoagulation therapy, diabetes mellitus type II,
28
5
1
and sleep apnea with CPAP as severe impairments. AR 1193. The ALJ determined that the severity of
2
Plaintiff’s impairments did not meet or equal any of the listed impairments. AR 1194.
3
Based on a review of the entire record, the ALJ found that Plaintiff retained the residual
4
functional capacity (“RFC”) to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally, and 10 pounds frequently,
5
stand and walk for four hours in an eight-hour workday, and sit for six hours in an eight-hour
6
workday, occasionally climb ramps and stairs, occasionally balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl,
7
could not complete work that involves climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, concentrated exposure to
8
hazards such as heavy machinery, or unprotected heights. AR 1194-201. With this RFC, the ALJ
9
found that Plaintiff could not perform his past relevant work as an assistant construction
10
superintendent or furniture assembler installer. AR 1201. Alternatively, the ALJ concluded that
11
Plaintiff could perform other jobs in the national economy, such as cashier, counter clerk, and courier.
12
AR 1202-03. The ALJ therefore concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security
13
Act. AR 1203.
14
The Appeals Council’s Decision
15
On November 12, 2019, the Appeals Council (“AC”) issued a decision finding that Plaintiff
16
was not disabled for the period of October 15, 2011 thorough August 4, 2015. AR 1092. The AC
17
adopted the ALJ’s “statements regarding the pertinent provisions of the Social Security Act, Social
18
Security Regulations, Social Security Rulings and Acquiescence Rulings, issues in the case and
19
evidentiary facts, as applicable.” AR 1089. However, the AC declined to adopt the ALJ’s findings
20
regarding Plaintiff’s second application. AR 1089. Specifically, the AC declined to accept the ALJ’s
21
finding that Plaintiff was not disabled through the decision date of July 18, 2018, where under
22
Plaintiff’s second application Plaintiff was found to be disabled beginning August 4, 2015. AR 1089.
23
Otherwise, the AC adopted the ALJ’s findings regarding whether Plaintiff was disabled. AR 1090.
24
The AC, however, did not agree with the ALJ’s evaluation of treating source, Anupama
25
Poliyedath, M.D. AR 1090. The ALJ accorded Dr. Poliyedath’s opinion discounted weight because it
26
was temporary and did not meet the 12-month durational requirement and the opinion was
27
unsupported by the medical records. AR 1090. Notwithstanding, the AC accorded the opinion partial
28
6
1
but not controlling weight. AR 1091. The AC’s decision is otherwise an adoption of the ALJ’s
2
decision.
SCOPE OF REVIEW
3
4
Congress has provided a limited scope of judicial review of the Commissioner’s decision to
5
deny benefits under the Act. In reviewing findings of fact with respect to such determinations, this
6
Court must determine whether the decision of the Commissioner is supported by substantial evidence.
7
42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Substantial evidence means “more than a mere scintilla,” Richardson v. Perales,
8
402 U.S. 389, 402 (1971), but less than a preponderance. Sorenson v. Weinberger, 514 F.2d 1112,
9
1119, n. 10 (9th Cir. 1975). It is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as
10
adequate to support a conclusion.” Richardson, 402 U.S. at 401. The record as a whole must be
11
considered, weighing both the evidence that supports and the evidence that detracts from the
12
Commissioner’s conclusion. Jones v. Heckler, 760 F.2d 993, 995 (9th Cir. 1985). In weighing the
13
evidence and making findings, the Commissioner must apply the proper legal standards. E.g.,
14
Burkhart v. Bowen, 856 F.2d 1335, 1338 (9th Cir. 1988). This Court must uphold the Commissioner’s
15
determination that the claimant is not disabled if the Commissioner applied the proper legal standards,
16
and if the Commissioner’s findings are supported by substantial evidence. See Sanchez v. Sec’y of
17
Health and Human Servs., 812 F.2d 509, 510 (9th Cir. 1987).
REVIEW
18
19
In order to qualify for benefits, a claimant must establish that he or she is unable to engage in
20
substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which has
21
lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months. 42 U.S.C. §
22
1382c(a)(3)(A). A claimant must show that he or she has a physical or mental impairment of such
23
severity that he or she is not only unable to do his or her previous work, but cannot, considering his or
24
her age, education, and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which
25
exists in the national economy. Quang Van Han v. Bowen, 882 F.2d 1453, 1456 (9th Cir. 1989). The
26
burden is on the claimant to establish disability. Terry v. Sullivan, 903 F.2d 1273, 1275 (9th Cir.
27
1990).
28
7
DISCUSSION3
1
A. The ALJ Did Not Err in Evaluating the Opinion of Dr. Birgit Siekerkotte
2
Plaintiff first argues that the ALJ erred in evaluating the opinion of consultative examiner,
3
4
Birgit Siekerkotte, M.D. (Doc. No. 17 at 6.)
On January 13, 2016, Dr. Siekerkotte completed a consultative evaluation. Plaintiff
5
6
complained of low back pain, knee pain bilaterally, diabetes neuropathy, lower extremity edema and
7
discoloration, status post PE, status post DVT, status post myocardial infraction, congestive heart
8
failure, COPD, and depression. AR 1326. As to his daily activities, Plaintiff reported that he needs
9
help washing his feet and dressing, denies being able to sweep, mop, vacuum, do dishes, do laundry,
10
shop, or cook. AR 1327. Plaintiff also reported that he spends most of his days watching tv and
11
reading. AR 1327.
12
On examination, Dr. Siekerkotte observed that Plaintiff was morbidly obese, had some
13
discoloration on his lower legs, walks with a limp and is unbale to stand on toes and heels. AR 1329.
14
Plaintiff also reported that he uses a two-wheel walker and cane at home, as well as a CPAP machine,
15
oxygen concentrator, and accu-check. AR 1329. Dr. Siekerkotte opined that Plaintiff would have a
16
maximum standing/walking capacity of less than two hours, no limitations on sitting, requires the
17
assistive devices of a cane, two-wheel walker, CPCP, oxygen concentrator and accu-check, could
18
lift/carry less than 10 pounds occasionally and frequently, could never climb ladders, could
19
occasionally climb stairs, stoop, crouch, and crawl, could occasionally reach overhead, reaching, and
20
handling, and could limitedly work at heights, around heavy machinery, and around dust, fumes, and
21
gases. AR 1330-31.
The ALJ assigned discounted weight to Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion as it was rendered 4 months
22
23
after the relevant period. AR 1199. The ALJ also discounted the opinion because the medical evidence
24
did not support that a cane was medically necessary for the durational requirement or that it was
25
26
27
28
3
The parties are advised that this Court has carefully reviewed and considered all of the briefs, including arguments,
points and authorities, declarations, and/or exhibits. Any omission of a reference to any specific argument or brief is not to
be construed that the Court did not consider the argument or brief.
8
1
prescribed by an acceptable medical source. AR 1199. Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ did not provide
2
sufficient reasons for discounting Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion. The Court disagrees.
3
Cases in this circuit identify three types of physicians: (1) those who treat the claimant
4
(treating physicians); (2) those who examine but do not treat the claimant (examining physicians); and
5
(3) those who neither examine nor treat the claimant (non-examining physicians). Lester v. Chater, 81
6
F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir. 1995). As a general rule, more weight should be given to the opinion of a
7
treating source than to the opinions of doctors who do not treat the claimant. Id. Where a treating
8
physician’s opinion is not contradicted by another doctor, it may be rejected only for “clear and
9
convincing” reasons. Id. If the treating physician’s opinion is contradicted by another doctor, the
10
Commissioner must provide “specific and legitimate” reasons supported by substantial evidence in the
11
record to reject this opinion. Id.
12
As with a treating physician, the Commissioner also must provide “clear and convincing”
13
reasons for rejecting the uncontradicted opinion of an examining physician. Lester, 81 F.3d at 830. If
14
contradicted, the opinion of an examining physician can only be rejected for “specific and legitimate
15
reasons” that are supported by substantial evidence in the record. Id. at 830-31. The opinion of a non-
16
examining physician alone is not substantial evidence that justifies the rejection of the opinion of
17
either a treating or examining physician. Id. at 831.
18
The ALJ first discounted Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion because it was rendered 4 months after the
19
relevant period. AR 1199. Medical evaluations made after the expiration of the claimant’s insured
20
period is relevant to the pre-expiration condition. Lester, 81 F.3d at 833; Smith v. Bowen, 849 F.2d
21
1222, 1224-25 (9th Cir. 1988) (holding that three doctors' medical evaluations rendered three to nine
22
years after the expiration of the insured status were relevant when evaluating the pre-expiration
23
condition); Hartman v. Bowen, 636 F. Supp. 129, 132 (N.D. Cal. 1986) (explaining although plaintiff
24
has to establish that disability existed prior to the expiration date, she is limited to evidence that
25
existed pre-expiration); Garcia v. Saul, 2020 WL 4882499 at *15 (S.D. Cal. August 20, 2020) (finding
26
medical opinion relevant where rendered six days after expiration of insured period). Here, the period
27
of disability at issue ends on August 4, 2015 and Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion was rendered on January
28
13, 2016. The ALJ considered the opinion, but partially discounted the opinion based on the date the
9
1
opinion was rendered. However, the ALJ also accorded the opinion discounted weight based on the
2
medical evidence. Therefore, the ALJ’s reliance on the opinion issued after the relevant period is not
3
error.
4
In considering the opinion, the ALJ discounted Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion because it was not
5
supported by the medical evidence. Specifically, the ALJ discounted Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion as to
6
the need of a cane. AR 1199. An ALJ may reject the opinion of the examining physician where the
7
limitations imposed are inconsistent with objective evidence in the record. Tommasetti v. Astrue, 533
8
F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir. 2008) (finding that ALJ provided specific and legitimate reason for
9
discounting physician’s opinion where opinion was inconsistent with medical records); Batson v.
10
Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 359 F.3d 1190, 1195 (9th Cir. 2004) (finding that an ALJ may discredit
11
treating physicians’ opinions that are conclusory, brief, and unsupported by the record as a whole or
12
by objective medical findings). According to the objective medical record, and as identified by the
13
ALJ, a progress note rendered in July 2015 found Plaintiff has no acute process and was in stable
14
condition. AR 1199. Further, the ALJ identified that the last pain management progress notes from
15
July 2015 stated that Plaintiff’s pain was moderately well controlled, and exercise was encouraged.
16
AR 1199. Additionally, a June 2015 neurological examination found that Plaintiff’s motor abilities
17
were grossly normal, and all extremities moved well. AR 1199.
18
In March 2012, consultative examiner Rustom Damania, M.D., examined Plaintiff. AR 381-86.
19
Dr. Damania noted that Plaintiff had normal range of motion, straight leg test negative at 90 degrees,
20
and Plaintiff had normal gait. AR 384. Dr. Damania opined that Plaintiff could lift up to 20 pounds
21
occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, and could sit, walk, and stand with no restriction. AR 386. Dr.
22
Damania also opined that no assistive device was necessary for ambulation. AR 386. The ALJ
23
accorded the opinion great weight as it was consistent with the examination notes and observations,
24
including noting susceptibility of the diabetes to control by diet. AR 1198.
25
State agency examiner A. Nasrabadi, M.D., opined that Plaintiff retained the residual
26
functional capacity to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, stand and
27
walk for 4 hours in an 8-hour workday, sit for 6 hours in an 8-hour workday, was precluded form
28
climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, but could occasionally climb ramps and stairs, was capable of
10
1
occasionally balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, but should avoid concentrated
2
exposure to hazards such as heavy machinery and heights. AR 103-05. The opinion was adopted by
3
Dr. J. Linder in December 2012. AR 103-05. The ALJ accorded the opinion great weight as it was in
4
accord with the overall medical evidence of the relevant period. AR 1199.
Dr. Poliyedath at Internal Medicine completed an evaluation of Plaintiff in January 2013. AR
5
6
794-96. The evaluation indicated that Plaintiff was unable to drive, climb ladders, use power
7
equipment, engage in repetitive bending or lifting, or stand or walk less than 15 minutes in an hour.
8
AR 795-96. The ALJ found that the opinion appeared to be based on the Plaintiff’s subjective
9
complaints, rather than on medical restrictions associated with orthopedic, coronary, or endocrinal
10
impairments. AR 1198.
“It is clear that it is the responsibility of the ALJ, not the claimant’s physician, to determine
11
12
residual functional capacity.” Vertigan v. Halter, 260 F.3d 1044, 1049 (9th Cir. 2001). An RFC “is the
13
most [one] can still do despite [his or her] limitations” and it is “based on all the relevant evidence in
14
[one’s] case record,” rather than a single medical opinion or piece of evidence. 20 C.F.R. §
15
404.1545(a)(1). While it is true that an ALJ is “not qualified to interpret raw medical data in functional
16
terms,” Padilla v. Astrue, 541 F.Supp.2d 1102, 1106 (C.D. Cal. 2008), the ALJ is not precluded from
17
making an RFC finding that differs from assessments contained in medical source statements. Indeed,
18
“[t]he ALJ’s RFC determination need not precisely reflect any particular medical provider’s
19
assessment.” Holcomb v. Comm’r Soc. Sec., No. 2:17-cv-02268-KJM-CKD, 2019 WL 176266, at *4
20
(E.D. Cal. Jan. 11, 2019) (citing Turner v. Comm’r Soc. Sec. Admin., 613 F.3d 1217, 1222-23 (9th Cir.
21
2010)).
22
Here, the ALJ cited medical evidence and treatment records to support her RFC finding that
23
Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally, and 10
24
pounds frequently, stand and walk for four hours in an eight-hour workday, and sit for six hours in an
25
eight-hour workday, occasionally climb ramps and stairs, occasionally balance, stoop, kneel, crouch,
26
and crawl, could not complete work that involves climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, concentrated
27
exposure to hazards such as heavy machinery, or unprotected heights. AR 1194-201. Plaintiff does not
28
argue that the RFC is not supported by the medical evidence but instead takes issue with the ALJ’s
11
1
determination as to the lift/carry capacity of Plaintiff. However, an ALJ is not precluded from making
2
an RFC finding that differs from assessments contained in medical source statements. “The ALJ’s
3
RFC determination need not precisely reflect any particular medical provider’s assessment.” Holcomb,
4
No. 2:17-cv-02268-KJM-CKD, 2019 WL 176266, at *4. The ALJ found that Plaintiff had the RFC to
5
lift 10 pounds frequently. Dr. Siekerkotte opined Plaintiff could lift/carry less than 10 pounds
6
occasionally and frequently. Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion also noted that Plaintiff has no sensory defects,
7
with normal sensation and reflex, muscle strength, and tone. AR 1329. The ALJ also noted the same
8
limitations in her opinion. The ALJ discussed all the relevant medical evidence on the record and
9
determined that Plaintiff retained the capacity to lift 10 pounds frequently. The ALJ articulated
10
11
12
legitimate reasons for according Dr. Siekerkotte’s opinion less weight.
For these reasons, the Court finds that the ALJ did not err in evaluating the opinion of Dr.
Siekerkotte and assigning it discounted weight.
CONCLUSION
13
14
Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that the ALJ’s decision is supported by substantial
15
evidence in the record as a whole and is based on proper legal standards. Accordingly, this Court
16
DENIES Plaintiff’s appeal from the administrative decision of the Commissioner of Social Security.
17
The Clerk of this Court is DIRECTED to enter judgment in favor of Defendant Andrew M. Saul,
18
Commissioner of Social Security, and against Plaintiff David Edward Hernandez.
19
20
21
22
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated:
/s/ Barbara
March 31, 2021
A. McAuliffe
_
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
23
24
25
26
27
28
12
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?