Lilly v. Astrue

Filing 28

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS re 23 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Michael J. Astrue. Please note that when filing Objections pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72(b)(2), briefing consists solely of the Objections (no longer than ten (10) pages) and the Response to the Objections (no longer than ten (10) pages). No further briefing shall be permitted with respect to objections without leave of the Court. Objections to R&R due by 2/16/2012. Signed by Judge Mary Pat Thynge on 1/30/2012. (cak)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

SUSAN D. LILLY,
Plaintiff,
v.
MICHAEL J. ASTRUE
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.

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CIVIL ACTION NO.: 10-30-LPS/MPT

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
I. Introduction1
Plaintiff Susan Lilly (“Lilly”) appeals from the decision of defendant Michael J.
Astrue, the Commissioner of Social Security (the “Commissioner”), denying her
application for Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) and Supplemental Security Income
(“SSI”) under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act (“Act”).2
Lilly and the Commissioner filed cross-motions for summary judgement.3 Lilly
seeks an award of benefits, or, in the alternative, remand for further analysis by a
different Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”),4 with instructions that appropriate deference
be given to the opinions of her treating sources. The Commissioner requests that the
ALJ’s decision be affirmed.5

1

Unless otherwise indicated, all facts are taken from supporting briefs submitted by the parties
and case record.
2
42.U.S.C. §§ 401-433, 1381-1383f.
3
(D.I. 8).
4
Under the fourth sentence of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), as incorporated by 42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3).
5
(D.I. 24).

1

II. Background
A. Procedural History
Lilly filed a Title XVI application for SSI and a Title II application for DIB on April
11, 2006. Her claims were initially denied by the Commissioner on the basis that her
condition is not severe enough to prevent employment. After denial of her application at
the pre-hearing stage, Lilly requested a hearing before an ALJ, which occurred on April
17, 2008.
On September 9, 2008, the ALJ found Lilly was not disabled within the meaning
of the Act and denied her request for benefits. Subsequently, Lilly filed a request for
review with the Appeals Council. Her request was denied without substantive
explanation. After exhausting all available remedies, Lilly brought this civil action6
seeking judicial review of the ALJ’s decision.
B. Factual History
1. Medical Assessment
On June 6, 2005, while under the care of Dr. Rowe,7 Lilly worked as a dental
assistant. She complained of numbness and tingling in both hands, despite wearing
wrist splints. She also stated at night, her knee would swell and cause discomfort. An
EMG8 showed moderate right carpal tunnel syndrome with mild to moderate severity on
the left and moderate on the right.9 Lilly was diagnosed with right lateral epicondylitis,
right forearm extensor muscle strain, left knee internal derangement, left knee patellar

6

Under 42 U.S.C. § 409(g) as incorporated by 42 U.S.C § 1383(c)(3).
Glen D. Rowe, D.O. reviewed the EMG performed on both upper extremities.
8
Electromyography involves testing the electrical activity of muscles.
7

9

This procedure was performed on May 23, 2005.

2

tendonitis, left knee patellofemoral syndrome and a history of juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis. She was proscribed Naprosyn and Vicodin. Shortly thereafter, Lilly quit
working on August 23, 2005.
On January 10, 2006, she was evaluated by Dr. Tamesis, a rheumatologist, for
complaints of multiple joint pain. Assessment of her complaints led to the following
diagnoses: DJD10 of the knee; left shoulder arthropathy; bilateral carpal tunnel
syndrome; low back pain, suggestive of lumbar spondylosis or sacroilitis; and
inflammatory arthritis, likely psoriatic arthritis. On January 11, 2006, Lilly’s rheumatoid
factor was 33.1.11
On February 1, 2006, her complaints were continuing left shoulder and hip pain,
chronic back pain, stiffness lasting an hour, morning fatigue and poor sleep. The
symptoms were not relieved by the previously prescribed medications. In addition, Dr.
Tamesis noted mild pain in the left shoulder on range of motion, no tenderness of the
carpal bones, left shoulder impingement, psoriasis, tenderness on palpation of both
sacroiliac joints, and knee crepitus. X-rays of her lumbar spine, left shoulder and hand
were normal.
Her complaints in February 2006 remained unchanged during March 2006, with
the exception of additional symptoms of hip, knee and elbow pain.
During an office visit with Dr. Tamesis on April 9, 2006, her elbow and left
shoulder pain had improved, but pain in both hips and wrists and the stiffness remained
unchanged. Dr. Tamesis confirmed pain of the left shoulder and knee crepitus, left

10
11

Degenerative Joint Disease (D.I. 24).
Any reading above 20 is elevated and positive.

3

shoulder impingement and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis.
In May 2006, Lilly complained of pain in her hips, knees, wrists and back, with
continued stiffness. In June 2006, Dr. Tamesis referred Lilly to Dr. John Asman.12 A
follow up visit in July 2006 showed the psoriasis was somewhat improved. However,
she still complained of pain all over, worse in the hips and heel, with swelling of the feet.
In September 2006, her pain, swelling, stiffness, morning fatigue and poor sleep
continued. Dr. Tamesis’s examination revealed left shoulder pain on range of motion,
tenderness of the sacroiliac joints, and knee crepitus.
In October 2006, Lilly complained of stiffness lasting for three hours and chronic
hip, heel, foot and back pain. At that time, the psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis had improved.
Dr. Tamesis’s examination revealed pain on range of motion in both shoulders,
tenderness of the carpal bones and sacroiliac joints, knee crepitus, multiple tender
points on palpation of diffuse muscle groups and fibromyalgia syndrome.
Medical consultant Dr. Borek completed an PRFC13 assessment on December
28, 2006. After reviewing medical records from Drs. Rowe and Tamesis, he concluded
Lilly was capable of sedentary, possibly light work.
After Dr. Borek’s assessment, other records and reports were added to Lilly’s
medical file, including two visits with Dr. Tamesis, one occurring on November 17, 2006.
During that visit, Dr. Tamesis’s examination revealed pain on range of motion in both
shoulders, tenderness of the carpal bones, knee crepitus and multiple tender points on
palpation of diffuse muscle groups. During the subsequent visit on February 12, 2007,

12
13

To start her on Remicade infusions for the arthritis.
Physical Residual Function Capacity Assessment.

4

Lilly complained of right shoulder, mid-back, elbow, heel and foot pain worsening with
prolonged sitting, stiffness lasting for three hours, morning fatigue, poor sleep and
return of her psoriasis. The diagnoses included persistent polyarthralgia and
fibromyalgia syndrome.
Another record not included in Dr. Borek’s assessment is Lilly’s visit on May 22,
2007 with Dr. Chester.14 He noted her primary care physician increased her Xanax and
her rheumatologist prescribed Trazadone for sleeping problems. She reported her daily
routine started at 6:30 a.m. preparing breakfast for her children and sending them to
school. It included caring for the youngest child, washing dishes, doing laundry,
preparing dinner, and supervising her children’s homework and evening baths. Her
children helped with the laundry, dishes, cooking and vacuuming. Although Lilly
admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, she claimed such habits did not
interfere with her functioning. She further noted she quit her job to stay home after one
of her children was molested by an older child. Lilly described a chaotic childhood
where her father beat her severely on a daily basis with a belt. During the interview,
she was loud, dramatic and used foul language, but her memory and concentration
were intact and her insight and judgment were fair. Dr. Chester assessed her as a
victim of abuse with a borderline personality disorder, having a GAF of 60,15 mild to no
limitations in mental faculties related to work, moderate impairment in her ability to
relate to other people and to perform work requiring contact with others.
14

Dr. Chester is a consulting psychiatrist who evaluated Lilly at the request of the Commissioner.
The Global Assessment Functioning Scale (GAF) is used to rate an individual’s overal
psychological, social and occupational functioning. A GAF score in the range of 51 to 60 indicates
“moderate symptoms (e.g. flat affect and circumstantial speech, occasional panic attacks) or moderate
difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g. few friends and conflicts with peers or
coworkers).”
15

5

On May 30, 2007, Lilly was examined by Dr. Bongalos, a consultant, who noted
her history of chronic back pain, stiffness, fatigue, polyarthralgia, myalgias of the
muscles and joints of the extremities. Lilly claimed she stopped working in August 2005
primarily because of low back pain, polyarthragia, myalgias, pain and weakness of the
wrists, hand grasps and grips. He observed during the physical exam that her range of
motion in the extremities was full except for the right shoulder. She exhibited a 60
degree limitation on bending and complained of soreness and stiffness when performing
range of motion maneuvers. Dr. Bongalos did not feel Lilly put forth her best effort
during the exam. He concluded possible fibromyalgia rather than juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis.
On June 1, 2007, Dr. Acuna16 affirmed the findings of Dr. Borek. He reviewed
the PRFC along with associated findings, limitations and MER,17 and found the PRFC to
be consistent. He noted since Lilly’s last disability report, she did not indicate any
change in her condition.
After the review by Dr. Acuna, Lilly underwent further treatment which generated
additional reports. A Field Disability Report was prepared wherein Lilly claimed her
back pain was unbearable, and the pain had worsened in her shoulder, neck, legs and
ankles.
In a progress note dated August 29, 2007, Dr. Tamesis noted Lilly had pain all
over, swelling of the feet, stiffness lasting two hours, morning fatigue and poor sleep.
She also experienced pain on range of motion of the left shoulder, but no tenderness of

16
17

Jose Gonzalez-Acuna, M.D. from the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services office.
Medical Examination Report.

6

carpal bones and knee crepitus.
On November 8, 2007, Lilly self-referred to Dr. Robert Moyer18 for evaluation of
her rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. His examination revealed no back tenderness,
with minimal trigger points, negative straight leg raising and a normal range of motion of
the joints, except the right shoulder, with slight decreased abduction and internal
rotation. Dr. Moyer found no active process or significant joint damage from the
rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Moyer referred Lilly to Dr. Swaminathan,19 who evaluated her in November
2007 and noted her complaints of chronic neck, low back, bilateral knee and multiple
joint pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. She exhibited a pain intensity of 6 out of 10 in
multiple joints that worsened with cold weather. His findings included: chronic low
back, neck and thoracic spine pain secondary to lumbar facet joint syndrome,
secondary bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders,
rheumatoid arthritis and anxiety and depression. During another visit on December 13,
2007, Dr. Swaminathan observed pain and tenderness on lumbar extension, ropiness
and spasm in the paraspinal area, swelling in both knees, joint tenderness, right carpal
tunnel syndrome and chronic lumbar spine pain.
He also reviewed an MRI of the lumbar spine on March 14, 2008, noting findings
compatible with a SLAP20 tear, paralabral cyst formation and moderate degenerative
changes of the A.C. joints.
Dr. Tamesis completed an arthritis RFC questionnaire on April, 2008 and

18

Dr. Moyer is a rheumatologist and internist.
Dr. Karik Swaminathan is a pain management specialist.
20
Superior labral anterior to posterior.
19

7

forwarded it to Dr. Banas on May 2, 2008. Dr. Tamesis reported seeing Lilly every one
to two months, and his diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. He noted her
pain was so severe it frequently interfered with her attention and concentration, and low
stress jobs could not be tolerable due the pain medication. He described her physical
limitations as walking 1 to 2 city blocks without rest or severe pain, sitting 15 minutes
and standing for 10 minutes at a time, with sitting, standing and walking less than 2
hours a day and the need for periods of walking during an 8 hour work day. According
to Dr. Tamesis, any job would require shifting positions at will from sitting, standing or
walking and unscheduled breaks 3-4 times a day, with each break lasting 10-15
minutes. Lilly could rarely lift less than 10 pounds and should never stoop, crouch or
climb ladders. He noted significant limitations in repetitive reaching, handling or
fingering and use of either hand only 5 percent of the day. On average, she would miss
work for 4 days a month.
Dr. Hazlett21 began treating Lilly on December 13, 2007 and saw her several
times thereafter.22 He noted during the March 6 visit that she was more depressed with
poor energy and motivation. At that time, she walked with an obvious limp and
complained of pain. She admitted to using both alcohol (ocassionally) and marijuana
nightly to relax. Dr. Hazlett’s diagnosis was bipolar disorder, and he adjusted her
medications.
2. Written Statements by Family and Friends.
Lilly’s friend wrote that she previously spent the entire day shopping, but

21
22

Dr. Donald Hazlett is a psychiatrist.
He saw her on December 20, 2007, January 22, February 5 and March 6, 2008.

8

presently only has the stamina to stop at one store due to pain. Another friend stated
Lilly usually has difficulty rising from bed due to severe pain, can no longer take walks
due to joint pain, and is unable to sit for prolonged periods. Lilly’s daughter wrote her
mother has difficulty moving around the house, cooking dinner, or reaching above and
below due to pain. Lilly’s mother advised her daughter suffers dizziness and sleepiness
because of the medications, is fearful of falling while navigating stairs, and is frequently
tearful and depressed.
3. Administrative Hearing
During the April 17, 2008 hearing, Lilly testified she stopped working because of
personal problems with her stepchildren. She frequently lays down because of back
pain, and suffers from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia.
She rated her chronic pain at 7-8 despite medication. She could stand for extended
periods, and has difficulty with her hands as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome. She is
depressed, is under treatment with a psychiatrist, and smoked marijuana in the past to
relieve stress. She relies on friends for transportation. She could not work as a dental
hygienist because her back pain limits her ability to stand or sit and frequently needs to
sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Her medications make her dizzy, sleepy and loopy. She
cannot kneel or open a jar or lift a gallon of milk without using both hands. She cannot
write for long periods of time, and could probably lift or carry 10 pounds for
approximately 6 to 7 feet using both hands and arms.
i. Vocational Expert Testimony23
The Vocational Expert (“VE”) classified Lilly’s past work as a dental assistant as
23

Tony Melanson was the vocational expert present at the administrative hearing.

9

skilled and light work. To determine if she could perform other work in the national
economy, the ALJ asked the VE to consider a hypothetical individual whose education,
work history, symptoms and limits were similar to that of Lilly’s. The VE was asked to
consider an individual who was limited to sedentary exertional work with simple, routine
tasks, no overhead work, no continuous use of the upper extremities, and a sit/stand
option. The VE concluded the individual was incapable of performing any job based on
the pain, the limitations for sitting and standing and the concentration problems Lilly
discussed.
In response, the ALJ proposed a second hypothetical of an individual capable of
working at a sedentary level at employment simple and routine in nature, not involving
any overhead work, having a sit/stand option and entailing frequent or occasional use,
but not extended continuous use, of the upper extremities. The VE testified jobs existed
for such a person, but he based his testimony regarding sit/stand options on his own
experience. Those jobs that could accommodate Lilly’s functional limitations were a
non-governmental security monitor (representing 250 jobs in local economy and
120,000 in national economy), information clerk (200 jobs in the local economy and
80,000 in national economy) and clerical sorter/addressor (100 jobs in the local
economy and 45,000 in national economy).
ii. ALJ’s Findings
The ALJ determined Lilly’s impairments included lumbar degenerative disc
disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain
syndrome, and superior labral anterior to posterior tear of the left shoulder with
paralabral cyst. He found she had the residual functional capacity to perform simple,
10

routine, sedentary work, except she could lift 10 pounds occasionally, less than 10
pounds frequently, stand or walk for 2 hours and sit for 6 hours in an 8 hour day with a
sit/stand option, no overhead reaching and only infrequent grasping, fingering and
handling with the right upper extremity.
The ALJ accused Lilly of trying to influence him and Drs. Bongalos and Chester
through her statements and demeanor. He found the record failed to document
sufficient objective medical evidence to substantiate the severity of the pain and degree
of functional limitations as alleged. He concluded her complaints of pain were
inconsistent with the record, and no evidence corroborated any impairment or
combination of impairments that could reasonably support the pain and other symptoms
of such severity or frequency to contradict the RFC.
He noted none of the lay witnesses were trained in vocational rehabilitation and
only assigned weight to their statements if they were consistent with Lilly’s RFC. He
accorded little weight to the opinion of her treating physician, Dr. Tamesis, because his
conclusion was inconsistent with the record, and his lack of expertise in vocational
training and occupational health prevented a balanced review of her limitations. The
ALJ noted Dr. Tamesis relied heavily on Lilly’s subjective complaints regarding her
physical impairments, and the totality of medical evidence showed her restrictions were
not as severe as determined by Dr. Tamesis.
4. Medical Records and Reports Submitted to the Appeals Council24
On April 16, 2008, Dr. Tamesis noted Lilly had swelling in her left fingers and left

24
Dr. Tamesis’s records were not available until after the hearing. Dr. Manifold records were not
obtained until after the hearing.

11

knee, and throbbing lower back and right hip pain. His assessment included
fibromyalgia syndrome. On July 23, 2008, Lilly experienced the same symptoms and
the assessment remained the same. In an urgent visit on September 22, 2008, Lilly
reported systemic pain in her neck, shoulders and knees and feet when walking.
However, Dr. Tamesis assessment remained the same. On October 29, 2008, Lilly
presented with systemic pain, including throbbing low back pain at both sacroiliac joints,
stiffness lasting two hours, morning fatigue and poor sleep. On December 8, 2008, she
experienced stabbing pain to the right knee, and pain all over including the neck,
shoulders, knees and hips. Examination revealed pain in both shoulders on range of
motion, tenderness of the carpal bones and both sacroiliac joints, multiple tender points
on palpation of diffuse muscle groups, and mild knee crepitus. The assessment at that
time was right knee pain, mild DJD, low back pain, sciatica, disc bulges, bilateral
shoulder impingement, bursitis, status post left rotator cuff surgery, psoriasis, psoriatic
arthritis and fibromyalgia syndrome. When Lilly returned for a follow up visit because of
increased symptoms, her left knee was swollen and would not bend. Dr. Tamesis
assessment, however, remained unchanged.
Dr. Stephen Manifold performed shoulder surgery on June 10, 2008. At a postoperative follow up visit, Lilly reported some occasional soreness while doing range of
motion exercises.
III. Analysis
A. Legal Standard
1. Motion for Summary Judgement
In determining whether summary judgement is appropriate under Rule 56(c),
12

the court may not make credibility determinations or weigh the evidence, but must
review the record taken as a whole and draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the
nonmoving party.25 If the court determines there is no genuine issue as to any material
fact and the movant is entitled to judgement as a matter of law, summary judgement is
appropriate.26
2. Review of the ALJ’s Findings
The court, in performing its review, must determine whether the ALJ applied the
correct legal standards.27 The court must also determine whether the ALJ’s decision
denying DIB and SSI claims is supported by substantial evidence.28 Substantial
evidence means less than a preponderance of the evidence, but more than a mere
scintilla of evidence;29 it is such relevant evidence that reasonable minds might accept
as adequate to support a conclusion.30 The court should not undertake a de novo
review of the ALJ’s decision or re-weigh the evidence of record.31 However, judicial
review as to whether substantial evidence supports the findings is more than a
quantitative exercise: it is a qualitative review in which each piece of relevant evidence
is considered in relationship to all other evidence.32
Although the court’s review is limited to the evidence actually presented to the
ALJ, evidence that was not submitted to the ALJ may be considered as a basis for

25

Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc., 530 U.S. 133, 150 (2000).
Hill v. City of Scranton, 411 F.3d 118, 125 (3d Cir. 2005).
27
Friedberg v. Schweiker, 721 F.2d 445, 447 (3d Cir. 1983).
28
42 U.S.C § 405(g); Monsour Med. Ctr. v. Heckler, 806 F.2d 1185, 1190 (3d Cir. 1986).
29
Rutherford v. Barnhart, 399 F.3d 546, 552 (3d Cir. 2005).
30
Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988); see also Rutherford, 399 F.3d at 552.
31
Pierce, 487 U.S. at 552; see also Mansour Med. Ctr., 806 F.2d at 1190.
32
Kent v. Schweiker, 710 F.2d 110, 114 (3d Cir. 1983).
26

13

remanding the matter to the ALJ for further proceedings.33 Credibility determinations
are the province of the ALJ, and should only be disturbed on review if not supported by
substantial evidence.34
A single piece of evidence will not satisfy the substantiality test if the ALJ ignores,
or fails to resolve, a conflict created by countervailing evidence. Nor is evidence
substantial if it is overwhelmed by other evidence, particularly evidence offered by
treating physicians, or if it is not evidence, but constitutes mere conclusions.35
The inquiry, therefore, is not whether the court would have made the same
determination, but rather, whether the ALJ’s findings were reasonable.36 Even if the
reviewing court would have decided the case differently, it must give deference to the
ALJ and affirm the decision if it is supported by substantial evidence.37
B. Positions of the Parties
1. Plaintiff
Lilly contends the ALJ failed to give proper weight to the medical opinion of her
treating physician, Dr. Tamesis. She argues the ALJ’s reasoning for giving little weight
to his opinion, because he primarily relied on her complaints, and his purported lack of
expertise in vocational training and occupational health, was unwarranted. Lilly
maintains a diagnosis of fibromyalgia includes reliance on a patient’s subjective
complaints. A rheumatologist has the most expertise in determining a patient’s

33

Pursuant to the sixth sentence of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). See Matthews v. Apfel, 239 F.3d 589,
593-95 (3d Cir. 2001).
34
Gonzalez v. Astrue, 537 F. Supp. 2d 644, 657 (D. Del. 2008).
35
Kent, 710 F.2d at 114.
36
See Brown v. Bowen, 845 F.2d 1211, 1213 (3d Cir. 1983).
37
Monsour Med. Ctr., 806 F.2d at 1190-91.

14

limitations, and is the primary specialist who treats fibromyalgia. Therefore, the ALJ
should have given Dr. Tamesis’s opinion greater, if not controlling, weight because he
was the only rheumatolgoist who offered an opinion, and he treated Lilly for at least two
years.
Lilly further argues the ALJ’s conclusion that there was insufficient
documentation of objective medical evidence to substantiate the severity of the pain and
degree of functional limitations is an inappropriate criteria for evaluating fibromyalgia.
Lilly contends the ALJ improperly weighed the non-examining consultants’ RFCs.
Dr. Borek’s findings of limited ability of the upper extremities was interpreted by the ALJ
to mean that Lilly could do things frequently. The ALJ accepted Dr. Borek’s opinion she
could perform sedentary work. The RFCs, however, are opinions of non-examining
physicians and failed to consider later crucial medical records.
Lilly asserts the ALJ’s determination of her lack of credibility is improper and
without merit. Though Lilly testified experiencing good and bad days as to her pain level
and the overall worsening of her condition, the ALJ discredited her credibility because
she reported different pain levels during her doctors’ visits.
Lilly maintains the ALJ improperly concluded she tried to influence the findings of
Drs. Chester and Bongalos, which is not supported by either doctors’ opinions. She
was given no opportunity to rebut this finding since the ALJ did not raise the issue
during the hearing, and only reached his conclusion once the record closed.
She argues the RFCs did not fully account for her increased pain and its
restricting effects, medication side effects and her limited ability to sit or walk. Therefore,
reliance on the RFCs in the hypothetical question, which concludes she is capable of
15

substantial gainful activity, was in error.
Finally, Lilly notes the testimony of the VE is flawed. He opined Lilly can perform
sedentary jobs with a sit/stand option, a term not defined by the ALJ. Moreover, the VE
based his testimony on his own experience.
2. Commissioner
The Commissioner argues the ALJ’s evaluation of Dr. Tamesis’s opinion was
consistent with the regulations. Because the evidence showed her limitations to be
less than Dr. Tamesis suggested, the ALJ properly concluded his review was not
balanced. Dr. Tamesis relied too heavily on Lilly’s subjective complaints, and opinions
regarding disability are administrative findings reserved to the Commissioner or the ALJ,
and not Dr. Tamesis. The Commissioner argues Dr. Tamesis’s suggestion Lilly could
not perform sedentary work, was not well supported by medically acceptable clinical
and laboratory diagnostic techniques, and was inconsistent with the other substantial
evidence in the record, including the opinion of Dr. Borek.
The Commissioner contends the ALJ appropriately weighed the examining and
non examining physicians’ opinions. The non treating physicians are highly qualified
experts in social security disability evaluations. Their opinions are considered expert
opinions on disability issues under the Act and are entitled to weight. Dr. Tamesis’s
post hearing opinion is a vocational opinion on the ultimate issue, unsupported by the
findings.
Lilly’s daily activities, which are factors under the regulations the ALJ must
consider when evaluating a claimant’s subjective symptoms, reasonably suggest she
met the minimal physical demands of sedentary work.
16

Because the ALJ determines credibility on the ultimate issue of disability, the
Commissioner notes the ALJ is charged with assessing a claimant’s credibility in the
context with the other evidence before him. His determination that Lilly’s testimony was
not entirely credible is supported by substantial evidence.
The Commissioner maintains the ALJ properly applied Lilly’s RFC to his analysis.
He accounted for her carpal tunnel syndrom using only the minimal physical demands
of sedentary work and by including occasional use of the upper extremities in the
hypothetical question.
Further, the VE properly relied upon his professional experience when testifying
the identified jobs permitted a sit/stand option. The DOT38 lists maximum requirements
of occupations as generally performed, not the range of requirements of a particular job
as it is actually performed.
3. Lilly’s Rebuttal
Lilly responds the Commissioner failed to address at least four of her substantive
arguments: it was legal error for the ALJ to discredit the opinion of Dr. Tamesis; the
ALJ failed to evaluate and consider the findings of Dr. Swaminathan; the ALJ engaged
in character assassination to buttress his indefensible opinion on her credibility and, his
reliance on the VE’s responses to the hypothetical question about sedentary jobs with a
sit/stand option was improper. The failure of the Commissioner to address these
matters warrants remand.

38

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles was developed by the U.S. Department of Labor in an
effort to standardize occupational information to support job placement activities. U.S. Dept. of Labor,
Dictionary of Occupational Titles Introduction, Nov. 1, 2011,
http://www.oalj.dol.gov/PUBLIC/DOT/REFERENCES/DOTINTRO.HTM.

17

Lilly maintains the Commissioner has selectively quoted from the record, while
ignoring contrary evidence, such as the limitations on her daily activities, which refute a
finding she could perform sedentary work. Moreover, the opinions of Drs. Bongalos,
Moyer and Swaminathan do not suggest Dr. Tamesis exaggerated her restrictions. As
a result of his single contact with Lilly, Dr. Moyer diagnosed fibromyalgia, while Dr.
Borek, who is not a rheumatologist and never examined her, completed his report
eighteen months before the hearing.
Although determining whether a claimant is disabled falls within the purview of
the ALJ, he cannot cherry pick which medical opinions to consider. Rather, the
Commissioner’s criticism of Dr. Tamesis’s use of a checkbox form is misplaced, since
Dr. Borek rendered his opinion using a similar format.
Based on the substantive errors in the ALJ’s opinion and the failure of the
Commissioner to address certain of her arguments, Lilly requests remand.
C. Whether the ALJ’s Decision is Supported by Substantial Evidence
Lilly contends the ALJ’s decision is not supported by substantial evidence,
specifically, the ALJ failed to give proper weight to the medical opinion of Dr. Tamesis,
her treating physician, and gave improper weight to the opinions of non-examining
consultants who prepared the RFCs.
Under Third Circuit law, a treating physician’s reports are accorded great weight,
particularly when the opinions reflect expert judgement based on a continuing
observation of the claimant’s condition over a period of time.39 A court considering a

39

Plummer v. Apfel, 186 F.3d 422, 429 (3d Cir. 1999) (quoting Rocco v. Heckler, 826 F.2d 1348,
1350 (3d Cir. 1987)) (applied controlling weight where treating physician’s opinion is well-supported by
medical evidence and not inconsistent with other substantial evidence in the record).

18

claim for disability benefits must give greater weight to the findings of a treating
physician than to those of a physician who has examined the claimant only once or not
at all.40 The ALJ may reject a treating physician’s opinion if it is based on contradictory
medical evidence;41 however, where contradictory medical evidence exists, the ALJ
must still carefully evaluate the appropriate weight accorded to a treating physician’s
opinion.42
In the instant matter, the ALJ assigned little weight to the treating physician’s
opinion because Dr. Tamesis purportedly lacked vocational expertise, relied too heavily
on Lilly’s subjective complaints, and used a checkbox report.
A fibromyalgia diagnosis is based on the patient’s complaints coupled with the
physician’s objective finding of tender points on palpation of diffuse muscle groups
consistent with the complaints.43 Dr. Tamesis, as Lilly’s primarily rheumatologist,
conducted multiple exams and concluded her symptoms were consistent with
fibromyalgia.
Although Dr. Tamesis is not a vocational expert, his specialization in
rheumotology provides expertise in determining a patient’s physical limitations due to
fibromyalgia. The Commissioner relies on Mason (where a checkbox report was found

40

Mason v. Shalala, 994 F.2d 1058, 1067 (3d Cir. 1993).
Morales v. Apfel, 225 F.3d 310, 318 (3d Cir. 2000).
42
Gonzalez v. Astrue, 537 F. Supp. 2d 644, 660 (D. Del. 2008); see also Social Security
Regulation ("S.S.R.") 96-2p, 1996 SSR LEXIS 9, at *9-10 (July 2, 1996) (noting that "a treating source's
medical opinion will be entitled to the greatest weight and should be adopted, even if it does not meet the
test for controlling weight").
43
Based on a memorandum by the Social Security Administration. Soc. Sec. Admin. Deputy
Comm’r. for Disability and Income Sec. Program. Memo., Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrom
Objective Medical Evidence Requirements for Disability Adjudication (May 11, 1998),
http://www.myalgia.com/SSA_FM.htm.
41

19

to be weak evidence)44 arguing Dr. Tamesis’s opinion was conclusory and entitled to
minimal weight. Unlike Dr. Tamesis’s report, however, the report in Mason was
prepared by a non-treating physician. Inconsistent with the findings in Mason, the ALJ
in the present matter attached considerable weight to Dr. Borek’s opinion, who used a
checkbox report, never saw Lilly, and based his opinion on a partial record one and a
half years before the hearing. Given the sound medical analysis by Dr. Tamesis to
diagnose fibromyalgia and his expertise and familiarity with Lilly’s conditions, the limited
weight afforded his opinion by the ALJ was in error.
The Commissioner contends Dr. Tamesis’s opinion was inconsistent with other
substantial evidence, including the opinions of Drs. Bongalos, Moyer, Borek and Acuna,
but fails to support this argument. Dr. Bongalos concluded Lilly experienced more
fibromyalgia symptoms than juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, his findings do not
contradict Dr. Tamesis’s diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Dr. Moyer found no active arthritic
process or significant joint damage, recommended for Lilly to continue her Remicade
treatments and implemented other non-pharmacological treatments. Since Remicade is
a medication used for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other auto-immune conditions, this
recommendation does not conflict with Dr. Tamesis’s findings.
Dr. Borek suggested Lilly could perform sedentary work, which contradicts Dr.
Tamesis’s conclusion. However, Dr. Borek’s assessment occurred eighteen months
prior to the hearing and did not include the medical record developed after his review.
That record includes visits with Dr. Tamesis in November 2006 and February 2007,
when he diagnosed polyarthralgia and fibromyalgia syndrome. Another report not
44

994 F.2d at 1065.

20

available to Dr. Borek was the May 2007 visit with Dr. Chester, who assessed Lilly as
an abuse victim with moderate impairment to relate to and work with others. After Dr.
Borek’s review, Lilly was also evaluated by Dr. Swaminathan in November 2007, who
diagnosed chronic low back, neck and thoracic spine pain, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety
and depression; and Dr. Bongalos, who in May 2007, diagnosed possible fibromyalgia.
In light of the significant findings not available to Dr. Borek during his review, the ALJ
erred in giving his opinion controlling weight.
D. The ALJ Improperly Discredited Lilly’s Testimony
Lilly argues the ALJ’s conclusion that she was inconsistent in her reports of pain
was not proper ground to discredit her credibility. The ALJ found Lilly was inconsistent
when she described her pain intensity to Dr. Swaminathan, during a visit in November
2007, as 6 out of 10, but testified at the hearing in April 2008 that the intensity was 7-8
out of 10. Further, the ALJ determined Lilly tried to improperly to influence of Drs.
Chester and Bongalos through her statements and demeanor, and therefore, was not
credible.
Courts usually defer to an ALJ’s determination on credibility because the ALJ has
the opportunity to assess the claimant’s demeanor.45 In the present matter, Lilly
consistently testified she experienced good and bad days, her condition was worsening,
and her medical records reflect her pain varied from day to day. The ALJ pointed to Dr.
Chester’s brief description of her dramatic behavior, as well as her differing history to
Drs. Bongalos and Chester regarding alcohol and drug use. Neither Lilly nor any
physician has represented that her drug or alcohol usage affected her ability to work.
45

Alt. Limousine, Inc. v. NLRB, 243 F.3d 711, 718 (3d Cir. 1983).

21

Furthermore, neither Drs. Chester nor Bongalos stated Lilly was deceptive. Thus, the
ALJ’s finding on Lilly’s credibility is not supported by substantial evidence.
E. The RFC by Dr. Borek was Based on an Incomplete Medical Record and
the Testimony of the VE is Flawed
Lilly contends that Dr. Borek’s RFC does not fully account for her severe CTS,46
which greatly limits the use of her dominant upper extremity. Further, the RFC fails to
account for the effects of pain. It also does not address her increasing pain, medication
side effects, her inability to sit or walk for any length of time, the physical impairments to
her wrists, shoulders and knees, and her arthritis and fibromyalgia. The Commissioner
responds if Lilly experienced significant limitation from CTS, she would have undergone
the carpal tunnel release procedure that she agreed to previously. He further notes she
managed the carpal tunnel with splints and the medication, Naprosyn.47 The
Commissioner also maintains the ALJ considered her CTS by limiting his hypothetical
question to the minimal physical demands of sedentary work and included “no
continuous use of the upper extremities.”48
The initial RFC, completed by Dr. Borek almost two years before the hearing,
does not address Lilly’s increased pain, medication side effects or her inability to sit or
walk for any length of time. To the extent the hypothetical question relied on that RFC
and failed to account for these limitations or side affects supported in the medical
record, the hypothetical question was incomplete and does not provide substantial
evidence that Lilly is capable of SGA.49

46
47
48
49

Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Naprosyn is an anti-inflammatory drug.
(D.I. 13 at 49).
Substantial gainful activity.

22

Lilly argues the VE’s testimony was flawed because he listed sedentary jobs that
offer a sit/stand option, a term undefined by the ALJ, based his testimony on his own
experience, and provided no details on the number of jobs offering a sit/stand option.
The Commissioner notes the maximum requirements under DOT describe
occupations as they are generally performed and not the range of requirements for a
specific job setting. Furthermore, the VE is permitted to rely upon his professional
experience when testifying to whether an identified job permits a sit/stand option.
Rule SSR 96-09p50 provides an ALJ may consult a vocational expert where a
sit/stand option is necessary. Moreover, Rule SSR-83-12 provides if a claimant must
alternate periods of sitting and standing, then that person is not functionally capable of
prolonged sitting contemplated in the definition of sedentary work.51 The ALJ’s first
hypothetical considered Rule SSR-83-12 where the individual described had all the
symptoms and restrictions Lilly reported during the hearing. The VE responded if that
claimant was found to be fully credible, she could not perform any jobs. In the second
hypothetical posed, the claimant depicted was capable of performing sedentary
employment, with no overhead work, a sit/stand option, and frequent or occasional use
of the upper extremities, to which the VE responded that jobs existed.
Though the ALJ is allowed to rely on the expertise of the VE, the conflict between
the limitations on sedentary work placed by the Rulings and the VE’s testimony were
not resolved by the ALJ, which was in error. Clearly the VE’s response to the first
hypothetical, which included all of Lilly’s limitations, indicates she cannot perform any

50
51

SSR 96-09p, http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/01/SSR96-09-di-01.html.
Boone v. Barnhart, 353 F.3d 203, 210-11 (3d Cir. 2004).

23

job. Additionally, when asked by Lilly whether additional limitations, such as excessive
absence from work or a 50% limitation on the use of the hands, would preclude a
claimant from employment, the VE testified that the minimum standards set by
employers regarding absence and productivity would render the claimant unemployable
with these limitations. Because the ALJ gave little weight to Dr. Tamesis’s opinion and
found Lilly not credible, his second, modified hypothetical disregarded certain
limitations based on her credibility and treating physician’s findings, which has been
previously determined herein as inadequately explained by the ALJ. Therefore, the
ALJ’s reliance on the VE’s testimony was in error.
III. Order and Recommended Disposition
For the reasons stated herein, this court recommends that:
(1) The Commissioner’s motion for summary judgment (D.I. 24) be denied, and
Lilly’s motion for Summary Judgment52 be granted in part.
(2) The matter be remanded for further analysis not inconsistent with this
recommendation.
(3) Lilly’s request for an award of benefits53 be denied.
This Report and Recommendation is filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C § 636(b)(1)(B),
Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b)(1), and D. Del. LR 72.1. The parties may serve and file specific
written objections within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy of this Report
and Recommendation.54 The objections and responses to the objections are limited to
ten (10) pages each.

52

(D.I. 17).
(D.I. 18 at 28).
54
Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b).
53

24

The parties are directed to the Court’s standing Order in Non Pro Se matters for
Objections filed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 72, dated November 16, 2009 , a copy of which is
available on the Court’s website, www.ded.uscourts.gov.

Date: January 30, 2012

/s/ Mary Pat Thynge
United States Magistrate Judge

25