Villareal v. Astrue

Filing 32

MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER re: 1 Petition for Review filed by Angela L Villareal. It is hereby ORDERED that the Commissioner's decision finding that the Petitioner is not disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act is AFFIRMED and that the petition for review is DISMISSED. Signed by Judge Candy W. Dale. (caused to be mailed to non Registered Participants at the addresses listed on the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) by (st)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF IDAHO

ANGELA L. VILLAREAL,
Case No. 1:12-cv-00009-CWD
Petitioner,
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND
ORDER

v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,1
Acting Commissioner of Social Security
Administration,
Respondent.

Currently pending before the Court is Petitioner Angela Villareal’s request for review of
the Respondent’s denial of social security benefits, filed on January 11, 2012. (Dkt. 1) The Court
has reviewed the Petition and the Answer, the parties’ memoranda, and the administrative record
(“AR”), and for the reasons that follow, will affirm the decision of the Commissioner.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Angela Villareal (“Petitioner”) filed an application for Disability Insurance Benefits and
Supplemental Security Income on November 20, 2008, alleging disability beginning May 19,
2008, from her psychiatric disorders. This application was denied initially and on
reconsideration. A hearing was conducted on March 22, 2011, before Administrative Law Judge
1

Carolyn W. Colvin is substituted for Michael J. Astrue. Colvin became the Acting Commissioner of
Social Security Administration on February 14, 2013.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 1

(“ALJ”) John C. Arkoosh. ALJ Arkoosh heard testimony from Petitioner, medical expert James
R. Bruce, Ph.D., and vocational expert Anne Aastum. At the time of the March 2011 hearing,
Petitioner was 39 years of age. Petitioner completed high school and her prior work experience
includes work as a cashier/checker, farmworker, receptionist, and fish machine feeder.
The Commissioner follows a five-step sequential evaluation for determining whether a
claimant is disabled. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. At step one, it must be determined
whether the claimant is engaged in substantially gainful activity. The ALJ found Petitioner had
not engaged in substantial gainful activity since her alleged onset date of May 19, 2008. At step
two, it must be determined whether the claimant suffers from a severe impairment. The ALJ
found Petitioner’s diabetes, polycystic ovaries, anemia, obesity, anxiety and depression severe
within the meaning of the Regulations.
Step three asks whether a claimant’s impairments meet or equal a listed impairment. The
ALJ found that Petitioner’s impairments did not meet or equal the criteria for any listed
impairment. If a claimant’s impairments do not meet or equal a listing, the Commissioner must
assess the claimant’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”) and determine at step four whether the
claimant has demonstrated an inability to perform past relevant work. The ALJ found the
Petitioner retained the RFC to perform light work with certain moderate limitations, and could
perform her past relevant work as a cashier/checker.
If a claimant demonstrates an inability to perform past relevant work, the burden shifts to
the Commissioner to demonstrate at step five that the claimant retains the capacity to make an
adjustment to other work that exists in significant levels in the national economy, after
considering the claimant’s residual functional capacity, age, education and work experience.
Because the ALJ found Petitioner not disabled at step four, the ALJ did not proceed to step five.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 2

ALJ Arkoosh issued a decision finding Petitioner not disabled on May 24, 2011.
Petitioner timely requested review by the Appeals Council, which denied her request for review
on November 9, 2011. Petitioner appealed this final decision to this Court. The Court has
jurisdiction to review the ALJ’s decision pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
BACKGROUND
Petitioner suffers primarily from depression and anxiety, specifically post-traumatic
stress disorder. On May 19, 2008, Petitioner was involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital
after her mother became concerned about bizarre comments made to her by Petitioner.2 She was
released from the hospital after a week-long stay that was uneventful. (AR 247.) She continued
with psychiatric treatment after discharge from the hospital with Dr. Jennifer Preucil, who
reported on October 23, 2008, that Petitioner was doing “much better,” and thinking of going
back to work. (AR 259-60.) Her exercise at that time consisted of “deep cleaning” her home two
times per week. This was an improvement since Petitioner’s visit on July 18, 2008, when Dr.
Preucil reported that Petitioner had “about a 20% improvement” and was still struggling with
activities of daily living, such as laundry and grocery shopping. (AR 275.) On September 15,
2008, Dr. Susan Carpenter, a psychiatrist, evaluated Petitioner. At the examination, Dr.
Carpenter noted Petitioner was “disheveled,” that she appeared anxious, with fair to poor insight
and judgment. (AR 379-80.) Dr. Carpenter opined that Petitioner had a GAF score of 60 at that
time.
On January 8, 2009, a Psychiatric Review was completed by Dr. Michael Dennis, an
agency physician, who was of the opinion that Petitioner suffered from, at most, moderate

2

Petitioner did not challenge the ALJ’s findings that her physical impairments do not restrict her ability
to work, so the Court does not discuss them here.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 3

limitations. In his view, Dr. Carpenter’s and Dr. Preucil’s notes, discussed above, indicated
steady progression of improvement from the brief psychotic episode in May of 2008. But Dr.
Dennis agreed Petitioner did suffer from continued depression and anxiety, which affected
Petitioner’s concentration and socialization. (AR 382-83.)
By April of 2009, Dr. Carpenter noted that Petitioner reported feeling “much better
emotionally,” and that she was excited to start vocational rehabilitation. (AR 410.) But on
March 28, 2011, Dr. Carpenter wrote a letter indicating that she “cannot say that [Petitioner] has
ever been completely stable in the last two years,” and would be unable to hold a job. (AR
772—73.) On May 22, 2009, another agency physician, Dr. Sanford, completed a psychiatric
review, and was of the opinion that while Petitioner suffered from anxiety and depression, her
symptoms did not meet the listing criteria of either Listing 12.04 (Affective Disorders) or
Listing 12.06 (Anxiety-Related Disorders). (AR 427-443.) Again, consistent with Dr. Dennis,
Dr. Sanford determined that Petitioner suffered from, at most, moderate limitations which would
preclude Petitioner from work involving complex tasks involving sustained concentration and
persistence, or involving complex understanding and memory.
On March 1, 2010, Amy Prestin, LCPC, completed a comprehensive diagnostic
assessment. (AR 521-24.) Counselor Prestin concluded Petitioner continued to suffer from
symptoms of anxiety and depression, and would benefit from continuing psychiatric services.
On March 22, 2010, Dr. Preucil noted that Petitioner was now seeing a counselor, was “doing
pretty well,” and was “stable with meds.” (AR 645—46.) Despite these assessments, on
February 14, 2011, Dr. Carpenter completed a “check the box” Psychiatric Review form and
concluded Petitioner “meets criteria” for Listing 12.02 (Organic Mental Disorders) and 12.04
(Affective Disorders). (AR 670—72.) Without further explanation, Dr. Alexander and Dr.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 4

Prestin indicated they agreed with Dr. Carpenter’s assessment. (AR 766.)
Petitioner’s mother and eighteen-year-old son completed statements as well. Petitioner’s
son noted Petitioner did not bathe or clean, did not cook, slept most of the day, and did not leave
the house. (AR 682.) Petitioner’s mother indicated Petitioner left her house only for dinner or to
attend her doctors’ appointments. (AR 683.) Hermie McFarland, a behavioral consultant at
Alliance Family Services who had provided services to Petitioner, indicated that Petitioner
lacked any interest in doing daily chores, and relied upon her mother to meet personal
responsibilities. (AR 684.)
At the hearing, Petitioner testified that she does little else besides Bible study every day
for five or six hours each day. (AR 68.) Otherwise, Petitioner’s mother shops, cooks, and helps
with finances, and her son maintains her house. (AR 68.) Dr. James Bruce testified that
Petitioner’s testimony would indicate more than a moderate level of impairment, but that the
treatment notes and narratives from treating physicians would not support more than a moderate
level of impairment. (AR 72.) Dr. Bruce testified also that, if Dr. Carpenter’s listing level
opinion were credited, “we would see a great deal more pathology in the narratives,” which was
not present. (AR 74.)
The ALJ adopted Dr. Bruce’s opinion that Petitioner suffered from mild to moderate
limitations in activities of daily living and in maintaining social functioning, concentration,
persistence or pace. (AR 19.) The ALJ explained that Dr. Bruce’s opinions were supported by
the record, because the extreme limitations endorsed by Drs. Carpenter and Alexander, and by
Ms. Prestin were not supported by the narratives in their own medical records. Those records
consistently indicated that Petitioner was improving and was stable on her medication after her
hospitalization in May of 2008. The ALJ therefore gave the statements by Petitioner’s son and
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 5

mother little weight, because they were inconsistent with the other evidence in the record, which
did not support the extreme functional limitations suggested. (AR 19.) The ALJ concluded that,
even considering Petitioner’s moderate limitations as detailed in his RFC analysis, Petitioner
could perform her past relevant work as a cashier. (AR 15, 19—20.)
DISCUSSION
1.

Standard of Review
Petitioner bears the burden of showing that disability benefits are proper because of the

inability “to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which . . . has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than 12 months.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A); see also 42 U.S.C. §
1382c(a)(3)(A); Rhinehart v. Fitch, 438 F.2d 920, 921 (9th Cir. 1971). An individual will be
determined to be disabled only if her physical or mental impairments are of such severity that she
not only cannot do her previous work but is unable, considering her age, education, and work
experience, to engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national
economy. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A).
On review, the Court is instructed to uphold the decision of the Commissioner if the
decision is supported by substantial evidence and is not the product of legal error. 42 U.S.C. §
405(g); Universal Camera Corp. v. Nat’l Labor Relations Bd., 340 U.S. 474 (1951); Meanel v.
Apfel, 172 F.3d 1111, 1113 (9th Cir. 1999) (as amended); DeLorme v. Sullivan, 924 F.2d 841,
846 (9th Cir. 1991). Substantial evidence is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might
accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971). It
is more than a scintilla but less than a preponderance, Jamerson v Chater, 112 F.3d 1064, 1066
(9th Cir. 1997), and “does not mean a large or considerable amount of evidence.” Pierce v.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 6

Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988).
The Court cannot disturb the Commissioner’s findings if they are supported by
substantial evidence, even though other evidence may exist that supports the petitioner’s claims.
42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Flaten v. Sec’y of Health and Human Servs., 44 F.3d 1453, 1457 (9th Cir.
1995). Thus, findings of the Commissioner as to any fact, if supported by substantial evidence,
will be conclusive. Flaten, 44 F.3d at 1457. It is well-settled that, if there is substantial
evidence to support the decision of the Commissioner, the decision must be upheld even when
the evidence can reasonably support either affirming or reversing the Commissioner’s decision,
because the Court “may not substitute [its] judgment for that of the Commissioner.” Verduzco
v. Apfel, 188 F.3d 1087, 1089 (9th Cir. 1999).
When reviewing a case under the substantial evidence standard, the Court may question
an ALJ’s credibility assessment of a witness’s testimony; however, an ALJ’s credibility
assessment is entitled to great weight, and the ALJ may disregard self-serving statements.
Rashad v. Sullivan, 903 F.2d 1229, 1231 (9th Cir. 1990). Where the ALJ makes a careful
consideration of subjective complaints but provides adequate reasons for rejecting them, the
ALJ’s well-settled role as the judge of credibility will be upheld as based on substantial evidence.
Matthews v. Shalala, 10 F.3d 678, 679-80 (9th Cir. 1993).
2.

Medical Source Testimony
The Court first turns to Petitioner’s arguments that the ALJ erred in discounting the

treating source opinions of Drs. Carpenter and Alexander and instead accepting the nonexamining
physicians’ opinions, including that of the medical expert, Dr. Bruce.
Case law from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit distinguishes
among the opinions of three types of physicians: (1) those who treat the claimant (treating
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 7

physicians); (2) those who examine but do not treat the claimant (examining physicians); and
(3) those who neither examine nor treat the claimant (nonexamining physicians). Lester v.
Chatter, 81 F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir. 1995). Generally, more weight is accorded to the opinion of
a treating source than to nontreating physicians. Winans v. Bowen, 853 F.2d 643, 647 (9th
Cir.1987). And, an examining physician’s opinion is entitled to greater weight than the opinion
of a nonexamining physician. Pitzer v. Sullivan, 908 F.2d 502, 506 (9th Cir.1990); Gallant v.
Heckler, 753 F.2d 1450 (9th Cir.1984).
Where medical reports are inconclusive, “questions of credibility and resolution of
conflicts in the testimony are functions solely of the Secretary.” Morgan v. Comm’r of Social
Security Admin., 169 F.3d 595, 601 (9th Cir. 1999). An ALJ may reject the testimony of a
treating physician, in favor of a nonexamining, nontreating physician when he gives specific,
legitimate reasons for doing so, and those reasons are supported by substantial evidence in the
record. Roberts v. Shalala, 66 F.3d 179, 184 (9th Cir. 1995.) Opinions of a nonexamining,
testifying medical advisor may serve as substantial evidence when the opinions are supported by
other evidence in the record and are consistent with it. Morgan, 169 F.3d at 600. “The ALJ can
meet this burden by setting out a detailed and thorough summary of the facts and conflicting
clinical evidence, stating his interpretation thereof, and making findings.” Morgan, 169 F.3d at
600–601. The ALJ need not accept the opinion of any physician if the opinion is brief,
conclusory, and inadequately supported by clinical findings. Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d
947, 957 (9th Cir. 2002).
Additionally, an ALJ is not bound to a physician’s opinion of a petitioner’s physical
condition or the ultimate issue of disability. Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 751 (9th Cir.
1989). If the record as a whole does not support the physician’s opinion, the ALJ may reject
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 8

that opinion. Batson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 359 F.3d 1190, 1195 (9th Cir. 2004).
Items in the record that may not support the physician’s opinion include clinical findings from
examinations, conflicting medical opinions, conflicting physician’s treatment notes, and the
claimant’s daily activities. Id.; Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1211 (9th Cir. 2005); Connett v.
Barnhart, 340 F.3d 871 (9th Cir. 2003); Morgan v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 169 F.3d 595
(9th Cir. 1999). Further, an ALJ may reject a physician’s opinion if it is based “to a large
extent” on a claimant’s self-reports that have been property discounted as not credible.
Tommasetti v. Astrue, 533 F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir. 2008).
Drs. Carpenter and Alexander are considered treating physicians, and the ALJ properly
rejected their opinions and instead accepted the opinion of the testifying expert, Dr. Bruce, as
well as the opinions of the nonexamining physicians who reviewed the medical records. The
ALJ gave specific and legitimate reasons for doing so, which reasons are supported by
substantial evidence in the record. The ALJ gave several germane reasons for discounting the
opinions of Drs. Carpenter and Alexander in favor of the conflicting testimony of Dr. Bruce and
the reviewing physicians.
First, Dr. Carpenter’s opinion concerning the impact of Petitioner’s mental impairments
on her ability to work were contradicted by Dr. Carpenter’s clinical observations, and her own
notes that Petitioner exhibited significant improvement after her May 2008 hospitalization. The
ALJ noted also that Petitioner’s providers rated her GAF at 54, suggestive of the moderate
limitations that the ALJ adopted as part of his RFC determination. Petitioner takes issue with
the lack of a “detailed and thorough summary” of the facts and clinical evidence. But the ALJ
set forth all of the medical evidence upon which he relied in his opinion, beginning at page
seven, in comprehensive fashion. (AR 17—18.)
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The ALJ rejected Dr. Alexander’s opinion of “extreme” limitations because she simply
endorsed Dr. Carpenter’s assessment without further explanation or elaboration. Because the
ALJ already had rejected Dr. Carpenter’s assessment, no further explanation by the ALJ was
necessary.
Petitioner next argues that the ALJ improperly rejected Ms. Prestin’s opinion that
Petitioner’s symptoms constituted listing level impairments. Ms. Prestin is considered an “other
source,” and is not entitled to the same deference as medical sources. Molina v. Astrue, 674
F.3d 1104, 1111 (9th Cir. 2012). To discount testimony from an “other source,” the ALJ must
give “reasons germane to each witness for doing so.” Molina, 674 F.3d at 1111. The ALJ gave
several germane reasons for discounting Ms. Prestin’s opinions in favor of the conflicting
testimony of Dr. Bruce, and these reasons were supported by substantial evidence in the record.
First, Ms. Prestin’s opinion that Petitioner’s impairments met listing level, and that
Petitioner had marked restrictions in certain activities of daily living and extreme difficulty in
maintaining social function, contradicted Ms. Prestin’s own assessment that Petitioner had a
GAF of 54, suggestive of only moderate limitations rather than the extreme limitations she later
endorsed. Second, the ALJ noted that Ms. Prestin, like Dr. Alexander, simply signed Dr.
Carpenter’s psychological assessment---a simple “check the box” form---without further
elaboration or explanation. Therefore, the ALJ did not err in discounting Ms. Prestin’s opinion
where it conflicted with Dr. Bruce’s opinion provided at the hearing.
3.

Lay Witness Testimony
Petitioner challenges the ALJ’s treatment of the testimony given by Petitiner’s son and

mother, as well as by Ms. McFarland, all of whom are lay witnesses. (AR 31.) Petitioner argues
that the ALJ rejected their testimony without providing sufficient justification. An ALJ must
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 10

consider evidence from sources other than the claimant, including family members and friends,
to show the severity of a claimant’s impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513(d)(4); Robbins v. Soc.
Sec. Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 885 ((9th Cir. Cir. 2006). Lay testimony regarding a claimant’s
symptoms constitutes competent evidence that an ALJ must take into account, unless he
expressly determines to disregard such testimony and gives reasons germane to each witness
for doing so. Lewis v. Apfel, 236 F.3d 503, 511 (9th Cir. 2001) (citing Nguyen v. Chater, 100
F.3d 1462, 1467 (9th Cir. 1996) (internal citations omitted)); Regennitter v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec. Admin., 166 F.3d 1294 (9th Cir. 1999). Such reasons include conflicting medical
evidence, prior inconsistent statements, or a claimant’s daily activities. Lewis v. Apfel, 236
F.3d 503, 511–12 (9th Cir. 2001).
Here, the ALJ properly rejected the statements of the lay witnesses. All of the lay
witnesses suggested extreme limitations, including Petitioner’s son, who described his mother
as “getting worse” after her hospitalization in May 2008. But, the ALJ noted that the medical
evidence, which included Petitioner’s self-reports that she was doing much better on
medication, as well as clinical observations, indicated steady improvement following
Petitioner’s hospital stay. The ALJ cited several places in the record where evidence
contradicted the lay witnesses’ description of extreme limitations. (AR 20.) Further, the ALJ
noted the conflicting medical reports, and the absence of extreme mental health limitations as
supported by the record as a whole. The ALJ therefore did not err in rejecting the lay witness
testimony.
4.

Petitioner’s Credibility
Finally, although not stated in her statement of reasons, Petitioner disputes the ALJ’s

credibility determination. Petitioner argues that the ALJ failed to consider Petitioner’s
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testimony, which Dr. Bruce indicated would render Petitioner as meeting listing criteria.
Petitioner described engaging in no activities other than five to six hours of Bible study daily,
microwaving her meals, and walking to her mother’s house for dinner. But, the ALJ
considered Dr. Bruce’s opinion, based upon his review of Petitioner’s medical records, that
Petitioner suffered at most from moderate limitations, which would not preclude her from
working.
The ALJ is responsible for determining credibility, resolving conflicts in medical
testimony, and resolving ambiguities. Reddick v. Chater, 157 F.3d 715, 722 (9th Cir. 1998). The
ALJ’s findings must be supported by specific, cogent reasons. Reddick, 157 F.3d at 722. If a
claimant produces objective medical evidence of an underlying impairment, an ALJ may not
reject a claimant’s subjective complaints of pain based solely on lack of medical evidence.
Burch v. Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676, 680 (9th Cir. 2005). See also Light v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 119
F.3d 789, 792 (9th Cir. 1997) (holding that an ALJ may not discredit a claimant’s subjective
testimony on the basis that there is no objective medical evidence that supports the testimony).
Unless there is affirmative evidence showing that the claimant is malingering, the ALJ must
provide clear and convincing reasons for rejecting pain testimony. Burch, 400 F.3d at 680.
General findings are insufficient; the ALJ must identify what testimony is not credible and what
evidence undermines the claimant’s complaints. Reddick, 157 F.3d at 722.
The reasons an ALJ gives for rejecting a claimant’s testimony must be supported by
substantial evidence in the record. Regennitter v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 166 F.3d 1294,
1296 (9th Cir. 1999). If there is substantial evidence in the record to support the ALJ’s
credibility finding, the Court will not engage in second-guessing. Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d
957, 959 (9th Cir. 2002). When the evidence can support either outcome, the Court may not
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 12

substitute its judgment for that of the ALJ. Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1098 (9th Cir. 1999).
In evaluating credibility, the ALJ may engage in ordinary techniques of credibility
evaluation, including considering claimant’s reputation for truthfulness and inconsistencies in
claimant’s testimony, or between claimant’s testimony and conduct, claimant’s daily activities,
claimant’s work record, and testimony from physicians and third parties concerning the nature,
severity and effect of the symptoms of which claimant complains. Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d
947, 958-59 (9th Cir. 2002). Also, the ALJ may consider the location, duration and frequency of
symptoms; factors that precipitate and aggravate those symptoms; the amount and side effects of
medications; and treatment measures taken by the claimant to alleviate those symptoms. See
Soc. Sec. Ruling 96-7p.
The Court finds, as stated above, that the ALJ did not err in finding Petitioner’s selfreport not credible to the extent Petitioner described in her testimony. Although Petitioner
reported engaging in very little activity, the ALJ articulated that the medical records belie
Petitioner’s assertion that her mental impairments precluded all work. The ALJ noted that the
medical evidence of record after Petitioner’s hospitalization indicated a steady progression of
improvement, and symptoms controlled with medication. Further, the ALJ discussed that
Petitioner’s symptoms resulted in moderate limitations, and considered those limitations in his
RFC assessment. For example, the ALJ determined Petitioner could not perform the full range
of light work given her psychological impairments. (AR 15, 21.) Despite not being able to
perform the full range of light work, the hypothetical posed to the vocational expert resulted in
a finding that Petitioner could perform her past relevant work as a cashier. The ALJ considered
Petitioner’s testimony and incorporated it into his RFC analysis. He gave clear and convincing
reasons for rejecting Petitioner’s claim that her psychological impairments resulted in the
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 13

extreme limitations she suggested at the hearing.
Therefore, the Court finds that the ALJ did consider all relevant evidence in the record
when he evaluated Petitioner’s RFC, and determined at step four that Petitioner could return
to her past relevant work.
CONCLUSION
The ALJ did not err in weighing the evidence as he did, or in finding that Petitioner’s
testimony regarding the severity of her psychological impairments was not fully credible. The
ALJ credited Petitioner’s testimony to the extent it was supported by the medical evidence in
the record. The ALJ did not err with respect to his consideration of the lay testimony, given
the lay testimony described the same extreme limitations as Petitioner did during her own
testimony; the ALJ’s reasons for rejecting the extreme nature of the limitations apply with
equal force to the lay testimony. Finally, the ALJ’s reasons for rejecting the opinions of Drs.
Carpenter and Dr. Alexander regarding Petitioner’s extreme limitations, and Ms. Prestin’s
opinion, were supported by substantial evidence in the record. Therefore, the Court must
affirm the ALJ’s decision.

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ORDER
Based upon the foregoing, the Court being otherwise fully advised in the premises, it is
hereby ORDERED that the Commissioner’s decision finding that the Petitioner is not disabled
within the meaning of the Social Security Act is AFFIRMED and that the petition for review is
DISMISSED.
March 25, 2013

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