Hyden v. Colvin

Filing 23

MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER. Based on the foregoing, Petitioner's Petition for Review (Dkt. 1 ) is DENIED, the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED, and this action is DISMISSED in its entirety, with prejudice. Signed by Judge Ronald E. Bush. (km)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF IDAHO

ROBERT WAYNE HYDEN

Case No. 3:15-CV-00095-REB

Plaintiff,
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND
ORDER

vs.
NANCY A. BERRYHILL,
Defendant.

This decision resolves Petitioner Robert Hyden’s Petition for Review (Dkt. 1),
which contests the Social Security Administration’s final decision to deny him disability
benefits.1 The action is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Having carefully
reviewed the record and otherwise being fully advised, the Court enters the following
Memorandum Decision and Order.
I. BACKGROUND AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
On December 4, 2009 Petitioner applied for Social Security Disability Insurance
(“SSDI”) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), alleging a disability onset
date of January 31st, 2009. (Dkt. 1, p. 2 & AR 353). The claim was denied, both initially
1

Nancy A. Berryhill became the Acting Commissioner of Social Security on January 23,
2017. Pursuant to Rule 25(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Nancy A. Berryhill should
be substituted for Carolyn W. Colvin as the defendant in this suit. No further action need be
taken to continue this suit by reason of the last sentence of section 205(g) of the Social Security
Act, 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 1

and on reconsideration. Petitioner requested and obtained a hearing, held before
Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) RJ Payne on July 25, 2011. ALJ Payne issued an
unfavorable decision, which was remanded by the Appeals Council. A second, postremand hearing was held on October 17, 2013, with a follow up hearing on February 3,
2014. These hearings were also conducted by Judge Payne. (AR 41-70 & 101-120).
Dr. H.C. Alexander, a specialist in internal medicine and rheumatology, testified at
the second hearing, as did Dr. Larry Kravitz, a psychologist. Vocational Expert K. Diane
Kramer also testified, as did Petitioner. (Id.). Petitioner was assisted at the second hearing
by a non-attorney representative. (AR 101).
On February 13, 2014, the ALJ issued his second decision. This decision also
denied Petitioner’s claims, finding that Petitioner was not disabled within the meaning of
the Social Security Act. (AR 20-35). Petitioner sought a second review from the Appeals
Council, (15-19), but that was denied on December 9, 2014, (AR 9-14), thus making
ALJ’s decision the Commissioner’s final decision.
In his petition before this Court, Petitioner contends the ALJ failed to give proper
weight to the opinions of various medical providers, primarily those of Doris Ziegeldorf,
a treating nurse practitioner. Petitioner also argues that the ALJ improperly weighed
inconsistent opinions about the extent of Petitioner’s functional limitations, which were
obtained from several state medical consulting physicians. Finally, Petitioner argues that
the ALJ failed to fully develop the record, and improperly arrived at an adverse
credibility finding that was not supported by clear and convincing evidence. (Dkt. 17 p.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 2

2).
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
To be upheld, the Commissioner’s decision must be supported by substantial
evidence and based on proper legal standards. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Smolen v. Chater, 80
F.3d 1273, 1279 (9th Cir. 1996); Matney ex. rel. Matney v. Sullivan, 981 F.2d 1016, 1019
(9th Cir. 1992); Gonzalez v. Sullivan, 914 F.2d 1197, 1200 (9th Cir. 1990). Findings as to
any question of fact, if supported by substantial evidence, are conclusive. 42 U.S.C. §
405(g). In other words, if there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s factual
decisions, they must be upheld, even when there is conflicting evidence. Hall v. Sec'y of
Health, Educ. & Welfare, 602 F.2d 1372, 1374 (9th Cir. 1979).
“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); Webb v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 683, 686 (9th Cir. 2005); Flaten v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 44 F.3d 1453, 1457 (9th Cir. 1995). The standard requires more than a
scintilla but less than a preponderance of evidence, Sorenson v. Weinberger, 514 F.2d
1112, 1119 n. 10 (9th Cir.1975); Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir.
1989), and “does not mean a large or considerable amount of evidence.” Pierce v.
Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988).
With respect to questions of fact, the Court is to review the record as a whole to
determine whether it contains evidence that would allow a reasonable mind to accept the
conclusions of the ALJ. See Richardson, 402 U.S. at 401; see also Matney, 981 F.2d at
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 3

1019. The ALJ is responsible for determining credibility and resolving conflicts in
medical testimony, and for resolving ambiguities. Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035,
1039 (9th Cir. 1995); Allen v. Heckler, 749 F.2d 577, 579 (9th Cir. 1989). The ALJ is also
responsible for drawing inferences logically flowing from the evidence, Sample v.
Schweiker, 694 F.2d 639, 642 (9th Cir. 1982). Where the evidence is susceptible to more
than one rational interpretation in a disability proceeding, the reviewing court may not
substitute its judgment or interpretation of the record for that of the ALJ. Flaten, 44 F.3d
at 1457; Key v. Heckler, 754 F.2d 1545, 1549 (9th Cir. 1985).
With respect to questions of law, the ALJ’s decision must be based on proper legal
standards and will be reversed for legal error. Matney, 981 F.2d at 1019. The ALJ’s
construction of the Social Security Act is entitled to deference if it has a reasonable basis
in law. See id. However, reviewing federal courts “will not rubber-stamp an
administrative decision that is inconsistent with the statutory mandate or that frustrates
the congressional purpose underlying the statute.” Smith v. Heckler, 820 F.2d 1093, 1094
(9th Cir. 1987).
III. DISCUSSION
A.

Sequential Process

In evaluating evidence, the ALJ must follow a sequential process in deciding
whether a person is disabled in general (see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920) - or
continues to be disabled (see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1594, 416.994) - within the meaning of the
Social Security Act.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 4

The first step requires the ALJ to decide whether the claimant is engaged in
substantial gainful activity (“SGA”). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(I), 416.920(a)(4)(I).
SGA is defined as work activity that is both substantial and gainful. “Substantial work
activity” is work activity that involves doing significant physical or mental activities. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1572(a), 416.972(a). “Gainful work activity” is work that is usually done
for pay or profit, whether or not a profit is realized. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1572(b),
416.972(b). If the claimant has engaged in SGA, disability benefits are denied, regardless
of how severe her physical/mental impairments are and regardless of her age, education,
and work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If the claimant is not
engaged in SGA, the analysis proceeds to the second step. Here, the ALJ found that the
claimant had not engaged in SGA since December 31, 2009 the alleged date of onset of
his disability. (AR 25).
The second step requires the ALJ to decide whether the claimant has a medically
determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that is severe and meets the
duration requirement. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impairment
or combination of impairments is “severe” within the meaning of the Social Security Act
if it significantly limits an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). An impairment or combination of impairments is “not
severe” when medical and other evidence establish only a slight abnormality or a
combination of slight abnormalities that would have no more than a minimal effect on an
individual’s ability to work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521, 416.921. If the claimant does not
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 5

have a severe medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments,
disability benefits are denied. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c).
In this case, the ALJ found that Mr. Hyden had these severe impairments: right
wrist tendinitis, left knee low-grade chondromalacia, a history of migraine headaches,
hypertension, and obesity. (AR 25). The ALJ also concluded that Mr. Hyden had nonsevere psychological impairments, consisting of an adjustment disorder with mild anxiety
and depression and some evidence of schizoid personality traits that did not cause more
than minimal limitations in Petitioner’s ability to perform basic work activities. (AR. 27).
The third step requires the ALJ to assess the medical severity of any impairments;
that is, whether the claimant’s impairments meet or equal a listed impairment under 20
C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii),
416.920(a)(4)(iii). If the answer is yes, the claimant is considered disabled under the
Social Security Act and benefits are awarded. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If
the claimant’s impairments neither meet nor equal one of the listed impairments, the
claimant’s case cannot be resolved at step three and the evaluation proceeds to step four.
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e). Here, the ALJ concluded that Mr. Hyden’s
impairments, whether considered singly or in combination with his physical limitations,
did not meet or equal a listed impairment. (AR 28).
The fourth step of the evaluation process requires the ALJ to decide whether the
claimant’s residual functional capacity is sufficient for the claimant to perform past
relevant work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(a)(4)(iv). An individual’s
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 6

residual functional capacity is his or her ability to do physical and mental work activities
on a sustained basis despite limitations from her impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545,
416.945. Likewise, an individual’s past relevant work is work performed within the last
15 years or 15 years prior to the date that disability must be established. The work must
have lasted long enough for the claimant to learn to do the job and be engaged in
substantial gainful activity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560(b), 404.1565, 416.960(b), 416.965.
Here, the ALJ determined that Mr. Hyden had the residual functional capacity to perform
light work as defined in 20 C.F.R. 404.1567(b) and 416967(b), with certain additional
limitations: namely, that he could only sit for two hours at a time, for up to six hours in an
eight hour workday. The ALJ also limited Petitioner to standing for thirty minutes at a
time, for a total of four hours a day, and walking for twenty minutes at a time, for a total
of three hours per day. The ALJ’s residual functional capacity analysis also specified that
Petitioner could lift and carry up to twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds
frequently. Due to Petitioner’s knee and wrist impairments, the ALJ also imposed
additional limitations on pushing and pulling with the upper extremities and on climbing,
balancing, stooping, crouching and kneeling. (AR 29).
In the fifth and final step, if it has been established that a claimant can no longer
perform past relevant work because of his impairments, the burden shifts to the
Commissioner to show that the claimant retains the ability to do alternate work and to
demonstrate that such alternate work exists in significant numbers in the national
economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(f), 416.920(f); see
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 7

also Matthews v. Shalala, 10 F.3d 678, 681 (9th Cir. 1993). If the claimant is able to do
other work, he is not disabled; if the claimant is not able to do other work and meets the
duration requirement, he is disabled. The ALJ found, at step five, that Petitioner was not
capable of performing his past relevant work, but that he was capable of making a
successful adjustment to work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
(AR 33-34). Specifically, the ALJ found that with a light work classification subject to
the additional restrictions discussed above, Petitioner would be capable of working as a
parking lot attendant, electrical assembler, production assembler, a circuit board
assembler, final assembler, and charge account clerk. (AR 34-35).
B.

Analysis

The ALJ’s assessment of the medical opinion evidence was influenced by his
finding that the Petitioner was less than fully credible on the disabling extent of his
physical impairments. Accordingly, the Court addresses the credibility issue first.

1.

The ALJ’s Credibility Analysis.

“[W]here the record includes objective medical evidence establishing that the
claimant suffers from an impairment that could reasonably produce the symptoms of
which he complains, [then] an adverse credibility finding must be based on “‘clear and
convincing reasons.’” Carmickle v. Commissioner, Soc. Sec. Admin., 533 F.3d 1155, 1160
(9th Cir. 2008). Where the existence of an underlying impairment could produce the
symptoms described, “an ALJ may find testimony not credible in part or in whole, [but]
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 8

he or she may not disregard it solely because it is not substantiated affirmatively by
objective medical evidence.” Robbins v. Social Security Administration, 466 F.3d 880 (9th
Cir. 2006). Unless there is affirmative evidence of malingering in the record, an ALJ
“may only find an applicant not credible by making specific findings as to credibility and
stating clear and convincing reasons for each.” Schow v. Astrue, 272 Fed.Appx. 647, 651
(9th Cir. 2008). “General findings are not sufficient; rather, the ALJ must identify what
testimony is not credible and what evidence undermines the claimant’s complaints.”
Berry v. Astrue, 622 F.3d. 1228, 1234 (9th Cir. 2010). In weighing credibility, the ALJ
may consider the claimant’s reputation for truthfulness or lying, inconsistencies in his
testimony or between his testimony and his conduct or the medical records, the claimant’s
daily activities and work record, as well as testimony from third parties about the nature,
severity, and effect of the symptoms about which he complains. Smolen v. Chater, 80
F.3d 1273, 1284 (9th Cir. 1996).
Here, the ALJ gave numerous reasons for finding the Petitioner to be less than
fully credible. A number of those reasons easily meet the applicable legal standards
discussed above. In particular, the ALJ relied heavily on the relative paucity of medical
records, which according to the ALJ “revealed very little evidence of any significant
ongoing abnormality of the claimant’s wrist or knee.” (AR 31). Further, the medical
evidence showed “complaints” of right wrist/hand and knee problems, but the ALJ noted
that many of the physical examinations showed only symptoms of tenderness with
palpation. He also noted that imaging studies were essentially normal, that claimant had
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 9

never been referred to a specialist, and that diagnostic studies confirmed only tendinitis in
the wrist and low-grade chondromalacia in the knee. (Id.).
While ALJs may not base adverse credibility determinations solely on the lack of
objective medical evidence to support the claimed symptoms, at the same time they are
not required to turn a blind eye to a stark disconnect between a claimant’s allegations at
the hearing and the medical records. Lack of medical evidence may be a factor (albeit in
combination with other factors) upon which ALJs can rely in performing their credibility
analyses. Burch v. Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676, 681 (9th Cir. 2005).
Here, ample additional reasons supported the ALJ’s conclusion that Petitioner was
less than fully credible. The Petitioner claimed disabling levels of pain in his wrist due to
tendinitis, and medical records reflected statements from Petitioner describing his pain at
6-9 on a pain scale from 1 to 10. (AR 59). However, Petitioner took only over-thecounter medications to treat this condition. (AR 31, 44, 87, 615). It is true that ALJ must
not draw any negative inference from an individual’s failure to seek medical treatment
without first considering any explanations that the individual may provide, such as
poverty or lack of access to medical care, that may explain the failure to seek medical
treatment. See, Social Security Ruling (SSR) 96-7p, 1996 WL 374186, at *7-8. However,
the record demonstrates that Petitioner had access to medical care, in the form of a free
clinic, even after his private job based health insurance expired. (AR 84, 442, 448, 606).
Nor do the medical records indicate that anything more than conservative care was
recommended for Petitioner’s complaints. In such a context, the ALJ’s decision that the
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 10

relatively conservative course of treatment undercut Petitioner’s credibility comports with
all applicable legal standards.
The ALJ also found that Petitioner’s daily activities, specifically his extensive use
of the computer and his online gaming activities, were consistent with an ability to
perform light work, as modified by the ALJ’s RFC analysis. Given that Petitioner’s wrist
pain was one of the primary impairments that allegedly impacted his ability to work, his
online gaming activities were highly significant. The ALJ properly could conclude that
participation in these activities was inconsistent with Petitioner’s claim of disabling levels
of pain in his wrists.
Finally, the ALJ also found that the history and timing of Plaintiff’s treatment for
various mental health difficulties also undercut his credibility. The ALJ focused upon an
office visit to a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Deborah Blazzard, which took place in
November of 2013, several weeks after the second hearing. During this visit, Petitioner
reported that he had been hearing voices and felt sometimes as though he was “sliding
into another dimension.” (606-613). He also reported to Nurse Blazzard that he had
heard voices as long as he could remember, but that they had worsened in the last six
months. However, the ALJ pointed to an absence of any mention of such things in
previous psychiatric work-ups or during the visits to the medical providers who treated
his physical symptoms. (AR 32). Further, earlier mental health evaluations from 2009
and 2010 found no reason to suggest that Petitioner’s mental health symptoms were an
impediment to holding down a job. Specifically, Dr. Khurana, who evaluated Petitioner in
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 11

2009, was unable to arrive at any definitive mental health diagnosis, did not recommend
any treatment, and concluded Petitioner was “clear to go back to work.” (AR 522). In an
evaluation of Petitioner in May of 2010, another psychologist, Dr. Emery, concluded:
[T]here is no serious mental illness. There is some reactive
depression stimulated by his loss of work, medical issues, and
upcoming move, and he is isolated and asocial, likely a
function of schizoid personality given his social awkwardness
and difficulty with interpersonal pressure. Social functioning
is compromised accordingly, but he seems to have functioned
adequately operating a machine in a manufacturing setting
while he had the physical therapy. General adaptation is
therefore limited to impersonal predictable circumstances. I’d
estimate cognitive skills to be above average.”
(AR 472).
Where neither of these previous mental health work-ups had diagnosed serious
mental illness or memorialized anything of the nature that Petitioner described to the
psychiatric nurse after the second hearing, the ALJ properly could conclude that
Petitioner’s claim to have experienced a sudden onset of more serious psychiatric
symptoms was less than fully credible. Taken as a whole, the ALJ’s reasons comport with
the legal standards requiring that an adverse credibility determination be based on clear
and convincing evidence.
2.

The ALJ’s Assessment of the Medical Opinion Evidence

The Court next considers Petitioner’s arguments that the ALJ erred in evaluating
the medical opinion evidence. Here too, the Court concludes that the ALJ’s treatment of
such evidence was consistent with all applicable legal standards and supported by
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 12

substantial evidence in the record. Petitioner’s arguments to the contrary are twofold.
One, he argues that the ALJ failed to adequately consider the opinions of treating nurse
practitioner, Doris Ziegeldorf. Second, he argues that the ALJ erred by giving significant
weight to several other opinions from various state consulting physicians, without
addressing what Petitioner contends are inconsistencies between those opinions.
a.

Summary of Opinion Evidence

The four primary RFC opinions addressing physical limitations were those of
Nurse Ziegeldorf, the treating nurse practitioner, and three state consultants who reviewed
records but did not treat Petitioner – specifically, Dr. Lloyd Schneiderman, Dr. HC
Alexander, and Dr. Adam Husney. Nurse Ziegeldorf opined that Petitioner could lift up to
ten pounds frequently and 11 to 50 pounds only occasionally. She believed that Petitioner
would be limited to three hours of intermittent sitting, standing, and walking, and could
only work a total of three hours per day. (AR 534). In an earlier opinion dated May 28,
2009, Ms. Ziegeldorf also placed restrictions on repetitive prolonged awkward posturing
and forceful grasping, due to the right wrist tendinitis. (AR. 526).
Dr. Schniederman placed similar restrictions on lifting and carrying (up to ten
pounds frequently and up to 20 pounds occasionally), but opined that Petitioner could sit,
stand, and walk for much longer periods of time–about six hours out of an eight hour day.
(AR 589). Dr. Alexander, another state consultant who testified at the hearing, agreed that
Petitioner could lift, carry, push and pull ten pounds frequently and 20 pounds
occasionally. (AR 107). He also opined that while that there would be no restrictions on
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 13

sitting, Petitioner’s knee pain would limited standing to four hours in an eight hour work
day, about 30 minutes at a time. (Id.). As to walking, Dr. Alexander said Petitioner could
walk about 20 minutes at a time, for a total of three hours a day. Further, he said that
when considered in combination, Petitioner would be capable of engaging in
walking/standing activities for a total of seven hours a day. (AR 108). Dr. Alexander also
opined that due to tendinitis, Petitioner would be limited to only occasional grasping,
handling, and fingering with his right hand and wrist. (AR 109).
Finally, Dr. Husney, whose opinion the ALJ did not explicitly consider, offered
opinions largely consistent with those of the other doctors, but stated that Petitioner’s
lifting and carrying capabilities would be limited to ten pounds, and that only
occasionally. (AR 545).
b.

The ALJ’s RFC Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts in the Evidence

After considering the opinion evidence and the other evidence available in the
record, the ALJ arrived at the following conclusions with respect to Petitioner’s RFC.
First, the ALJ concluded that the claimant could sit two hours at a time, up to six hours a
day, and that he could stand for 30 minutes at a time, up to four hours a day. Walking was
limited to 20 minutes at a time, for three hours out of an eight-hour workday. The ALJ
limited lifting weights of up to 20 pounds to “occasionally” but indicated that Petitioner
could lift up to ten pounds frequently. The ALJ also found that Petitioner was not able to
frequently push or pull controls or handles with his right arm, but could grasp and handle
with the right hand frequently.
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Overall, the RFC was consistent with the opinion evidence in the record. The
opinions of the various state consultants were not identical in every detail, and the ALJ
did not always specifically say why he was not adopting particular aspects of these
doctors’ opinions. (For example, with respect to the ability to lift weights larger than 20
pounds or to grasp and handle only occasionally.) Nevertheless, when one reads the
ALJ’s decision as a whole, his reasoning is sufficiently clear and plainly represents an
entirely appropriate synthesis of the sometimes conflicting evidence. Further, the
conflicts emphasized by the Petitioner were not pervasive, and any materiality they might
have had in the RFC determination were adequately addressed by the overall approach
taken by the ALJ.
By example, both Dr. Husney and Alexander opined that Mr. Hyden would be
limited to only occasional gripping and handling, as opposed to the frequent handling and
gripping abilities identified in the ALJ’s RFC. The ALJ’s reasons for not adopting that
specific opinion (which would, Petitioner argues, have led to a finding of disability) are
evident from the record. Petitioner argues, essentially, that the ALJ failed to explain why
he chose not to adopt the more restrictive medical opinion evidence on grasping and
handling abilities. But, as previously recounted herein, the ALJ had found Petitioner not
credible as to his level of wrist pain given his extensive and extended computer usage.
Although the Court is not required to guess at what the ALJ may have been thinking, or to
engage in post hoc rationalization exercises, Bray v. Commissioner of Social Security,
554 F.3d 1219, 1225 (9th Cir. 2009), this case does not involve vagueness in an ALJ’s
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 15

decisions. Even if not separately addressed in the recitation of his ultimate RFC
conclusions, the rationale for why Dr. Alexander’s opinions as to Petitioner’s grasping
and handling ability were not incorporated into those conclusions are sufficiently evident
when reading the ALJ’s opinion as a whole.
With respect to the ability to lift (of particular importance, given Petitioner’s wrist
tendinitis) the opinions of Dr. Schiederman, Dr. Alexander, and Nurse Ziegledorf were all
consistent, and reflected in the ALJ’s RFC analysis. Only Dr. Husney imposed greater
restrictions on lifting. Though the ALJ did not explicitly discuss Dr. Husney’s opinions
or give any reasons for rejecting any aspect of those opinions, any error associated with
this oversight was harmless when several number of the jobs identified by the VE and the
ALJ were sedentary jobs that did not require the ability to exert the greater amounts of
force identified in the ALJ’s ultimate RFC analysis. See DOT 726.684-110, available at
1991 WL 679616 (print circuit board assembler); DOT 713.687-018, available at 1991
WL 679271 (final assembler); DOT 205.367-014, available at 1991 WL 671715 (charge
account clerk). The Commissioner is thus correct that Petitioner could do several of the
jobs the VE identified, even if Dr. Husney’s lifting and carrying restrictions had been
incorporated into the ALJ’s RFC assessment. The Court also concludes that the Petitioner
has not identified any meaningful difference between the ALJ’s ultimate RFC analysis
and those of the various state consulting physicians with respect to limitations on
balancing, bending, stooping, crouching and climbing, or with respect to environmental
limitations.
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c.

Nurse Ziegeldorf

Petitioner contends that the ALJ’s treatment of Nurse Ziegeldorf’s opinions
requires a remand. The ALJ decided to give no weight to these opinions in part because
Ms. Ziegeldorf was not an acceptable medical source but also because she did not
“provide any specificity as to the degree of limitation or limitations that would preclude
the claimant from all types of work activity.”
At the time the ALJ issued his decision, the evaluation of medical opinion
evidence was governed by the following standards. The opinions of treating physicians
were entitled to a high level of deference, and could only be rejected for clear and
convincing reasons. However, a different standard governed the opinions of nurse
practitioners, physician’s assistants, physical therapists, and the like, who were not
considered “acceptable medical sources” and whose opinions were therefore not entitled
to controlling weight under the “treating physician” rule. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1513(a)
(1–5), 416. 913(a)(1–5). See also, Hudson v. Astrue, 2012 WL 5328786 N. 4 (E.D.
Washington 2013). Nor could the opinion of a provider who was not an “acceptable
medical source” be used to establish the existence of an impairment. Social Security Rule
06-03p (rescinded).
At the same time, SSR 06-03p still directed that the opinions of such providers
were nonetheless “important and should be evaluated on key issues such as impairment
severity and functional effects, along with the other relevant evidence in the file.” Id.
Thus, ALJs could not reject the opinions of such providers entirely without comment, but
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instead had to “give reasons germane to each witness for doing so.” Molina v. Astrue, 674
F.3d 1104, 1111 (9th Cir. 2012).
The Commissioner agrees that the ALJ erred by finding that Ms. Ziegeldorf’s
opinions lacked specificity but nevertheless argues that this error was harmless because 1)
Ms. Ziegeldorf was not an acceptable medical source; and 2) the ALJ was plainly relying
on the opinions of the state consulting physicians who had reached different conclusions
as to Petitioner’s limitations.
The Court, however, is not persuaded in the first instance that the ALJ erred in his
assessment of Ms. Ziegeldorf’s opinions. As is evident from the record, the forms Ms.
Ziegeldorf filled out to convey her opinions are similar to those used by the state
consulting physicians in terms of the level of detail offered. Ms. Ziegeldorf completed
two such forms, which contained various questions about functional limitations, including
lifting, carrying, and the ability to stand, walk and sit. (AR 526, 534). The forms also
provided places for additional supportive details or narrative, which she provided. Ms.
Ziegeldorf’s opinions, therefore, were not of the cursory type sometimes seen in which a
provider states without detail as to why, that “the claimant is disabled.”
The ALJ’s comments on the specificity of Ms. Ziegeldorf’s opinions, however,
should not be analyzed in a vacuum; rather, they should be viewed in light of the primary
differences between her opinions and those of the consulting doctors. As described supra,
Ms. Ziegeldorf’s opinions were consistent with those of the consulting doctors in many
key respects, particularly with respect to lifting restrictions and the need to avoid
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 18

repetitive motions with the right wrist. Where she differed with the consulting doctors
was in her opinions about the length of time Petitioner could sit, stand, and walk, and as
to the total amount of time he could work in a day – in other words, on the ultimate
conclusion as to whether or not Petitioner was disabled.
At the hearing, the ALJ questioned Dr. Alexander extensively as to these very
issues, and adopted Dr. Alexander’s assessment, which differed somewhat from that of
Ms. Ziegeldorf. (AR 107-108). When questioned by the ALJ, Dr. Alexander said that
when the standing and walking capabilities were added together, rather than considered
separately, they added up to seven hours out of an eight hour day. (AR 108). In other
words, under questioning from the ALJ, Dr. Alexander testified to a different and more
nuanced opinion upon the crucial issues of sitting, standing and walking than did Ms.
Ziegeldorf. In contrast, Ms. Ziegeldorf did not address or otherwise opine upon the
ability of Petitioner to change positions being able to extend the amount of time that
Petitioner could work in any given day, even if he could not continuously sit (only), stand
(only), or walk (only) for the entire day. Against that template, which the ALJ could
properly conclude was a sensible assessment of Petitioner’s circumstances, there is in no
error in the ALJ’s ultimate adoption of Dr. Alexander’s RFC analysis as to sitting,
walking and standing, nor in the ALJ’s comment that Ms. Ziegeldorf’s opinions failed to
provide specific reasons as to why claimant would be precluded from all types of work
activity. Accordingly, there is also a “germane reason” for rejecting her opinion,

MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 19

consistent with applicable legal standards.2
d.

Dr. Beezy

Next, Petitioner argues that the ALJ erred by failing to address the opinions of Dr.
Reuben Beezy, a consulting physician who testified at the first hearing in July of 2011.
Given that Dr. Beezy testified that he agreed with the RFC analysis of Dr. Schneiderman,
whose opinions the ALJ did address, the ALJ’s decision not to specifically discuss Dr.
Beezy’s opinions does not undermine his decision or constitute a basis for reversal. And
while Petitioner also argues that Dr. Beezy discussed possible asthma and hypothyrodism
that the ALJ failed to address, Petitioner does not argue that there was any medical
evidence suggesting that these impairments should have been considered as severe
impairments at Step Two. Nor does he argue that these impairments would have resulted
in additional functional limitations.

2

Though the parties did not bring the matter to the Court’s attention, the Court notes that
in January 18, 2017, the Commissioner issued new rules that work substantial changes to the
way ALJs must evaluate medical opinion evidence going forward. Among other things, these
changes eliminate the traditional scheme of deference to treating physicians, and instead require
that all opinion evidence be evaluated on a more equal footing, with a focus on issues such as the
supportability of those opinions and consistency with the overall record. See 82 Federal Register
5844-01, 2017 WL 168819. The new rules also allow certain types of providers–among them
nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants–to be considered as acceptable medical sources
along with medical doctors. However, those particular changes apply only to new claims filed on
or after March 27, 2017 and are thus of no relevance here. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). Further,
given that the new rules no longer require ALJs to defer to treating providers of any kind, it is
unlikely that the new rules would result in a finding of disability even if they were applicable..
The Commissioner also rescinded former SSR 96-03p and incorporated the principles contained
in that ruling into a revised regulation found at 20 C.F.R.404.1527(f) and 416.927(f). These
changes are applicable to claims currently in the system as of March 27, 2017, but since the
primary effect of the changes was to codify the old SSR 96-03p, they make no difference to the
outcome of this case.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 20

3.

Development of the Record and Expression of Nonexertional RFC
Limitations

Petitioner argues that the ALJ should have obtained certain medical records from
Valley Medical Center regarding wrist pain that dated from August 2008 to January of
2009. These medical records were not made part of the administrative record, but they
were extensively summarized in Dr. Rodde Cox’s IME report. (AR 416-419). They also
appear to predate the alleged disability onset date of December 31, 2009. Accordingly,
the ALJ did not err by failing to obtain these records and consider them in his decision.
Petitioner then argues that the ALJ erred by neglecting to put the non-exertional
limitations of his RFC analysis into vocational terms. Petitioner takes specific issue with
a single sentence in the RFC analysis, in which the ALJ stated, “the claimant also takes
over-the-counter (OTC) and recently prescribed medications for pain and/or other needs
but is still able to be reasonably attentive and respective in a work setting and able to
carry out normal tasks satisfactorily.” (AR 29).3
Even though nonexertional and exertional limitations are to be expressed in terms
of a claimant’s ability to perform specific work-related tasks, the ALJ’s statement was not
impermissibly vague. First, nonexertional limitations can include any work-related
limitations that do not depend on an individual’s strength, such as postural, manipulative,
communicative, and mental capacities, most of which the ALJ’s RFC analysis addressed

3

The parties agree, however, that the word “respective” was a typographical error and
that the ALJ meant to say that Petitioner had the ability to be reasonably “responsive” in a work
setting.
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in detail.4 See, e.g. Biddell v. Colvin, 2016 WL 81530 (W.D. N.Carolina 2016). Petitioner
contends that the sentence quoted above evidences that the ALJ addressed his mental
capacities only in a brief, cursory fashion. However, given that the doctors who examined
Petitioner found that his mental health issues did not present any appreciable interference
with his ability to work, the ALJ’s RFC analysis was adequate.
IV. ORDER
Based on the foregoing, Petitioner’s Petition for Review (Dkt. 1) is DENIED, the
decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED, and this action is DISMISSED in its
entirety, with prejudice.
DATED: May 10, 2017

Honorable Ronald E. Bush
Chief U. S. Magistrate Judge

4

For example, the ALJ found that Petitioner could not climb ropes, ladders or scaffolds
and should not work around unprotected heights, or around moving machinery with rapidly
moving parts. (AR 29).
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