Anderson v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 39

OPINION BY TOM SCHANZLE-HASKINS, U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE: Defendant Commissioner's Motion for Summary Affirmance (d/e 29 ) is ALLOWED; Plaintiff Anderson's Opening Brief (d/e 11 ) and Motion for Error in Law (d/e 21 ) are DENIED; and the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED. THIS CASE IS CLOSED. SEE WRITTEN OPINION. Entered on 2/8/2017. (MJC, ilcd)

E-FILED

Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 04:16:39 PM
Clerk, U.S. District Court, ILCD

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, SPRINGFIELD DIVISION
JOHN E. ANDERSON,
Plaintiff,
v.
COMMISSIONER OF
SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant,

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No. 16-cv-3017

OPINION
TOM SCHANZLE-HASKINS, U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE:
Plaintiff John E. Anderson appeals from the denial of his application
for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (Disability Benefits) under
Title II of the Social Security Act. 42 U.S.C. §§ 416(i) and 423. This appeal
is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Anderson is proceeding pro se.
Anderson filed a document entitled Opening Brief (d/e 11) and a document
entitled Motion for Error in Law (d/e 21). The Court treated the Opening
Brief as a motion for summary judgment and the Motion for Error in Law as
a supplemental motion for summary judgment. Text Order entered August
16, 2016. The Defendant Commissioner filed a Motion for Summary
Affirmance (d/e 29). The parties consented, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §
636(c), to proceed before this Court. Consent to the Exercise of
Page 1 of 34

Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge and Reference Order
entered June 29, 2016 (d/e 13). For the reasons set forth below, the
Decision of the Commissioner is affirmed.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
Anderson was born on March 31, 1963, and completed high school.
He previously worked as a millwright in a steel mill. Anderson alleged that
he became disabled on June 1, 2012. Anderson suffers from degenerative
disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine; arthritis of his dominant right
hand, especially the right thumb, post two crushing injuries and two
surgeries; headaches; obesity; and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
secondary to a facial burn injury in 2005. Certified Transcript of
Proceedings before the Social Security Administration (d/e 8) (R.), at 11,
13-14, 20, 186.
In 1987, and again in 2000, Anderson was injured in motorcycle
accidents.1 His dominant right hand was crushed in each of these two
accidents. Anderson had hand surgery after each accident. Thereafter,
Anderson developed arthritis in his right hand and particularly in his right
thumb. R. 315.

1

Anderson once reported that the motorcycle accidents occurred in 1980 and 2002. R. 255.

Page 2 of 34

On April 5, 2012, Anderson had an x-ray of his cervical spine. The xray showed severe disc space narrowing at C5-C6 and C6-C7, indicating
degenerative disc disease at these levels. R. 298. On April 17, 2012,
Anderson had an MRI of his cervical spine. The MRI showed multilevel
degenerative changes including severe right-sided neuroforaminal stenosis
at C5-C6 and C6-C7, and moderate left-sided neuroforaminal stenosis at
C6-C7. R. 295.
On September 11, 2012, Anderson saw his primary care physician
Dr. Randy Western, M.D., complaining of back pain; painful numbness in
the third, fourth, fifth fingers, and thumb of his right hand; and chronic neck
pain. On examination, Anderson was in mild distress, had no areas of
point tenderness in lumbosacral spine, but had some tenderness left of
spine. Straight leg raising tests caused some pain in the paralumbar area
of his back. Dr. Western found no leg weakness. Dr. Western assessed a
muscle spasm in his back. R. 267.
On September 20, 2012, Anderson saw Dr. Western. Anderson
reported some intermittent weakness in his legs. He reported that his
employer’s doctor would not let him return to work. On examination,
Anderson weighed 208 pounds, with a body-mass index of 30.81.
Anderson had some tenderness on palpitation around L5 area of his spine.
Page 3 of 34

Dr. Western did not detect any weakness in Anderson’s legs, but observed
diminished reflexes in the right ankle. Dr. Western ordered an MRI of
Anderson’s back. R. 265.
On October 1, 2012, Anderson had an MRI of his lumbar spine. The
MRI showed degenerative changes with foraminal compromise at L4-L5
moderate on the right side and milder on the left side, and milder foraminal
compromise at L3-L4. R. 292-93.
On January 7, 2013, Anderson saw Dr. Western. An unnamed
orthopedic surgeon had offered Anderson additional surgery on his right
hand. Anderson was reluctant because he had problems and complications
with his prior surgeries. Dr. Western stated that Anderson was “kind of in
limbo in that we really cannot offer him much more besides surgery, but he
cannot go back to work at his usual job with inability to use his right hand.”
R. 249. On examination, Anderson had some muscle wasting and swelling
around the right thumb, as well as 50% reduction in range of motion and
loss of grip strength. Anderson stated that he used his left hand more often
“for everyday use because the right is just painful.” R. 249.
On February 5, 2013, Anderson had an x-ray of his right hand. The
x-ray showed advanced degenerative arthritis at the first CMC joint, some
flattening at the base of the first metacarpal at the CMC joint, and some
Page 4 of 34

degenerative change at the STT joint of the wrist.2 The radiologist
assessed “No acute abnormalities are identified. Degenerative changes as
described.” R. 228.
On February 6, 2013, Anderson saw Physician’s Assistant David
Purves, who worked with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Wottowa,
M.D. Anderson reported pain with gripping and grasping tools at his prior
work. He also reported numbness and tingling in his thumb, index, and
middle fingers when driving or riding his motorcycle. He also experienced
numbness when using power tools. R. 256.
Purves suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Purves also noted that
Anderson had posttraumatic changes in his first CMC joint and STT joint
arthrosis. Purves believed that Anderson was a candidate for additional
surgery to relieve his symptoms in his right thumb. Purves ordered an
EMG nerve conduction study to check for carpal tunnel syndrome. R. 258.
On February 20, 2013, Anderson saw Physician’s Assistant Purves.
Purves reviewed an EMG nerve conduction study with Anderson. The
study showed no evidence of compression of the median nerves in
Anderson’s wrists. Purves stated that an x-ray taken at an earlier visit

2

The first CMC joint is the carpometacarpal joint where the thumb meets the carpal bones in the wrist.
The STT joint is the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint, which is the joint between three bones in the wrist,
the scaphoid, the trapezium, and the trapezoid. See Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed.)
(Dorland’s), at 298.

Page 5 of 34

showed posttraumatic changes at the first CMC joint and degenerative
changes at the STT joint. Purves stated that Anderson would be a
candidate for basal joint arthroplasty surgery. Purves said the surgery
would address the STT joint problems, but not all of Anderson’s symptoms.
Purves said injections would not affect the limited mobility in his thumb. R.
255.
On March 1, 2013, Anderson saw Dr. Western to discuss Purves’
recommendation to undergo surgery on his right thumb. Anderson was
reluctant to undergo a third surgery. Dr. Western recommended going
ahead with the surgery. Dr. Western assessed permanent thumb damage
from previous crush injuries. Dr. Western gave Anderson a note that said
“10 pound work restriction with his right hand and not to work above 3 feet.”
R. 253.
On April 9, 2013, Dr. Western filled out a form for Anderson’s former
employer regarding Anderson’s impairments. Dr. Western diagnosed
Anderson with “Right thumb crushed in previous accident.” Dr. Western
stated that Anderson was contemplating basal joint arthroplasty surgery.
Dr. Western stated that Anderson was limited to ten pound weight
restriction and no work above three feet. R. 232.

Page 6 of 34

On May 29, 2013, Anderson saw Dr. Western. Anderson reported
pain and rash in his groin. Dr. Western noted:
Patient is here with this rash. States that he went to go pick up
a motorcycle for his friend, and it was like a 36-hour-type-trip,
and then he had to mow the lawn for about 7 hours. Then he
developed this rash that at times is painful.
R. 251. Dr. Western recommended methods to address the rash. Id.
On July 25, 2013, state agency physician Dr. J.V. Corcoran, M.D.,
prepared a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment. R. 63-66. Dr.
Corcoran opined that Anderson could lift twenty pounds occasionally and
ten pounds frequently; could stand and/or walk a total of six hours in an
eight-hour workday; could sit for a total of six hours in an eight-hour
workday; could occasionally climb ramps and stairs, balance, stoop, kneel,
crouch, and crawl; could never climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; and could
occasionally handle and finger with the right upper extremity, but had no
limitations with the left upper extremity. Dr. Corcoran opined that Anderson
had to avoid concentrated exposure to hazards and unprotected heights.
R. 63-65.
On September 6, 2013, Anderson saw Dr. Western for a recheck of
his right thumb. Dr. Western noted that Anderson was reluctant to undergo
another surgery on his thumb. Dr. Western wrote, “Thus, it [the right
thumb] is in such bad shape he really cannot work either. At least he
Page 7 of 34

cannot go back to his standard customary job.” R. 305. On examination,
Dr. Western observed that “he can clamp down with his 2nd-5th fingers, but
really cannot hardly use his first finger at all.” Dr. Western assessed a
“greatly diminished use of his right hand due to his severe thumb arthritis.”
Dr. Western concluded, “It is not that he could not do any type of work, it is
just that he cannot go back and work safe in his usual work environment
with his current job.” R. 306.
On January 21, 2014, Dr. Western completed a form for Anderson’s
former employer. Dr. Western stated that Anderson could not work
because he could not grip with his right hand. Dr. Western stated that
Anderson had advanced/severe arthritis of the right thumb joint. R. 230.3
On March 12, 2014, state agency physician Dr. Vittal Chapa
conducted a consultative examination of Anderson. Dr. Chapa described
Anderson’s dominant right hand and neck pain:
The claimant states that he has problem with the right hand. He
had crush injury to the right thumb. He had surgery on the right
thumb in 1987 and year of 2000. He has no grip strength in the
right hand. He is right-handed. He was told that his right thumb
joint needs to be replaced. Occasionally, he has neck and back
pain.
R. 315. Anderson’s left hand grip strength was 5/5. Anderson could
perform fine and gross manipulations with his left hand. R. 317.
3

Dr. Western made the same statement on an undated form for Anderson’s former employer. R. 231.

Page 8 of 34

Anderson’s right hand grip strength was 3/5. Anderson had mild to
moderate difficulties performing manipulations such as opening door knobs
and tying shoes. Anderson had severe difficulties buttoning and
unbuttoning. R. 319.
Dr. Chapa observed that Anderson had limited range of motion in the
first CMC joint of his right thumb. His range of motion in the right thumb
was 25% of normal. He had full range of motion in all other joints. His
lumbosacral spine flexion was normal and his straight leg testing was
negative. R. 317. Anderson could walk and bear weight without
ambulatory aids. His gait was normal. R. 316.
Dr. Chapa assessed status post right thumb injury. Dr. Chapa
concluded:
Summary and Discussion: The claimant is a 50-year-old male.
He had two surgeries on the right thumb. He has limited
functions of the right hand. He has impaired right handgrip.
Rest of the physical examination is unremarkable. Please see
the enclosed sheet of paper with the consultation report for right
handgrip and right hand functions.
R. 317.
On March 14, 2014, state agency physician Dr. James Madison,
M.D., prepared a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment. Dr. Madison
agreed with Dr. Corcoran’s March 2013 assessment. R. 75-78. Dr.

Page 9 of 34

Madison noted that Anderson “has a 10 lb weight restriction with his right
hand and not to work above 3 ft.” R. 76.
On June 20, 2014, Anderson saw neurologist Dr. Koteswara Narla,
M.D., for headaches. Anderson reported that his headaches began when
he strained his neck. Anderson reported that he had headaches on the left
side with blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. Anderson reported that bright
lights bothered him. Anderson reported that the headaches came on when
he did any active work. Anderson reported that he used to ride motorbikes.
At this visit, Anderson was 69 inches tall and weighed 211 pounds, with a
BMI of 31.16. Dr. Narla assessed headaches of the left frontal, most likely
of the migraine nature. Dr. Narla stated that “Might be something
exertional might be the cause.” R. 339-40.
On September 16, 2014, Dr. Western wrote a letter summarizing
Anderson’s condition. R. 221. Dr. Western stated that he first treated
Anderson in 2005 for PTSD resulting from a work-related explosion and
facial burn injury. Dr. Western stated that, thereafter, Anderson had had
intermittent problems sleeping which required medication. Dr. Western
discussed Anderson’s right hand:
Also well documented is his couple of surgeries he has already
had on his right hand, resultant arthritis that we have seen in
our x-rays, and his main disability that keeps him from working
because he cannot grab his tools, torches, etc., all the
Page 10 of 34

implements needed to work he cannot do because his hand is
weak and painful.
R. 221. Dr. Western then noted Anderson’s neck problems:
In addition to the above, he also has had neck pain leading to
headaches, migraines. These had responded to medications
as well as cervical blocks. He had an MRI done that showed
neuroforaminal stenosis that is severe on the right side
between C5-C6, C6-C7.
R. 221. Dr. Western concluded:
Thus, in summary, he has had psychological issues relating
from a burn from an explosion that has left him with some
insomnia, right hand arthritis producing weakness and some
neurologic symptoms, as well as some degenerative disease in
his neck that contributes to his headaches.
R. 221.
On December 11, 2014, Anderson went to see Dr. Western.
Anderson reported frequent headaches. At that time, Anderson weighed
216 pounds and had a BMI of 31.90. Dr. Western noted that Anderson had
chronic headaches. Dr. Western noted that injections had previously
“given him years (sic) work of relief.” R. 334. On examination, Dr. Western
observed a loss of about 20 degrees of motion when turning Anderson’s
head to the left. Dr. Western assessed “Headaches muscle tension chronic
right arm hand pain that is stable currently retired due to his injury”. Dr.
Western mentioned the possibility of a nerve block. R. 334. On January

Page 11 of 34

15, 2015, neurologist Dr. David Gelber, M.D., administered trigger point
injections in Anderson’s cervical paraspinous muscles bilaterally. R. 332.
THE EVIDENTIARY HEARING
On June 15, 2015, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) conducted an
evidentiary hearing. Anderson appeared pro se. Vocational expert Dr.
James Lanier, Ph.D., also appeared. R. 28; see R. 215 (Dr. Lanier’s
resume). The ALJ informed Anderson of his right to secure an attorney or
qualified non-attorney representative to represent him in the hearing.
Anderson elected to proceed pro se. R. 28-29.
Anderson testified that he lived with his wife in a single-family
dwelling. Anderson stated that he drove about 30 miles a week. Anderson
had a twelfth grade education. He worked at a steel mill from 1988 until he
stopped working on June 1, 2012. He attempted to return to his job in
2012 and 2013, but only stayed at work each time for few weeks to a few
months. His last attempt to return to work ended on March 1, 2013. R. 35.
Anderson stated that he did not have any limits on his ability to drive.
He explained that he usually drove with his left hand because driving with
his right hand caused pain. R. 34.
Anderson said that he believed he was disabled because, “I have a
lot of problems with my thumb, my right hand, and some, my neck, and my
Page 12 of 34

back.” R. 36. Anderson could not say whether his thumb or his neck was
his primary problem. He stated that his thumb hurt “all the time,” but his
neck pain was “occasional.” R. 38.
Anderson testified that he took tramadol and hydrocodone for the
pain. He took hydrocodone only in “extreme cases” of neck, back, or
thumb pain. R. 36. Anderson stated that the tramadol and hydrocodone
worked sometimes:
It's strange. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't.
Actually, the hydrocodone has made my head hurt worse
sometimes, and I'm not sure why. I did have an MRI on my
head, thinking that possibly I was getting a blood clot or
something in my head causing the bad headaches, and I was
pretty sure it was coming from the neck. When the neck hurt,
the head hurt. But the hydrocodone would sometimes make it
worse, so it would make my head hurt worse.
R. 37-38. Anderson rated his general pain as a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. He
testified that the pain medication reduced the pain to a 5. He testified that
his medication “barely takes the edge off.” R. 39. He stated that he also
received injections periodically for pain. R. 37. He also took amitriptyline.
He said that the amitriptyline helped. R. 38.
Anderson stated that if he used his right hand his pain increased to
an 8 or 9. For the last couple of years, he did almost everything with his
left hand. If he used his right hand, he used his fingers instead of his
thumb. R. 39-40.
Page 13 of 34

Anderson said that his neck pain radiated down his left shoulder
blade if he leaned forward or sat in certain positions. R. 40. He said that
turning his head also sometimes caused pain:
Q And are there any sort of maneuvers that you do that make it
worse?
A Yes, just about everything. I mean, it seems like even when
I'm turning my head. A lot of times, it goes up the left side of my
neck and I can feel it going up right behind my ear and right in
my temple area, and that's why I'm so sure is coming from the
neck, because the headache gets so severe I'm just about
better on the days it happens – I don't want to move. I just want
to sleep all day, and hopefully I'll wake up the next morning and
it's gone. But sometimes, it's lasted for three days. And when
it's lasted over a day and a half or two, that's when I go to Dr.
Western. I get a Torterol shot.
R. 41. Anderson stated that the Torterol shots “seem to help.” R. 42.
Anderson testified that he also had incapacitating headaches five or
six times a month. The headaches lasted “[a] day or a day and a half.” He
stated that he sometimes vomited when he had headaches. R. 42.
Anderson rated his headache pain at a 10. R. 43. Anderson testified that
when he had a headache, he lay in bed and tried not to move. He also put
ice on his temple or the spot where his head was hurting. R. 43.
Anderson testified that he decided not to undergo a third surgery on
his thumb after discussing the matter with Dr. Wottawa:
I've seen Dr. Wottawa was and they said that, you know,
actually, the first thing he said when he came back in the room
Page 14 of 34

after the MRI or whatever I had, he said, "You can't even lie
about this." He said, "It's really bad." He said -- told me about,
you know, what that possibly could do, and he could not
guarantee that it wouldn't make it -- would make it any better, a
third surgery. And during the surgery, they said they'd have to
replace the whole joint bone down there and they'd have to
clean up around the thumb. And there's a bone that sticking out
of my hand also. They'd have to replace that bone with a
tendon out of my arm. You know, wad it up, like in a knot, and
replace it in, like, where the bone is sticking out of my hand.
Anyway, they didn't guarantee and they did say that the first six
months, you're going to regret it because of the pain, and I said,
"Well, I've gone through this twice already and I knew about the
pain." But they couldn't guarantee it and I didn't feel comfortable
with it at all.
R. 38-39.
Anderson had not considered undergoing back or neck surgery
because he “always heard bad things about neck surgery or back surgery.”
R. 40. Anderson had not tried physical therapy for his neck or back. He
explained, “I try not to agitate it.” R. 41. No one ever recommended back
or neck surgery to Anderson. R. 40.
Anderson testified that he could sit for an hour to an hour and a half
before changing positions, and he could walk for a mile. R. 44.
In a typical day, Anderson said that he did a little housecleaning;
mowed the yard on a riding mower; did laundry, including folding laundry;
did some cooking, including using the microwave and making brownies
from a mix; and vacuuming. He did everything with his left hand. He drove
Page 15 of 34

the mower with his left hand, he stirred the brownie mix with his left hand,
and he ran the vacuum with his left hand. He testified that using his left
hand caused pain in his right side and sometimes caused headaches. He
testified that mowing “really does a number on my neck and my back.”
R. 45.
Anderson said that he did not know how much he could lift
comfortably. He said that his doctor limited him to lifting 10 pounds. He
estimated that the 10 pound restriction limited him to carrying nothing
heavier than a gallon of milk. He stated, “And I have lifted over that, I’m
sure, but, you know, I know I pay for it, you know, through the pain, too.”
R. 46. Anderson went grocery shopping alone. He testified that he bagged
the groceries himself so that each bag was light. He took several trips from
his car to carry the bags into his house. R. 48.
Anderson went to church regularly and to social activities with his
family. R. 48.
Anderson testified about trying to ride his motorcycle:
Q. Do you still ride your motorcycles?
A. I tried and I've regretted it. The neck pain and the hand pain
is, you know – things I do, I just regret doing it, and I hate that I
can't, either, you know, just bother me because I love it.
Q. When is the last time you rode it?
Page 16 of 34

A. Maybe a few months ago, I guess.
Q. Do you have hand brakes that you use [phonetic]?
A. Excuse me?
Q. Do you have hand brakes or mechanisms on the right that
you have to maneuver in order to operate the motorcycle?
A. Well, it's just the start button, I guess, and the push button
for the turn signal. And the motorcycle I have, it can—actually,
it has cruise control, so I only have to use my right hand. I can
just set it on top of there, you know, so I don't -- yeah, so I try
not to ride around town or anything to do it. It's just
occasionally, I guess it's just gotten worse. You know, it's just
the hands' gotten worse, you know, over time here.
Q. And when you last went, where did you go?
A. Where did I go? I think I rode into Mechanicsburg [phonetic],
which is about six miles -- six miles in, five miles back.
R. 48-49.
Vocational expert Dr. Lanier then testified. The ALJ asked Dr. Lanier
the following hypothetical question:
Q. Okay. I would like you to consider a hypothetical claimant of
the same age, education, and the same past work as this
claimant, limited to a range of light work with occasional
climbing of ramps and stairs; no ladders, ropes, or scaffolds;
occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and
crawling; and frequent but not constant handling and fingering
with the right dominant hand; avoid concentrated exposure to
unprotected hazards and unprotected heights; no work with
vibrating tools; no concentrated exposure to loud noise, and I
mean factory level noise. Is there any past work he could
perform with that -- those limitations?
Page 17 of 34

R. 54-55. Dr. Lanier opined that such a person could not do any of
Anderson’s past work. Dr. Lanier opined that such a person could perform
some light, unskilled jobs including router, with 3,415 such jobs existing in
Illinois and 74,463 nationally; and mail sorter, with 1,200 such jobs existing
in Illinois and 32,000 nationally. R. 55.
The ALJ changed the hypothetical question:
Q. If our hypothetical claimant could only occasionally perform
handling with the right dominant hand and he could perform
frequent but not constant fingering with the right dominant
hand, and using all the other limitations of the first hypothetical,
would he have jobs that he could perform?
R. 56. Dr. Lanier opined that such a person could perform the unskilled
jobs of rental clerk, with 3,400 such jobs existing in Illinois and 83,000
nationally; laminating machine off-bearer, with 400 such jobs existing in
Illinois and 82,000 nationally. R. 56.
Dr. Lanier opined that such a person could not work if he had to miss
work two days a month due to headaches, or if he was off task up to 20
percent of the industrial standard due to problems with concentration and
attention due to pain. R. 56-57. The ALJ concluded the hearing.
THE DECISION OF THE ALJ
On July 28, 2015, the ALJ issued her decision. R. 11-21. The ALJ
followed the five-step analysis set forth in Social Security Administration
Page 18 of 34

Regulations (Analysis). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. Step 1 requires
that the claimant not be currently engaged in substantial gainful activity. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If true, Step 2 requires the claimant to
have a severe impairment. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). If true,
Step 3 requires a determination of whether the claimant is so severely
impaired that he is disabled regardless of his age, education and work
experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). To meet this
requirement at Step 3, the claimant's condition must meet or be equal to
the criteria of one of the impairments specified in 20 C.F.R. Part 404
Subpart P, Appendix 1 (Listing). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If
the claimant is not so severely impaired, the ALJ proceeds to Step 4 of the
Analysis.
Step 4 requires the claimant not to be able to return to his prior work
considering his age, education, work experience, and Residual Functional
Capacity (RFC). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e) and (f), 416.920(e) and (f). If
the claimant cannot return to his prior work, then Step 5 requires a
determination of whether the claimant is disabled considering his RFC,
age, education, and past work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g),
404.1560(c), 416.920(g), 416.960(c). The claimant has the burden of
presenting evidence and proving the issues on the first four steps. The
Page 19 of 34

Commissioner has the burden on the last step; the Commissioner must
show that, considering the listed factors, the claimant can perform some
type of gainful employment that exists in the national economy. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1512, 404.1560(c); Weatherbee v. Astrue, 649 F.3d 565, 569 (7th
Cir. 2011); Briscoe ex rel. Taylor v. Barnhart, 425 F.3d 345, 352 (7th Cir.
2005).
The ALJ found that Anderson met his burden at Steps 1 and 2.
Anderson had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since July 1, 2012,
and he suffered from the severe impairments of degenerative disc disease
of the cervical and lumbar spine, osteoarthrosis, headaches and obesity.
R. 13. At Step 3, the ALJ found that Anderson’s impairments, or
combination of impairments did not meet or equal any Listing. R. 14-15.
At Step 4, the ALJ found that Anderson had the following RFC:
After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned
finds that the claimant has the residual functional capacity to
perform light work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) except he
can never climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds, but can
occasionally climb ramps and stairs, and can occasionally
balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; he can frequently, but
not constantly, engage in fingering activities with the light, and
dominant, hand, and can, only occasionally, partake in handling
with the right hand; he must avoid concentrated exposure to
unprotected work hazards and heights, can never work with
vibrating tools and can never be exposed to loud(factory level)
noise.

Page 20 of 34

R. 15. The ALJ relied on Dr. Chapa’s consultative examination and the
opinions of Drs. Corcoran and Madison. The ALJ also relied on medical
records of the conservative treatment of his back and neck and negative
straight leg raising tests. Additionally, the ALJ relied on evidence that
Anderson responded well to trigger point injections for pain in his neck.
R. 16-18
The ALJ found that Dr. Western’s opinions that Anderson was
disabled or could not work were not entitled to controlling weight. The ALJ
found that Dr. Western indicated that Anderson was limited to a 10 pound
weight lifting restriction, but the medical evidence showed that the
restriction only applied to Anderson’s right hand, not his left. The ALJ
found that Dr. Western’s statements that Anderson could not perform his
former work or work in his former work environment did not address
whether he could work at all. R. 18-19.
The ALJ also found Anderson’s testimony and other claims of total
disability not to be credible. The ALJ found that the medical evidence was
inconsistent with his claims. The ALJ relied on medical evidence that
showed that his back and neck were not severe enough to limit his
functional capacity beyond the RFC that the ALJ determined. The ALJ
noted the February 5, 2013, x-ray of Anderson’s thumb that showed
Page 21 of 34

advanced degenerative arthritis of the CMC joint of the right thumb, but no
acute abnormalities. R. 19.
The ALJ also found that Anderson’s activities were inconsistent with
his claims of total disability. The ALJ stated:
At various times in the record, the claimant admitted that he
was capable of daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning and
personal care and hygiene. On February 6 and May 29, 2013,
the claimant was still riding motor cycles extensively. On the
latter occasion, he reported that he had recently gone to pick up
a motorcycle for a friend; it was a 36-hour-type trip, and then he
had to mow the lawn for about 7 hours. In May of 2014, the
claimant's lumbar spine impairment was described as a minimal
tiny disc protrusion at L3-4. While he complained of cervical
pain and left-sided headaches, he admitted that he was able to
put up with the neck and back pain without any problem, with
intermittent use of Hydrocodone.
R. 19. In light of this evidence, the ALJ found that Anderson’s claims of
total disability were not credible.
Based on the RFC determination, the ALJ concluded at Step 4 that
Anderson could not return to his past relevant work as a millwright.
At Step 5, the ALJ found that Anderson could perform a significant
number of jobs that exist in the national economy. The ALJ relied on the
Medical-Vocational Guidelines, 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 2;
and the opinions of Dr. Lanier that a person with Anderson’s age,
education, experience, and RFC could perform the jobs of rental clerk, and

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laminator machine off-bearer. R. 20-21. The ALJ found that Anderson was
not disabled. R. 21.
EVIDENCE SUBMITTED ON APPEAL
Anderson appealed the decision of the ALJ. Anderson submitted
additional medical evidence from an office visit with Dr. Western on August
21, 2015. An x-ray showed severe changes of posttraumatic osteoarthritis
at the basal joint of the thumb, and severe triscaphe joint osteoarthritis.
R. 360.
Dr. Western examined Anderson and completed a form called
“Arthritic Report (Degenerative or Inflammatory).” R. 356-58. Dr. Western
diagnosed Anderson with severe arthropathy of the CMC joint and STT
joint. Dr. Western observed warmth in the CMC joint and swelling in the
distal radial wrist and proximal 1/2 of the thumb. Dr. Western rated
Anderson’s right grip strength as 2/5 and his left at 5/5. Dr. Western rated
the right thumb strength at 2/5. Dr. Western observed numbness in the
first, second, and third right fingers. Dr. Western assessed significant
limitations in repetitive reaching, handling, and fingering with the right hand,
but no limitations with the left hand. Dr. Western opined that Anderson
could rarely grasp and twist with his right hand (five to ten times a day).
Dr. Western agreed with Dr. Chapa that Anderson had mild to moderate
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difficulties with manipulative actions such as opening door knobs and tying
shoe laces, and severe difficulties with one manipulative function of
buttoning and unbuttoning. R. 356-58. Dr. Western opined that the only
possible treatment was surgery, but the outcome was uncertain;
Surgery is a possible treatment but there is no guarantee that
will alleviate his symptoms & restrictions of movement. This
surgery may somewhat alleviate his symptoms. 2 previous
surgeries have failed.
R. 358. Dr. Western concluded:
Restrictions remain same. 10 pound weight restriction right
hand. No working greater 3 feet off ground due to fall risk.
R. 358.
On November 23, 2015, the Appeals Council denied Anderson’s
request for review. The decision of the ALJ then became the final decision
of the Commissioner. R. 1. Anderson then filed this action for judicial
review.
ANALYSIS
This Court reviews the Decision of the Commissioner to determine
whether it is supported by substantial evidence. Substantial evidence is
“such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate”
to support the decision. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971).
This Court must accept the findings if they are supported by substantial
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evidence, and may not substitute its judgment or reweigh the evidence.
Jens v. Barnhart, 347 F.3d 209, 212 (7th Cir. 2003); Delgado v. Bowen, 782
F.2d 79, 82 (7th Cir. 1986). This Court will not review the ALJ’s evaluation
of statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effect of
symptoms unless the evaluation is patently wrong and lacks any
explanation or support in the record. See Pepper v. Colvin, 712 F.3d 351,
367 (7th Cir. 2014); Elder v. Astrue, 529 F.3d 408, 413-14 (7th Cir. 2008);
SSR 16-3p, 2016 WL 1119029, at *1 (2016) (The Social Security
Administration no longer uses the term credibility in the evaluation of
statements regarding symptoms). The ALJ must articulate at least
minimally his analysis of all relevant evidence. Herron v. Shalala, 19 F.3d
329, 333 (7th Cir. 1994). The ALJ must “build an accurate and logical
bridge from the evidence to his conclusion.” Clifford v. Apfel, 227 F.3d 863,
872 (7th Cir. 2000).
The ALJ’s RFC determination was supported by substantial evidence.
The RFC determination was supported generally by the opinions of Drs.
Corcoran and Madison. Dr. Chapa’s consultative examination also
supported the finding. Dr. Chapa found that Anderson was not limited in
the use of his left hand. He also found no limitation on range of motion
other than his right hand. Dr. Chapa also found no limitations in
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Anderson’s ability to walk and found negative straight leg testing. These
findings support the ALJ’s RFC determination that Anderson could perform
a limited range of light work.
Dr. Western’s findings were also generally consistent with the ALJ’s
RFC determination. Dr. Western limited Anderson to lifting ten pounds;
however, at least once before the ALJ’s determination, Dr. Western
restricted that limitation to lifting with Anderson’s right hand. R. 253. After
the ALJ’s decision, Dr. Western restated that the ten pound lifting limitation
was restricted to Anderson’s right hand. R. 358.4 The lack of a lifting
restriction on Anderson’s left hand is consistent with the finding that he
could do a limited range of light work. Dr. Western also stated at various
times that Anderson could not return to work. Specifically, Dr. Western
explained: “It is not that he could not do any type of work, it is just that he
cannot go back and work safe in his usual work environment with his
current job.” See R. 306. The ALJ’s RFC finding of a limited range of light
work was consistent with Dr. Western’s observation about Anderson’s prior
work as a millwright in a steel mill. The job was far more strenuous than
lifting twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds frequently.

4

Courts generally only consider evidence that was before the ALJ when deciding whether the ALJ’s
decision was supported by substantial evidence. See Wolfe v. Shalala, 997 F.2d 321, 322 n.3 (7th Cir.
1993). The Commissioner in this case did not challenge Anderson’s reliance on the evidence filed with
the Appeals Council, so the Court does not address this issue.

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The Court questioned whether the ALJ’s finding that Anderson could
finger frequently was supported by substantial evidence since Drs.
Corcoran and Madison limited Anderson to occasional fingering.5 Notice
Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(f)(2) and Order (d/e 35) (Rule 56
Notice), at 4-5. The Commissioner responded convincingly that any error
in this regard was harmless. Dr. Lanier opined that a person with
Anderson’s age, education, work experience, and RFC could perform the
job of laminator machine off-bearer. The Commissioner correctly noted
that Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) states that the job of laminator
machine off-bearer only required occasional fingering. DOT 569.686-046
Laminating—Machine Offbearer, 1991 WL 683893 (4ed. 1991). Dr. Lanier
opined that 82,000 such jobs existed nationally. This number of jobs is
more than enough to show at Step 5 of the Analysis that Anderson could
perform a significant number of jobs that exist in the national economy.
See Liskowitz v. Astrue, 559 F.3d 736, 743 (7th Cir. 2009) (“1,000 jobs is a
significant number” sufficient to meet the Commissioner’s burden at Step
5). Thus, even if the ALJ erred in explaining why she did not limit
Anderson’s RFC to occasional fingering, the error was harmless as one of

5

The Commissioner argues that the Court erred in raising this issue on its own. The Commissioner is
incorrect. The matter is before this Court on cross motions for summary judgment. The Court can decide
summary judgment motions on issues not raised by the parties as long as the Court gives notice and
reasonable time to respond. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(f)(2). The Court did so. See Rule 56 Notice.

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the selected occupational titles required only occasional fingering. See
McKenzey v. Astrue, 641 F.3d 884, 892 (7th Cir. 2011) (An error is
harmless if the record shows the error clearly would not change the
outcome).
Anderson argues that the ALJ erred in not following Dr. Western’s
opinion. The ALJ must give a treating physician’s opinion controlling
weight when the opinion is well supported by medically acceptable clinical
and diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial
evidence in the record. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527; see SSR 96-2p. Dr.
Western limited Anderson to lifting ten pounds, but elsewhere limited that
lifting restriction only to Anderson’s right hand, both before and after the
ALJ’s determination. R. 253, 358. The ALJ could reasonably conclude that
the absolute restriction to lifting ten pounds was not entitled to controlling
weight because the finding was inconsistent with other evidence in the
record, including Dr. Western’s own statements that the lifting restriction
only applied to Anderson’s right hand and Dr. Chapa’s finding that
Anderson was not restricted in his use of his left hand. The ALJ did not err
in finding that Dr. Western’s lifting restriction for both hands was not entitled
to controlling weight.

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Dr. Western also stated that Anderson could not work, but limited his
opinion to whether Anderson could return to his prior work as a millwright in
a steel mill. The ALJ could properly conclude that these opinions did not
address whether Anderson could work other types of jobs. In fact, Dr.
Western specifically stated his opinion that: “It is not that he could not do
any type of work.” (emphasis added) The decision not to give these
statements controlling weight was also supported by substantial evidence.
Anderson argues that he gets severe headaches and that he does
not want to move on the days that the headaches happen. He also points
to a neurological visit in June of 2014 in which he reported cervical pain
and headaches on the left side lasting up to one day (d/e 11, pg. 5). He
asks that these headaches be considered in combination with his other
conditions in Dr. Western’s medical opinion regarding his ability to lift over
ten pounds. The diagnosis of the headaches referred to by Anderson
indicates that the cause of his headaches may be exertional, based, in part,
on Anderson’s statement that exertion causes the headaches. R. 340.
Anderson had previously reported that he experiences headaches which
come on when he bends and strains himself and lifts weights. R. 341. As
noted, Anderson claims the onset date of June 1, 2012. Prior to the onset
date, Anderson experienced these exertional headaches when participating
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in strenuous physical activity. He reported he experienced severe
headaches the day after moving 55 gallon barrels. He indicated he started
vomiting from neck pain after moving the barrels and had severe
headaches on his left side of his neck and head. Anderson made this
report on April 5, 2012. R. 729. In March of 2012, Anderson reported that
any time he lifts anything heavy, it sometimes will set off a headache. R.
282. It would appear that the exertional headaches would not be
implicated in the limited range of light work permitted by the ALJ’s RFC
finding.
Anderson also argues that the ALJ erred in his credibility
assessment. The ALJ used the term “credibility” in his decision because the
Social Security Administration instructed him to do so at the time. See
SSR 96-7p. The Social Security Administration has now decided to stop
using the term credibility in evaluating evidence about symptoms. SSR 163p, 2016 WL 1119029 at *1 (March16, 2016). Courts “generally defer to an
agency's interpretations of the legal regime it is charged with
administrating.” Liskowitz, 559 F.3d at 744. The Commissioner asserts that
the substantive aspects of SSR 16-3p do not apply retroactively.
(Commissioner’s Memorandum in Support of Motion for Summary
Affirmance T5, Fn. 1) The Commissioner’s assertion is incorrect. The
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interpretive rules set forth in SSR 16-3p applies retroactively to this Court’s
review of the ALJ’s decision in this case. See Srp v. Colvin, 2016 WL
4487831, at *5 (C.D. Ill. August 25, 2016).
The ALJ’s analysis met the requirements set forth in SSR 16-3p. The
Social Security Administration stated in SSR 16-3p that the adjudicator,
such as the ALJ, must evaluate statements regarding the intensity,
persistence, and limiting effects of pain in light of all of the evidence in the
record, including the medical evidence. The Social Security Administration
stated, “We must consider whether an individual’s statements about the
intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of his or her symptoms are
consistent with the medical signs and laboratory findings in the record.”
The Social Security Administration explained that when objective medical
test results are not consistent with the individual’s statement about his
symptoms, the objective medical evidence “may be less supportive of an
individual’s statements about pain or other symptoms than test results and
statements that are consistent with the other evidence in the record.” SSR
16-3p, 2016 WL 1119029 at *5.
The ALJ found that Anderson’s claims of disabling pain were
inconsistent with the medical evidence that showed a less severe condition.
The ALJ also found that Anderson’s daily activities, such as cooking,
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cleaning, vacuuming, and mowing were inconsistent with his testimony
about the limiting effects of his pain. In light of this evidence, the Court
cannot say that the ALJ’s evaluation of Anderson’s statements regarding
the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of pain were patently wrong.
See Pepper, 712 F.3d at 367.
Anderson argues that the ALJ incorrectly found that Anderson rode
his motorcycle extensively. The Court agrees that the ALJ’s finding about
Anderson’s motorcycle riding was not supported by the record. The ALJ
found that on February 6 and May 29, 2013, Anderson reported to his
doctors that he rode his motorcycle extensively. R. 19. Anderson did not
so report to his doctors. On February 6, 2013, Anderson reported that he
had pain in his right hand while riding motorcycles. R. 256. He did not
report that he rode motorcycles extensively. On May 29, 2013, Anderson
reported that he went on a thirty-six hour trip to pick up a motorcycle for a
friend, and then mowed his yard for seven hours when he got home. R.
251. Anderson did not say that he rode a motorcycle for thirty-six hours.
He went on a trip to pick up a motorcycle. The evidence does not support
the ALJ’s finding that Anderson rode motorcycles extensively. This was
error.

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Anderson also argues that the ALJ improperly relied on a statement
in a February 5, 2013 x-ray report that Anderson did not have acute
abnormalities in his thumb. Anderson is correct that the lack of acute
abnormalities was not material. The term acute means “having a short and
relatively severe course.” Dorland’s, at 24. Anderson’s injuries were not
acute—rather his injuries were chronic and the resulting arthritis of his
thumb and wrist were longstanding and severe. According to the February
5, 2013 x-ray report, Anderson’s long-standing problem resulting in
advanced degenerative arthritis. The lack of a new, acute condition was
not material to the question of the severity of the limiting effect of the
longstanding advanced arthritis in Anderson’s thumb. The ALJ’s reliance
on the lack of an acute abnormality was error.
The ALJ made these errors as part of her evaluation of Anderson’s
statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of pain,
formerly known as the credibility determination. The Seventh Circuit has
stated that credibility findings, now findings regarding the claimant’s
statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of pain,
will not be disturbed unless they are patently wrong and lack any support in
the record. Pepper, 712 F.3d at 367; Elder, 529 F.3d at 413-14. In this
case, the ALJ’s findings were supported by other evidence cited by the
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ALJ. The objective medical evidence cited by the ALJ showed severe
problems with Anderson’s right hand, but less severe problems with
Anderson’s back and neck. The ALJ also cited Anderson’s testimony that
he regularly cooked, cleaned, vacuumed, and mowed. The ALJ cited the
fact that Anderson mowed his lawn for seven hours after taking a thirty-six
hour trip. The ALJ erroneously concluded that Anderson rode a motorcycle
for thirty-six hours, but Anderson still made a thirty-six hour trip and then
mowed his lawn for seven hours. The ALJ could properly rely on this
evidence to discount the probative value of Anderson’s statements
regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of pain. The ALJ’s
errors regarding motorcycle riding and the lack of acute abnormalities did
not render his overall evaluation of Anderson’s statements regarding the
intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of pain patently wrong.
Therefore, the Court will not reverse on this basis.
THEREFORE, Defendant Commissioner’s Motion for Summary
Affirmance (d/e 29) is ALLOWED; Plaintiff Anderson’s Opening Brief (d/e
11) and Motion for Error in Law (d/e 21) are DENIED; and the decision of
the Commissioner is AFFIRMED. THIS CASE IS CLOSED.
ENTER: February 8, 2017

s/ Tom Schanzle-Haskins _
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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