Watson v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 24

OPINION AND ORDER: The decision of the Commissioner of Social Security is AFFIRMED. Signed by Judge William C Lee on 11/8/17. (ksp)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
FORT WAYNE DIVISION
EUGENA ANN WATSON,
Plaintiff,
v.
NANCY A. BERRYHILL, Acting
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.

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CIVIL NO. 1:16cv433

OPINION AND ORDER
This matter is before the court for judicial review of a final decision of the defendant
Commissioner of Social Security Administration denying Plaintiff's application for Disability
Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as provided for in the Social
Security Act. 42 U.S.C. §1383. Section 205(g) of the Act provides, inter alia, "[a]s part of his
answer, the [Commissioner] shall file a certified copy of the transcript of the record including the
evidence upon which the findings and decision complained of are based. The court shall have
the power to enter, upon the pleadings and transcript of the record, a judgment affirming,
modifying, or reversing the decision of the [Commissioner], with or without remanding the case
for a rehearing." It also provides, "[t]he findings of the [Commissioner] as to any fact, if
supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive. . . ." 42 U.S.C. §405(g).
The law provides that an applicant for SSI must establish an "inability to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of no less than 12 months. . . ."
42 U.S.C. §416(i)(1); 42 U.S.C. §423(d)(1)(A). A physical or mental impairment is "an

impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which are
demonstrable by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques." 42 U.S.C.
§423(d)(3). It is not enough for a plaintiff to establish that an impairment exists. It must be
shown that the impairment is severe enough to preclude the plaintiff from engaging in substantial
gainful activity. Gotshaw v. Ribicoff, 307 F.2d 840 (7th Cir. 1962), cert. denied, 372 U.S. 945
(1963); Garcia v. Califano, 463 F.Supp. 1098 (N.D.Ill. 1979). It is well established that the
burden of proving entitlement to disability insurance benefits is on the plaintiff. See Jeralds v.
Richardson, 445 F.2d 36 (7th Cir. 1971); Kutchman v. Cohen, 425 F.2d 20 (7th Cir. 1970).
Given the foregoing framework, "[t]he question before [this court] is whether the record
as a whole contains substantial evidence to support the [Commissioner’s] findings." Garfield v.
Schweiker, 732 F.2d 605, 607 (7th Cir. 1984) citing Whitney v. Schweiker, 695 F.2d 784, 786
(7th Cir. 1982); 42 U.S.C. §405(g). "Substantial evidence is defined as 'more than a mere
scintilla. It means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
support a conclusion.'" Rhoderick v. Heckler, 737 F.2d 714, 715 (7th Cir. 1984) quoting
Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401, 91 S.Ct. 1410, 1427 (1971); see Allen v. Weinberger,
552 F.2d 781, 784 (7th Cir. 1977). "If the record contains such support [it] must [be] affirmed,
42 U.S.C. §405(g), unless there has been an error of law." Garfield, supra at 607; see also
Schnoll v. Harris, 636 F.2d 1146, 1150 (7th Cir. 1980).
In the present matter, after consideration of the entire record, the Administrative Law
Judge (“ALJ”) made the following findings:
1.

The claimant meets the insured status requirements of the Social Security Act
through June 30, 2019.

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2.

The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since January 11,
2014, the alleged onset date (20 CFR 404.1571 et seq., and 416.971 et seq.).

3.

The claimant has the following severe impairments: depression, anxiety, bipolar
disorder, and mood disorder (20 CFR 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c)).

4.

The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of impairments that
meets or medically equals the severity of one of the listed impairments in 20 CFR
Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 CFR 404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526,
416.920(d), 416.925 and 416.926).

5.

After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned finds that the
claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform the full range of work at
all exertional levels, but she can never climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds, or work
at unprotected heights, or around moving mechanical parts. She is limited to
simple, routine and repetitive tasks, in a non-fast paced work environment, not at
a production rate pace (no assembly line work, for example); she is limited to
being responsible for simple, work-related decisions; and she can respond
appropriately to frequent interaction with supervisors, coworkers, and the general
public; and she is limited to tolerating few changes in the routine work setting,
which is defined as routine job duties that remain static and are performed in a
stable, predictable work setting. Any necessary changes need to occur
infrequently, and be adequately and easily explained.

6.

The claimant is capable of performing past relevant work as a Cashier II
(Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) Code 211.462-010). This work does
not require the performance of work-related activities precluded by the claimant’s
residual functional capacity (20 CFR 404.1565 and 416.965).

7.

The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social Security Act,
from January 11, 2014, through the date of this decision (20 CFR 404.1520(f) and
416.920(f)).

(Tr. 23- 37).
Based upon these findings, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was not entitled to disability
insurance benefits. The ALJ’s decision became the final agency decision when the Appeals
Council denied review. This appeal followed.
Plaintiff filed her opening brief on June 23, 2017. On September 26, 2017, the defendant

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filed a memorandum in support of the Commissioner’s decision. Plaintiff has declined to file a
reply. Upon full review of the record in this cause, this court is of the view that the ALJ’s
decision should be affirmed.
A five step test has been established to determine whether a claimant is disabled. See
Singleton v. Bowen, 841 F.2d 710, 711 (7th Cir. 1988); Bowen v. Yuckert, 107 S.Ct. 2287, 229091 (1987). The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has summarized that test
as follows:
The following steps are addressed in order: (1) Is the claimant
presently unemployed? (2) Is the claimant's impairment "severe"?
(3) Does the impairment meet or exceed one of a list of specific
impairments? (4) Is the claimant unable to perform his or her
former occupation? (5) Is the claimant unable to perform any other
work within the economy? An affirmative answer leads either to
the next step or, on steps 3 and 5, to a finding that the claimant is
disabled. A negative answer at any point, other than step 3, stops
the inquiry and leads to a determination that the claimant is not
disabled.
Nelson v. Bowen, 855 F.2d 503, 504 n.2 (7th Cir. 1988); Zalewski v. Heckler, 760 F.2d 160, 162
n.2 (7th Cir. 1985); accord Halvorsen v. Heckler, 743 F.2d 1221 (7th Cir. 1984). From the nature
of the ALJ's decision to deny benefits, it is clear that step four was the determinative inquiry.
Plaintiff filed her application for disability benefits in March 2014, alleging disability
beginning January 11, 2014 (Tr. 283-89). Plaintiff’s applications were denied initially and upon
reconsideration, and Plaintiff requested a hearing in front of an ALJ)(Tr. 152-83). On September
29, 2015, the ALJ held a hearing at which Plaintiff, represented by an attorney, and a vocational
expert testified (Tr. 44-97). On November 10, 2015, the ALJ issued an unfavorable decision
finding Plaintiff was not disabled because she could perform her past relevant work (Tr. 21-37).

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On October 21, 2016, the ALJ’s decision became the Commissioner’s final decision when the
Appeals Council denied Plaintiff’s request for review (Tr. 1-7).
Plaintiff reported that she has had a lifelong learning disability. She also reports a
turbulent childhood, and an abusive marriage. She states that she has multiple mental disorders,
including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, as well as anger management
issues.
Plaintiff sets forth the following medical history. In March 2012, a Nurse Practitioner
suggested that Plaintiff pursue counseling, but Plaintiff did not want to talk to a stranger about her
problems. In March 2013, Plaintiff presented to her treating physician, Mark O’Brien, M.D., with
anxiety, feelings of stress, sleep disturbance, and weight gain, also discussing possible future
pregnancy. Plaintiff was already on Cymbalta and Ambien, and Dr. O’Brien added Seroquel. In
May 2013, Plaintiff presented to Dr. O’Brien reporting doing much better with more energy at
work. He refilled her Seroquel and Cymbalta prescriptions. In December 2013, Dr. O’Brien
diagnosed generalized anxiety. Plaintiff apparently presented with near-constant anxiety
symptoms but did not see them as “true panic attacks” at this point, even though apparently
triggered by almost anything. She had been taking the anti-psychotic Seroquel, but not the nerve
pain medication and antidepressant Cymbalta because of cost. The report of symptoms indicated
negative for depression, personality change, and mood swings; the exam section indicated nothing
about psychological symptoms. In addition to Seroquel refill, O’Brien prescribed the SNRI
antidepressant Effexor and the sedative Xanax.
The Social Security Administration sent Dr. O’Brien a form asking him to check off his
psychological assessment of Plaintiff. On April 1, 2014, he checked no limitation ("none") in
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every single box and indicated further that Plaintiff could manage benefits in her own best
interests. Per this questionnaire as completed, Plaintiff can, "Understand and remember detailed
instructions," and "Carry out detailed instruction." Per the form as filled out, Plaintiff has no
issues at all interacting appropriately with co-workers, supervisors, or the general public.
Likewise, the form indicates no challenges whatsoever for her in terms of responding
appropriately to work setting changes. Plaintiff points out that Dr. O’Brien lists no medical/
clinical findings to support the checked-off assessment even though that information is
specifically requested by the form.
In April 2014, Plaintiff was still being prescribed the SNRI antidepressant Effexor, but in
the extended-release version. Plaintiff was also receiving Seroquel from a free clinic.
In support of remand or reversal, Plaintiff first argues that the ALJ improperly gave great
weight to the opinion of her treating physician, Dr. O’Brien. On April 1, 2014, Dr. O’Brien
completed a medical source statement of Plaintiff’s mental abilities (Tr. 547-49). He indicated
that Plaintiff had no impairment in her ability to understand, remember and carry out
instructions; and no impairment in her ability to respond appropriately to supervision, coworkers,
and work pressures in a work setting (Tr. 547-49).
The regulations specify, and the Seventh Circuit has recognized, that it is the ALJ’s role
to weigh the medical opinions regarding a claimant’s functioning. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527; Wolfe
v. Shalala, 997 F.2d 321, 325-326 (7th Cir. 1993). An ALJ accords a treating physician’s
opinion controlling weight if it is “well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory
diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence.” 20 C.F.R. §
404.1527(c)(2).
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Plaintiff argues that Dr. O’Brien was not a treating physician at the time he completed the
April 2014 medical opinion, yet she admits that Dr. O’Brien was her primary care physician The
record shows that Plaintiff treated with Dr. O’Brien from March 2013 through August 2015 (Tr.
421-53, 617-24, 643-50). Dr. O’Brien treated Plaintiff at least four times prior to completing his
opinion (Tr. 425, 427, 429, 433, 623, 649). Dr. O’Brien was also a physician at the Dekalb
medical group and would have had a longitudinal perspective from Plaintiff’s treatment records
from at least 2010 (Tr. 421-53). As the ALJ provided adequate reasoning for the weight he gave
Dr. O’Brien’s opinion (Tr. 32), there is no need for remand on this point.
Next, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ’s discussion of her running out of her
medications was erroneous (Tr. 29). Plaintiff contends that she could not afford the medicine.
However, as the Commissioner points out, the basis for the ALJ’s discussion of Plaintiff’s
medications was to highlight that she had a positive response to medications and her symptoms
improved, but when she was not taking her medication she experienced increased symptoms (Tr.
29).
Plaintiff also argues that the ALJ mis-characterized the evidence from Teymour
Sepahbodi, M.D., a treating psychiatrist. However, the record is clear that the ALJ properly
summarized the evidence from Dr. Sepahbodi and noted that Dr. Sepahbodi reported that Plaintiff
had no hallucinations, delusions, confusion, compulsive behaviors, excessive anger,
inattentiveness, or suicidal ideations; her insight and judgment were intact; and she did not
require inpatient hospitalization (Tr. 30, 568-85, 625-42). Notably, Dr. Sepahbodi continued
Plaintiff on her regular psychotropic medication and recommended only routine follow-up
treatment (Tr. 30, 568-85, 625-42). The ALJ noted that Plaintiff continued to complain of
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increased anxiety (Tr. 30). However, despite her complaints, she had normal mental status
findings such as normal orientation, normal communication skills, intact memory, normal
attention and concentration, and a normal fund of knowledge (Tr. 30, 568-85).
Plaintiff next argues that psychiatrist Antonia Recinto, M.D., was not properly mentioned
in the ALJ decision. However, the ALJ clearly mentioned Dr. Recinto’s treatment and opinion
(Tr. 30-31). Dr. Recinto, who worked at Northeastern Center, assessed Plaintiff with a Global
Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 45, indicating serious symptoms or serious
impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders 34 (4th ed., text rev 2000). (DSM-IV-TR). It was within the ALJ’s discretion
to give this assessment limited weight because GAF scores have no direct correlation to the
severity requirements of mental disorders listings. 65 Fed. Reg. 50746, 50764-65 (Aug. 21,
2000).
As the Seventh Circuit explained in Denton v. Astrue, “nowhere do the Social Security
regulations or case law require an ALJ to determine the extent of an individual’s disability based
entirely on his GAF score.” 596 F.3d 419, 425 (7th Cir. 2010) (citing Wilkins v. Barnhart, 69 F.
App’x 775, 780 (7th Cir. 2003)). The ALJ properly noted that a low GAF score would not
preclude a claimant from having the mental capacity to hold at least some jobs in the national
economy (Tr. 31). See Wilkins, 69 F. App’x at 780 (GAF score of 40 did not render finding of
non-disability unsupported)). This court holds that the ALJ gave adequate reasons for
discounting Dr. Recinto’s GAF score (Tr. 31).
Plaintiff further argues that the ALJ improperly rejected the opinion of Dan Boen, Ph.D.,
the psychological consultative examiner. Clearly, however, the ALJ gave adequate reasons for
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discounting Dr. Boen’s opinion: his opinion was inconsistent with his own findings that indicate
Plaintiff was cooperative with the examiner and appeared to have only moderate limitations in
concentration; his opinion was inconsistent with findings that Plaintiff had only mild limitations
in immediate recall and long-term recall, and only moderate limitations in short-term memory;
and his opinion was inconsistent with treating physician Dr. O’Brien’s opinion (Tr. 33). Contrary
to Plaintiff’s assertions, the ALJ may choose to credit a treating physician opinion over a
consultative examiner. Dixon v. Massanari, 270 F.3d 1171, 1178 (7th Cir. 2001) (“When treating
and consulting physicians present conflicting evidence, the ALJ may decide whom to believe, so
long as substantial evidence supports that decision.”).
The ALJ may also properly consider and give more weight to the state agency opinions.
(Tr. 33). Two state agency psychologists, B. Randal Horton, Psy.D. and Patricia Semmelman,
Ph.D., reviewed the record and opined that Plaintiff could perform work despite her impairments
(Tr. 98-119, 122-47). The Commissioner’s regulations state that other factors brought forward by
the claimant or others are to be considered when determining the weight a medical opinion should
be given, including the amount of understanding a medical source has of the Commissioner’s
disability program and the extent to which the medical source is familiar with other evidence in a
claimant’s case file. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(6). The ALJ was required to consider the state
agency opinions because assessments by state agency medical consultants or other program
physicians are to be considered and addressed in the decision as medical opinions from
non-examining sources. Social Security Ruling (SSR) 96-6p, 1996 WL 374180, *2 (July 2, 1996).
The regulations also provide that state agency medical consultants are “highly qualified” and
“experts” in Social Security disability evaluation. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(e)(2)(i) (effective August
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24, 2012 to March 26, 2017). Thus, the ALJ did not err by giving more weight to these expert
opinions. Rice v. Barnhart, 384 F.3d 363, 370 (7th Cir. 2004) (“Rice complains that the ALJ
impermissibly relied upon the opinions of Drs. Bilinsky and Graham, the Social Security
Administration state agency doctors who determined Rice’s RFC . . . The ALJ was entitled to rely
upon their opinions.”). The law is clear that the opinion of a state agency physician can be
accepted over that of an one-time consultative physician. See Barker v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 789, 794
(6th Cir. 1994) (finding that the ALJ could accept the opinion of a non-examining physician over
the opinion of an one-time consultative examiner); see also Jones v. Sullivan, 954 F.2d 125, 129
(3d Cir. 1991) (finding that ALJ could reject opinion of treating physician where it was
contradicted by state agency physicians). Thus, in the present case, this Court holds that the ALJ
reasonably discounted the unsupported and inconsistent opinion of one-time consultative
examiner Dr. Boen.
Accordingly, as the decision of the ALJ is supported by substantial evidence, it must be
affirmed.
Conclusion
On the basis of the foregoing, the decision of the ALJ is hereby AFFIRMED.

Entered: November 8, 2017.

s/ William C. Lee
William C. Lee, Judge
United States District Court

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