Anderson v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
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OPINION AND ORDER DENYING 15 MOTION for Reversal or Remand filed by Daniel Joseph Anderson. The Commissioner of Social Security's decision pursuant to Sentence Four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) is AFFIRMED. Clerk DIRECTED to term this case and enter judgment in favor of the Commissioner of Social Security. Signed by Magistrate Judge Michael G Gotsch, Sr on 10/20/16. (cer)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
SOUTH BEND DIVISION
DANIEL JOSEPH
ANDERSON,
Plaintiff,
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Acting Commissioner of
Social Security,
Defendant.
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CAUSE NO. 3:15-CV-00311-MGG
OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff Daniel Joseph Anderson (“Anderson”) filed his complaint in this Court seeking
reversal of the Social Security Commissioner’s final decision denying his application for
disability benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. Alternately, Anderson seeks a
remand for further consideration of his application. On November 13, 2015, Anderson filed his
opening brief. Thereafter, on February 18. 2016, the Commissioner filed a responsive
memorandum asking the Court to affirm the decision denying Anderson benefits. Anderson filed
his reply brief on March 2, 2016. This court may enter a ruling on this matter based on the
parties’ consent pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
I.
PROCEDURE
On June 20, 2012, Anderson filed his Title II application for Disability Insurance
Benefits (“DIB”) with the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 423
alleging disability beginning January 6, 2012. The SSA denied Anderson’s application initially
on October 12, 2012, and again upon reconsideration on January 14, 2013. On December 5,
2013, a hearing was held before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) where Anderson and an
impartial expert appeared and testified. On March 21, 2014 the ALJ issued his decision finding
that Anderson was not disabled and denied his application for DIB. On May 15, 2015, the
Appeals Council denied Anderson’s request for review, making the ALJ’s decision the final
decision of the Commissioner. Through this action Anderson seeks judicial review of the
Commissioner’s final decision pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
II.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND
Anderson was born on May 22, 1962, making him 49 years old at the alleged disability
onset date of January 6, 2012. Anderson sought DIB based upon deficiencies related to back
pain. Anderson has a high school diploma, and has a substantial work history including working
as a forklift operator for two years, a material handler for a year, a welder for four years, and a
finish inspector. Anderson’s last job was as a welder, in 2012, where he worked for one week
and was then terminated after missing a day due to a stomach virus. Unemployed, Anderson
applied for disability benefits.
A.
Plaintiff’s Testimony
At the hearing before the ALJ, Anderson testified regarding his conditions alleging that
he suffered from back pain, left shoulder pain, asthma, insomnia, and hypertension. Anderson
testified he has had insomnia since leaving the military and has worked to ameliorate the effects
of the insomnia. Additionally, Anderson stated that he worked around chemicals and other
irritants in the course of his employment as a welder while suffering from symptoms related to
insomnia. During the hearing, Anderson noted that his left shoulder pain is no longer part of his
claim for disability. Anderson testified he can walk for 10 to 20 minutes at a time without
assistance of a brace or cane and can sit for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. He testified that his pain
medication does not work and that he does not have side effects from the medication.
2
B.
Medical Evidence
As part of his disability application, Anderson provided the ALJ with medical evidence
from 2011 to November, 2013. In 2011 and 2012, Anderson was treated by chiropractor R.
Brittany, D.C., for complaints of low back, neck, right shoulder, and knee pain. In January,
2011, Anderson complained of left shoulder pain to his primary care physician, Michael R.
Williams, M.D. In July, 2012, Anderson continued complaining of chronic low back and left
shoulder pain and asked Dr. Williams for a refill of pain medications. Dr. Williams found no
abnormalities during the examination, except pain in Anderson’s left shoulder and back, and
asthma. Also in July 2012, Anderson saw orthopedic specialist William J. Berghoff, M.D. for
complaints of low back pain. Dr. Berghoff advised Anderson to avoid running, jumping, or axial
loading activities, but that he could do weight bearing and other activities. Dr. Berghoff
prescribed pain medications.
Consultative examiner Sasiskala Vemulapalli, M.D. examined Anderson in August, 2012,
at the request of the state agency. During the examination, the examiner found Anderson’s legs
were normal, he had no pain with walking, and that he demonstrated normal gait and normal
balance. Dr. Vemulapalli opined that the claimant is able to maintain balance during ambulation
while carrying objects less than 10 pounds. The doctor opined that Anderson is able to lift/carry
less than 10 pound often and over 10 pounds occasionally. Dr. Vemulapalli found that Anderson
is able to stand/walk for two hours in an eight-hour day with enough rest in between.
In September, 2013, Anderson met with Interventional Pain Consultants and Dr. Nolan,
M.D. at which time Anderson presented in distress and with a slow and cautious gait. Dr. Nolan
diagnosed Anderson with chronic pain syndrome, lumbar disc degeneration1 and
1
Lumbar disc degeneration is a “condition in the spine in which… the discs may either come in contact with each
other…the opening of a spinal disc or the narrowing of the spinal canal which would lead to pain and possibly affect
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spondylolisthesis2, kyphosis3 and disc displacement and increased his dose of hydrocodone for
pain and added prescriptions of Cymbalta and Naproxen. A neurological examination revealed
intact reflexes, no impairment of his ability to walk on his toes or heels, and normal sensation.
Examination revealed no swelling over the lumbar spine, normal strength and tone, no crepitus,
no paraspinal spams, and no deformity.
In August, 2013, Anderson met with another consultative examiner, Ralph Inabnit, D.O.
for an examination, at which he noted his history of chronic low back pain that he rated as 8 out
of 10 and described as a dull ache across his back. Anderson also reported that standing
exacerbates his pain and that he has numbness at times in both legs when standing. Anderson
denied any physical therapy, use of a cane or walker, or receiving an epidural or facet block from
a pain specialist. Anderson told Dr. Inabnit that he could lift twenty-five pounds and that he was
unable to do housework, laundry, or shopping, that he could lift, drive, dress, feed, and bathe
himself, as well as pick up keys and coins. When examined, Anderson was found to be obese
with a reduced range of motion in his low back. Dr. Inabnit opined that Anderson can sit for two
hours, stand for two hours, and walk for two hours at a time, for a total of four hours in an eighthour workday. Dr. Inabnit opined that the claimant should never climb ladders or scaffolds, but
could occasionally balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and claim stairs and ramps.
On June 26, 2016, Anderson returned to Dr. Williams, his treating physician, for a refill
of medication and for Dr. Williams to complete the RFC assessment form for his “application for
disability.” Doc. No. 11 at 293. Dr. Williams opined that during a hypothetical eight-hour day
nerve function.” WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/degenerative-disc-disease-topic-overview (last
visited September 16, 2016)
2
Spondylolisthesis is a “condition in which one bone in your back slides forward over the bone below it.” WebMD,
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/spondylolisthesis-topic-overview (last visited September 16, 2016)
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Kyphosis is a spine curvature disorder characterized by the abnormally rounded upper back. WebMD,
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/types-of-spine-curvature-disorders (last visited September 16, 2016)
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Anderson would need to recline or lie down in excess of the typical 15-minute morning break,
the 30-60 minute lunch, and the typical 15-minute afternoon break. Dr. William found that
Anderson can sit for 20 minutes at a time and stand/walk for 20 minutes at a time for a total of 3
hours of sitting and 3 hours standing/walking in an 8-hour workday. The doctor opined that
Anderson requires the ability to shift from sitting, standing, or walking and would need to take
unscheduled breaks on an hourly basis for a total of 40 minutes during an 8-hour workday. The
doctor also opined that Anderson can lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 20 pounds
occasionally. Dr. Williams found that Anderson does not have any limitation in performing
repetitive reaching, handling, or fingering. The doctor opined that the claimant will be absent
from work three or four times a month.
C.
The ALJ’s Determination
After the hearing, the ALJ issued a written decision reflecting the following findings
based on the five-step disability evaluation prescribed in the SSA regulations. At Step One, the
ALJ found that Anderson had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since January 6, 2012,
the alleged onset date. At Step Two, the ALJ found Anderson had the following severe
impairment: lumbar degenerative disc disease with kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, chronic pain
syndrome, and obesity. He also found that Anderson suffered from the several non-severe
impairments including asthma, insomnia, hypertension, and left shoulder pain. However, at Step
Three, the ALJ found that Anderson’s severe impairments in combination and separate did not
meet or medically equal Listing 1.04, which set the standard for impairments of the
musculoskeletal system, including disorders of the spine. The ALJ noted that the Listings do not
contemplate obesity individually; however, the ALJ considered the impairment in combination
with Anderson’s other impairments. Further the ALJ found that Anderson’s back impairment
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did not rise to a Listing level of severity. The Listing requires an impairment resulting in the
compromise of a nerve root or spinal cord. Additionally, Anderson would need evidence of
nerve root compression characterized by a neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of
motion of the spine and motor loss accompanied by sensory or reflex loss to meet the Listing.
The ALJ found that neither situation applied leading to the conclusion that Anderson back
impairment does not rise to the severity required under Listing 1.04.
Before proceeding to Step Four, the ALJ determined Anderson’s residual functional
capacity (“RFC”). The ALJ concluded that Anderson had the ability to perform a reduced range
of light work as defined in 20 CFR § 404.1567(b). The ALJ found that Anderson was able to
perform the following functions:
[Anderson] was able to sit for two hours at a time, up to four hours out of an eight-hour
workday. [Anderson] can stand for up to two hours at a time, walk for up to two hours at
a time, and stand and/or walk for four out of eight hours. [Anderson] van lift, carry, push,
and pull 10 pounds frequently and 20 pounds occasionally. [Anderson] can occasionally
kneel, crouch, crawl, balance and stoop. [Anderson] is unable to climb ropes, ladders, or
scaffolds, but may occasionally climb stairs and ramps with one or two flights of stairs
with rails. [Anderson] can occasionally bend and stoop in addition to what is required to
sit.
At Step Four, the ALJ found that with the aforementioned limitations, Anderson was able
to perform past relevant work as a parts inspector. For this job to be properly considered past
relevant work, the ALJ must consider whether three criteria of earning, duration, and recency are
satisfied. 20 CFR §§ 416.965; SSRs 82-61, 82-62, 82-40, 96-8p, 03-03p, 82-63, 05-1c. The ALJ
found that Anderson worked as a parts inspector from September 2007 until February 2008. The
ALJ determined that during this period Anderson reached substantial gainful activity level. The
Vocational Expert (“VE”) indicated that a parts inspector is a semi-skilled job with a Specific
Vocational Preparation rating (“SPV”) of four. A job with an SPV of four requires that the
claimant have over three months of training up to and including six months of training.
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Anderson testified that he has worked as a parts inspector for six months. The job was
performed in the past 15 years by Anderson. In comparing Anderson’s RFC with the physical
and mental demands of the work, the ALJ found that Anderson would still be able to perform the
job of parts inspector given the limitations of the RFC. Based on these findings, therefore, the
ALJ determined Anderson had not been disabled from January 6, 2012, the alleged onset date.
Consequently, the ALJ denied disability benefits to Anderson.
III.
ANALYSIS
A.
Standard of Review
The Social Security Act authorizes judicial review of the final decision of the agency and
indicates that the Commissioner’s factual findings must be accepted as conclusive if supported
by substantial evidence. 42 U.S.C. § 405 (g). Thus, a court reviewing the findings of an ALJ will
reverse only if the findings are not supported by substantial evidence or if the ALJ has applied an
erroneous legal standard. See Briscoe v. Barnhart, 425 F.3d 345, 351 (7th Cir. 2005).
Substantial evidence is more than a mere scintilla but may be less than the weight of the
evidence. Sheck v, Barnhart, 357 F.3d 697, 699 (7th Cir. 2004).
A reviewing court is not to substitute its own opinion for that of that of the ALJ or to reweigh the evidence, but the ALJ must build a logical bridge from the evidence to his conclusion.
Haynes v. Barnhart, 416 F.3d 621, 626 (7th Cir. 2005). Judicial review is limited to determining
whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s findings. Schmidt v. Astrue, 469 F.3d 833, 841
(7th Cir. 2007).
B.
Issues for Review
Anderson seeks reversal and remand of the ALJ’s decision, arguing that the ALJ’s
opinion is not supported by substantial evidence. In challenging the ALJ’s decision, Anderson
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argues (1) that the ALJ improperly discounted the opinion of Anderson’s treating physician, Dr.
Williams by failing to give good reasons for doing so; (2) the ALJ was patently wrong in his
credibility assessment of Anderson; (3) the ALJ’s Step Four determination relied on the VE’s
testimony, which was based on an incomplete hypothetical question.
1.
Weight Given to the Opinion of Dr. Williams
In determining the proper weight to accord medical opinions, “[t]he ALJ must give
substantial weight to medical evidence and opinions submitted unless specific, legitimate reasons
constituting good cause are shown for rejecting it.” Knight v. Charter, 55 F.3d 309, 313 (7th Cir.
1995). In addition, a treating physician’s opinion is given controlling weight when it is wellsupported by clinical techniques and diagnostic testing and is not inconsistent with other medical
evidence in the record. Hofslien v. Barnhart, 439 F.3d 375, 376 (7th Cir. 2006). A treating
physician is a physician who has provided treatment to the claimant on more than one occasion.
Simila v. Astrue, 573 F.3d 503, 514 (7th Cir. 2009). A medical opinion may be discounted if it is
internally inconsistent or inconsistent with other substantial evidence on the record. Dixon v.
Massanari, 270 F.3d 863, 870 (7th Cir. 2000). While the ALJ is not required to award a treating
physician controlling weight, the ALJ must articulate, at a minimum, his reasoning for not doing
so. Hofslien, 439 F.3d at 376-377. The court must allow an ALJ’s decision to stand if he
“minimally articulate[d]” his reasons, a standard of review described as “lax.” Berger v. Astrue,
516 F.3d 539, 545 (7th Cir. 2008).
The ALJ’s opinion here, however, reflects consideration of Dr. Williams’s opinion and
articulates reasons for giving it little weight. The ALJ explicitly acknowledged Dr. Williams’s
treatment notes from November 2011 through April 2013 noting that they reported Anderson’s
back pain without any objective medical findings indicative of disabling limitations of function.
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See Doc. No. 11 at 30. Further, the ALJ referenced Dr. Williams’s treatment notes from
Anderson’s subsequent visit in June of 2013, which reported Anderson’s variety of complaints
and showed that he scheduled a functional capacity evaluation related to his “application for
disability.” See Doc. No. 11 at 293. The ALJ also cited Dr. Williams’s opinion that Anderson
would need to recline or lie down during a hypothetical eight-hour workday in excess of the
typical 15-minute break in the morning the 30-60 minute lunch and the typical 15-minute break
in the afternoon; could walk half a city block before needing to rest or have significant pain.
The ALJ then explained that full application of Dr. Williams’s opinion would require
limiting Anderson to sedentary work, but that the objective medical findings undermined
Anderson’s allegations of disabling pain. The ALJ noted that Dr. Williams’s opinion arose not
in the course of treatment but in direct response to Anderson’s pursuit of disability benefits. See
Doc. No. 11 at 33-34. The ALJ also noted the possibility that Anderson may have been present
when the opinion was given. Doc. No. 11 at 31. In addition, the ALJ found that the objective
medical findings of consultative physicians Inabnit and Vemulapalli as well as pain specialist
Nolan were inconsistent with Dr. Williams’s objective medical findings and his disability
opinion.
Anderson argues that the ALJ’s reasons for discounting Dr. Williams’s opinion are
flawed. Specifically, Anderson contends that neither the question of whether Dr. Williams’s
completed Anderson’s disability form in the course of treatment or in pursuit of disability
benefits nor Anderson’s potential presence when Dr. Williams’s completed the disability form is
an appropriate ground to discount a medical opinion. Indeed, the fact that “evidence has been
solicited by the claimant is not a sufficient justification to belittle or ignore evidence.” Punzio v.
Astrue, 630 F.3d 704, 712 (7th Cir. 2011) (citing Moss v. Astrue, 555 F.3d 556, 560-61 (7th Cir.
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2009)). “Quite the contrary, in fact. The claimant bears the burden of submitting medical
evidence in establishing her impairments and her residual functional capacity.” Id. (citing CFR
§§ 404.1512(a), (c), 404.1513(a), (b), 404.1545(a) (3)). Even assuming that the ALJ was wrong
in taking in consideration of the presence of Anderson, these facts in his RFC analysis does not
justify remand in this case because the ALJ articulated other reasons for discounting Dr.
Williams’s opinion.
For instance, the ALJ considered the September 2012 magnetic resonance imaging
(“MRI”) that Anderson contends supports Dr. Williams’s disability opinion but noted that the
MRI showed only a severe medical impairment that is not akin to a disability. Additionally the
ALJ cited normal clinical findings by Dr. Nolan in September 2013 showing normal strength,
tone, sensation, and gait found to support his conclusion that Dr. Williams’s opinion conflicted
with other objective medical evidence. Further, the ALJ acknowledged Anderson’s examination
by Dr. Nolan, where Dr. Nolan found Anderson had intact reflexes, no impairment of his ability
to walk on his toes or heels, and normal sensation. As a result, the ALJ had substantial evidence
to conclude that Dr. Williams’s opinion deserved less weight because it is internally inconsistent
and inconsistent with other substantial evidence on the record. “Where conflicting evidence
allows reasonable minds to differ in determining whether the claimant is entitled to benefits, the
responsibility for that decision rests with the Commissioner.” Mandella v. Astrue, 820 F.
Supp.2d 911, 921 (E.D. Wis. 2011) (citing Schenfeld v. Apfel, 237 F.3d 788, 793 (7th Cir.
2001)). Thus, even if reasonable minds could differ as to whether the claimant is disabled, courts
will affirm a decision if the ALJ’s opinion is adequately explained and supported by substantial
evidence. Goo v. Colvin, Case No. 15 C 5858, 2016 WL 3520191, at *1 (N.D. Ill. June 28, 2016)
(citing Elder v. Astrue, 429 F.3d 408, 413 (7th Cir. 2008)).
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2.
Credibility
Anderson contends that the ALJ’s credibility determination is unsupported by substantial
evidence. Anderson suggests that the ALJ should have taken the subjective nature of his
assessment of his abilities as well as the assessment of Anderson’s chiropractor into greater
account in reaching his disability decision.
In assessing a claimant’s subjective symptoms, the ALJ must follow a two-step process.
SSR 96-7p.4 The ALJ must first determine whether there is a medically determinable
impairment that can be shown by acceptable medical evidence and can be reasonably expected to
produce the claimant’s pain or other symptoms. Id. If such an underlying impairment exists, the
ALJ must evaluate the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of the impairment to determine
the extent to which the symptoms limit the claimant’s ability to work. Id. Whenever a
claimant’s statements about symptoms and limitations of his impairment are not substantiated by
objective medical evidence, the ALJ must make a finding on the credibility of the individual’s
statements based on the consideration of the entire case record. Id. An ALJ’s decision regarding
a claimant’s credibility must contain specific reasons for the finding on credibility, be supported
by evidence on the record, and be sufficiently specific to make clear to the claimant and any
subsequent reviewers the weight the ALJ gave to the claimant’s statement and the reasons for
that weight. SSR 96-7p. Yet, the ALJ need only minimally articulate his or her justification for
rejecting or accepting specific evidence of disability. Rice v. Barnhart, 384 F.3d 363, 371 (7th
Cir. 2004).
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The SSA has recently updated its guidance about how to evaluate symptoms in disability claims by issuing SSR
16-3p. The new Ruling eliminates the term 'credibility' from the SSA's sub-regulatory policies to 'clarify that
subjective symptoms evaluation is not an examination of the individual's character.' SSR 16-3p." Goo, No. 15 C
5858, 2016 WL 3520191, at 5. However, at the time of the ALJ’s decision, credibility was assessed pursuant to SSR
96-7p. Accordingly, the Court will address Anderson’s credibility argument.
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While a claimant can establish the severity of his symptoms by his own testimony, an
ALJ need not accept the claimant’s subjective complaints to the extent they clash with other,
objective medical evidence in the record. Arnold v. Barnhart, 473 F.3d 816, 823 (7th Cir. 2007).
Since the ALJ is in the best position to determine a witness’s truthfulness, a court will not
overturn an ALJ’s credibility determination unless it is patently wrong. Shideler v. Astrue, 688
F.3d 306, 310-11 (7th Cir. 2012). An ALJ’s credibility determination will only be considered
patently wrong when it lacks any explanation or support. Elder v. Astrue, 529 F.3d 408, 413-14
(7th Cir. 2008).
In this case, the ALJ found Anderson’s allegations of the severity of his symptoms not
fully credible. In support, the ALJ cited objective medical evidence and other evidence,
including Anderson’s statements to physicians and Anderson’s statements about his activities to
Dr. Inabnit, the consultative examiner. The ALJ discussed Anderson’s need for pain medication,
but noted that he did not report any side effects to doctors. The ALJ also referenced that
Anderson denied use of physical therapy, a cane, or any other assistive device to walk, back
support, or pain clinic treatment. Despite these facts, Anderson argues that the ALJ’s credibility
determination was patently wrong because the ALJ relied upon a false fact and failed to fully
consider the evidence presented by Anderson’s chiropractor. The Court is not persuaded.
First, the Commissioner conceded in her response brief that the ALJ may have misstated
a fact in his opinion. Specifically, the ALJ’s opinion states that Anderson “acknowledged sitting
more than 50% of the day which appears inconsistent with his testimony that he can only sit for
10-15 minutes before having to lie down for about two hours before the pain goes away.” Doc.
No. 11 at 32. The commissioner concedes that the administrative record does not show
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Anderson ever making such an acknowledgment but argues that this in itself is not a sufficient
reason to remand the ALJ’s decision.
Similarly, the Commissioner contends that the ALJ’s consideration of evidence from Dr.
Brittany is arguably incomplete, but does not show that the ALJ’s credibility determination is
patently wrong and worthy of remand. For instance, the ALJ cites to the chiropractic treatment
notes of Dr. Brittany to support his credibility determination. The ALJ states that the treatment
notes “reflect subjective complaints and do not document observations indicative of disabling
limitations of function.” Doc. No. 11 at 32. The treatment notes in question are a chart of dozens
of visits Anderson made to Dr. Brittany, indicating Anderson sought significant amounts of
treatment. The Commissioner agrees that the records from Dr. Brittany may not detract from
Anderson’s credibility. Nevertheless, where an ALJ credibility determination is not without
fault, merit in other justifications may be enough for such a determination. McKinzey v. Astrue,
641 F.3d 884, 891 (7th Cir. 2011). In other words, “not all of the ALJ’s reasons must be valid as
long as enough of them are.” Simila v. Astrue, 573, F.3d 503, 517 (7th Cir. 2009); Shamek v.
Apfel, 226 F.3d 809, 811 (7th Cir. 2000). Where an error is harmless to the ultimate decision, by
the ALJ, the administrative determination need not be reversed by the District Court. McKinzey,
641 F.3d at 892.
The ALJ’s factual misstatement about Anderson’s symptoms and potentially excessive
emphasis on Dr. Brittany’s treatment notes in making his credibility determination are not
enough to derail the ALJ’s credibility determination. Indeed, Anderson fails to recognize the
ALJ’s other reasons for giving less weight to Anderson’s testimony and alleged symptoms. In
particular, the ALJ noted that “objective medical findings and facts also appear inconsistent with
allegations of disabling limitations of function or at least limitations of function greater than
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those reflected in the aforementioned residual functional capacity.” Doc. No. 11 at 32. The ALJ
also references to Dr. Nolan’s examination and findings that Anderson was normal in reflexes,
sensation, and gait; had negative straight leg raises; lacked any spasm; and had normal strength
and tone. Further, the ALJ notes the record does not document ongoing objective medical
findings of significant side effects, resulting in significant limitations of function, for twelve
months in duration, despite medication adjustments and changes. Doc. No. 11 at 32. In light of
the ALJ’s reliance on substantial objective medical evidence showing that Anderson was
exaggerating his symptoms and the limitations of Anderson’s chiropractor’s evidence, the ALJ’s
credibility determination was supported by enough valid evidence and was therefore not patently
wrong.
3.
Step Four Determination
Once the ALJ defines a claimant’s RFC, the ALJ must then determine any past relevant
work at Step Four. 20 CFR §404.1520 (f)). To reach the Step Four conclusion, the ALJ typically
poses hypothetical questions. A proper hypothetical question is “supported by medical evidence
in the record.” Meredith v. Bowen, 833 F.2d 650, 654 (7th Cir. 1987). An ALJ finds a claimant’s
RFC “based on all the relevant medical and other evidence.” 20 CFR. § 404.1545 (a) (3). “All
that is required is that the hypothetical question be supported by medical evidence in the record.”
Meredith, 833 F.2d 650, 654.
Here, Anderson argues that the ALJ’s Step Four determination is unsupported by
substantial evidence because the ALJ erred in relying on vocational testimony elicited in
response to an incomplete hypothetical question. In essence, Anderson is extending his
argument that the ALJ’s RFC determination is incorrect to the Step Four analysis. In fact,
Anderson simply reargues the issue of the proper weight for Dr. Williams’s opinion in the ALJ’s
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hypothetical question. As discussed above, the ALJ’s properly discounted Dr. Williams’s
opinion, therefore the ALJ’s hypotheticals to the VE which were consistent with the RFC, are
supported by substantial evidence. Because neither of Anderson challenges to the ALJ’s RFC
determination justify remand, the ALJ’s RFC determination is supported by substantial evidence
and should be therefore affirmed.
IV.
CONCLUSION
For the above reasons, this Court concludes that the ALJ did not err in the RFC analysis
by discounting the opinion of Dr. Williams, Anderson’s treating medical physician. In addition,
the ALJ’s credibility determination was not patently wrong and his Step Four conclusion was
supported by substantial evidence. Therefore, Anderson’s motion for reversal or remand is
DENIED. [Doc. No. 15.] This Court AFFIRMS the Commissioner’s decision pursuant to
sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The Clerk is instructed to term the case and enter judgment
in favor of the Commissioner.
SO ORDERED
Dated this 20th day of October, 2016
s/Michael G. Gotsch, Sr.
Michael G. Gotsch, Sr.
United States Magistrate Judge
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