CLUESMAN v. COLVIN

Filing 24

ENTRY ON JUDICIAL REVIEW - The Court VACATES the ALJ's decision denying disability benefits and REMANDS this matter for further proceedings consistent with this entry. The Court will enter judgment accordingly. See Entry for details. Signed by Judge Larry J. McKinney on 1/27/2017.(LBT)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
TERRE HAUTE DIVISION

KATHLEEN A. CLUESMAN,

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Plaintiff,
vs.
NANCY A. BERRYHILL Acting
Commissioner of the Social Security
Administration, 1
Defendant.

No. 2:16-cv-00132-LJM-DKL

ENTRY ON JUDICIAL REVIEW
Plaintiff Kathleen Cluesman requests judicial review of the final decision of
Defendant Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
(the “Commissioner”), who denied her application for Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”)
under Title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 423(d).
I. BACKGROUND
A. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Cluesman applied for DIB on April 10, 2013. R. at 16. She first alleged disability
beginning on October 9, 2011, but later amended the onset date to July 9, 2013. Id. On
May 5, 2015, Cluesman, with counsel, presented for a hearing in front of an Administrative
Law Judge (“ALJ”), in which she testified about her alleged disability. R.at 32-71. The
ALJ denied Cluesman’s claim, finding that she was not disabled at any point from the

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Pursuant to Rule 25(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Court has
substituted Nancy A. Berryhill for Carolyn W. Colvin as the named Defendant.
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alleged onset date through the date of the ALJ’s June 1, 2015 decision. R. at 16, 26. The
Appeals Council denied Cluesman’s request for review of the ALJ’s decision, which
renders it the Commissioner’s final administrative decision for purposes of judicial review.
20 C.F.R. § 404.981.
B. RELEVANT MEDICAL EVIDENCE
On March 27, 2013, Cluesman saw Dr. Chua, her primary care doctor, for the first
time. R. at 250. Cluesman complained of headaches and arthritis in both ankles. Id.
She also complained of pain in both hands and feet, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome
in her right hand. Id. She reported that she was falling asleep while driving. Id.

Upon

exam, Cluesman had tenderness in her hands, feet, knees, and ankles with a positive
Phelan’s test (a test for carpal tunnel syndrome) and Tinel’s sign (a test for irritated
nerves) on the right, but an otherwise normal neurological exam. R. at 251. Dr. Chua
diagnosed Cluesman with uncontrolled diabetes, benign hypertension, and ankle and
knee pain. R. at 252. He ordered a blood test. R. at 252-59.
In May 2013, consulting physician Dr. Robert Burkle examined Cluesman. R. at
268-71.

An EKG from that day suggested impaired left ventricle relaxation, but

Cluesman’s ventricle systolic function was normal.

R. at 264-65.

Upon exam,

Cluesman’s ankles were very tender to the touch, and she had reduced range of motion
in several joints and some reduced strength in her hands, shoulder, hips, ankles, and
knees. R. at 268-70. She also complained that she was unsteady and her feet hurt when
she bent forward eighty degrees. R. at 270. But she could make a full fist, pick up small
objects without difficulty, had normal reflexes, walked with a normal gait and no assistive

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device, walked on her tiptoes and heels, and stood on one leg. R. at 270-71. She also
had a negative straight-leg-raise test. R. at 271.
In June 2013, state agency reviewing physician Dr. Corcoran opined that
Cluesman could perform sedentary work; never climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; and
occasionally perform all other postural movements. R. at 74-76. The following month,
Dr. Sands reviewed the medical evidence and affirmed the opinion as written. R. at 87.
On June 12, 2013, Cluesman saw Dr. Chua with complaints of feet, hand, ankle,
and knee pain, and she reported that she was dropping things with her right hand. R. at
277. She had not gone to the emergency room or seen any other doctors. Id. Upon
exam, Cluesman had tenderness in her hands, knees, ankles, and one part of her foot
with positive Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s tests, but an otherwise normal exam. R. at 278.
On July 8, 2013, Dr. Chua completed a questionnaire, in which he opined that
Cluesman could continuously lift or carry up to ten pounds but never lift or carry any more
than this weight; could stand or walk for twenty minutes at a time for a total of one hour
each; could sit for eight hours at one time without interruption but for six hours total in an
eight hour work day; required a cane to walk; could walk forty feet without a cane; could
never reach overhead or finger; could occasionally reach otherwise, handle, feel, or
push/pull; could never use foot controls; could never perform any postural movements;
could never work around most environmental conditions; and could not walk one block at
a reasonable pace on uneven surfaces, travel without a companion, or sort, handle or
use paper files. R. at 303-08.
One day later, on July 9, 2013, Cluesman saw Dr. Chua with complaints of pain
and burning in both hands, difficulty closing her hands at times, and pain in her knees,

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ankles, and feet. R. at 274. She reported that she was using a cane and always traveled
with her husband, due to a reportedly unsteady gait. Id. Dr. Chua observed Cluesman
had tenderness in her lower back, hands, knees, and ankles, with limited range of motion
in her ankles. R. at 275. Dr. Chua diagnosed Cluesman with diabetes with neurology
manifestation, benign hypertension, arthritis of the hand, and ankle, knee, and foot pain.
R. at 276. He ordered multiple x-rays and prescribed Gabapentin (commonly prescribed
for neuropathic pain) and Celebrex (a non-steroid anti-inflammatory). R. at 277.
In August 2013, Cluesman saw Dr. Chua and she was wearing a brace. R. at 348.
Upon exam, she had tenderness and spasms in her lower back and tenderness in her
ankles and feet. R. at 349. Dr. Chua prescribed Tizanidine (a muscle relaxant) in place
of Flexeril. R. at 350.
Four months later, in November 2013, Cluesman reported that the Tizanidine
helped with the pain. R. at 345. She reported still having back pain and wondered if a
back brace would help. Id. Upon exam, Cluesman had tenderness in her lower back and
ankles. R. at 346. Dr. Chua prescribed a back brace. R. at 297-98.
Five months later, in March 2014, Cluesman reported that she had arthritis
achiness in both feet. R. at 302, 342. She also complained of lower back pain, right knee
pain, and burning in both hands. R. at 342. Upon exam, she had tenderness in her lower
back, knees, ankles, and feet. R. at 343.
The following month, in April 2014, Dr. Chua completed an Arthritis Medical Source
Statement, in which he gave Cluesman a fair prognosis and identified the following
symptoms: knee, ankle, foot, and hand pain; an ability to sit for about fifteen minutes
before needing to stand or move; an ability to stand ten minutes at a time; and lower back

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pain. R. at 210. Dr. Chua characterized Cluesman’s pain as severe and sharp. Id. For
objective signs, Dr. Chua noted that Cluesman had reduced range of motion in her ankles,
tenderness at various points, and reduced grip strength in her hands. Id. He opined that
Cluesman could walk one block without rest or pain; could sit for fifteen minutes at a time
and stand for ten minutes at a time; with no indication as to how many hours total in a day
Cluesman could sit or stand; required several unscheduled breaks for fifteen minutes at
a time; needed to elevate her legs, with no indication as to how high; required a cane,
could rarely climb stairs and otherwise never perform any postural activities; had
significant hand limitations, with no indication as to what percentage of the workday
Cluesman could use her hands, fingers, or arms; and would be absent about four days
per month. R. at 310-14.
In May 2014, Cluesman first went to rheumatologist Dr. Davis’ office, where she
was examined by Nurse Practitioner Miler twice. R. at 363-71. On May 7, 2014, she was
prescribed Naproxen (a non-steroid anti-inflammatory) and Cymbalta (an anti-depressant
often prescribed for fibromyalgia), but by May 29, she still had not taken her previously
prescribed medications. R. at 363-64, 370-71. Cluesman reported that she had not yet
taken Cymbalta, due to insurance issues, and had not begun on Naproxen either. R. at
363-64. She reported that she was partially able to keep up with household chores. R.
at 364. Upon exam, she had tenderness in her hands and feet, but had full range of
motion in all joints. R. at 364-65. Nurse Miller diagnosed Cluesman with generalized
osteoarthritis with persistent joint pain in her hands, feet, and ankles and indicated that
Cluesman would improve with Naproxen and Cymbalta. R. at 365. She encouraged daily
exercise. Id. She also gave Cluesman an injection in her right elbow. R. at 365-66.

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In May 2014, an EMG test revealed that Cluesman had early or mild carpal tunnel
syndrome in both wrists with no evidence of neuropathy or lumbar radiculopathy. R. at
330.
In June 2014, Cluesman reported continued pain in her hands, feet, and elbows.
R. at 339-40. Dr. Chua prescribed a cane for arthritis. R. at 317. The following month,
he signed Cluesman’s application for a disability plate or parking placard. R. at 318-19.
On July 28, 2014, Cluesman returned to Dr. Davis’ office. R. at 321. Among her
problems were fibromyalgia, generalized osteoarthritis in multiple joints, paresthesia,
back pain, psoriasis, and possible psoriatic arthritis.

Id.

Her medications included

Tizanidine, aspirin, Naproxen, and Cymbalta. R. at 322.
Two months later, in September 2014, Cluesman complained to Dr. Chua of pain
in her hands and ankles, but medication was helping. R. at 336. She reported that she
received an injection in her right elbow. Id. Dr. Chua observed that Cluesman had
tenderness in her lower back, hands, ankles, and feet, but an otherwise normal exam. R.
at 337.
In October 2014, Cluesman saw Nurse Miller again.

R. at 356.

Cluesman

complained of mild, intermittent aches in her hands and feet, worsened by cold weather.
R. at 356-57. She felt that Cymbalta had helped greatly with her foot pain and that
Naproxen had helped with her overall pain, with no side effects. R. at 357. Cluesman
was not exercising much, but was able to keep up with most household chores. Id.
Methotrexate (a/k/a Humira, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis) was added to Cluesman’s
medications. R. at 358. She had tenderness in her hands and ankles, but full range of
motion in all joints. R. at 357-58. Nurse Miller indicated that Plaintiff’s myalgia and

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generalized osteoarthritis were fairly well controlled. R. at 358. Nurse Miller continued
the same medications and encouraged increased exercise. Id.
In December 2014, Cluesman reported to Dr. Chua that nothing was new and that
her condition was the same. R. at 333. Her main complaints of pain were in her ankles,
back, and right wrist. Id. Dr. Chua observed that Cluesman had tenderness in her lower
back, ankles, and right wrist, but an otherwise normal exam. R. at 334. He diagnosed
Cluesman with benign hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ankle pain, lower back pain, and
carpal tunnel syndrome. R. at 335.
Three months later, in March 2015, Cluesman returned to Dr. Davis’ office for
follow-up regarding fibromyalgia/psoriasis. R. at 352. She complained of constant,
moderate pain in her hands, feet, and lower back. Id. She had recently been diagnosed
with bone spurs in her feet. R. at 352-53. It was noted, “She also has orthotics, but is
not wearing them.” R. at 353. She reported that Naproxen did not help the pain and gave
her intermittent nausea. R. at 352. Cymbalta helped without side effects. R. at 353. She
felt her psoriasis was well controlled and she reported that she was “mostly able to keep
up with household chores.” Id. Upon exam by Nurse Miller, Cluesman had tenderness
in her hands, but full range of motion in all joints. Id. She had mild tenderness in her
lower back and feet. Id. Nurse Miller indicated that Cluesman’s myalgia and back pain
were somewhat worse with cold weather, increased Cluesman’s Cymbalta, and
discussed referral to podiatry, which Cluesman refused. R. at 354.

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II. STANDARD
To be eligible for DIB

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a claimant must have a disability under 42 U.S.C. § 423.

“Disability” means the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of
any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or can be
expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months. 42 U.S.C. § 423
(d)(1)(A). To determine whether or not a claimant is disabled, the ALJ applies a five-step
process set forth in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4):
I.

If the claimant is employed in substantial gainful activity, the claimant
is not disabled.

II.

If the claimant does not have a severe medically determinable
physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that
meets the duration requirement, the claimant is not disabled.

III.

If the claimant has an impairment that meets or is equal to an
impairment listed in the appendix to this section and satisfies the
duration requirement, the claimant is disabled.

IV.

If the claimant can still perform the claimant’s past relevant work
given the claimant’s residual functional capacity, the claimant is not
disabled.

V.

If the claimant can perform other work given the claimant’s residual
functional capacity, age, education, and experience, the claimant is
not disabled.

The burden of proof is on the claimant for the first four steps, but then it shifts to the
Commissioner at the fifth step. See Young v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 957 F.2d

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The regulations governing the determination of disability for DIB are found at 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1505 et seq.
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386, 389 (7th Cir. 1992).
The Social Security Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), provides for judicial review
of the Commissioner’s denial of benefits. When the Appeals Council denies review of the
ALJ’s findings, the ALJ’s findings become findings of the Commissioner. See Craft v.
Astrue, 539 F.3d 668, 673 (7th Cir. 2008); Hendersen v. Apfel, 179 F.3d 507, 512 (7th
Cir. 1999). This Court will sustain the ALJ’s findings if they are supported by substantial
evidence. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Craft, 539 F.3d at 673; Nelson v. Apfel, 131 F.3d 1228,
1234 (7th Cir. 1999). “Substantial evidence is ‘such evidence as a reasonable mind might
accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Craft, 539 F.3d at 673 (quoting Barnett v.
Barnhart, 381 F.3d 664, 668 (7th Cir. 2004)). In reviewing the ALJ’s findings, the Court
may not decide the facts anew, reweigh the evidence, or substitute its judgment for that
of the ALJ. Nelson, 131 F.3d at 1234.
The ALJ “need not evaluate in writing every piece of testimony and evidence
submitted.” Carlson v. Shalala, 999 F.2d 180, 181 (7th Cir. 1993). However, the “ALJ’s
decision must be based upon consideration of all the relevant evidence.” Herron v.
Shalala, 19 F.3d 329, 333 (7th Cir. 1994). See also, Craft, 539 F.3d at 673. Further, “[a]n
ALJ may not discuss only that evidence that favors his ultimate conclusion, but must
articulate, at some minimum level, his analysis of the evidence to allow the [Court] to trace
the path of his reasoning.” Diaz v. Chater, 55 F.3d 300, 307 (7th Cir. 1995). See also,
Craft, 539 F.3d at 673 (stating that not all evidence needs to be mentioned, but the ALJ
“must provide an ‘accurate and logical bridge’ between the evidence and the conclusion”
(quoting Young v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d 995, 1002 (7th Cir. 2004))). An ALJ’s articulation
of his analysis enables the Court to “assess the validity of the agency’s ultimate findings

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and afford [the] claimant meaningful judicial review.” Craft, 539 F.3d at 673.
III. ANALYSIS
Cluesman raises three issues for review. She contends that the ALJ did not give
adequate consideration to the opinion of treating physician Dr. Chua.

Cluesman also

claims that the ALJ failed to make a proper Residual Functional Capacity (“RFC”). Finally,
Cluesman argues that the ALJ improperly assessed her credibility.
A. CONTROLLING WEIGHT
Cluesman first alleges that the ALJ failed to articulate his reasoning in not giving
controlling weight to Cluesman’s treating physician, Dr. Chua, pursuant to the factors set
forth in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527. In support, Cluesman simply outlines medical evidence
and opinions from her treatment with Dr. Chua, which included more stringent physical
limitations assigned to Cluesman. Dkt. 15 at 7-8. She then simply concludes that the
ALJ “failed to consider these factors in determining whether or not Dr. Chua’s opinion was
entitled to controlling weight.” Id. at 9. This conclusory statement fails to provide any
analysis as to how the ALJ failed in its regard to assessing Dr. Chua’s opinion.
Moreover, the ALJ did state numerous reasons for discounting Dr. Chua’s opinion.
The ALJ first noted that Cluesman’s physical examinations since her alleged onset date
of July 9, 2013, have been largely normal. R. at 22. He also found that Dr. Chua’s
opinions were “unduly influenced by [Cluesman’s] subjective reporting of her limitations.”
Id.

In support, he cited her record from April 30, 2014, wherein Dr. Chua states:

“[Cluesman] can only sit about 15 minutes and then needs to move/stand. Can only stand
10 minutes at a time.” Id., citing R. at 310. The ALJ also noted that Cluesman received
conservative treatment and did not suffer from physical distress. R. at 22. The ALJ further

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observed that Cluesman had not received copious amounts of pain medications since the
alleged onset date. Id. He further noted that Cluesman’s daily activities did not depict a
person with disabling systems. R. at 23. The ALJ also found Cluesman’s own subjective
descriptions of pain not entirely credible and highlighted that Dr. Chua’s opinion mirrored
Cluesman’s personal complaints. R. at 21-23.
Cluesman further argues that the ALJ failed to account for the consistency
between his findings between the first assessment and the one approximately one year
later. 3 The ALJ, however, specifically cited to both the 2013 and 2014 assessments for
his opinion that Dr. Chua tracked Cluesman’s subjective complaints in his medical
findings. R. at 22.
Finally, Cluesman contends that it would be “reasonable to expect” that Dr. Chua
would incorporate more than Plaintiff’s subjective reports when proffering his opinion. In
asserting this claim, Cluesman asks the Court to reweigh the evidence, which is not
appropriate. See Powers v. Apfel, 207 F.3d 431, 434-35 (7th Cir. 2000) (because the
Commissioner is charged with weighing the evidence, resolving conflicts, and making
findings of fact, courts may not decide facts anew, re-weigh the evidence, or substitute
their own judgment).
B. RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY
Cluesman next alleges that the ALJ improperly assessed her RFC. Cluesman first
takes issue with the ALJ’s finding that arthritis and fibromyalgia were not serious
impairments, although she failed to allege this in the original complaint. She argues that

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It is unclear as to which assessments Cluesman refers to, since she does not cite the
record in her reply brief.
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this determination seriously reduces the weight of Dr. Chua’s reports and contributes to
a less restrictive RFC. Cluesman fails to address, however, the ALJ’s findings with
respect to both of these impairments. The ALJ specifically articulated his findings on
fibromyalgia and concluded that it did not satisfy the requirements set forth in SSR-122p. R. at 19. He further noted that Cluesman’s arthritis had not significantly affected her
ability to perform basic work activities. R. at 18-19.
Cluesman also argues that the ALJ’s opinion of Cluesman’s RFC directly
contradicts with that of Dr. Chua, particularly with respect to use of the upper extremities.
Dkt. 15 at 9-10. Cluesman claims that the ALJ’s decision is “clearly wrong” and in support
cites to medical evidence of Dr. Chua’s more restrictive findings. Id. at 10. But the ALJ
considered this evidence in his findings. See R. at 21-23. Once again, Cluesman asks
this Court to reweigh the evidence in her favor, which is impermissible on appeal. See
Powers, 207 F.3d at 434-45.
Something that neither party alludes to, however, is that the ALJ made his RFC
finding without actually discussing how he arrived there. Specifically, in determining the
RFC, the ALJ stated that he “considered, and placed great weight on, the expert opinions
of the above-mentioned State agency physicians who reviewed this record.” R. at 23.
The ALJ then proceeds to discount – and only provide “some weight” to – the limitations
set forth by Dr. Chua for Cluesman’s exertional, manipulative, and postural limitations.
Id. A review of the record, however, reveals that the ALJ never actually discussed the
opinions of the State agency physicians nor why he afforded them such great weight (or
for that matter why their opinion was more appropriate than that of Dr. Chua, see infra pt.
A). An ALJ’s RFC determination “need not contain a complete written evaluation of every

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piece of evidence,” but he must base his decision on the “relevant evidence in the record.”
Murphy v. Colvin, 759 F.3d 811, 817-818 (7th Cir. 2014). And while an “ALJ need only
‘minimally articulate’ his reasoning for the weight assigned to a physician’s opinion,”
simply stating the amount of weight given and citing to the exhibits does not satisfy this
low threshold. Gully v. Colvin, 593 Fed. Appx. 558, 563-64 (7th Cir. 2014). The ALJ fails
to articulate any reason for affording the state physicians’ opinions in determining
Cluesman’s RFC, much less discuss the state physicians’ findings regarding her ability
to work. This precludes the Court from assessing the validity off the ALJ’s findings and
does not “afford [the] claimant meaningful judicial review.” Craft, 539 F.3d at 673; see
also Young, 362 F.3d at 1002 (the ALJ must provide an “accurate and logical bridge”
between the evidence and the conclusion). Thus, for the reasons set forth in this section,
remand is proper.
C. CREDIBILITY FINDING
Cluesman next alleges that the ALJ improperly assessed Cluesman’s credibility.
Cluesman first argues that the ALJ’s remarks about her orthotic use and daily housework
should not have been considered to compromise her credibility. She also points out the
consistency of her medical complaints throughout her treatment to establish that she is
more credible than the ALJ found.
Because an ALJ is in the best position to determine a claimant’s truthfulness, a
reviewing 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) (internal quotations
omitted). When assessing the credibility determination, the Court “merely examine[s]
whether the ALJ’s determination was reasoned and supported.” Elder v. Astrue, 529 F.3d

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408, 413 (7th Cir. 2008). Only when the determination lacks any explanation or support
will it be considered patently wrong. Id. at 413-14.
The ALJ in this case considered Cluesman’s treatment history in relation to the
“consistency” of her allegations of pain. R. at 21-23. He also noted the lack of physical
distress, conservative treatment, moderate amounts of pain medication, and the fact that
most physical examinations were largely normal. R. at 21-22. Moreover, Cluesman fails
to establish how the two remarks about her orthotics and daily chores render the credibility
determination patently wrong; rather, the remarks were only a minor portion of the
evidence considered to find Cluesman less than entirely credible. For these reasons, the
ALJ’s determination of Cluesman’s credibility not was patently wrong.
IV. CONCLUSION
Because the Court cannot trace the path of the ALJ’s reasons for providing great
weight to the state agency physicians’ opinions or how this weight attributed to
Cluesman’s RFC determination, the Court VACATES the ALJ’s decision denying
disability benefits and REMANDS this matter for further proceedings consistent with this
entry. The Court will enter judgment accordingly.
27th
IT IS SO ORDERED this ______ day of January, 2017.

________________________________
LARRY J. McKINNEY, JUDGE
United States District Court
Southern District of Indiana

Distribution:
Thomas C. Newlin
FLESCHNER STARK TANOOS & NEWLIN
[e-mail]
Kathryn E. Olivier
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
[e-mail]

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