Mukakabanda v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
16
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER re 3 Complaint filed by Antoinette Mukakabanda. For the reasons set forth in Section VI(A), this case is reversed and remanded to the Commissioner of Social Security pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. section 405(g), for further proceedings as discussed herein. Signed by Magistrate Judge CJ Williams on 01/30/2017. (src)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF IOWA
CEDAR RAPIDS DIVISION
ANTOINETTE MUKAKABANDA,
Plaintiff,
No. 15-CV-00116-CJW
vs.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Acting Commissioner of Social Security,
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND
ORDER
Defendant.
____________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
BACKGROUND ............................................................................. 2
II.
DISABILITY DETERMINATIONS AND THE BURDEN OF
PROOF........................................................................................ 3
III.
THE ALJ’S FINDINGS ................................................................... 6
A.
Spine MRI Exams at St. Luke’s Hospital .................................... 10
B.
Records from St. Luke’s Work Well Clinic .................................. 10
IV.
SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE SUBMITTED ON APPEAL ................... 13
V.
THE SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE STANDARD ................................... 14
VI.
DISCUSSION.............................................................................. 15
A.
Claimant Argues ALJ Failed to Consider Claimant’s Receipt
of Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits ................................ 16
B.
Claimant Argues Language Issues at the Hearing Constitute
Reversible Error .................................................................. 23
VII. CONCLUSION .............................................................................. 24
The plaintiff, Antoinette Mukakabanda (claimant), seeks judicial review of a final
decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner) denying claimant’s
application for disability insurance benefits (DIB), under Title II of the Social Security
Act, 42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq. Claimant contends the administrative record (AR) does not
contain substantial evidence to support the Commissioner’s decision. For the reasons
that follow, the Commissioner’s decision is reversed and remanded for further
proceedings consistent with this order.
I.
BACKGROUND
Claimant was born in 1961, has a high school education, and has past work as a
cleaner/housekeeper and as a janitor. AR 35, 180. Claimant filed an application for DIB
on January 23, 2012, alleging a disability onset date of January 13, 2011. AR 13. She
contends she is disabled due to the following impairments: degenerative disc disease and
myofascial pain. AR 15. Her claim was denied. AR 13.
Claimant then requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) on
December 28, 2012. AR 13. ALJ Eric S. Basse conducted a video hearing on April 4,
2014, at which claimant, claimant’s attorney, Corbett Luedeman, and a vocational expert
(VE), Carma A. Mitchell, testified. AR 13. Also at the hearing, claimant’s son, Gilbert
Grant, served as an interpreter for claimant in her native language of Kinyarwanda. AR
13. On May 19, 2014, the ALJ issued a decision denying claimant’s claims. AR 13–
22. On August 28, 2015, the Appeals Council denied claimant’s request to review. AR
2
1–5. The ALJ’s decision, thus, became the final decision of the Commissioner. AR 1;
20 C.F.R. § 404.981.
Claimant filed a complaint (Doc. 3) in this Court on October 29, 2015, seeking
review of the ALJ’s decision. With the consent of the parties, the Honorable Linda R.
Reade, Chief United States District Court Judge, transferred this case to a United States
magistrate judge for final disposition and entry of judgment (Doc. 11—signed by the
Court on April 11, 2016, and filed on the docket on April 12, 2016). The parties have
briefed the issues, and the matter is now fully submitted. On June 8, 2016, this case was
deemed ready for decision. Doc. 15.
II.
DISABILITY DETERMINATIONS AND THE BURDEN OF PROOF
A disability is defined as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity
by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be
expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than 12 months.” 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A); 20
C.F.R. § 404.1505. An individual has a disability when, due to his/her physical or
mental impairments, he/she “is not only unable to do his previous work but cannot,
considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in any other kind of
substantial gainful work which exists . . . in significant numbers either in the region
where such individual lives or in several regions of the country.”
42 U.S.C. §§
423(d)(2)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(B). If the claimant is able to do work which exists in the
national economy, but is unemployed because of inability to get work, lack of
opportunities in the local area, economic conditions, employer hiring practices, or other
factors, the ALJ will still find the claimant not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1566(c)(1)(8).
3
To determine whether a claimant has a disability within the meaning of the Social
Security Act, the Commissioner follows the five-step sequential evaluation process
outlined in the regulations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520; see Kirby v. Astrue, 500 F.3d 705,
707–08 (8th Cir. 2007).
First, the Commissioner will consider a claimant’s work
activity. If the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, then the claimant is not
disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i). “Substantial” work activity involves physical
or mental activities. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1572(a). “Gainful” activity is work done for pay
or profit, even if the claimant does not ultimately receive pay or profit. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1572(b).
Second, if the claimant is not engaged in substantial gainful activity, then the
Commissioner looks to the severity of the claimant’s physical and mental impairments.
If the impairments are not severe, then the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1520(a)(4)(ii). An impairment is not severe if “it does not significantly limit your
physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521(a); see
also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c); Kirby, 500 F.3d at 707.
The ability to do basic work activities is defined as having “the abilities and
aptitudes necessary to do most jobs.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521(b). These abilities and
aptitudes include: “(1) physical functions such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting,
pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, or handling; (2) capacities for seeing, hearing, and
speaking; (3) understanding, carrying out, and remembering simple instructions; (4) use
of judgment; (5) responding appropriately to supervision, co-workers, and usual work
situations; and (6) dealing with changes in a routine work setting.”
20 C.F.R. §
404.1521(b)(1)-(6); see Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 141 (1987).
Third, if the claimant has a severe impairment, then the Commissioner will
determine the medical severity of the impairment. If the impairment meets or equals one
of the presumptively disabling impairments listed in the regulations, then the claimant is
4
considered disabled regardless of age, education, and work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 404.1520(d); see Kelley v. Callahan, 133 F.3d 583, 588 (8th Cir.
1998).
Fourth, if the claimant’s impairment is severe, but it does not meet or equal one
of the presumptively disabling impairments, then the Commissioner will assess the
claimant’s residual functional capacity (RFC) and the demands of his/her past relevant
work. If the claimant can still do his/her past relevant work, then he/she is considered
not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 404.1545(a)(4). Past relevant work is
any work the claimant has done within the past 15 years of his/her application that was
substantial gainful activity and lasted long enough for the claimant to learn how to do it.
20 C.F.R. § 404.1560(b)(1). “RFC is a medical question defined wholly in terms of the
claimant’s physical ability to perform exertional tasks or, in other words, what the
claimant can still do despite his or her physical or mental limitations.” Lewis v. Barnhart,
353 F.3d 642, 646 (8th Cir. 2003) (internal quotation omitted); see 20 C.F.R. §
404.1545(a)(1). The RFC is based on all relevant medical and other evidence. 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1545(a)(3).
The claimant is responsible for providing the evidence the
Commissioner will use to determine the RFC. Id. If a claimant retains enough RFC to
perform past relevant work, then the claimant is not disabled.
20 C.F.R. §
404.1520(a)(4)(iv).
Fifth, if the claimant’s RFC, as determined in Step Four, will not allow the
claimant to perform past relevant work, then the burden shifts to the Commissioner to
show there is other work the claimant can do given the claimant’s RFC, age, education,
and work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512(f), 404.1520(a)(4)(v). The Commissioner
must show not only that the claimant’s RFC will allow him or her to make the adjustment
to other work, but also that other work exists in significant numbers in the national
economy. Eichelberger v. Barnhart, 390 F.3d 584, 591 (8th Cir. 2004); 20 C.F.R. §
5
404.1520(a)(4)(v). If the claimant can make the adjustment, then the Commissioner will
find the claimant not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v). At Step Five, the
Commissioner has the responsibility of developing the claimant’s complete medical
history before making a determination about the existence of a disability. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1545(a)(3). The burden of persuasion to prove disability remains on the claimant.
Stormo v. Barnhart, 377 F.3d 801, 806 (8th Cir. 2004).
III.
THE ALJ’S FINDINGS
The ALJ made the following findings:
1. The claimant meets the insured status requirements of the Social
Security Act through December 31, 2015.
2. The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since
January 13, 2011, the alleged onset date (20 C.F.R. § 404.1571 et seq.).
3. The claimant has the following severe impairments: degenerative disc
disease and myofascial pain by report (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(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 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 404.1525 and 404.1526).
5. 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 § C.F.R. 404.1567(h) with the following restrictions: She
is frequently able to climb ramps and stairs, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch,
and crawl. She is precluded from climbing ladders, ropes, and scaffolds.
6. The claimant is capable of performing past relevant work as a housekeeping
cleaner. This work does not require the performance of work-related
activities precluded by the claimant’s residual functional capacity (20
C.F.R. § 404.1565).
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7. The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social
Security Act, from January 13, 2011, through the date of this decision (20
C.F.R. § 404.1520(f)).
AR 15–21. While working as a maintenance worker at the Cedar Rapids Community
Schools, claimant injured her back in October 2009.
AR 365.
The Court now
summarizes the evidence on the record, first the medical evidence, and then the other
evidence.
Dr. Stanley J. Mathew, MD
Dr. Mathew is claimant’s treating physician.1 In regard to claimant’s injury at
work, William J. Manely, PA-C (Physician’s Assistant-Certified) from St. Luke’s
Hospital Work Well Clinic, referred the treatment of claimant to Dr. Mathew at St.
Luke’s Spine Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on April 26, 2010. AR 365.
On January 21, 2011, Dr. Mathew completed an official disability rating of
claimant. He concluded that—based on his monthly treatment visits with claimant since
May 18, 2010—claimant had a “6% impairment of whole person based on her
symptomatology and physical findings for her low back pain.” AR 402. Also, Dr.
Mathew found that claimant had “work restrictions at this time of 25 pounds, no repetitive
squatting, bending, lifting, pushing or pulling.” AR 402.
1
A treating source is an acceptable medical source who has an ongoing treatment relationship
providing medical treatment or evaluation to the claimant. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1502. Under agency
regulations, an acceptable medical source includes licensed physicians, either medical or
osteopathic doctors. Id. § 404.1513(a). An ongoing treatment relationship is generally
established when the medical evidence is consistent that the claimant has seen “the source with
a frequency consistent with accepted medical practice for the type of treatment and/or evaluation
required for your medical condition(s).” Id. § 404.1502. Here, Dr. Mathew is a medical doctor
and, thus, an acceptable medical source. Dr. Mathew has been treating claimant in monthly
intervals over the last three years. AR 531 (not 30 years as claimant’s brief states in a typological
error, Doc. 13, at 5). Thus, Dr. Mathew is claimant’s treating source.
7
Dr. Mathew’s relevant treatment notes can be summarized, as follows:
On November 30, 2010, Dr. Mathew’s treatment note listed claimant’s functional
status as “independent in ambulation and all activities of daily living” and he noted that
“new work restrictions were written, only able to lift 30 pounds. She is able to work
eight hours a day. No repetitive pushing, pulling, bending, or lifting.” AR 430–31.
On January 21, 2011, Dr. Mathew responded to an inquiry from EMC Insurance
Company, and wrote “[claimant] is able to walk 2 to 3 blocks independently, depending
on her level of pain . . . . She has an x-ray that shows early degenerative changes at L4L5. She did have an EMG dated July 1, 2010, which was essentially normal for left LS
radiculopathy, neuropathy or plexopathy.” AR 432–33. Also, Dr. Mathew wrote that
claimant would keep her current pain medication regime. And lastly noted that “[p]atient
has work restrictions at this time of 25 pounds, no repetitive squatting, bending, lifting,
pushing or pulling.” AR 433.
On January 25, 2011, Dr. Mathew’s treatment note stated that claimant could walk
“1 to 2 blocks independently” and that her current medication would be continued. AR
436. From April 2011 to August 2011, the notes again stated that claimant could walk
“1 to 2 blocks independently.” AR 439, 441, 443. On September 14, 2011, Dr.
Mathew’s treatment note stated that claimant was currently taking Flexeril, Diclofenac,
and Norco for pain; and claimant stated that her pain medication regime was controlling
her pain. AR 446.
On November 5, 2011, Dr. Mathew responded to an inquiry from claimant’s
attorney, Mr. Nelson, and stated:
I do find that [claimant’s] complaints of pain and discomfort are credible.
Based on her injury and diagnosis as well as level of discomfort, it is
reasonable for [claimant] to have difficulty of sitting for more than 20
minutes. She will also have difficulty standing for more than 30 minutes.
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It is also reasonable that [claimant] will need to lie down 3 or 4 times a day
to help relieve some of her back pain.
AR 453. Overall, several of Dr. Mathew’s treatment notes stated that claimant is
“[i]ndependent in ambulation with all activities of daily life.” AR 430, 446, 448, 450,
454, 456.
Dr. Matthew Byrnes, DO
Dr. Byrnes is a non-examining, state agency medical consultant. On reconsideration
review of the whole record, Dr. Byrnes found claimant was capable of medium work,
frequent
lifting
or
carrying
of
25
pounds,
and
occasionally
climbing
ladders/scaffolds/ropes, frequent kneeling, frequent stooping, frequent crawling, and
frequent crouching. AR 74. The ALJ gave Dr. Byrnes’ opinion “less than great weight”
because the ALJ determined that the medical evidence on the record supported a finding
that claimant was only capable of light work, instead of medium work. AR 19. The
ALJ gave the treatment records and assessments by Dr. Mathew and Dr. Manshadi on
claimant’s lifting/carrying abilities “greater weight” than Dr. Byrnes’ opinion. AR 19.
Medical reports requested by Cedar Rapids Community School District
Claimant was treated for a follow-up for her chronic low-back pain after a work
injury. Exhibit 1F. These reports all precede claimant’s alleged disability onset date of
January 13, 2011. See Dipple v. Astrue, 601 F.3d 833, 834 (8th Cir. 2010) (finding the
alleged disability onset date by claimant starts the relevant time period).2 The medical
reports requested by Cedar Rapids Community School District fall into the following two
categories:
2
The court only summarizes these reports to develop the chronological progression of claimant’s
treatment history. These reports, preceding the alleged onset date of disability, do not factor
into the court’s analysis of “substantial evidence.”
9
A. Spine MRI Exams at St. Luke’s Hospital
On April 22, 2010, Dr. Theodore S. Donta, MD, signed a medical report stating
that claimant displayed “[e]arly degenerative changes at L4-L5 [spinal segment].” AR
367.
B. Records from St. Luke’s Work Well Clinic
Dr. Edward J. Ford’s treatment note from January 7, 2010, stated that claimant
had “plateaued” with her rehabilitation and pain. AR 396. And that “we will go ahead
and reduce her to 20 pounds and a four-hour shift.” AR 396. Dr. Ford’s treatment note
from January 19, 2010, made an entry that, per claimant’s own request, “we did move
her to an eight-hour shift.” AR 392. Dr. Ford’s treatment note from February 23, 2010,
recorded that “we will go ahead and advance the patient on paper to 30 pounds from 20
pounds maximum lifting with similar equivalent pushing and pulling parameters.” AR
384. Claimant also asked about taking breaks during her work shift; Dr. Ford considered
this to be a “significant deterioration and worsening and I discouraged this.” AR 384.
And lastly, Dr. Ford’s treatment note from March 18, 2010, stated “[r]echeck today.
Not much progress since last note.” AR 380. On April 15, 2010, William J. Manely,
PA-C, wrote a “team coverage note” for Dr. Ford. It stated that claimant is “capable of
remaining at work with the limitations of maximum lifting and carrying of 40 pounds.”
AR 374. On April 26, 2010, another team coverage note read that claimant is “capable
of working with the light duty limitations of no lifting and carrying greater than 40
pounds. We are requesting carrier approval for a referral for consultation and evaluation
and treatment by Dr. Mathew.” AR 372.
Workers’ Compensation Claim (EMC Insurance Companies)
Claimant brought a worker’s compensation claim against the Cedar Rapids
Community School District (School District), which was insured on this claim by EMC
10
Insurance Companies. On January 25, 2012, claimant, the School District, and EMC
Insurance Companies entered into a Compromise Settlement wherein claimant was
awarded a lump-sum payment of $147,000 in exchange for waiving “future claims or
benefits under the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Law for the injury(ies) compromised.”
AR 176–78. The settlement was for claimant’s injury dated October 30, 2009. After a
reduction for attorney fees and future medical expenses, claimant received $94,500,
which is paid out in weekly payments of $61.81. AR 178. Below is a summary of the
relevant evidence submitted in connection with the workers’ compensation claim.
First, Dr. Manshadi performed an independent medical examination on claimant
on June 23, 2011. AR 403–08. In a letter addressed to claimant’s attorney, Dr. Manshadi
wrote:
I believe [claimant] is at maximum medical improvement for the 10/30/09
work injury. I also believe that she has a partial permanent impairment in
regard to her back injury . . . and I assign six (6) percent impairment of the
whole person. Further, I do recommend permanent work restrictions of no
lifting of more than 20 pounds. She is to avoid repetitious bending and
stooping at her waist, no twisting, and no crawling.
AR 407–08. The ALJ found Dr. Manshadi’s assessment to be consistent with “some
requirements of light work.” AR 19. Furthermore, vocational consultant, Barabara
Laughlin, MA, completed a vocational report dated November 28, 2011. AR 246. She
based her report on Dr. Mathew’s treatment history, Dr. Manshadi’s IME, PA-C
Feickert’s notes at Mercy Hospital during November/December 2009. AR 247–48. Ms.
Laughlin found that as claimant needed to “l[ie] down three to four times per day in my
opinion [that] renders her unemployable. . . . It is my opinion that [claimant] has a loss
of employability of 90-100% considering the restrictions of Dr. Mathew, her treating
medical provider.” AR 255.
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Also, Dr. Mathew responded to an inquiry from EMC Insurance Companies
requesting an official disability rating of claimant. AR 432. On January 21, 2011, Dr.
Mathew wrote that:
[Claimant] is able to walk 2 to 3 blocks independently, depending on her
level of pain . . . . She has an x-ray that shows early degenerative changes
at L4-L5. She did have an EMG dated July 1, 2010, which was essentially
normal for left LS radiculopathy, neuropathy or plexopathy . . . . Patient
has work restrictions at this time of 25 pounds, no repetitive squatting,
bending, lifting, pushing or pulling. . . . I would give her a 6% impairment
of whole person based on her symptomatology and physical findings for her
low back pain. She should continue the above work restrictions.
AR 432–33.
Long Term Disability Benefits Claim (Madison National Life Insurance Company)
Claimant brought a separate action against the School District and a different
insurance carrier, Madison National Life Insurance Company (Madison Life), seeking
long term disability (LTD) benefits.
On August 15, 2013, Madison Life granted
claimant’s appeal of LTD benefits. AR 528–30. Madison Life found claimant met the
policy’s requirements for total disability benefits. AR 529.
Specifically, the insurance policy defined “totally disabled” as:
1. you cannot perform each of the substantial and material duties of your
regular occupation [because of injury or sickness]; and
2. after benefits have been paid for 24 months, you cannot perform each
of the substantial and material duties of any gainful occupation for which
you are reasonably fitted by training, education or experience [because
of injury or sickness], and
3. you are under the regular care and attendance of a physician [because
of injury or sickness].
“Regular care and attendance” means
observation and treatment by a physician. Such care and attendance are
as required by current standards of medicine for the injury or sickness
causing total disability.
12
AR 528. Madison Life relied on an independent vocational review by Teresa Marques,
MBA. AR 529. Ms. Marques used the following limitations; namely, that claimant
could: lift up to ten pounds, sit for one hour, stand for one hour, alternate between sitting
and standing for two hours, occasional stooping and bending, and no upper extremity
restrictions. Id. Also, Dr. Hardik A. Vashi, DO, sent an “Independent Advisory
Review,” dated December 26, 2012, to Madison Life. AR 238. Dr. Vashi, a nonexamining medical source, concluded that claimant was restricted to lifting between one
to ten pounds, and was able to sit/stand/walk for up to one hour each. AR 238–41. Dr.
Vashi based his findings on his review of claimant’s medical history and a phone
conversation with Dr. Mathew. Id. Furthermore, Ms. Laughlin also authored another
“Employment Assessment” dated July 15, 2013, addressed to claimant’s attorney. AR
213–34. This assessment relied on Dr. Mathew’s report from May 20, 2013, and Dr.
Vashi’s report from December 26, 2012. AR 213.
Representative brief filed with ALJ
Claimant submitted a representative brief to the ALJ. See Exhibit 15E. The
representative brief argued: (1) claimant satisfies the requirements of 20 C.F.R., pt. 404,
Subpt. P, Appendix 2, Rule 201.09 or 201.10, as she is only capable of sedentary work;
and (2) there is no work in the national economy that she can perform with a RFC limited
to sedentary work. AR 333. The ALJ gave the brief “little weight” as he assessed
claimant’s RFC to include light work. AR 20–21.
IV.
SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE SUBMITTED ON APPEAL
Claimant attached a post-hearing exhibit to her appeal (Exhibit 17E). This supplemental
evidence consisted of an argumentative brief from claimant’s attorney addressed to the
Appeals Council. AR 336–40. Claimant’s post-hearing brief argued that: (1) ALJ
doubted that claimant was telling the truth about her ability to communicate in English,
13
and if the ALJ considered such in determining claimant’s credibility, then this was an
improper consideration; (2) the treating source was not given great weight; and (3) the
substantial evidence on the record supports finding claimant is disabled. AR 336–40.
V.
THE SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE STANDARD
The Commissioner’s decision must be affirmed “if it is supported by substantial
evidence on the record as a whole.” Pelkey v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 575, 577 (8th Cir.
2006); see 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (“The findings of the Commissioner of Social Security as
to any fact, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive . . . .”).
“Substantial evidence is less than a preponderance, but enough that a reasonable mind
might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Lewis, 353 F.3d at 645. The Eighth
Circuit Court of Appeals explains the standard as “something less than the weight of the
evidence and [that] allows for the possibility of drawing two inconsistent conclusions,
thus it embodies a zone of choice within which the [Commissioner] may decide to grant
or deny benefits without being subject to reversal on appeal.” Culbertson v. Shalala, 30
F.3d 934, 939 (8th Cir. 1994) (internal quotation omitted).
In determining whether the Commissioner’s decision meets this standard, a court
considers “all of the evidence that was before the ALJ, but we do not re-weigh the
evidence.” Vester v. Barnhart, 416 F.3d 886, 889 (8th Cir. 2005) (internal citation
omitted). A court considers both evidence which supports the Commissioner’s decision
and evidence that detracts from it. Kluesner v. Astrue, 607 F.3d 533, 536 (8th Cir.
2010). A court must “search the record for evidence contradicting the [Commissioner’s]
decision and give that evidence appropriate weight when determining whether the overall
evidence in support is substantial.” Baldwin v. Barnhart, 349 F.3d 549, 555 (8th Cir.
2003) (citing Cline v. Sullivan, 939 F.2d 560, 564 (8th Cir. 1991)).
14
In evaluating the evidence in an appeal of a denial of benefits, a court must apply
a balancing test to assess any contradictory evidence. Sobania v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 879 F.2d 441, 444 (8th Cir. 1989). A court, however, does not “reweigh
the evidence presented to the ALJ,” Baldwin, 349 F.3d at 555 (citing Bates v. Chater,
54 F.3d 529, 532 (8th Cir. 1995)), or “review the factual record de novo.” Roe v.
Chater, 92 F.3d 672, 675 (8th Cir. 1996) (citing Naber v. Shalala, 22 F.3d 186, 188
(8th Cir. 1994)). Instead, if after reviewing the evidence, a court finds it “possible to
draw two inconsistent positions from the evidence and one of those positions represents
the Commissioner’s findings, [the court] must affirm the [Commissioner’s] denial of
benefits.” Kluesner, 607 F.3d at 536 (quoting Finch v. Astrue, 547 F.3d 933, 935 (8th
Cir. 2008)). This is true even in cases where a court “might have weighed the evidence
differently.” Culbertson, 30 F.3d at 939 (quoting Browning v. Sullivan, 958 F.2d 817,
822 (8th Cir. 1992)). A court may not reverse the Commissioner’s decision “merely
because substantial evidence would have supported an opposite decision.” Baker v.
Heckler, 730 F.2d 1147, 1150 (8th Cir. 1984); see Goff v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785, 789
(8th Cir. 2005) (internal citation omitted) (“[A]n administrative decision is not subject to
reversal simply because some evidence may support the opposite conclusion.”).
VI.
DISCUSSION
The Court now turns to address claimant’s specific objections to the ALJ’s decision.
Claimant alleges the following six arguments. Docs. 3 & 13.
1. ALJ failed to properly consider the evidence, especially Dr. Vashi’s report,
concerning claimant’s LTD benefits claim;
2. ALJ improperly gave the opinions of treating physician, Dr. Mathew, less
than controlling weight, and thus, the RFC is flawed;
15
3. If ALJ had properly weighed and considered the opinions of Doctors
Mathew and Vashi, then claimant’s RFC would include only “sedentary
work,” and therefore, she would be unable to perform past work, and thus,
she would be disabled;
4. ALJ did not correctly use the Polaski factors to determine the credibility of
the claimant’s subjective complaints of pain;
5. ALJ posed an inaccurate hypothetical question to the VE; and
6. Language Issues at the Hearing Constitute Reversible Error.
A. Claimant Argues ALJ Failed to Consider Claimant’s Receipt of Long-Term
Disability Insurance Benefits
Claimant argues that the ALJ failed to evaluate the evidence in the record of
Madison Life finding claimant eligible for LTD benefits. Doc. 13, at 9. Claimant cites
Social Security Ruling 06-03p. Id. Essentially, claimant argues that: (1) ALJ wrongly
classified the claimant’s claim as a “workers’ compensation claim” instead of as a LTD
claim, and thus, failed to recognize how similar the standard for “disability” is between
the LTD claim and a DIB claim; and (2) ALJ failed to consider Dr. Vashi’s opinion.
Doc. 13.
In deciding a claimant’s DIB claim, the ALJ must evaluate a finding of disability
for claimant made by a governmental or non-governmental agency. Social Security
Ruling 06-03p reads that “evidence of a disability decision by another governmental or
nongovernmental agency cannot be ignored and must be considered.” SSR 06-03p, 2006
WL 2263437 (Aug. 9, 2006). See Jenkins v. Chater, 76 F.3d 231, 233 (8th Cir. 1996)
(upholding ALJ’s denial of benefits as there was “strong evidence in the record as a
whole” that claimant was not disabled, despite Veterans Administration finding claimant
disabled and eligible for both benefits and rehabilitation services); see also Cranmer v.
16
Colvin, No. 4:13-cv-00693-NKL, 2014 WL 2828313, at *2–3 (W.D. Mo. June 23, 2014)
(finding that an ALJ made an error of law where the ALJ failed to consider the findings
by the Missouri Department of Social Services, a state agency, that determined claimant
had severe impairments and was disabled during the relevant time period).
Yet, a disability decision made by another agency is not binding on the SSA.
Section 404.1504 reads:
A decision by any nongovernmental agency or any other governmental
agency about whether you are disabled or blind is based on its rules and is
not our decision about whether you are disabled or blind. We must make
a disability or blindness determination based on social security law.
Therefore, a determination made by another agency that you are disabled
or blind is not binding on us.
20 C.F.R. § 404.1504. See Jackson v. Astrue, Civil No. 12-641 (PJS/JSM), 2013 WL
785698, at *35 n.15 (D. Minn. Feb. 11, 2013) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1504 and stating
that “the [disability benefits] decision of a private insurance company is not binding on
the Commissioner . . . .”). Thus, the ALJ must consider the insurance company’s
determination that the claimant was disabled. Such a determination, however, is not
binding on the ALJ.
In pertinent part, the ALJ’s decision states:
Finally, the undersigned has considered the fact that the claimant pursued
a workers’ compensation claim at the same time as the present Social
Security claim. On November 28, 2011, Barbara Laughlin, M. A.
provided an employability assessment. Based on workers’ compensation
rules, Ms. Laughlin found that the claimant had an employability loss of
90 to 100 percent (Ex. 1E). On August 15, 2013, the claimant’s insurer
found that she “continues to satisfy the policy’s requirement for total
disability benefits” (Ex. 14F). As noted above, Dr. Mathew provided at
least one report to the claimant’s insurer, finding that she had a whole
person impairment of six percent (Ex. 2F). In considering these reports
and weighing the opinions contained therein, the undersigned notes that the
standards for determining disability in workers compensation cases are
17
completely different that [sic] the standards used in Social Security cases.
The undersigned also points out that the medical opinions offered in
workers compensation cases fall within two extremes: favoring the
individual who filed the claim or favoring the insurance company. With
this in mind, the undersigned has fully reviewed and considered the various
physicians’ reports, including the findings and the determinations of
di sabled or not disabled. The undersigned accords very little weight to the
opinions regarding the nature and severity of the claimant’s impairments,
due to their inconsistency with Dr. Mathew’s treatment records.
AR 21 (emphasis added). In one line of his opinion, the ALJ briefly cited to the LTD
benefits claim by stating “[o]n August 15, 2013, the claimant’s insurer found that she
‘continues to satisfy the policy’s requirement for total disability benefits’ (Ex. 14F).” Id.
Exhibit 14F does, indeed, cite to the document by Madison Life granting claimant’s
appeal for LTD benefits. AR 528–30. Yet, the entire remainder of this paragraph in the
ALJ’s decision addresses claimant’s worker’s compensation claim and not her LTD
benefits claim.
In examination of the above paragraph, the ALJ mentioned Ms. Laughlin’s
Employment Assessment dated November 28, 2011 (AR 246), which relates to claimant’s
workers’ compensation claim with EMC Insurance Companies (AR 176). The ALJ also
mentioned that Dr. Mathew “provided at least one report to the claimant’s insurer.” AR
21 (citing Exhibit 2F). Exhibit 2F is dated January 21, 2011, and addressed to EMC
Insurance (relating to claimant’s workers’ compensation claim). The ALJ stated that he
considered “these reports and weigh[ed] the opinions contained therein3” and concluded
that the standard for disability in workers’ compensation claims differed from the Social
3
The court finds that “therein” refers to the workers’ compensation claim. The court
acknowledges that the Commissioner could attempt to argue that “therein” refers to the LTD
benefits claim. Yet, this seems illogical given that the entirety of the paragraph, with the
exception of the one-sentence mentioning the LTD benefits claim, discussed the workers’
compensation claim. This portion of the ALJ’s decision lacked clarity.
18
Security Administration’s definition of disability.
AR 21.
Furthermore, the ALJ
discussed how the medical opinions in workers’ compensation cases are skewed towards
the insurance companies or towards the claimant. Id.
The Commissioner argues that the ALJ merely mislabeled the claim as the
workers’ compensation claim with EMC Insurance Companies, instead of as the LTD
benefits claim with Madison Life. Doc. 14, at 14. The Commissioner argues that this
mislabeling is a “technicality” and that claimant fails to show reversible error in this
mislabeling. Doc. 14, at 14 (quoting Byes v. Astrue, 687 F.3d 913, 917 (8th Cir. 2012)
(“to show an error was not harmless, [claimant] must provide some indication that the
ALJ would have decided differently if the error had not occurred”)).
The Court finds the Commissioner’s argument unconvincing. The ALJ did not
merely mislabel the claim he analyzed in his decision, rather, it appears the ALJ failed
to analyze the LTD benefits claim entirely. Or at the very least, his decision lacks such
clarity that the Court cannot reasonably conclude he considered the LTD benefits claim.
The ALJ was required to consider a finding of disability made by a nongovernmental
agency, Madison Life. See SSR 06-03p, 2006 WL 2263437 (Aug. 9, 2006). While
Madison Life’s total disability finding is not binding on the ALJ, the ALJ must consider
it and give it more than “implicit rejection.” Morrison v. Apfel, 146 F. 3d 625, 628 (8th
Cir. 1998) (stating that a disability finding by another federal agency—the Department of
Veterans Affairs—was “important enough to deserve explicit attention” by the ALJ and
deserved discussion in the ALJ’s opinion).
Here, the ALJ acknowledged that an
insurance company found claimant satisfied the insurance policy’s requirements for “total
disability benefits.” AR 21. And, the ALJ cited to the document by Madison Life
granting LTD benefits (Exhibit 14F). AR 21. Yet, both before and after acknowledging
the “total disability benefits,” the ALJ only discussed evidence related to the workers’
compensation claim.
The workers’ compensation claim ended in a Compromise
19
Settlement without a disability determination of claimant. See AR 176–79. The LTD
benefits claim, on the other hand, found claimant disabled, and included the standard of
disability that was used to find claimant “totally disabled.” AR 528–30; see supra Section
III (excerpting the insurance policy’s standards). See also Mosley v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec., No. 1:10-cv-617, 2011 WL 2728375, at *3 (W.D. Mich. June 9, 2011) (stating
that an insurance company’s one-page letter finding claimant disabled, without describing
insurance policy’s standards, only had “limited” relevance to the Commissioner). Here,
the policy standards used by Madison Life were explicitly stated in the document at
Exhibit 14F.
Two scenarios appear most rational to the Court. Either the ALJ misunderstood
the record and believed that the insurance company’s finding of total disability dated
August 15, 2013, pertained to the workers’ compensation claim; or, the ALJ properly
analyzed the workers’ compensation claim and included a single sentence about
claimant’s LTD benefits claim, but failed to discuss his analysis on the LTD benefits
claim.
Regardless of which scenario actually transpired, this portion of the ALJ’s
decision leaves the Court with uncertainty.
Furthermore, claimant argues that Dr. Vashi’s report (Exhibit 9D) was never
mentioned nor considered by the ALJ. Doc. 13. Section 404.1527 reads “[r]egardless
of its source, we [the ALJ] will evaluate every medical opinion we receive.” 20 C.F.R.
§404.1527(c). Yet, the ALJ is not required to explicitly discuss every piece of evidence
considered. Black v. Apfel, 143 F.3d 383, 386 (8th Cir. 1998) (“Although required to
develop the record fully and fairly, an ALJ is not required to discuss every piece of
evidence submitted.”). The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals held that a failure to cite
“specific [medical] evidence does not indicate that such evidence was not considered,”
and rejected a claimant’s argument that the ALJ failed to consider a non-treating
psychiatrist’s reports where the ALJ had specifically referred to the psychiatrist’ findings.
20
Wildman v. Astrue, 596 F.3d 959, 966 (8th Cir. 2010) (internal quotation and citation
omitted). The court in Wildman reasoned that it was “highly unlikely that the ALJ did
not consider and reject” the psychiatrist’s notes. Id. Here, the Court was unable to find
any mention of this non-examining, Dr. Vashi, D.O., in the ALJ’s decision. See AR
15–21. Furthermore, unlike Wildman, neither Dr. Vashi’s report, nor Dr. Vashi’s
findings, are cited in the ALJ’s decision. Id. Therefore, although it may have occurred,
the Court cannot, on this record, find it highly unlikely that the ALJ did not consider and
reject Dr. Vashi’s report.
Ultimately, it is the combination of these two factors that makes the Court uneasy.
Namely, the ALJ buried his mention of the LTD benefits claim in the midst of a paragraph
solely discussing the unrelated workers’ compensation claim (and cited to exhibits only
in relation to the workers’ compensation claim), and also, the ALJ did not explicitly
mention Dr. Vashi or even refer to Dr. Vashi’s findings. In combination, these two
failures, together, amount to reversible error. The combination of failing to mention Dr.
Vashi and burying the LTD benefits claim reference in the midst of a paragraph
discussing a workers’ compensation case is not a mere “deficiency in opinion-writing.”
See Collins v. Astrue, 648 F.3d 869, 872 (8th Cir. 2011) (quoting Hepp v. Astrue, 511
F.3d 798, 806 (8th Cir. 2008) (“[A]n arguable deficiency in opinion-writing technique
does not require us to set aside an administrative finding when that deficiency had no
bearing on the outcome.”)); see also Draper v. Barnhart, 425 F.3d 1127, 1130 (8th Cir.
2005) (internal citations omitted) (“While a ‘deficiency in opinion-writing is not a
sufficient reason to set aside an ALJ’s finding where the deficiency [has] no practical
effect on the outcome of the case,’ inaccuracies, incomplete analyses, and unresolved
conflicts of evidence can serve as a basis for remand.”).
Due to an absence of clarity in decision, the Court finds it unfortunately necessary
to remand the case back to the ALJ for further examination and explanation on this matter
21
of Madison Life finding claimant eligible for LTD benefits, and Dr. Vashi’s findings.
On remand, the ALJ should analyze whether Madison Life’s determination that claimant
was totally disabled, in conjunction with Dr. Vashi’s report finding claimant capable of
only sedentary work, affects the ALJ’s original assessments of: giving treating source
Dr. Mathew’s medical opinions less than controlling weight;4 claimant’s RFC
assessment; claimant’s lack of credibility in regard to her subjective complaints of pain;5
and whether the hypothetical questions to the VE embodied the impairments that are
substantially supported by the record as a whole.
4
Overall, the ALJ gave Dr. Mathew’s medical opinions “little weight.” AR 16–20. The ALJ
found Dr. Mathew’s treatment notes, spanning over three years, constituted most of the objective
medical evidence of record. These treatment notes stated, generally, that claimant was and
continued to be independent in ambulation and in all activities of her daily life, her pain
medications were controlling her pain, and claimant was able to walk 1 to 2 blocks. See 430–
31, 432, 433, 436, 439, 441, 443, 446, 448, 450, 454, and 456. The ALJ also gave greater
weight to Dr. Mathew’s letter to claimant’s insurance company, dated January 21, 2011, where
Dr. Mathew noted that the pain medication, therapy, and injections were controlling claimant’s
pain and limited claimant to lifting no more than 25 pounds. AR 17; see Exhibit 2F. The ALJ
explained that this letter was supported by the assessment of Dr. Manshadi (AR 407–09) who
determined, by examining claimant, that claimant could lift/carry up to 20 pounds. AR 19. On
the other hand, the ALJ explicitly listed and described his rejection of Dr. Mathew’s four
opinions provided to claimant’s attorneys, dated November 4, 2011, November 5, 2011, May
20, 2013, and November 12, 2013. AR 20. These four opinions included findings that the
claimant could lift 10 pounds at most, was restricted to only sedentary work, could only walk
1/4 of a block, could only initially work on a part-time trial basis, could only sit for 20 minutes,
could stand for 30 minutes, needed to lie down 3 to 4 times a day, and needed to use a handheld assistive device for balance. AR 20. On remand, the ALJ needs to determine if this
determination if still supported by substantial evidence on the record.
5
The ALJ found that claimant’s statements about her subjective complaints of pain were “not
entirely credible.” AR 19. The ALJ found that claimant did not make false statements or
misstatements deliberately, but that the objective medical records failed to support her claims.
Id.
22
B. Claimant Argues Language Issues at the Hearing Constitute Reversible Error
The claimant argues, in her post-hearing brief, that the ALJ doubted claimant’s
ability to speak English, and if the ALJ had factored his doubt into his determination of
claimant’s credibility “as to her description of her physical injuries and conditions,” then
it was reversible error. AR 337–38. Claimant claimed that Hallex6 1-2-6-10 and Hallex
1-2-1-70, pertaining to foreign language interpreters, were violated.7
In the ALJ’s decision, the ALJ wrote: “[t]he claimant was allegedly unable to
communicate in English. For this reason, the claimant’s son, Gilbert Grant, attended the
hearing and provided interpretation in Kinyarwanda, the claimant’s native language.”
AR 13. Also, the ALJ noted “[a]s of April 1, 2013, she was enrolled in level 1 ESL
(Beginning English) class at Kirkwood Community College (Ex. 14E).”
AR 17.
6
“HALLEX provides procedural guidance for processing and adjudicating claims at the hearing
and Appeals Council levels.” Ellis v. Astrue, No. 4:07CV1031 AGF, 2008 WL 4449452, at *1
n.2 (E.D. Mo. Sept. 25, 2008).
7
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has not ruled on whether Hallex has the force of law.
See Ellis, 2008 WL 4449452 at *16 (“This Court believes that the Eighth Circuit would hold
that HALLEX does not have the force of law. Cf. Shontos v. Barnhart, 328 F.3d 418, 424 n.7
(8th Cir.2003) (the Social Security Administration’s Program Operations Manual System
(POMS) guidelines do not have legal force and do not bind the Commissioner; still, an ALJ
should consider them).”). See also Lovett v. Astrue, No. 4:11CV1271 RWS TIA, 2012 WL
3064272, at *10 (E.D. Mo. July 6, 2012), report and recommendation adopted, No. 4:11 CV
1271 RWS, 2012 WL 3062803 (E.D. Mo. July 27, 2012) (internal quotations and citations
omitted) (“Eighth Circuit has not specifically ruled on the effect of a violation of HALLEX,
other Circuits have, and there is a Circuit split. The Ninth Circuit found HALLEX to be an
internal manual with no legal force . . . the Fifth Circuit found that although HALLEX does not
carry the authority of the law, where the rights of individuals are affected, an agency must follow
its own procedures, even where the internal procedures are more rigorous than otherwise be
required and should prejudice result from a violation of an agency’s internal rules, the result
cannot stand . . . the Third Circuit has opined that HALLEX is an internal guidance tool and has
no legal force.”).
23
Furthermore, the ALJ wrote that “[i]n an interview conducted in connection with this
initial pain [back injury], a Social Security representative noted that the claimant’s
primary language was “Rowandan” (Kinyarwanda), but that she and her spouse were
able to speak “OK” English, with help from their son (Ex.2E).” AR 16.
The Court is unpersuaded that the above constitutes evidence of the ALJ
improperly determining the credibility of claimant. Furthermore, on remand, the ALJ
must again determine claimant’s credibility in light of Madison Life’s total disability
finding and Dr. Vashi’s report. If the ALJ again discredits claimant’s credibility, such a
determination will be affirmed by a court if it is “supported by substantial evidence.”
Jeffery v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 849 F.2d 1129, 1132 (8th Cir. 1988) (internal
citation omitted). If the ALJ considers the relevant Polaski factors, as he did before, and
gives a good reason for discrediting a claimant’s credibility, then the Court must defer to
the ALJ’s judgment “even if every factor is not discussed in depth.” Dunahoo v. Apfel,
241 F.3d 1033, 1038 (8th Cir. 2001). See Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320, 1322 (8th
Cir. 1984); see also Lowe v. Apfel, 226 F.3d 969, 972 (8th Cir. 2000) (internal citation
omitted) (“The ALJ was not required to discuss methodically each Polaski consideration,
so long as he acknowledged and examined those considerations before discounting
[claimant’s] subjective complaints.”).
VII. CONCLUSION
Section 405(g) authorizes two types of remand orders. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); see
Melkonyan v. Sullivan, 501 U.S. 89, 98–99 (1991) (stating that § 405(g) authorizes a
sentence-four remand and a sentence-six remand).
A sentence six remand is only
available in two circumstances, either where the Commissioner requests remand before
answering claimant’s complaint, or where new and material evidence was “for good cause
24
not presented during the administrative proceedings.” Buckner v. Apfel, 213 F.3d 1006,
1010 (8th Cir. 2000). Neither occurred in this case.
A sentence four remand, however, is appropriate in this case. See Buckner, 213
F.3d at 1010 (citing Melkonyan, 501 U.S. at 98) (“A sentence four remand is therefore
proper whenever the district court makes a substantive ruling regarding the correctness
of a decision of the Commissioner and remands the case in accordance with such a
ruling.”). The fourth sentence of § 405(g) reads:
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 Secretary, with or without remanding the cause for a rehearing.
42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The Eight Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a district court’s
sentence-four remand where “the district court made such a [substantive] ruling,
concluding that the Commissioner’s decision was not supported by substantial evidence.”
Pottsmith v. Barnhart, 306 F.3d 526, 528 (8th Cir. 2002). See also Finch v. Apfel, 993
F. Supp. 712, 714 (E.D. Mo. Jan. 8, 1998) (“[T]he request for remand is based on the
Commissioner’s determination that the ALJ failed to properly treat the evidence before
him . . . a sentence four remand is appropriate.”). The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
has stated that:
[W]here the total record is overwhelmingly in support of a finding of
disability and the claimant has demonstrated his disability by medical
evidence on the record as a whole, we find no need to remand.
Gavin v. Heckler, 811 F.2d 1195, 1201 (8th Cir. 1987); see also Beeler v. Bowen, 833
F.2d 124, 127 (8th Cir. 1987) (finding reversal of denial of benefits was proper “where
the total record overwhelmingly supports a finding of disability”).
In the present case, the Court concludes that the medical records as a whole do
not “overwhelmingly support[] a finding of disability.” Beeler, 833 F.2d at 127. Instead,
25
the Court finds the ALJ erred in not considering the total disability finding by Madison
Life in combination with Dr. Vashi’s report in his decision to deny claimant’s DIB claim.
Accordingly, the Court finds that remand is appropriate.
Accordingly, for the reasons set forth above in Section VI(A), this case is reversed
and remanded to the Commissioner of Social Security pursuant to sentence four of 42
U.S.C. § 405(g), for further proceedings as discussed herein.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 30th day of January, 2017.
__________________________________
C.J. Williams
United States Magistrate Judge
Northern District of Iowa
26
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