Kennedy v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 16

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER - The decision of the ALJ is affirmed. Judgment shall be entered in favor of the Commissioner and against Kennedy. Signed by Magistrate Judge Leonard T Strand on 9/16/14. (djs)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF IOWA
WESTERN DIVISION
JEFFREY D. KENNEDY,
Plaintiff,

No. C13-4115-LTS

vs.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting
Commissioner of Social Security,

MEMORANDUM OPINION
AND ORDER

Defendant.
____________________

Plaintiff Jeffrey D. Kennedy seeks judicial review of a final decision of the
Commissioner of Social Security (the Commissioner) denying his applications for Social
Security Disability benefits (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) under
Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq. (Act). Kennedy
contends that the administrative record (AR) does not contain substantial evidence to
support the Commissioner’s decision that he was not disabled during the relevant period.
For the reasons that follow, the Commissioner’s decision will be affirmed.
I.

BACKGROUND

Kennedy was born in 1970 and has past work as a construction worker, landscape
laborer, production worker/production machine worker and injection molding machine
operator. AR 19. He filed applications for DIB and SSI on October 28, 2010, alleging
a disability onset date of November 15, 2009. AR 207-15. He alleged disability due to
chronic back problems, depression and suicidal thoughts. AR 240. His claims were
denied initially and on reconsideration. AR 8. Kennedy then requested a hearing before
an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which was held on June 13, 2012, before ALJ

Robert Maxwell. AR 8, 30-76. During the hearing, Kennedy and a vocational expert
(VE) testified. AR 30-76. On July 26, 2012, the ALJ issued a decision denying
Kennedy’s claim. AR 8-21. Kennedy sought review of this decision by the Appeals
Council, which denied review on October 11, 2013. AR 1-4. The ALJ’s decision thus
became the final decision of the Commissioner. AR 1; 20 C.F.R. § 416.1481.
On December 9, 2013, Kennedy filed a complaint (Doc. No. 2) in this court
seeking review of the Commissioner’s decision. On January 9, 2014, with the parties’
consent (Doc. No. 6), the Honorable Mark W. Bennett transferred this case to me for
final disposition and entry of judgment. The parties have briefed the issues and the matter
is now fully submitted.
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 twelve months.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A); accord 42 U.S.C. §
1382c(a)(3)(A); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1505, 416.905. A claimant has a disability when the
claimant 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).
To determine whether a claimant has a disability within the meaning of the Social
Security Act, the Commissioner follows a five-step sequential evaluation process outlined
in the regulations. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; see Kirby v. Astrue, 500 F.3d 705,
707 (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), 416.920(a)(4)(i).
2

Second, if the claimant is not engaged in substantial gainful activity, the
Commissioner looks to see “whether the claimant has a severe impairment that
significantly limits the claimant’s physical or mental ability to perform basic work
activities.” Dixon v. Barnhart, 353 F.3d 602, 605 (8th Cir. 2003). “An impairment is
not severe if it amounts only to a slight abnormality that would not significantly limit the
claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” Kirby, 500 F.3d at
707; see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 404.1521(a), 416.920(c), 416.921(a).
The ability to do basic work activities is defined as “the abilities and aptitudes
necessary to do most jobs.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521(b), 416.921(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. Id. §§ 404.1521(b)(1)(6), 416.921(b)(1)-(6); see Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 141, 107 S. Ct. 2287, 2291
(1987). “The sequential evaluation process may be terminated at step two only when the
claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments would have no more than a
minimal impact on her ability to work.” Page v. Astrue, 484 F.3d 1040, 1043 (8th Cir.
2007) (internal quotation marks omitted).
Third, if the claimant has a severe impairment, then the Commissioner will
consider 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
considered disabled, regardless of age, education, and work experience. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 404.1520(d), 416.920(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(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) to determine the claimant’s “ability to meet
3

the physical, mental, sensory, and other requirements” of the claimant’s past relevant
work.

20

C.F.R.

§§

404.1520(a)(4)(iv),

404.1545(a)(4),

416.920(a)(4)(iv),

416.945(a)(4). “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 marks omitted); see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(a)(1),
416.945(a)(1). The claimant is responsible for providing evidence the Commissioner
will use to make a finding as to the claimant’s RFC, but the Commissioner is responsible
for developing the claimant’s “complete medical history, including arranging for a
consultative examination(s) if necessary, and making every reasonable effort to help [the
claimant] get medical reports from [the claimant’s] own medical sources.” 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1545(a)(3), 416.945(a)(3). The Commissioner also will consider certain nonmedical evidence and other evidence listed in the regulations. See id. If a claimant
retains the RFC to perform past relevant work, then the claimant is not disabled. Id.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(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 prove that
there is other work that the claimant can do, given the claimant’s RFC as determined at
Step Four, and his or her age, education, and work experience. See Bladow v. Apfel,
205 F.3d 356, 358-59 n.5 (8th Cir. 2000). The Commissioner must prove not only that
the claimant’s RFC will allow the claimant to make an adjustment to other work, but also
that the 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. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v),
416.920(a)(4)(v). If the claimant can make an adjustment to other work that exists in
significant numbers in the national economy, then the Commissioner will find the
claimant is not disabled. If the claimant cannot make an adjustment to other work, then
the

Commissioner

will

find

that

§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v).

the

claimant

is

disabled.

20

C.F.R.

At Step Five, even though the burden of
4

production shifts to the Commissioner, the burden of persuasion to prove disability
remains on the claimant. Stormo v. Barnhart, 377 F.3d 801, 806 (8th Cir. 2004).
III.

ALJ’S FINDINGS

The ALJ made the following findings:
(1)

The claimant meets the insured status requirements of
the Social Security Act through September 30, 2011.

(2)

The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful
activity since November 15, 2009, the alleged onset
date (20 CFR 404.1571 et. seq., and 416.971 et seq.).

(3)

The claimant has the following severe combination of
impairments: lumbar spine degenerative disc disease,
status post 2002 and 2005 lumbar spine surgeries;
obesity (20 CFR 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c)).

(4)

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

(5)

After careful consideration of the entire record, the
undersigned finds that the claimant has the residual
functional capacity to lift/carry 20 pounds occasionally
and 10 pounds frequently; he is able to sit for 6 hours
and stand/walk at least 2 hours (with normal breaks) in
an 8-hour workday; push/pull are unlimited and subject
to the lift/carry restrictions; only occasional postural
activities, though no climbing ladders, ropes or
scaffolds and no crawling; no visual or communicative
limitations; and environmentally, the claimant should
avoid concentrated exposure to hazards (to include
uneven ground).

(6)

The claimant is unable to perform any past relevant
work (20 CFR 404.1565 and 416.965).

5

(7)

The claimant was born on June 2, 1970 and was 39
years old, which is defined as a younger individual age
18-44, on the alleged disability onset date.

(8)

The claimant has at least a high school education and
is able to communicate in English (20 CFR 404.1564
and 416.964).

(9)

Transferability of job skills is not material to the
determination of disability because using the MedicalVocational Rules as a framework supports a finding
that the claimant is “not disabled,” whether or not the
claimant has transferable job skills (See SSR 82-41 and
20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 2).

(10)

Considering the claimant’s age, education, work
experience, and residual functional capacity, there are
jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national
economy that the claimant can perform (20 CFR
404.1569, 404.1569(a), 415.969 and 416.969(a)).

(11)

The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined
in the Social Security Act, from November 15, 2009,
through the date of this decision (20 CFR 404.1520(g)
and 416.920(g) ).

AR 10-21.

IV.

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
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
6

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).
In determining whether the Commissioner’s decision meets this standard, the court
considers “all of the evidence that was before the ALJ, but it [does] not re-weigh the
evidence.” Wester v. Barnhart, 416 F.3d 886, 889 (8th Cir. 2005). The 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). The 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)).
In evaluating the evidence in an appeal of a denial of benefits, the 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). The 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, the 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 the 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)). The 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
7

(8th Cir. 2005) (“[A]n administrative decision is not subject to reversal simply because
some evidence may support the opposite conclusion.”).
V.

DISCUSSION

As noted above, the ALJ found that Kennedy suffers from two severe impairments:
lumbar degenerative disc disease and obesity.1 In formulating Kennedy’s RFC, the ALJ
considered, but discounted, Kennedy’s subjective allegations concerning the intensity,
persistence and limiting effects of his symptoms. AR 14-18. Kennedy argues that the
ALJ’s credibility assessment is not supported by substantial evidence.

He further

contends that if his subjective allegations had been afforded proper weight, a finding of
disability would have been mandated.
A.

Applicable Standards
To determine a claimant’s credibility, the ALJ must consider:
(1)

the claimant’s daily activities;

(2)

the duration, intensity, and frequency of pain;

(3)

the precipitating and aggravating factors;

(4)

the dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of
medication; and

(5)

any functional restrictions.

Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320, 1322 (8th Cir. 1984). “Other relevant factors include
the claimant’s relevant work history, and the absence of objective medical evidence to
support the complaints.” Mouser v. Astrue, 545 F.3d 634, 638 (8th Cir. 2008) (quoting
Wheeler v. Apfel, 224 F.3d 891, 895 (8th Cir. 2000)). An ALJ may not discount a
claimant’s subjective complaints solely because they are unsupported by objective
1

The ALJ found that Kennedy’s mental health impairment of depression was not severe because
it did not cause more than minimal limitation in Kennedy’s ability to perform basic mental work
activities. AR 11. Kennedy’s brief does not challenge this finding. Doc. No. 12.

8

medical evidence. Halverson v. Astrue, 600 F.3d 922, 931-32 (8th Cir. 2010). However,
the lack of supporting objective medical evidence is a factor the ALJ may consider. Ford
v. Astrue, 518 F.3d 979, 982 (8th Cir. 2008).
The ALJ is not required “‘to discuss methodically each Polaski consideration, so
long as he acknowledge[s] and examine[s] those considerations before discounting [the
claimant’s] subjective complaints.’” Steed v. Astrue, 524 F.3d 872, 876 (8th Cir. 2008)
(quoting Lowe v. Apfel, 226 F.3d 969, 972 (8th Cir. 2000)). If an ALJ discounts a
claimant’s subjective complaints, he or she is required to “detail the reasons for
discrediting the testimony and set forth the inconsistencies found.” Ford, 518 F.3d at
982 (quoting Lewis, 353 F.3d at 647). The ALJ’s credibility determinations are entitled
to deference if “they [a]re supported by good reasons and substantial evidence.” Cox v.
Barnhart, 471 F.3d 902, 907 (8th Cir. 2006). Thus, credibility determinations are
primarily to be made by the ALJ, not by the courts. Pearsall v. Massanari, 274 F.3d
1211, 1218 (8th Cir. 2001).
B.

The ALJ’s Analysis
Early in his ruling, the ALJ observed that Kennedy received unemployment

benefits during the period of alleged disability and that this is a relevant factor that must
be considered. AR 11. Later, the ALJ described Kennedy’s own testimony about his
limitations. For example, he noted that Kennedy testified he can sit for only 15 to 20
minutes at a time, can walk only 50 feet without a cane, can stand for only 10 to 12
minutes before suffering increased back pain and can lift about two full gallons of milk.
AR 14. He further noted that Kennedy alleged he must lie down for an hour or two after
sitting for 15 to 20 minutes and, because of this sitting limitation, can drive for only 15
minutes at a time. AR 15.
The ALJ next summarized the relevant medical evidence of record, starting with
two prior back surgeries – a hemilaminectomy at left L5-S1 in 2002 and a
microdiscectomy at left L4-L5 in 2005. Id. The ALJ noted that while Kennedy claims
9

a disability onset date of November 15, 2009, there is no evidence of ongoing treatment
at that time. Id. Instead, the next reference to back pain is a hospital record from July
2010, which states that Kennedy reported the use of Ibuprofen for back pain. Id.
The ALJ then reviewed Kennedy’s evaluation and treatment by various physicians
from August 2010 through May 2012. AR 15-18. A lumbar spine MRI in October 2010
showed moderate disc bulges, no evident nerve root impingement and minimal changes
from a 2005 MRI. AR 15, 409. On December 10, 2010, treating physician Jeffrey
Goerss, M.D., provided a medical source statement indicating that Kennedy was
suffering from depression that was exacerbated “by the fact that he cannot work and has
low back pains.” AR 337. Dr. Goerss did not explain why Kennedy was unable to work
at that time, but did provide some information about his physical limitations, stating:
[H]e cannot doing [sic] heavy lifting or straining because of his back.
Prolonged standing can cause back pain. Stooping and climbing again are
generally thought to be more difficult because of the back pain. He had no
trouble seeing, hearing and [sic] work environments.
AR 337-38.
The ALJ next discussed a physical examination by a treating neurosurgeon,
Michael Puumala, M.D., in February 2011. AR 16. Dr. Puumala indicated that he
reviewed the prior MRI and found no specific compression of the nerve root. AR 16,
426. Dr. Puumala reported that he found no surgical indications and referred Kennedy
to Mark Drymalski, M.D., for conservative treatment. AR 426.
Dr. Drymalski saw Kennedy on February 24, 2011.

AR 16.

A physical

examination revealed that Kennedy had full strength in both legs; full range of motion in
his lumbar spine, hips, knees and ankles; and negative straight-leg-raise and hip
impingement test results. AR 16-17, 354. Although Kennedy walked with an antalgic
gait favoring his left leg, he was able to walk independently for short distances and there
was no indication that it was medically necessary for him to use a cane.2 AR 17, 331.
2

Kennedy confirmed that no medical provider prescribed use of a cane. AR 58-59, 265, 273.

10

Based on his examination, Dr. Drymalski provided an opinion in April 2011 that Kennedy
could perform light-duty work on a full-time basis. AR 17, 359.
The ALJ next discussed a RFC assessment dated March 30, 2011, and prepared
by Dennis Weis, M.D., a state agency medical consultant who reviewed Kennedy’s
records but did not examine him. AR 17. Dr. Weis noted that Kennedy’s general
physical exam was normal, apart from obesity, including excellent range of motion in his
back and joints. AR 17, 331. He further observed that Kennedy’s use of a cane was not
medically necessary and that non-organic, subjective reports tended to erode Kennedy’s
credibility. AR 17, 331. Dr. Weis found that Kennedy could meet the physical demands
of light work but should be restricted to occasional climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, and crouching; should never crawl or climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; and
should avoid concentrated exposure to environmental hazards. AR 17, 326-28.
The ALJ also referenced a functional capacity evaluation conducted by Stephanie
McClellan, an occupational therapist, one week before the hearing. AR 18. While noting
that Ms. McClellan is not an acceptable medical source,3 the ALJ determined that her
findings were entitled to some weight. Id. Based on her evaluation of Kennedy, Ms.
McClellan concluded that he has the physical ability to perform work at the light
exertional level. AR 18, 438.
The ALJ then contrasted this medical evidence with Kennedy’s subjective
allegations. The ALJ found that even if Kennedy does, as he contends, spend most of
his day lying in bed or on the couch, the evidence does not indicate that this lack of
activity is caused by any medical condition. AR 18. He also determined that Kennedy’s

3

See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1513(a) and 416.913(a). Those regulations list “acceptable medical
sources” who can “provide evidence to establish an impairment.” Occupational therapists are
not on the list. However, the opinions of non-acceptable sources can be used to determine “the
severity of the claimant’s impairment and the effect of the impairment on the claimant’s ability
to work.” Lacroix v. Barnhart, 465 F.3d 881, 886-87 (8th Cir. 2006); see also 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1513(d), 416.913(d) (evaluating evidence from other sources).

11

admitted ability to lift two gallons of milk at a time is “generally consistent with light
exertional level lifting restrictions.” Id. Finally, the ALJ noted that while Kennedy
alleges an inability to sit for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time, neither the statements
from treating sources nor the functional capacity evaluation reflected any difficulties with
sitting. AR 19. For these reasons, the ALJ concluded that the record does not support
Kennedy’s allegation that he is unable to perform any work and, instead, demonstrates
that he is able to perform “seated light” work in accordance with the RFC. Id.
C.

Analysis
As noted earlier, the issue before me is whether the ALJ’s assessment of

Kennedy’s credibility is supported by good reasons and substantial evidence. It is. The
ALJ properly concluded the limitations Kennedy alleges are not supported by the
objective medical evidence. The lumbar spine MRI performed in October 2010 showed
only moderate disc bulging, no evident nerve root impingement and minimal changes
from an MRI scan taken four years before the alleged onset date. AR 409. In December
2010, treating source Dr. Goerss noted some limitations but made no reference to pain
caused by prolonged sitting. AR 337-38. Treating neurosurgeon Dr. Puumala examined
Kennedy in February 2011, found no surgical indications and recommended only
conservative treatment. AR 426. And in April 2011, treating source Dr. Drymalski
determined that Kennedy could perform light-duty work on a full-time basis. AR 359.
Similarly, a functional capacity evaluation conducted shortly before the hearing
found that Kennedy could perform light work. AR 438. By contrast, no treating or
consultative source provided an opinion that the effects of Kennedy’s impairments are so
severe as to prevent him from performing work of any kind. The ALJ did not err in
finding that the medical evidence fails to support Kennedy’s subjective allegation of
complete disability.
Of course, the lack of supporting medical evidence cannot serve as the only basis
for discounting a claimant’s subjective complaints. Halverson, 600 F.3d at 931-32.
12

Here, the ALJ took other factors into account, including (a) Kennedy’s daily activities,
(b) the fact that he sought and received only minimal treatment and (c) Kennedy’s receipt
of unemployment benefits during the relevant period of time. AR 11-17. These factors
are likewise supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole.
With regard to daily activities, Kennedy testified that he lived alone, could drive
short distances and was able to do his own cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping.
AR 15, 18, 33, 63, 65. The ALJ was permitted to find that Kennedy’s ability to engage
in these activities is inconsistent with his complaint of disabling pain. Medhaug v. Astrue,
578 F.3d 805, 817 (8th Cir. 2009); Roberson v. Astrue, 481 F.3d 1020, 1025 (8th Cir.
2007).
As for treatment, the record contains no evidence that Kennedy was seeking or
receiving treatment for back pain as of the alleged onset date. When Kennedy did receive
treatment after that date, the treatment was conservative. In August 2010, Dr. Goerss
treated Kennedy’s pain with medication and injections. AR 15, 413-15. In February
2011, Dr. Drymalski prescribed physical therapy, a home exercise program and
medications, but no further surgery. AR 16-17, 355. It was appropriate for the ALJ to
consider the conservative nature of treatment in assessing Kennedy’s credibility. Gowell
v. Apfel, 242 F.3d 793, 796 (8th Cir. 2001); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(3)(v),
416.929(c)(3)(v).
Finally, it is undisputed that Kennedy received unemployment benefits during part
of the period of alleged disability. AR 57-58, 229, 231-32. A claim for unemployment
compensation adversely affects a claimant’s credibility because an applicant for
unemployment compensation must hold himself out as available, willing and able to work.
Jernigan v. Sullivan, 948 F.2d 1070, 1074 (8th Cir. 1991).

The Commissioner’s

regulations provide that an individual who is able to engage in substantial gainful activity
will not be considered disabled. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1571, 416.971. “Acts which are
inconsistent with a claimant’s assertion of disability reflect negatively upon that
claimant’s credibility.” Medhaug, 578 F.3d at 817 (citing Johnson v. Apfel, 240 F.3d
13

1145, 1148 (8th Cir. 2001)). The ALJ was entitled to consider Kennedy’s receipt of
unemployment benefits as a factor in determining that Kennedy’s subjective complaints
were not fully credible.
In short, the ALJ provided good reasons, supported by substantial evidence in the
record as a whole, for his assessment of Kennedy’s credibility. As such, the ALJ’s
credibility determination is entitled to deference and is therefore affirmed. Cox, 471
F.3d at 907.4
VI. CONCLUSION
After a thorough review of the entire record and in accordance with the standard
of review I must follow, I conclude that the ALJ’s determination that Kennedy was not
disabled within the meaning of the Act is supported by substantial evidence in the record.
Accordingly, the decision of the ALJ is affirmed. Judgment shall be entered in favor of
the Commissioner and against Kennedy.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this 16th day of September, 2014.

________________________________
LEONARD T. STRAND
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

4

Because I have concluded that the ALJ’s assessment of Kennedy’s credibility was appropriate,
I need not address the second part of Kennedy’s argument, wherein he contends that he must be
found to be disabled if his subjective allegations are accepted as true. Doc. No. 12 at 8-9. The
ALJ was not required to accept Kennedy’s subjective allegations at face value and, in fact,
provided good reasons for discrediting those allegations.

14