Ruiter v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
22
OPINION affirming the Commissioner's decision; signed by Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody (Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody, jal)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION
RHONDA RUITER,
Plaintiff,
Hon. Ellen S. Carmody
v.
Case No. 1:12-cv-781
COMMISSIONER OF
SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.
_____________________________________/
OPINION
This is an action pursuant to Section 205(g) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C.
§ 405(g), to review a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security denying Plaintiff’s claim
for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) under Title II of the Social Security Act. On November 13,
2012, the parties agreed to proceed in this Court for all further proceedings, including an order of
final judgment. (Dkt. #12).
Section 405(g) limits the Court to a review of the administrative record and provides
that if the Commissioner’s decision is supported by substantial evidence it shall be conclusive. The
Commissioner has found that Plaintiff is not disabled within the meaning of the Act. For the reasons
stated below, the Court concludes that the Commissioner’s decision is supported by substantial
evidence. Accordingly, the Commissioner’s decision is affirmed.
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STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Court’s jurisdiction is confined to a review of the Commissioner’s decision and
of the record made in the administrative hearing process. See Willbanks v. Sec’y of Health and
Human Services, 847 F.2d 301, 303 (6th Cir. 1988). The scope of judicial review in a social security
case is limited to determining whether the Commissioner applied the proper legal standards in
making her decision and whether there exists in the record substantial evidence supporting that
decision. See Brainard v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 889 F.2d 679, 681 (6th Cir. 1989).
The Court may not conduct a de novo review of the case, resolve evidentiary
conflicts, or decide questions of credibility. See Garner v. Heckler, 745 F.2d 383, 387 (6th Cir.
1984). It is the Commissioner who is charged with finding the facts relevant to an application for
disability benefits, and her findings are conclusive provided they are supported by substantial
evidence. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
Substantial evidence is more than a scintilla, but less than a preponderance. See
Cohen v. Sec’y of Dep’t of Health and Human Services, 964 F.2d 524, 528 (6th Cir. 1992) (citations
omitted). It is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a
conclusion. See Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971); Bogle v. Sullivan, 998 F.2d 342,
347 (6th Cir. 1993). In determining the substantiality of the evidence, the Court must consider the
evidence on the record as a whole and take into account whatever in the record fairly detracts from
its weight. See Richardson v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 735 F.2d 962, 963 (6th Cir.
1984).
As has been widely recognized, the substantial evidence standard presupposes the
existence of a zone within which the decision maker can properly rule either way, without judicial
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interference. See Mullen v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 535, 545 (6th Cir. 1986) (citation omitted). This
standard affords to the administrative decision maker considerable latitude, and indicates that a
decision supported by substantial evidence will not be reversed simply because the evidence would
have supported a contrary decision. See Bogle, 998 F.2d at 347; Mullen, 800 F.2d at 545.
PROCEDURAL POSTURE
Plaintiff was 40 years old on her alleged disability onset date. (Tr. 136-39). She
possesses a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), has attended college, and worked previously as
a label worker, case packer, and hi-lo operator. (Tr. 32, 50, 60).
Plaintiff applied for benefits on May 13, 2008, alleging that she had been disabled
since April 3, 2007, due to elbow surgery, fibromyalgia, depression, and a sleep disorder. (Tr. 13639, 164). Plaintiff’s application was denied, after which time she requested a hearing before an
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). (Tr. 82-135). On December 7, 2010, Plaintiff appeared before
ALJ Paul Jones, with testimony being offered by Plaintiff and vocational expert, Paul Delmar. (Tr.
42-79). In a written decision dated December 30, 2010, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was not
disabled. (Tr. 21-34). The Appeals Council declined to review the ALJ’s determination, rendering
it the Commissioner’s final decision in the matter. (Tr. 1-5). Plaintiff subsequently initiated this
appeal pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking judicial review of the ALJ’s decision.
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RELEVANT MEDICAL HISTORY
On July 10, 2007, Dr. Stephen Urbin performed surgery on Plaintiff’s left1 elbow.
(Tr. 282). Specifically, the doctor performed “release of left elbow extensor tendon with removal
of degenerative scar tissue” to treat “left recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow.” (Tr.
282).
On September 11, 2007, Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Urbin. (Tr. 316). Plaintiff
reported that she “still has symptoms, but...is definitely better than she was before.” (Tr. 316). The
doctor observed that Plaintiff experienced “some pain with resistance against wrist dorsiflexion at
the lateral epicondyle, but there is not as much as there was before.” (Tr. 316). The doctor further
observed that Plaintiff “has good elbow flexion, extension, and rotation.” (Tr. 316). Plaintiff was
cleared to resume work subject to “light duty restrictions” and instructed to continue participating
in physical therapy. (Tr. 316).
Treatment notes dated September 18, 2007, indicate that Plaintiff’s elbow “still aches
a little bit but all in all she is doing much better.” (Tr. 315). Dr. Urbin concluded that Plaintiff
could “return to her regular job without restrictions.” (Tr. 315). X-rays of Plaintiff’s left shoulder,
taken November 20, 2007, were “negative” with “no osseous or soft tissue abnormalities.” (Tr.
380).
On December 19, 2007, Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Robert Vermaire. (Tr. 39394). Plaintiff reported that she was experiencing “moderate-severe” pain in her left shoulder which
“is aggravated by physical therapy.” (Tr. 393). An examination of Plaintiff’s left shoulder revealed
limited range of motion and tenderness to palpation. (Tr. 393-94). On December 26, 2007, Plaintiff
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Plaintiff is right-handed. (Tr. 57).
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participated in an MRI examination of her left shoulder the results of which revealed “mild arthritic
changes in the acromioclavicular joint” and “mild thinning of the supraspinatus tendon but no tear
is evident.” (Tr. 412).
On February 11, 2008, Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Vermaire. (Tr. 397-98).
Plaintiff complained that she was experiencing “moderate” left shoulder pain that “is aggravated by
lifting.” (Tr. 397). An examination revealed the following:
No lumbar spine tenderness. Normal mobility and curvature. Left
shoulder: no joint deformity, heat, swelling, erythema or effusion.
Full range of motion. Right shoulder: no joint deformity, heat,
swelling, erythema or effusion. Full range of motion.
(Tr. 398).
On March 3, 2008, Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Vermaire. (Tr. 399-400). Plaintiff
reported that she was experiencing pain in her left elbow and shoulder which “occurs persistently
and is worsening.” (Tr. 399). The doctor also noted that Plaintiff was experiencing depression. (Tr.
399). Plaintiff’s depression medication was increased. (Tr. 400). Treatment notes dated April 24,
2008, indicate that Plaintiff’s depression had “improved” and that modifying her medication regimen
“has been helpful.” (Tr. 402).
On May 8, 2008, Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Urbin. (Tr. 312). Plaintiff reported
that “she does not have the pain [in her left elbow] she did before but she still has some discomfort
with any activities.” (Tr. 312). Plaintiff also reported that she recently “lost her job because...she
was unable to find work with restrictions.” (Tr. 312). The doctor concluded that Plaintiff was
capable of working subject to the following restrictions: (1) no lifting more than 10 pounds and (2)
she should avoid highly repetitive wrist dorsiflexion activities. (Tr. 312). Physical therapy
treatment notes dated October 2, 2008, indicate that Plaintiff rated her left shoulder pain as “2/10.”
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(Tr. 430).
On January 6, 2009, Plaintiff participated in a consultive examination conducted by
Allison Bush, MS, LLP. (Tr. 440-42). Plaintiff reported that she was disabled due to fibromyalgia,
depression, sleep difficulties, and “problems” with her left elbow and shoulder. (Tr. 440). Plaintiff
appeared “sad and tearful during the evaluation,” but the results of a mental status examination were
otherwise unremarkable. (Tr. 441-42). Plaintiff was diagnosed with “major depressive disorder,
recurrent, moderate.” (Tr. 442). Bush concluded that she believed that Plaintiff’s “depression
would prevent her from maintaining gainful employment at this time.” (Tr. 442).
On September 1, 2009, Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Urbin. (Tr. 575). Plaintiff
reported that the condition of her left elbow “has not improved much” following surgery. (Tr. 575).
The results of a physical were “essentially normal.” (Tr. 575). Plaintiff exhibited “good full elbow
flexion and extension and full pronation and supination” with “no pain with resistance against wrist
dorsiflexion or volarflexion.” (Tr. 575). Dr. Urbin concluded that “at this point there really is not
anything for us to do” and that Plaintiff “needs to find a light duty job lifting less than 10 pounds,
as we have put her on permanent restrictions.” (Tr. 575).
On November 17, 2009, Plaintiff began treatment with licensed psychologist
Christian Jansen-Yee, Psy.D. (Tr. 541-45). Plaintiff reported that she recently began attending
college and “will study and study, but can’t recall for tests.” (Tr. 541). Plaintiff also reported that
she has experienced “a hard time focusing all my life.” (Tr. 541). Plaintiff was diagnosed with: (1)
major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate and (2) adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
(Tr. 545). Plaintiff’s medication regimen was modified. (Tr. 545). Treatment notes dated March
25, 2010, indicate that Plaintiff’s medication improved her ability to focus. (Tr. 537).
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On April 7, 2010, Plaintiff participated in a consultive examination conducted by
Dennis Mulder, Ed.D. (Tr. 551-56). Plaintiff reported that she experiences “pain daily and
constantly throughout her body.” (Tr. 551). Plaintiff reported that her pain ranges from 4/10 to
9/10. (Tr. 551-52). Plaintiff also reported experiencing “constant fatigue even without exertion”
as well as “problems with concentration, attention, and focus.” (Tr. 552). With respect to Plaintiff’s
level of activity, the doctor observed as follows:
The patient arises at 8:00 a.m. In the morning she will drink coffee
and watch television and study. In the afternoon she will study or
take a nap, and in the evening she will watch television. She does go
to college classes sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the
afternoon, and sometimes in the evening. She goes to bed at 10:30
p.m. She does some of the dusting, dishes, and laundry, but no yard
work. She is not actively involved in any organized social or
recreational activities.
(Tr. 553).
Plaintiff “was cooperative but rather subdued and depressed looking,” but the results
of a mental status examination were otherwise unremarkable. (Tr. 554-55). Plaintiff was diagnosed
with: (1) major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate and (2) attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder. (Tr. 555). The doctor concluded that:
The potential for the patient becoming gainfully employed in a
simple, unskilled work situation on a sustained and competitive basis
is guarded. The combination of her physical distress, along with her
psychological distress, greatly interferes with her ability to function
at a level necessary for her to obtain and maintain full-time gainful
employment.
(Tr. 556).
X-rays of Plaintiff’s hip, taken May 14, 2010, were “normal.” (Tr. 750). X-rays of
Plaintiff’s sacrum and coccyx, taken on August 4, 2010, were “normal.” (Tr. 748). X-rays of
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Plaintiff’s lumbosacral spine, taken the same day, were likewise “normal.” (Tr. 749). On August
11, 2010, Dr. Vermaire reported that laboratory testing of Plaintiff’s blood “showed no signs of
lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or other significant inflammatory condition of [the] joints.” (Tr. 732).
On August 19, 2010, Plaintiff participated in an MRI examination of her lumbar spine the results
of which revealed “mild degenerative changes” with “no disc herniation or significant spinal canal
stenosis.” (Tr. 745-46).
On November 5, 2010, Dr. Vermaire completed an assessment of Plaintiff’s ability
to perform physical work-related activities. (Tr. 754-57). The doctor reported that Plaintiff can
continuously sit for one to two hours, stand for 30 to 60 minutes, and walk for 30 to 60 minutes. (Tr.
754). The doctor reported that during an 8-hour work day, Plaintiff can sit for four hours, stand for
one hour and walk for one hour. (Tr. 754). The doctor reported that Plaintiff can occasionally
lift/carry 5 pounds but can never lift/carry 10 pounds or more. (Tr. 754). The doctor reported that
Plaintiff can occasionally stoop and climb ramps/stairs, but can never reach above shoulder level,
squat, kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb ladders/ropes/scaffolds. (Tr. 755). The doctor reported that
Plaintiff can occasionally use her fingers to perform picking and pinching activities but can never
use her “whole hand” to perform seizing, holding, grasping, or turning activities. (Tr. 755). The
doctor reported that Plaintiff can never use her upper extremities to perform pushing or pulling
activities. (Tr. 756).
Dr. Vermaire also completed an assessment of Plaintiff’s ability to perform mental
work-related activities. (Tr. 760-61). The doctor rated as “fair” Plaintiff’s ability in the following
areas: (1) relate to co-workers; (2) deal with the public; (3) interact with supervisors; (4) use
judgment; (5) function independently; (6) relate predictably in social situations; and 7) demonstrate
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reliability. (Tr. 760-61). The doctor rated as “poor” Plaintiff’s ability in the following areas: (1)
deal with work stresses; (2) maintain attention/concentration; (3) understand, remember, and carry
out complex job instructions; (4) understand, remember, and carry out detailed but not complex job
instructions; and (5) behave in an emotionally stable manner. (Tr. 760-61). The doctor rated as good
or very good Plaintiff’s ability in the following areas: (1) follow work rules; (2) understand,
remember, and carry out simple job instructions; and (3) maintain personal appearance. (Tr. 76061).
On November 12, 2010, Dr. Jansen-Yee completed an assessment of Plaintiff’s
ability to perform mental work-related activities. (Tr. 762-63). The doctor rated as “poor”
Plaintiff’s ability in the following areas: (1) follow work rules; (2) relate to co-workers; (3) deal with
the public; (4) interact with supervisors; (5) use judgment; (6) maintain attention/concentration; (7)
maintain personal appearance; (8) behave in an emotionally stable manner; (9) relate predictably in
social situations; (10) demonstrate reliability; and (11) understand, remember, and carry out detailed
but not complex job instructions. (Tr. 762-63). The doctor rated as fair Plaintiff’s ability to function
independently and understand, remember, and carry out simple job instructions. (Tr. 762-63).
Finally, the doctor reported that Plaintiff had no ability to understand, remember, and carry out
complex job instructions. (Tr. 763).
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ANALYSIS OF THE ALJ’S DECISION
The social security regulations articulate a five-step sequential process for evaluating
disability. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a-f), 416.920(a-f).2 If the Commissioner can make a
dispositive finding at any point in the review, no further finding is required. See 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(a), 416.920(a).
The regulations also provide that if a claimant suffers from a
nonexertional impairment as well as an exertional impairment, both are considered in determining
his residual functional capacity. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545, 416.945.
The burden of establishing the right to benefits rests squarely on Plaintiff’s shoulders,
and she can satisfy her burden by demonstrating that her impairments are so severe that she is unable
to perform her previous work, and cannot, considering her age, education, and work experience,
perform any other substantial gainful employment existing in significant numbers in the national
economy. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A); Cohen, 964 F.2d at 528. While the burden of proof shifts
to the Commissioner at step five, Plaintiff bears the burden of proof through step four of the
procedure, the point at which his residual functioning capacity (RFC) is determined. See Bowen v.
Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 n.5 (1987); Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127 F.3d 525, 528 (6th Cir.
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1. An individual who is working and engaging in substantial gainful activity will not be found to be “disabled”
regardless of medical findings (20 C.F.R. 404.1520(b));
2. An individual who does not have a “severe impairment” will not be found “disabled” (20 C.F.R.
404.1520(c));
3. If an individual is not working and is suffering from a severe impairment which meets the duration
requirement and which “meets or equals” a listed impairment in Appendix 1 of Subpart P of Regulations No.
4, a finding of “disabled” will be made without consideration of vocational factors (20 C.F.R. 404.1520(d));
4. If an individual is capable of performing work he or she has done in the past, a finding of “not disabled”
must be made (20 C.F.R. 404.1520(e));
5. If an individual’s impairment is so severe as to preclude the performance of past work, other factors
including age, education, past work experience, and residual functional capacity must be considered to
determine if other work can be performed (20 C.F.R. 404.1520(f)).
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1997) (ALJ determines RFC at step four, at which point claimant bears the burden of proof).
The ALJ determined that Plaintiff suffered from (1) left epicondylitis; (2) depression;
and (3) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), severe impairments that whether considered
alone or in combination with other impairments, failed to satisfy the requirements of any impairment
identified in the Listing of Impairments detailed in 20 C.F.R., Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. (Tr.
23-27). With respect to Plaintiff’s residual functional capacity, the ALJ determined she retained the
capacity to perform work subject to the following limitations: (1) she can only occasionally lift up
to 10 pounds; (2) she can stand/walk six hours during an 8-hour workday with normal breaks; (3)
she can sit for six hours during an 8-hour workday with normal breaks; (4) she can only occasionally
reach, handle, push/pull, or perform fine manipulation activities with her left upper extremity; (5)
she must avoid more than moderate exposure to vibration; and (6) she is limited to one or two step
tasks. (Tr. 27).
The ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was unable to perform any of her past relevant
work, at which point the burden of proof shifted to the Commissioner to establish by substantial
evidence that a significant number of jobs exist in the national economy which Plaintiff could
perform, her limitations notwithstanding. See Richardson, 735 F.2d at 964. While the ALJ is not
required to question a vocational expert on this issue, “a finding supported by substantial evidence
that a claimant has the vocational qualifications to perform specific jobs” is needed to meet the
burden. O’Banner v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 587 F.2d 321, 323 (6th Cir. 1978)
(emphasis added). This standard requires more than mere intuition or conjecture by the ALJ that
the claimant can perform specific jobs in the national economy. See Richardson, 735 F.2d at 964.
Accordingly, ALJs routinely question vocational experts in an attempt to determine whether there
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exist a significant number of jobs which a particular claimant can perform, his limitations
notwithstanding. Such was the case here, as the ALJ questioned vocational expert Paul Delmar.
The vocational expert testified that there existed approximately 6,500 jobs in the state
of Michigan which an individual with Plaintiff’s RFC could perform, such limitations
notwithstanding. (Tr. 72-75). This represents a significant number of jobs. See Born v. Sec’y of
Health and Human Services, 923 F.2d 1168, 1174 (6th Cir. 1990); Hall v. Bowen, 837 F.2d 272, 274
(6th Cir. 1988); Martin v. Commissioner of Social Security, 170 Fed. Appx. 369, 374 (6th Cir., Mar.
1, 2006). Accordingly, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled as defined by the Social
Security Act.
a.
The ALJ Properly Evaluated the Medical Evidence
As noted above, Dr. Vermaire and Dr. Jansen-Yee both completed reports indicating
that Plaintiff was impaired to an extent beyond that recognized by the ALJ. The ALJ accorded
limited weight to the doctors’ opinions. Plaintiff argues that because Dr. Vermaire and Dr. JansenYee were her treating physicians, the ALJ was required to afford controlling weight to their
opinions.
The treating physician doctrine recognizes that medical professionals who have a
long history of caring for a claimant and her maladies generally possess significant insight into her
medical condition. See Barker v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 789, 794 (6th Cir. 1994). An ALJ must,
therefore, “give the opinion of a treating source controlling weight if he finds the opinion ‘wellsupported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques’ and ‘not
inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the] case record.’” Wilson v. Commissioner of
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Social Security, 378 F.3d 541, 544 (6th Cir. 2004).
Such deference is appropriate, however, only where the particular opinion “is based
upon sufficient medical data.” Miller v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 1991 WL 229979 at
*2 (6th Cir., Nov. 7, 1991) (citing Shavers v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 839 F.2d 232,
235 n.1 (6th Cir. 1987)). The ALJ may reject the opinion of a treating physician where such is
unsupported by the medical record, merely states a conclusion, or is contradicted by substantial
medical evidence. See Cohen, 964 F.2d at 528; Miller v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 1991
WL 229979 at *2 (6th Cir., Nov. 7, 1991) (citing Shavers v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services,
839 F.2d 232, 235 n.1 (6th Cir. 1987)); Cutlip v. Sec’y of Health and Human Services, 25 F.3d 284,
286-87 (6th Cir. 1994).
If an ALJ accords less than controlling weight to a treating source’s opinion, the ALJ
must “give good reasons” for doing so. Wilson, 378 F.3d at 544. In articulating such reasons, the
ALJ must consider the following factors: (1) length of the treatment relationship and frequency of
the examination, (2) nature and extent of the treatment relationship, (3) supportability of the opinion,
(4) consistency of the opinion with the record as a whole, (5) the specialization of the treating
source, and (6) other relevant factors. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527, 416.927; see also, Wilson, 378
F.3d at 544. The ALJ is not required, however, to explicitly discuss each of these factors. See, e.g.,
Oldham v. Astrue, 509 F.3d 1254, 1258 (10th Cir. 2007); Undheim v. Barnhart, 214 Fed. Appx. 448,
450 (5th Cir., Jan. 19, 2007). Instead, the record must reflect that the ALJ considered those factors
relevant to her assessment. See Oldham, 509 F.3d at 1258; Undheim, 214 Fed. Appx. at 450.
Dr. Vermaire reported that during an 8-hour work day, Plaintiff can only sit for four
hours, stand for one hour, and walk for one hour. The doctor also reported that while Plaintiff can
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occasionally lift/carry 5 pounds, she can never lift/carry 10 pounds or more. Dr. Vermaire and Dr.
Jansen-Yee both reported that Plaintiff’s ability to perform mental work-related activities was also
compromised to a greater extent than the ALJ recognized.
With respect to Plaintiff’s physical limitations, the ALJ observed that Dr. Vermaire’s
opinion is inconsistent with the objective medical evidence as well as the opinion of treating
physician, Dr. Urbin. Aside from moderate limitations with respect to Plaintiff’s left upper
extremity, which are sufficiently accounted for in the ALJ’s RFC determination, the objective
physical evidence simply fails to support Dr. Vermaire’s opinion regarding Plaintiff’s physical
limitations. The ALJ’s RFC determination is also consistent with the opinion of Dr. Urbin, an
orthopedic specialist, who treated Plaintiff for a lengthy period of time. As for Plaintiff’s emotional
impairments, the evidence of record indicates that Plaintiff responded well to medication and
conservative treatment and is not limited to the extent alleged. In sum, the ALJ articulated good
reasons, supported by substantial evidence, for affording less than controlling weight to the opinions
expressed by Dr. Vermaire and Dr. Jansen-Yee.
b.
The ALJ Properly Relied on the Vocational Expert’s Testimony
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ relied upon the response to an inaccurate hypothetical
question. While the ALJ may satisfy his burden through the use of hypothetical questions posed to
a vocational expert, such hypothetical questions must accurately portray the claimant’s physical and
mental impairments. See Cline v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 96 F.3d 146, 150 (6th Cir. 1996).
The hypothetical question which the ALJ posed to the vocational expert simply asked
whether there existed jobs which an individual could perform consistent with Plaintiff’s RFC, to
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which the vocational expert indicated that there existed approximately 6,500 such jobs. The ALJ’s
RFC determination is supported by substantial evidence and there was nothing improper or
incomplete about the hypothetical questions the ALJ posed to the vocational expert. The Court
concludes, therefore, that the ALJ properly relied upon the vocational expert’s testimony.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons articulated herein, the Court concludes that the ALJ’s decision is
supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, the Commissioner’s decision is affirmed. A
judgment consistent with this opinion will enter.
Date: September 24, 2013
/s/ Ellen S. Carmody
ELLEN S. CARMODY
United States Magistrate Judge
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