LeBleu v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 13

OPINION; signed by Magistrate Judge Ray Kent (Magistrate Judge Ray Kent, fhw)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION

ROBIN QUEN LeBLEU,
Plaintiff,
v.

Case No. 1:16-cv-127

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY,

Hon. Ray Kent

Defendant.
/
OPINION
Plaintiff brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking judicial review of
a final decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (Commissioner) which
denied his claim for disability insurance benefits (DIB) and supplemental security income (SSI).
Plaintiff alleged a disability onset date of April 15, 2012. PageID.247. He identified
his disabling conditions as bipolar disorder, anxiety and related problems. PageID.251. Plaintiff
completed the 8th grade and had past employment as a painter and decorator. PageID.252. An
administrative law judge (ALJ) reviewed plaintiff’s claim de novo and entered a written decision
denying benefits on October 16, 2014. PageID.63-75. This decision, which was later approved by
the Appeals Council, has become the final decision of the Commissioner and is now before the Court
for review.
I. LEGAL STANDARD
This Court’s review of the Commissioner’s decision is typically focused on
determining whether the Commissioner’s findings are supported by substantial evidence. 42 U.S.C.

§405(g); McKnight v. Sullivan, 927 F.2d 241 (6th Cir. 1990). “Substantial evidence is more than
a scintilla of evidence but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable
mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Cutlip v. Secretary of Health & Human
Services, 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994). A determination of substantiality of the evidence must
be based upon the record taken as a whole. Young v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, 925
F.2d 146 (6th Cir. 1990).
The scope of this review is limited to an examination of the record only. This Court
does not review the evidence de novo, make credibility determinations or weigh the evidence.
Brainard v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, 889 F.2d 679, 681 (6th Cir. 1989). The fact that
the record also contains evidence which would have supported a different conclusion does not
undermine the Commissioner’s decision so long as there is substantial support for that decision in
the record. Willbanks v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, 847 F.2d 301, 303 (6th Cir. 1988).
Even if the reviewing court would resolve the dispute differently, the Commissioner’s decision must
stand if it is supported by substantial evidence. Young, 925 F.2d at 147.
A claimant must prove that he suffers from a disability in order to be entitled to
benefits. A disability is established by showing that the claimant cannot engage in 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. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1505 and 416.905; Abbott v. Sullivan, 905
F.2d 918, 923 (6th Cir. 1990). In applying the above standard, the Commissioner has developed a
five-step analysis:
The Social Security Act requires the Secretary to follow a “five-step
sequential process” for claims of disability. First, plaintiff must demonstrate that she
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is not currently engaged in “substantial gainful activity” at the time she seeks
disability benefits. Second, plaintiff must show that she suffers from a “severe
impairment” in order to warrant a finding of disability. A “severe impairment” is one
which “significantly limits . . . physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.”
Third, if plaintiff is not performing substantial gainful activity, has a severe
impairment that is expected to last for at least twelve months, and the impairment
meets a listed impairment, plaintiff is presumed to be disabled regardless of age,
education or work experience. Fourth, if the plaintiff's impairment does not prevent
her from doing her past relevant work, plaintiff is not disabled. For the fifth and final
step, even if the plaintiff’s impairment does prevent her from doing her past relevant
work, if other work exists in the national economy that plaintiff can perform, plaintiff
is not disabled.
Heston v. Commissioner of Social Security, 245 F.3d 528, 534 (6th Cir. 2001) (citations omitted).
The claimant bears the burden of proving the existence and severity of limitations
caused by her impairments and the fact that she is precluded from performing her past relevant work
through step four. Jones v. Commissioner of Social Security, 336 F.3d 469, 474 (6th Cir. 2003).
However, at step five of the inquiry, “the burden shifts to the Commissioner to identify a significant
number of jobs in the economy that accommodate the claimant’s residual functional capacity
(determined at step four) and vocational profile.” Id. If it is determined that a claimant is or is not
disabled at any point in the evaluation process, further review is not necessary. Mullis v. Bowen, 861
F.2d 991, 993 (6th Cir. 1988).
“The federal court’s standard of review for SSI cases mirrors the standard applied in
social security disability cases.” D’Angelo v. Commissioner of Social Security, 475 F. Supp. 2d 716,
719 (W.D. Mich. 2007). “The proper inquiry in an application for SSI benefits is whether the
plaintiff was disabled on or after her application date.” Casey v. Secretary of Health and Human
Services, 987 F.2d 1230, 1233 (6th Cir. 1993).

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II. ALJ’S DECISION
Plaintiff’s present claim failed at the fifth step of the evaluation. At the first step, the
ALJ found that plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date
of April 15, 2012, and met the insured status requirements of the Social Security Act through
September 30, 2016. PageID.65-66. At the second step, the ALJ found that plaintiff had severe
impairments as follows: a mood disorder not otherwise specified; bipolar disorder; posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD); a panic disorder; antisocial personality disorder; alcohol dependence
disorder; degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine; peripheral neuropathy;
Dupuytren’s contractures bilaterally; right shoulder degenerative joint disease; and cardiac
dysrhythmias. PageID.66. At the third step, the ALJ found that plaintiff did not have an impairment
or combination of impairments that met or equaled the requirements of the Listing of Impairments
in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1. Id.
The ALJ decided at the fourth step that:
[B]ased on all of the impairments, including the substance use disorder, the claimant
has the residual functional capacity to perform light work as defined in 20 CFR
404.1567(b) and 416.967(b) except: he can climb no ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; the
claimant can perform occasional crawling; he can perform no greater than frequent
fingering or handling bilaterally; the claimant can perform no overhead reaching with
his dominant light upper extremity; he is limited to simple, routine, repetitive tasks;
the claimant can have no contact with the public; he can have occasional contact with
co-workers and supervision; the claimant can perform no production rate work; he
can tolerate no more than one change in the work setting per day; and the claimant
will be tardy, need to leave work early, or will otherwise be absent four days per
month on a regular and ongoing basis.
PageID.68.
The ALJ made additional findings to determine the impact of plaintiff’s substance
abuse on his alleged disability. See 42 U.S.C § 423(d)(2)(C) (for purposes of obtaining Social
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Security benefits, “[a]n individual shall not be considered to be disabled . . . if alcoholism or drug
addiction would . . . be a contributing factor material to the Commissioner's determination that
the individual is disabled.”); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1535(b)(1) (“The key factor [the Commissioner] will
examine in determining whether drug addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor material to the
determination of disability is whether [the Commissioner] would still find [the claimant] disabled
if [the claimant] stopped using drugs or alcohol.”).
The ALJ determined that if plaintiff stopped the substance use, he would have the
same results through step three of the sequential evaluation. PageID.70. However, the ALJ found
that if plaintiff stopped the substance use, he would have a more expansive residual functional
capacity (RFC):
If the claimant stopped the substance use, the claimant would have the
residual functional capacity to perform light work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b)
and 416.967(b) except: he could climb no ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; the claimant
could perform occasional crawling; he could perform no greater than frequent
fingering or handling bilaterally; the claimant could perform no overhead reaching
with his dominant right upper extremity; he would be limited to simple, routine,
repetitive tasks; and the claimant could have occasional contact with the public,
co-workers, and supervision.
Id.
After making these determinations, the ALJ found that even when plaintiff was not
abusing alcohol, he was unable to perform his past relevant work as a painter. PageID.73.
The ALJ made two findings at the fifth step. The ALJ found that “[c]onsidering the
claimant’s age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity based on all of the
impairments, including the substance use disorder, there are no jobs that exist in significant numbers
in the national economy that the claimant can perform.” PageID.74. However, the ALJ also found

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that if plaintiff “stopped the substance use,” there would be a significant number of jobs in the
national economy that he claimant could perform. Id. Specifically, the ALJ found that if plaintiff
stopped the substance use, he could perform unskilled work in Michigan such as: machine tender
(7,800 jobs); line attendant (4,800 jobs); and packager (6,300 jobs). PageID.75.
Finally, the ALJ found that:
The substance use disorder is a contributing factor material to the
determination of disability because the claimant would not be disabled if he stopped
the substance use (20 CFR 404.1520(g), 404.1535, 416.920(g) and 416.935).
Because the substance use disorder is a contributing factor material to the
determination of disability, the claimant has not been disabled within the meaning
of the Social Security Act at any time from the alleged onset date through the date of
this decision.
Id. Accordingly, the ALJ determined that plaintiff has not been under a disability, as defined in the
Social Security Act, from April 15, 2012 (the alleged onset date) through October 16, 2014 (the date
of the decision). Id.
III. Discussion
Plaintiff set forth six issues on appeal:
A.

The ALJ’s decision was not based on substantial
evidence because he failed to give proper weight to
the findings and opinion of plaintiff’s treating
psychiatrist, as required by 20 C.F.R. §404.1527(c)
and 416.927(c).

B.

The ALJ failed to address factors such as, but not
limited to, the length of treatment, frequency of
examination, and nature and extent of the
treatment relationship, when he rejected the
findings and opinion of plaintiff’s treating
psychiatrist, as required by 20 C.F.R. §§416.927(c).

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Plaintiff contends that the ALJ failed to properly address the opinion of treating
psychiatrist Gopal Bedi, M.D. A treating physician’s medical opinions and diagnoses are entitled
to great weight in evaluating plaintiff's alleged disability. Buxton v. Halter, 246 F.3d 762, 773 (6th
Cir. 2001). “In general, the opinions of treating physicians are accorded greater weight than those
of physicians who examine claimants only once.” Walters v. Commissioner of Social Security, 127
F.3d 525, 529-30 (6th Cir. 1997). “The treating physician doctrine is based on the assumption that
a medical professional who has dealt with a claimant and his maladies over a long period of time will
have a deeper insight into the medical condition of the claimant than will a person who has examined
a claimant but once, or who has only seen the claimant’s medical records.” Barker v. Shalala, 40
F.3d 789, 794 (6th Cir. 1994). See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2) and 416.927(c)(2) (“Generally, we
give more weight to opinions from your treating sources, since these sources are likely to be the
medical professionals most able to provide a detailed, longitudinal picture of your medical
impairment(s) and may bring a unique perspective to the medical evidence that cannot be obtained
from the objective medical findings alone or from reports of individual examinations, such as
consultative examinations or brief hospitalizations”).
Under the regulations, a treating source’s opinion on the nature and severity of a
claimant’s impairment must be given controlling weight if the Commissioner finds that: (1) the
opinion is well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques; and
(2) the opinion is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in the case record.

See

Gayheart v. Commissioner of Social Security, 710 F.3d 365, 375 (6th Cir. 2013); 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1527(c)(2) and 416.927(c)(2). Finally, the ALJ must articulate good reasons for not crediting
the opinion of a treating source. See Wilson v. Commissioner of Social Security, 378 F.3d 541, 545

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(6th Cir. 2004); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2) and 416.927(c)(2) (“[w]e will always give good reasons
in our notice of determination or decision for the weight we give your treating source’s opinion”).
The ALJ evaluated Dr. Bedi’s opinion as follows:
[T]he opinions of Jennifer Richardson, PA-C and Gobal K. Bedi, M.D. (Exhibits
18F; 19F; 21F; 24[F]) have been given little evidentiary weight. They indicated the
claimant has had four or more episodes of decompensation within a 12-month period,
each of at least two weeks duration. However, as discussed previously, there is
simple [sic] no evidence of this in the records. This also shows a lack of
understanding of the SSA process. Further, the activities of daily living limits are
inconsistent with his [sic] claimant’s maintenance of an apartment, prepping simple
meals, basic cleaning, and getting himself to appointments. In addition, the extreme
social limits are inconsistent with someone who is able to procure his alcohol
regularly and manage multiple healthcare providers. The claimant’s attempts at
evasiveness at the hearing about his alcohol consumption also leads the undersigned
to question whether he would be straight with his providers and in turn whether the
assessments provided are of when the claimant was sober or not. As such, these
opinions have also been given little evidentiary weight.
PageID.73.
In rejecting the doctor’s opinion regarding plaintiff’s episodes of decompensation,
the ALJ referenced his review of the medical record at step three, in which he found that plaintiff
“experienced no episodes of decompensation.” PageID.67. In reaching this determination, the ALJ
stated that while “[t]he claimant has had several emergency room visits with suicidal ideation and
alcohol intoxication, as well as one hospitalization (Exhibits 3F; 4F; 7F; 13F; 14F; 25F) . . . none
of these instances lasted at least two weeks (Exhibits 3F; 4F; 7F; 13F; 14F; 25F)” and “[a]s such,
even if they could be considered episodes of decompensation, they were not of an extended
duration.” PageID.67-68. The ALJ gave good reasons for the weight assigned to Dr. Bedi’s opinion.
See Wilson, 378 F.3d at 545. Accordingly, plaintiff’s claims of error are denied.
C.

The ALJ did not properly weigh the “other
opinion” evidence from plaintiff’s therapist and
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treating physician’s assistant in violation of 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1513(d); 416.913(d) and SSR 06-03p.
Plaintiff contends that the ALJ did not properly weigh the “other opinion” evidence
from PA Richardson and Jessica Robb, LMSW, CAADC. As discussed, supra, the ALJ addressed
PA Richardson’s opinions with those of Dr. Bedi, concluded that both of their opinions suffered
from the same flaws, and gave their opinions little weight.
The ALJ addressed Ms. Robb’s opinion as follows:
The opinions of Jessica Robb (Exhibit 16F and testimony) are given little
evidentiary weight. Ms. Robb is a social worker and not an "acceptable medical
source" (20 CPR 404.1513(a) and 416.913(a)). The undersigned may still consider
her opinions in regards to the severity of the claimant's impairments and how they
affect his ability to function pursuant to SSR06-03p. However, her findings appear
to be based solely on the claimant’s subjective complaints, and are not supported by
the objective findings in the record. There appears to be quite a difference between
the CMH psychiatric records and the Intercare counseling records. CMH, the
medicine prescribing authority, is finding the claimant to be doing much better than
counseling (Exhibit 12F/2,7,12). These time-periods also coincide with periods of
sobriety and form a basis for concluding the claimant functions at a higher level when
sober. Further, Ms. Robb's testimony was problematic. She testified to not knowing
where the claimant got his alcohol, which seems odd if you are trying to help
someone stay off alcohol. Ms. Robb also initially testified that the claimant's benders
last one week, but when asked about her marking 16F/3 for 1-2 episodes of
decompensation lasting two or more weeks, she then explained that he would be
depressed for a week prior to drinking each time. As such, her testimony is given
little weight.
PageID.73.
The requirement that the Commissioner give “good reasons” for the weight given to
an opinion applies only to “treating sources” (i.e., a physician, psychologist or other acceptable
medical source who has provided medical treatment or evaluation). See Smith v. Commissioner of
Social Security, 482 F.3d 873, 876 (6th Cir.2007) (“[b]efore determining whether the ALJ violated
Wilson by failing to properly consider a medical source, we must first classify that source as a
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‘treating source’”). An “acceptable medical source” refers to one of the sources described in 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1513(a) and 416.913(a), i.e., licensed physicians, licensed or certified psychologists,
licensed optometrists, licensed podiatrists, and qualified speech-language pathologists. See 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1502, 404.1513(a), 416.902 and 416.913(a). As a social worker, Ms. Robb is
considered to be one of the “other” medical sources listing in the regulations. See 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1513(d)(1) and 416.913(d)(1) (“other” medical sources include nurse-practitioners, physicians’
assistants, naturopaths, chiropractors, audiologists and therapists); Payne v. Commissioner of Social
Security, 402 Fed. Appx. 109, 118-19 (6th Cir. 2010) (“[a]lthough they may constitute other
evidence of the claimant’s ability to work, social workers are not acceptable medical sources under
Social Security regulations”). Because Ms. Robb is not an acceptable medical source, the ALJ was
neither required to give her opinions “complete deference” nor required to meet the “good reason”
requirement of §§ 404.1527(c)(2) and 416.927(c)(2). See Smith, 482 F.3d at 876. Nevertheless,
pursuant to Social Security Ruling (SSR) 06-3p1, opinions from other medical sources “are important
and should be evaluated on key issues such as impairment severity and functional effects, along with
other relevant evidence in the file.” The ALJ provided an evaluation of Ms. Robb’s opinions
pursuant to SSR 06-3p. While not required to give good reasons for the weight assigned to that
opinion, the ALJ did. Accordingly, plaintiff’s claim of error is denied.
D.

The ALJ did not address all plaintiff’s well
supported impairments and limitations, including
plaintiff’s allegations of pain.

1

SSR’s “are binding on all components of the Social Security Administration” and “represent
precedent final opinions and orders and statements of policy and interpretations” adopted by the agency. 20
C.F.R. § 402.35(b)(1).

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E.

The ALJ did not properly assess plaintiff’s
credibility, particularly as it pertained to the effect
of pain and his non-exertional impairments.

F.

The ALJ’s residual functional capacity (RFC)
findings are not supported by substantial evidence
under 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920 and 416.945, and SSR
98-6p; if the ALJ had properly credited the
testimony of record, plaintiff would have been
found disabled based on the vocational expert’s
(VE’s) testimony.

As discussed, the ALJ found that if plaintiff stopped the substance use, he retained
the RFC to perform 18,900 jobs in Michigan as a machine tender, line attendant, and packager.
PageID.70, 75. In his remaining claims, plaintiff contests this RFC assessment. To place plaintiff’s
claims in context, the Court begins with plaintiff’s alleged disabling impairments:
The claimant alleges disability due to bipolar disorder, anxiety, a mood
disorder not otherwise specified, alcohol dependence, panic disorder with
agoraphobia, leg swelling, diabetic neuropathy, Dupuytren’s contractures, status post
fracture of his right collar bone, status post right shoulder separation, and a heart
disorder (Exhibits 2E; 7E; 14E; and testimony). He claims he experiences severe
anxiety, severe depression, racing thoughts, suicidal thoughts, and paranoia (Exhibits
3E; 7E; 10E; and testimony). The claimant also alleges he cannot stand to be around
people, has panic attacks when he is around people, isolates himself, and does not
socialize (Exhibits 3E; 7E; and testimony). Further, he claims he cannot concentrate
or focus and gets distracted easily (Exhibits 3E; 10E; and testimony). The claimant
also reports he has trouble sleeping at night and sometimes is unable to get out of bed
for weeks (Exhibits 3E; l0E; and testimony). In addition, he claims he experiences
severe pain and swelling in his legs, as well as severe pain in his neck, shoulder, and
back (Exhibits 7E; l0E; and testimony). The claimant alleges his impairments cause
difficulties with memory, completing tasks, concentration, understanding, following
instructions, and getting along with others (Exhibits 3E; 10E; and testimony).
Further, he claims his impairments affect his ability to lift, squat, bend, stand, reach,
walk, sit, kneel, climb stairs, and use his hands (Exhibits 3E; 7E; l0E; 14E).
PageID.71.

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In evaluating plaintiff’s credibility, the ALJ found that he was not entirely credible,
being an evasive witness:
When assessing the claimant’s credibility, the undersigned has considered the
factors enumerated in SSR 96-7p in addition to the objective medical evidence. For
instance, the claimant was somewhat evasive about his alcohol usage during the
hearing. He testified to episodic bingeing episodes every six months or so and not
being sure how much he was drinking. However, upon being confronted with
Exhibits l0F/14 and 13F/32, 58, the claimant conceded he recently has been bingeing
once every two months or so. Further, upon questioning about how much he was
drinking, he conceded he was consuming two fifths of alcohol during these weeklong
benders. When asked where he was getting the money for his alcohol the claimant
said he was borrowing it from people. When the undersigned pointed out he said he
only had one friend, per his testimony, he conceded he was getting the money for the
alcohol from his ex-girlfriend. He also conceded that she was not aware what he was
using the money for.
PageID.72. Nevertheless, the ALJ found that “the claimant is credible concerning the following
symptoms and limitations: he cannot stand to be around people, isolates himself, and does not
socialize; the claimant cannot concentrate or focus and gets distracted easily; he experiences suicidal
ideation and paranoia, and the claimant is sometimes unable to get out of bed (Exhibits 3E; 7E; l0E;
and testimony).” PageID.68.
Absent alcohol abuse, the ALJ found that plaintiff had the RFC to perform a range
of simple, routine, repetitive tasks:
Even during periods of sobriety, the claimant has occasionally exhibited a
sad/dysthymic mood and a flat affect (Exhibits 6F; 12F; 13F). He has also
sometimes appeared slightly disheveled (Exhibits 12F; 13F). Further, at times the
claimant has been observed to be mildly restless and a little bit irritable (Exhibit
13F). However, the claimant has frequently exhibited a euthymic mood and a broad
affect when he is not drinking alcohol (Exhibits 5F; 12F; 13F). His appearance has
also often been neat and clean (Exhibits 5F; 12F; 13F). Further, the claimant has
routinely been cooperative and has demonstrated good eye contact (Exhibits 5F; 6F;
12F; 13F). His thought content has also consistently been appropriate, his thought
process has been logical and coherent, and he has exhibited good insight (Exhibits
5F; 12F; 13F). In addition, the claimant has been fully oriented, and he has denied
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suicidal or homicidal ideation (Exhibits 5F; 6F; 12F; 13F). He has also been given
GAF scores indicating he would likely experience no more than moderate symptoms
(Exhibits 5F; 12F; 13F). Nevertheless, despite the rather benign mental findings
when the claimant abstains from alcohol abuse, the undersigned has considered his
other severe mental impairments by finding he would be limited to simple, routine,
repetitive tasks and only occasional contact with the public, co-workers, and
supervision. The claimant’s physical limitations would not change if he stopped the
substance abuse.
*

*

*

In addition, despite his alleged physical limitations, the claimant has been able to ride
his bike three miles, and it appears he was riding his bike around town as recently as
June of 2014 (Exhibit 15F/2 and testimony). The claimant has also admitted he can
lift up to 20 pounds (testimony).
PageID.71-72. Ultimately, the ALJ concluded that plaintiff’s statements concerning the intensity,
persistence and limiting effects of his symptoms were not credible to the extent they were
inconsistent with the RFC. PageID.71.
Some of plaintiff’s objections to the RFC are without merit, being based on the
medical opinions which the ALJ gave little weight. PageID.1493-1494. Plaintiff’s complaints of
severe pain raised issues of credibility. See Walters, 127 F.3d at 531 (“In evaluating complaints of
pain, an ALJ may properly consider the credibility of the claimant.”). An ALJ may discount a
claimant’s credibility where the ALJ “finds contradictions among the medical records, claimant’s
testimony, and other evidence.” Id. “It [i]s for the [Commissioner] and his examiner, as the factfinders, to pass upon the credibility of the witnesses and weigh and evaluate their testimony.”
Heston, 245 F.3d at 536, quoting Myers v. Richardson, 471 F.2d 1265, 1267 (6th Cir. 1972). The
court “may not disturb” an ALJ’s credibility determination “absent [a] compelling reason.” Smith
v. Halter, 307 F.3d 377, 379 (6th Cir. 2001). The threshold for overturning an ALJ’s credibility
determination on appeal is so high that Sixth Circuit has stated that “[t]he ALJ’s credibility findings
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are unchallengeable,” Payne, 402 Fed. Appx. at 113, and that “[o]n appeal, we will not disturb a
credibility determination made by the ALJ, the finder of fact . . . [w]e will not try the case anew,
resolve conflicts in the evidence, or decide questions of credibility.” Sullenger v. Commissioner of
Social Security, 255 Fed. Appx. 988, 995 (6th Cir. 2007). Nevertheless, an ALJ’s credibility
determinations regarding subjective complaints must be reasonable and supported by substantial
evidence. Rogers v. Commissioner of Social Security, 486 F.3d 234, 249 (6th Cir. 2007).
Plaintiff’s objects to the ALJ’s credibility determination stating that “[l]imited daily
activities alone cannot discredit allegations of disabling impairments.” PageID.1493. As discussed,
supra, the ALJ’s evaluation of plaintiff’s credibility included factors other than daily activities, such
as plaintiff’s admission that he can lift 20 pounds and his lack of candor regarding the extent of his
substance abuse. See generally, Adams v. Commissioner of Social Security, No. 1:10-cv-503, 2011
WL 2650688 at *1 (W.D. Mich. July 6, 2011) (“[i]n assessing a social security claimant’s credibility,
the ALJ is not prohibited from applying ordinary techniques of credibility evaluation, which would
include consideration of a lack of candor in other areas such as drug abuse”) (internal citations
omitted).
With respect to the plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ accounted for plaintiff’s mental
impairments by limiting him to simple, routine, repetitive tasks, and occasional contact with other
people (the public, co-workers, and supervisors). PageID.70. In addition, the ALJ accounted for
plaintiff’s physical restrictions by limiting him to: climbing no ladders, ropes, or scaffolds;
occasional crawling; no greater than frequent fingering or handling bilaterally; and, no overhead
reaching with his dominant right upper extremity. PageID.70. These limitations were consistent
with the ALJ’s evaluation of the medical evidence and plaintiff’s lack of credibility.
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Finally, plaintiff contends that his Dupuytren’s contractures “clearly would limit him
to less than ‘frequent’ fingering or handling.” PageID.1493. The ALJ recognized this condition as
a severe impairment. The few medical records regarding this condition state that plaintiff’s fingers
had abnormalities, that plaintiff had “contractures, 5th digit [pinky finger] bilaterally,” and included
a note regarding a surgical referral (but no evidence of consultation or surgery). PageID.910. When
asked how the contractures affected the ability to use his hands, plaintiff replied, “[t]hey get in the
way of trying to grasp things, like say a broom handle or something like that.” PageID.116. He also
described the condition as “a hindrance” to his past employment as a painter. Id. While plaintiff
stated that this condition did not stop him from working, he also stated that the condition “wasn’t
as bad as it is now.” Id. Based on this limited evidence regarding the contractures, the ALJ’s RFC
restricting plaintiff to frequent fingering or handling bilaterally is supported by substantial evidence.
For all of these reasons, plaintiff’s claims of error will be denied.
IV. CONCLUSION
The ALJ’s determination is supported by substantial evidence. The Commissioner’s
decision will be AFFIRMED pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). A judgment consistent with this
opinion will be issued forthwith.

Dated: March 29, 2017

/s/ Ray Kent
RAY KENT
United States Magistrate Judge

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