Barnes v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 14

OPINION; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION

ALIHUSSIAN BARNES,
Plaintiff,

Case No. 1:16-CV-779

v.

HON. GORDON J. QUIST

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY,
Defendant.
/
OPINION
This is a social security action brought under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) seeking judicial
review of a final decision by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
(Commissioner) denying Plaintiff’s claim for disability insurance benefits (DIB) and supplemental
security income (SSI) under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. 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.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
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 & Human Servs., 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 Health & Human Servs., 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 evidence in the record fairly detracts from its
weight. See Richardson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 735 F.2d 962, 963 (6th Cir. 1984). The
substantial evidence standard presupposes the existence of a zone within which the decision maker
can properly rule either way, without judicial 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 fifty-one years of age on the date of the ALJ’s decision. (PageID.57,
120, 129.) He completed high school and attended two years of college, but did not obtain a degree.
(PageID.80.) Plaintiff previously was employed as a groundskeeper and as a building maintenance
repairer. (PageID.98–99.) Plaintiff applied for benefits on April 12, 2013, alleging disability
beginning March 1, 2009, due to rectal bleeding and bowel trouble. (PageID.120–121, 129–130,
235–247.) These applications were denied on September 30, 2013, after which Plaintiff requested
a hearing before an ALJ. (PageID.151–194.) On September 11, 2014, Plaintiff appeared with his
counsel before ALJ Michael S. Condon for an administrative hearing at which both Plaintiff and a
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vocational expert (VE) testified. (PageID.75–102.) At the hearing, Plaintiff amended the alleged
onset date to June 25, 2013, the day before his 50th birthday. (PageID.78, 257.) On October 31,
2014, the ALJ issued an unfavorable written decision that concluded Plaintiff was not disabled.
(PageID.57–74.) On April 18, 2016, the Appeals Council declined to review the ALJ’s decision,
making it the Commissioner’s final decision in the matter. (PageID.34–40.) Plaintiff subsequently
initiated this action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
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).1 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
the claimant’s residual functional capacity (RFC). See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545, 416.945.
Plaintiff has the burden of proving the existence and severity of limitations caused
by his impairments and proving that he is precluded from performing past relevant work through
step four. Jones v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 336 F.3d 469, 474 (6th Cir. 2003). At step five, it is the
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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), 416.920(b));

2.

An individual who does not have a “severe impairment” will not be found “disabled” (20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(c) 416.920(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), 416.20(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), 416.920(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), 416.920(f)).

3

Commissioner’s burden “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.
ALJ Condon determined that Plaintiff’s claim failed at step five. At step one, the
ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since his amended alleged
disability onset date. (PageID.62.) At step two, the ALJ found that Plaintiff suffered from the
severe impairments of: (1) diverticulosis/diverticulitis, with history of colon perforation and
surgically removed abscess; (2) hypertension; and (3) chronic anal fissure. (PageID.62.) At step
three, 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 found in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt.
P, App. 1. (PageID.62–63.) At step four, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff retained the RFC based
on all the impairments to perform:
light work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b) except
frequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and
climbing ramps or stairs; occasional climbing of ladders, ropes, or
scaffolds; and requires the option to alternate sitting and standing,
with sitting for 20 minutes then standing for 20 minutes before sitting
again.
(PageID.63.) Continuing with the fourth step, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was unable to
perform any of his past relevant work. (PageID.67.) At the fifth step, the ALJ questioned the VE
to determine whether a significant number of jobs exist in the economy that Plaintiff could perform
given his limitations. See Richardson, 735 F.2d at 964. The VE testified that Plaintiff could
perform work in the following representative jobs: assembler (1,500 regional and 45,000 national
positions), packager (2,500 regional and 170,000 national positions), and officer helper (4,500
regional and 180,000 national positions). (PageID.99–100.) Based on this record, the ALJ found
that Plaintiff was capable of making a successful adjustment to work that exists in significant
numbers in the national economy. (PageID.68.)
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Accordingly, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled from June 26, 2013,
the amended alleged disability onset date, through October 31, 2014, the date of decision.
(PageID.68–69.)
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff identifies four claims in his brief: First, that the ALJ erred in assigning only
little weight to the opinion of his treating physician; second, the ALJ “played doctor” in crafting the
RFC by rejecting the opinion of the treating physician; third, the ALJ violated SSR 96-8p by failing
to provide a narrative discussion or account for his severe limitations in the RFC; and, fourth, that
the ALJ erred by finding Plaintiff’s subjective complaints to be less than fully credible. The Court
will discuss the issues below.
1.

The ALJ Correctly Evaluated the Treating Physician Opinion.

On September 3, 2014, Dr. Jean Thomas completed a Physical Residual Functional
Capacity Questionnaire regarding Plaintiff’s limitations. Among other things, she noted that
Plaintiff was diagnosed with an anal fissure, rectal pain, and constipation. (PageID.475.) Dr.
Thomas assigned him a guarded prognosis. (PageID.475.) When asked to identify the clinical
findings and objective signs in support of her opinion, however, the doctor noted that Plaintiff had
declined a rectal exam for personal reasons, and the doctor demurred to the records of the surgeons
and specialists who had been treating Plaintiff. When asked to describe Plaintiff’s treatment and
response, the doctor noted that Plaintiff had undergone surgery and been prescribed topical and oral
pain medication, but stated “I would direct to [the] above specialists for specifics.” (PageID.475.)
When asked whether Plaintiff’s impairments were “reasonably consistent with the
symptoms and functional limitations described in this evaluation” Dr. Thomas indicated that it was
impossible to answer with certainty. When further asked how long Plaintiff would be off task, and
to what degree Plaintiff could tolerate work stress, Dr. Thomas responded that Plaintiff could be
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expected to be off task twenty-five percent or more of the workday and was incapable of even low
stress jobs. For both of these limitations, the doctor noted that the restrictions were “per patient.”
(PageID.477.)
Dr. Thomas went on to state that Plaintiff could only sit and stand / walk each for less
than two hours total in an eight-hour workday. (PageID.477.) While Plaintiff would not need to be
able to shift positions at will between sitting, standing, or walking, Dr. Thomas noted that this was
only because Plaintiff was comfortable only when he was lying down. Plaintiff also would not need
to take unscheduled breaks during an eight-hour workday, but this was because he could not work
an eight-hour workday. (PageID.477.) Dr. Thomas further noted that Plaintiff was incapable of
lifting and carrying even less than ten pound weights. (PageID.477.) Plaintiff could never twist,
stoop, crouch, and climb ladders or stairs. (PageID.478.)
After summarizing Dr. Thomas’ opinion, the ALJ gave it the following consideration:
[D]espite Dr. Thomas being a treating physician, numerous
inconsistencies with the medical evidence of record limit the weight
given to this opinion. For example, the claimant admitted in his
testimony that he could lift up to 20 pounds, which is in direct
contrast to the opinion of Dr. Thomas. Also, there are numerous
inconsistencies between the opinion and Dr. Thomas’ own treatment
notes. Specifically, the vast majority of Dr. Thomas’ examinations
of the claimant were normal, or at most, contained only limited
findings (Ex 15F).
Moreover, despite [] completing the opinion form, Dr. Thomas
repeatedly stated that she was relying solely on the claimant’s
subjective statements in her completing of the form. Although there
are many examples, just one is a handwritten comment by the doctor
right next to a question about the percentage of the day that the
claimant would be off task. Although the doctor checked the
claimant would be off task 25 percent or more of the time, she
immediately qualified this by writing, “Per patient”. In fact, the
overall lack of any substantive support for her statements is contained
throughout the form comprising the opinion as many other responses
were also qualified by Dr. Thomas with the use of such terms as,
“Patient assertion” and “Per patient report.” (Ex 14F). Dr. Thomas
even replied to the question of whether the claimant’s symptoms
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were “reasonably consistent” [emphasis in original document], to
which she wrote, “Impossible to answer with certainty” (Ex 14F/3).
All such terms greatly erode the foundation of this opinion.
(PageID.66–67.) The gist of Plaintiff’s claim is that the above discussion violates the treating
physician rule. The Court disagrees.
By way of background, the treating physician doctrine recognizes that medical
professionals who have a long history of caring for a claimant and his maladies generally possess
significant insight into his medical condition. See Barker v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 789, 794 (6th Cir.
1994). An ALJ must, therefore, give controlling weight to the opinion of a treating source if: (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.” Gayheart v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 710 F.3d 365, 375–76 (6th Cir. 2013) (quoting 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1527).
Such deference is appropriate, however, only where the particular opinion “is based
upon sufficient medical data.” Miller v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 1991 WL 229979 at *2
(6th Cir., Nov. 7, 1991) (citing Shavers v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 839 F.2d 232, 235 n.1
(6th Cir. 1987)). The ALJ may reject the opinion of a treating physician when the opinion 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, 1991 WL 229979 at *2 (citing Shavers, 839
F.2d at 235 n.1); Cutlip v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 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. Gayheart, 710 F.3d at 376. Such reasons must be
“supported by the evidence in the case record, and must be sufficiently specific to make clear to any
subsequent reviewer the weight the adjudicator gave to the treating source’s medical opinion and
the reasons for that weight.” This requirement “ensures that the ALJ applies the treating physician
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rule and permits meaningful review of the ALJ’s application of the rule.” Id. (quoting Wilson v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 378 F.3d 541, 544 (6th Cir. 2004)). Simply stating that the physician’s
opinions “are not well-supported by any objective findings and are inconsistent with other credible
evidence” is, without more, too “ambiguous” to permit meaningful review of the ALJ’s assessment.
Id. at 376–77.
The ALJ’s observation that Dr. Thomas’s notes generally were normal are well
supported by the record. Dr. Thomas’ physical exam reports repeatedly document normal results
across all areas, with Plaintiff’s abdomen generally being normal with no tenderness. (See, e.g.,
PageID.482, 485, 494.) It is not surprising that these results were normal, however, as Plaintiff’s
complaints centered upon his rectal area. But, as the ALJ correctly noted, Plaintiff never allowed
Dr. Thomas to perform a rectal examination. (PageID.480.)

Plaintiff faults the ALJ for

referencing this fact, but has identified no reversible error. Plaintiff suggests that he did not allow
Dr. Thomas to perform the exam because she was a woman. However, Plaintiff appears to have
undergone a rectal examination on May 5, 2011, with Marcy Adams, a nurse practitioner.
(PageID.397–398.) Regardless of the reason for declining the exam, the fact remains that Dr.
Thomas never personally examined the area of Plaintiff’s body about which he complained. While
it is true that Dr. Thomas was aware that Plaintiff had been referred to specialists, agency regulations
note that “[g]enerally, the more knowledge a treating source has about your impairment(s) the more
weight we will give to the source’s medical opinion.”

20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2)(ii),

416.927(c)(2)(ii). The ALJ correctly questioned Dr. Thomas’ familiarity with Plaintiff’s condition.
Furthermore, the ALJ also appropriately noted that the doctor admitted that a portion of the opinion
was based on Plaintiff’s subjective complaints. See Pasco v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 137 F. App’x
828, 838 (6th Cir. 2005) (holding that the ALJ did not err in discounting a treating physician’s

8

opinion that was based on “the claimant’s subjective statements concerning [claimant’s] own
limitations”).
Finally, Plaintiff contends the ALJ erred in assessing the doctor’s lifting and carrying
limitation. He notes that the doctor said that Plaintiff suffers from incontinence when lifting, and
that the ALJ mischaracterized Plaintiff’s testimony from the hearing. While it is true that Plaintiff
testified he able is to lift and carry only up to twenty pounds, he nonetheless testified that he was
able to lift and carry at least ten pounds. (PageID.86–87.) Dr. Thomas testified that Plaintiff could
not even lift this amount. Thus, the fact remains that Plaintiff admitted at the hearing that his
abilities are greater than those accounted for by Dr. Thomas.
For all the above reasons, the Court finds the ALJ provided good reasons, supported
by substantial evidence, for giving only little weight to Dr. Thomas’ opinions.
2.

The ALJ Did Not “Play Doctor.”

Next, Plaintiff claims that because the ALJ gave little weight to Dr. Thomas’ opinion,
the ALJ impermissibly “played doctor” when crafting the RFC. When determining a claimant’s
RFC, “[i]t is well established that the ALJ may not substitute his medical judgment for that of the
claimant’s physicians.” Brown v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 1:14–CV–236, 2015 WL 1431521, *7
(W.D. Mich. Mar. 27, 2015) (citing Meece v. Barnhart, 192 F. App’x 456, 465 (6th Cir. 2006)); see
Simpson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 344 F. App’x 181, 194 (6th Cir. 2009) (quoting Rohan v. Charter,
98 F.3d 966, 970 (7th Cir. 1996)) (“ALJs must not succumb to the temptation to play doctor and
make their own independent medical findings.”). However, when evaluating the claimant’s RFC,
the ALJ is not required to base his RFC findings entirely on a physician’s opinion. See Rudd v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 531 F. App’x 719, 728 (6th Cir. 2013) (quoting SSR 96–5p) (“[T]o require the
ALJ to base her RFC finding on a physician’s opinion, ‘would, in effect, confer upon the treating

9

source the authority to make the determination or decision about whether an individual is under a
disability, and thus would be an abdication of the Commissioner's statutory responsibility to
determine whether an individual is disabled.’”).
“[A]n ALJ does not improperly assume the role of a medical expert by assessing the
medical and non-medical evidence before rendering a residual functional capacity finding.” Poe v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 342 F. App’x 149, 157 (6th Cir. 2009). It is the ALJ who has the ultimate
responsibility for assessing a claimant’s RFC, based on all of the relevant evidence. See 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1545(a), 416.945(a); Webb v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 368 F.3d 629, 633 (6th Cir. 2004) (“The
ALJ is charged with the responsibility of evaluating the medical evidence and the claimant’s
testimony to form an assessment of [his] residual functional capacity.”) It is not the ALJ’s burden
to seek out medical opinions to prove or disprove a disability claim. Brown v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
602 F. App’x 328, 331 (6th Cir. 2015). Rather, it is Plaintiff’s obligation to provide evidence to
support his claim of disability. 20 C.F.R §§ 404.1512(c), 416.912(c).
Indeed, the ALJ acted squarely within his authority by determining the RFC based
on the objective record and Plaintiff’s testimony. Moreover, even though the ALJ assigned the
opinion little weight, he still had the benefit of Dr. Thomas’ opinion and found impairments
consistent with the doctor’s diagnosis. In sum, “nothing suggests that the ALJ quilted together
solely subjective determinations in fashioning the RFC.” Hernandez v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 644
F. App’x 468, 476 (6th Cir. 2016); see also Ford v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 114 F. App’x 194, 198 (6th
Cir. 2004) (finding substantial evidence supported the RFC when the ALJ failed to adopt the only
capacity opinion in the record); Muscott v. Colvin, No. CV 14-13890, 2015 WL 7248670, at *4
(E.D. Mich. Oct. 29, 2015), report and recommendation adopted sub nom. Muscott v. Comm’r of
Soc. Sec., No. 14-13890, 2016 WL 386432 (E.D. Mich. Feb. 2, 2016) (finding that “after the ALJ

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set forth good reasons for rejecting [the only opinion,] the ALJ did not need to seek out another
physician's opinion”). This claim of error is accordingly denied.
3.

The ALJ’s RFC Analysis Satisfies SSR 96-8p.

Plaintiff further claims that the ALJ failed to follow the narrative discussion
requirement contained in SSR 96–8p by failing to note which evidence supports the RFC.
(PageID.642.) According to SSR 96–8p, the RFC assessment “must include a narrative discussion
describing how the evidence supports each conclusion, citing specific medical facts (e.g., laboratory
findings) and nonmedical evidence (e.g., daily activities, observations).” SSR 96–8p, 1996 WL
374184, at *7 (SSA July 2, 1996). The ALJ must “explain how any material inconsistencies or
ambiguities in the evidence in the case record were considered and resolved,” discuss “why reported
symptom-related functional limitations and restrictions can or cannot reasonably be accepted as
consistent with the medical and other evidence,” “consider and address medical source opinions,”
and “[i]f the RFC assessment conflicts with an opinion from a medical source...explain why the
opinion was not adopted.” Id.
Plaintiff contends there is no discussion by the ALJ concerning how the evidence
supported the RFC. (PageID.553.) This allegation is contradicted by the record. The portion of the
ALJ’s opinion dealing with the RFC assessment spans five pages and includes a summary of
Plaintiff’s testimony, the ALJ’s credibility analysis, a discussion of the medical evidence, and a
summary of the opinion evidence. After discussing these records, the ALJ concluded:
In sum, the above residual functional capacity assessment is
supported by the claimant’s hearing testimony that he could lift up to
20 pounds, which is even more interesting in that he informed his
primary are physician that if he even lifted 10 pounds he experienced
fecal incontinence (Ex 14F and Hearing Testimony). Nevertheless,
the surgery from 2009 and subsequent radiological reports provide a
basis for finding that the claimant is limit[ed] to the light exertional
level based on the known diverticulosis/diverticulitis that only
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occasionally caused some moderate pain (Ex 4F/7). The residual
functional capacity is also supported by a small portion of the
claimant’s testimony that he could stand for 15 to 20 minutes, which
is accommodated in the given residual functional capacity, which
appears somewhat reasonable despite the limited objective support
for such a limitation contained in the record.
(PageID.67.) It appears Plaintiff claims the ALJ should have included a limitation for his fecal
incontinence. (PageID.553.) Prior to the alleged onset date, on September 30, 2011, Dr. Vladimir
Ferrer indicated that Plaintiff’s incontinence was due to lactose intolerance as there was no etiology
on Plaintiff’s last colonoscopy for diarrhea. (PageID.426–427.) On January 1, 2012, it was noted
that Plaintiff had not completely cut out dairy from his diet, but even then he did not complain of
diarrhea. (PageID.402.) On July 19, 2012, it was noted Plaintiff’s symptoms resolved when he
followed a lactose free diet. (PageID.419.) On December 26, 2013, however, he complained of
occasional diarrhea to Dr. Thomas. Plaintiff reported that the diarrhea started after a November 15,
2013, surgery. (PageID.488.) But, as noted above, Plaintiff declined a rectal examination from Dr.
Thomas. The doctor concluded instead that they should “try the colace for a stool softener and only
use miralax if you’re really not going. If this continues let me know and we can consider seeing [a
gastroenterologist].” (PageID.490.) Accordingly, this complaint of incontinence appears to be due
to an overuse of stool softeners or lactose intolerance. While the Court does not doubt that Plaintiff
suffers from periods of incontinence, this record does little to indicate that Plaintiff’s limitations
exceed those accounted for in the RFC. Accordingly, for all the above reasons, this claim is denied.
4.

The ALJ’s Credibility Analysis is Not Supported by Substantial
Evidence.

At the administrative hearing, Plaintiff testified that he was impaired to an extent far
greater than as recognized by the ALJ. The ALJ summarized Plaintiff’s testimony as follows:
At the hearing, the claimant testified that he suffers from constant
pain and bleeding from his rectum. Because of this, he could only sit
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for 15 to 20 minutes at a time before his condition would become
irritating. He added that his prescribed cream numbs the pain, but it
is constantly there. Additionally, he stated he could only stand for
15-20 minutes after which [h]is rectum would start to bleed, throb,
and itch. Similarly, he could not even walk one block because the
friction from walking irritated his condition. He also stated that his
sphincter muscle is unable to be repaired, and that he has to use the
bathroom five to six times a day, but he occasionally has accidents.
The claimant endorsed having these symptoms since he first went to
the hospital for treatment in 2009.
As for his diverticulosis, he testified that he frequently felt as if he
would throw up, and that he suffered from this pain two to three
times each week, during which times it was hard to keep fluid down.
However, he used no medication for the alleged abdominal pain
(Hearing Testimony.)
(PageID.63–64.) The ALJ then proceeded to find that, while Plaintiff’s medically determinable
impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms, Plaintiff’s statements
concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of those symptoms were not entirely
credible, because:
[T]he level of chronic pain and discomfort to which the claimant
alleged is not supported by the record. In just one example, when the
claimant met with a specialist at the University of Michigan in July
2013, he admitted he was in absolutely no pain (Ex 7F).
Furthermore, he testified that he could lift up to 20 pounds (Hearing
Testimony).
Additionally, his statements are inconsistent with the primary care
notes documenting no such frequency of symptoms to those alleged
in the claimant’s testimony. Other than some general complaints of
pain, the objective evidence routinely offered little support to the
claimant’s allegations, especially noting that many physical
examinations were normal (Ex. 15F).
Startlingly, the claimant testified that not only had he sought work,
he had been offered multiple jobs. However, he went on to state that
he was unable to perform any work. These statements are completely
inconsistent. One problem is that the claimant could not determine
that he would be unable to perform the jobs that were offered to him
since he did not accept them. But even then, the mere fact he was
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actively applying for work showed his belief that he could perform
some type of work. Overall, given the claimant sought employment
and was offered jobs which he then declined, showed that he believed
he was able of performing work activity but was looking for a job
that fit his desires. This greatly reduces his credibility.
When initially asked what he did during the day, he replied,
“nothing.” However, he then went on to admit he cleaned, washed
dishes, cooked, and that he went grocery shopping, though he
indicated this was limited because he could not stand long. Morever,
he changed positions throughout the day, but he spent much of his
time lying down throughout the day.
(PageID.64.) Plaintiff contends the ALJ’s analysis is not supported by substantial evidence. The
Court agrees.
As the Sixth Circuit has long recognized, “pain alone, if the result of a medical
impairment, may be severe enough to constitute disability.” King v. Heckler, 742 F.2d 968, 974 (6th
Cir. 1984); see also Grecol v. Halter, 46 F. App’x 773, 775 (6th Cir. 2002). As the relevant Social
Security regulations make clear, however, a claimant’s “statements about [his] pain or other
symptoms will not alone establish that [he is] disabled.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(a), 416.929(a); see
also Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127 F.3d 525, 531 (6th Cir. 1997) (quoting 20 C.F.R. §
404.1529(a)); Hash v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 309 F. App’x 981, 989 (6th Cir. 2009). Instead, a
claimant’s assertions of disabling pain and limitation are evaluated under the following standard:
First, we examine whether there is objective medical evidence of an
underlying medical condition. If there is, we then examine: (1)
whether objective medical evidence confirms the severity of the
alleged pain arising from the condition; or (2) whether the objectively
established medical condition is of such a severity that it can
reasonably be expected to produce the alleged disabling pain.
Walters, 127 F.3d at 531 (citations omitted). This standard is often referred to as the Duncan
standard. See Workman v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 105 F. App’x 794, 801 (6th Cir. 2004).
Accordingly, “subjective complaints may support a finding of disability only where
objective medical evidence confirms the severity of the alleged symptoms.” Id. (citing Blankenship
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v. Bowen, 874 F.2d 1116, 1123 (6th Cir. 1989)). However, where the objective medical evidence
fails to confirm the severity of a claimant’s subjective allegations, the ALJ “has the power and
discretion to weigh all of the evidence and to resolve the significant conflicts in the administrative
record.” Id. (citing Walters, 127 F.3d at 531).
In this respect, it is recognized that the ALJ’s credibility assessment “must be
accorded great weight and deference.” Id. (citing Walters, 127 F.3d at 531); see also Heston v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 245 F.3d 528, 536 (6th Cir. 2001) (quoting Myers v. Richardson, 471 F.2d
1265, 1267 (6th Cir. 1972) (“It [i]s for the [Commissioner] and his examiner, as the fact-finders, to
pass upon the credibility of the witnesses and weigh and evaluate their testimony.”)). It is not for
this Court to reevaluate such evidence anew, and so long as the ALJ’s determination is supported
by substantial evidence, it must stand. The ALJ found Plaintiff’s subjective allegations to not be
fully credible, a finding that should not be lightly disregarded. See Varley v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 820 F.2d 777, 780 (6th Cir. 1987). In fact, as the Sixth Circuit has stated, “[w]e have
held that an administrative law judge’s credibility findings are virtually unchallengeable.” Ritchie
v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 540 F. App’x 508, 511 (6th Cir. 2013) (citation omitted).
The ALJ’s discussion overstates Plaintiff’s testimony. At the hearing, for example,
the ALJ asked Plaintiff how much he thought he could lift. Plaintiff responded that he could
probably lift a garbage bag or a little bag of groceries, though not as much as he used to. When
asked whether that was ten pounds or less, Plaintiff responded that “Yes, about 10, 20 pounds. I
don’t even think 20.” (PageID.86–87.) While Plaintiff clearly admitted here that he was capable
of lifting more than as found by Dr. Thomas, the record does not support the ALJ’s conclusion that
Plaintiff could lift up to twenty pounds.

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In support of his assertion that the objective evidence routinely offered little support
to the claimant’s allegations, the ALJ cited Dr. Thomas’ records. However, Dr. Thomas never
performed a rectal examination on Plaintiff. Other records, on the other hand, do seem to provide
support for Plaintiff’s complaints, contrary to the ALJ’s characterization of the objective record.
For example, when Plaintiff visited Dr. Richard E Burney, M.D., on July 30, 2013 (the month after
his alleged onset date), Plaintiff reported continuous and severe pain deep inside of the anal canal.
(PageID.448.) Though he was not in pain on that date, he admitted that he did experience occasional
pain free intervals. (Id.) A rectal examination was conducted and revealed evidence of an anal
fissure. Dr. Burney believed that Plaintiff’s pain was likely due to muscle contraction or spasm, and
suggested ointment or botox injections to treat the pain. (PageID.448.) Thus, it is not the case
without objective support for Plaintiff’s complaints.
The ALJ also overstates Plaintiff’s testimony regarding his employment search. The
ALJ stated that at the hearing Plaintiff admitted he sought work. Plaintiff’s testimony, however,
points the other way:
Q.

Okay. All right. Have you looked for work at all since 2013?

A.

I, I haven’t. I’ve had job offers, but I can’t work because I
cannot stand, I can’t, I’m always constantly using the
restroom, I have to lay down, I can’t, there’s nothing that I
can do.

Q.

Tell me about some of the jobs that were offered to you.

A.

Oh driving, I could do security, landscaping, maintenance.

Q.

So even jobs that perhaps that require you to sit, you still
can’t do that as well, correct?

A.

No.

(PageID.94.) Plaintiff’s testimony is clear that he has not looked for work. Some jobs may have
been offered to him, but there are numerous scenarios under which those jobs could have been
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offered without Plaintiff’s initiative. Given Plaintiff’s literal denial that he sought work, the ALJ’s
statement that Plaintiff was actively seeking work is not supported by substantial evidence.
The final reason for discounting Plaintiff’s credibility appears to be his daily
activities. But it is unclear how the ALJ used this testimony. If the ALJ believed such activities
undercut Plaintiff’s allegations, he did not explain how they did. If the ALJ discounted Plaintiff’s
credibility because it was inconsistent–first claiming he did nothing in a typical day and then
admitting to certainly activities–such a determination is unreasonable on the record. Plaintiff’s
answer clearly was meant to be taken in a non-literal sense, as it was immediately followed up with
the activities that were recorded by the ALJ. (PageID.90.)
In sum, the Court concludes that none of the reasons offered by the ALJ for
discounting Plaintiff’s credibility is supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, this matter will
be reversed and remanded pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) for further evaluation of
Plaintiff’s credibility.
5.

Remand is Appropriate.

While the Court finds that the ALJ’s decision fails to comply with the relevant legal
standards, Plaintiff can be awarded benefits only if “all essential factual issues have been resolved”
and “the record adequately establishes [his] entitlement to benefits.” Faucher v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 17 F.3d 171, 176 (6th Cir. 1994); see also Brooks v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 531 F.
App’x 636, 644 (6th Cir. 2013). This latter requirement is satisfied “where the proof of disability
is overwhelming or where proof of disability is strong and evidence to the contrary is lacking.”
Faucher, 17 F.3d at 176; see also Brooks, 531 F. App’x at 644. Evaluation of Plaintiff’s claim
requires the resolution of certain factual disputes which this Court is neither competent nor
authorized to undertake in the first instance. Moreover, there is no compelling evidence that
Plaintiff is disabled. Accordingly, this matter must be remanded for further administrative action.
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CONCLUSION
For the reasons articulated herein, the Court concludes that the ALJ’s decision is not
supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, the Commissioner’s decision is VACATED and
the matter REMANDED for further factual findings including, but not necessarily limited to, further
evaluation of Plaintiff’s credibility, pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
A separate judgment shall issue.

Dated: June 21, 2017

/s/ Gordon J. Quist
GORDON J. QUIST
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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