Torrez v. Social Security Administration
Filing
18
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER re: 16 SOCIAL SECURITY REPLY BRIEF filed by Plaintiff Ginger Kay Torrez, 14 SOCIAL SECURITY BRIEF filed by Plaintiff Ginger Kay Torrez, 15 SOCIAL SECURITY CROSS BRIEF re 14 SOCIAL SECURITY BRIEF filed by Defendant Kilolo Kijakazi. For the reasons set forth, the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security is affirmed. An appropriate Judgment Order is issued herewith. Signed by Magistrate Judge David D. Noce on 7/14/21. (CSG)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION
GINGER KAY TORREZ,
Plaintiff,
v.
)
)
)
)
)
)
No. 1:20 CV 52 DDN
KILOLO KIJAKAZI,
)
1
Acting Commissioner of Social Security, )
)
Defendant.
)
MEMORANDUM
This action is before the Court for judicial review of the final decision of the Commissioner
of Social Security denying the applications of plaintiff Ginger Kay Torrez for disability insurance
benefits and supplemental security income benefits under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security
Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 401-434, 1381-1385. The parties have consented to the exercise of plenary
authority by the undersigned United States Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). For
the reasons set forth below, the final decision of the Commissioner is affirmed.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff was born on February 18, 1970, and was 46 years old on December 20, 2016, the
alleged disability onset date. (Tr. 157). She filed her applications on June 20, 2017, alleging
disability due to fibromyalgia, migraines, depression, trigeminal neuralgia, attention deficit
disorder, “cell” of the right thyroid, anxiety disorder, myalgia and myositis, sleep disorder, spinal
stenosis, chronic fatigue, lower extremity edema, balance impairment and coordination problems,
memory loss, recurrent falls, chronic pain, narcolepsy, cervical spondylosis, paresthesia numbness,
tingling in both arms and hands, chronic pain in both knees, cervical kyphosis, chronic migraine
and cephalgia, arthralgia and joint pain, confusion, shortness of breath with exertion, arthritis,
chronic right shoulder pain, vision impairment, chronic widespread pain, cervical pain, obesity,
Kilolo Kijakazi became the Acting Commissioner of Social Security on July 9, 2021.
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 43(c)(2), Kilolo Kijakazi is substituted
for Andrew Saul as defendant in this action. No further action is needed for this action to
continue. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (last sentence).
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and neuropathy. (Tr. 10, 63-64). Her applications were denied and she requested a hearing before
an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). (Tr. 91-97).
On July 24, 2019, following a hearing, the ALJ issued a decision finding that plaintiff was
not disabled under the Social Security Act. (Tr. 10-28). The Appeals Council denied review of
that decision. (Tr. 1-6). Thus, the decision of the ALJ stands as the final decision of the
Commissioner.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
The following is a summary of plaintiff Ginger Kay Torrez’s medical and other history
relevant to her appeal.
On December 27, 2016, plaintiff reported to Madison Medical Center with complaints of
slurred speech and right arm pain and numbness after having an episode while in the car where
she became disoriented for fifteen minutes. (Tr. 438-41, 917-20.)
A December 27, 2016 head CT scan was performed on plaintiff due to slurred speech. The
results of this CT scan were normal with no acute intracranial findings. (Tr. 790.)
On December 28, 2016, plaintiff had X-rays taken of her cervical spine and right shoulder.
The cervical spine X-ray showed no evidence of fracture or displacement, and no significant
degenerative changes were identified. (Tr. 923.) The right shoulder X-ray showed no acute
fracture or dislocation, and no bony abnormality. (Tr. 924.)
On January 12, 2017, plaintiff saw Eric K. Davis, D.O., plaintiff’s treating physician,
complaining of right knee pain with swelling and decreased range of motion. Her knee was drained
and 14cc of serous material were removed. (Tr. 925-27.)
On January 20, 2017, an MRI of plaintiff’s right knee showed a medial meniscus tear, small
right knee effusion, and swelling. Minimal right knee degenerative arthritis was seen. (Tr. 92830.)
On January 30, 2017, plaintiff saw Joseph Byrne, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon, for the
right knee meniscus tear. Plaintiff stated she injured her right knee on December 20, 2016, when
a car ran into her father’s house and she later fell going back inside to get her father’s medications.
Plaintiff wished to proceed with surgery on her right knee. (Tr. 271-73.)
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On February 16, 2017, plaintiff underwent a right knee arthroscopic partial medial
meniscectomy. (Tr. 274-76.) Post-surgery visits with Dr. Byrne indicated plaintiff’s right knee
was improving. (Tr. 274-76, 290-92.)
A March 10, 2017 an MRI of plaintiff’s cervical spine revealed mild cervical spondylosis
resulting in mild narrowing of the central canal at C5-C6. Mild to moderate foraminal stenosis
and joint degeneration were observed at C5-C6 and C6-C7.
There was no evidence of
demyelination or central canal stenosis. (Tr. 856-57.)
On March 10, 2017, a brain MRI showed a small nonspecific T2 high signal which was
possibly related to her migraine headaches as opposed to early microvascular ischemic changes.
Aside from that, the MRI of the brain was within normal limits. (Tr. 858-59.)
On March 14, 2017, plaintiff saw Dr. Davis to discuss the recent MRIs. Dr. Davis noted
that plaintiff was going to follow up with Dr. Byrne. Plaintiff asked to be released back to work,
which Dr. Byrne believed would help her anxiety, depression, and stress. (Tr. 448-50.)
On March 24, 2017, plaintiff visited Madison Medical Center and saw Dr. Davis with
complaints of “pain.” A fibromyalgia flare caused her pain and anxiety to increase. She was
crying, very nervous, and anxious in the office. She did not feel she could return to work parttime on March 31, 2017. Plaintiff also had right shoulder pain and an MRI was scheduled. (Tr.
456-58, 961-63.)
Also, on March 24, 2017, plaintiff saw Dr. Byrne regarding her right knee meniscus
surgery. Plaintiff reported she still had many other complaints, including head, neck, and total
body pain. She became very emotional and started crying in the room. Despite this, Dr. Byrne
reported that plaintiff is able to return to sit-down work at that time. (Tr. 469.)
A March 24, 2017 MRI of plaintiff’s right shoulder indicated a rotator cuff tear, edema,
degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint, and muscle atrophy. (Tr. 854-55.)
On April 3, 2017, plaintiff again saw Dr. Byrne, this time with complaints of her right
shoulder pain, which extended into her neck. Plaintiff stated this injury was caused by the
December 20, 2016 incident that caused her right knee medial meniscus tear. She received a
steroid injection to her right shoulder to help with the pain. (Tr. 286-88.)
On May 4, 2017, plaintiff underwent surgery on her right shoulder to repair her torn rotator
cuff. (Tr. 293-95.) Follow up visits with Dr. Byrne indicated that plaintiff’s right shoulder was
much improved with only occasional discomfort. (Tr. 296-98, 315-17.)
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On June 19, 2017, plaintiff had a follow up visit with Dr. Byrne after her right shoulder
surgery. Dr. Byrne cleared plaintiff to return to work with four-hour workdays for the first two
weeks, then transitioning back to full shifts. It was noted that plaintiff understood and agreed with
this return to work plan. (Tr. 315-17.)
On July 14, 2017, plaintiff visited the Madison Medical Center emergency room with
swollen legs and reported a history a chronic fibromyalgia, chronic neck pain, general chronic
stress, and blood pressure elevation. Documentation from this visit noted plaintiff was “very
vague” about her continuous treatment with Dr. Davis and she was “easily agitated/frustrated with
trying to say what her concerns actually are.” Plaintiff did not have any new concerns and just
stated she “can’t continue to live like this. Despite this, plaintiff still exhibited 5/5 leg strength
bilaterally. (Tr. 424-27, 983-86.)
On July 20, 2017, plaintiff saw Dr. Davis with issues continuing to work due to progressive
worsening of symptoms. Plaintiff stated her O2 SATs drop to 89% when she is walking, but are
okay at 96% when she is inactive. (Tr. 991.) She also stated her fibromyalgia is bothering her
more and more. Id. Dr. Davis made noted that the stress of her health precludes plaintiff’s ability
to be gainfully employed and he recommended she stop working. (Tr. 994-95.)
On August 25, 2017, plaintiff had a three month follow up visit with Dr. Byrne after her
right shoulder surgery. Dr. Byrne stated that plaintiff was doing well, had no complaints of pain
in her right shoulder, had full strength and range of motion, and can return to all activities. (Tr.
996.)
On November 14, 2017, plaintiff saw Dr. Davis to discuss her health problems. Dr. Davis
noted plaintiff was in obvious pain while trying to work. He noted her symptoms are gradually
progressing and does not believe there will be improvement. (Tr. 1120-22.)
On January 11, 2018, plaintiff saw Barry Burchett, M.D., for an internal medicine
examination. Dr. Burchett noted that plaintiff walked into the room using a walker, although it
did not seem necessary. She walked with normal gait and appeared stable when standing and
comfortable lying down and sitting. Plaintiff’s appearance, orientation, and thinking seemed
appropriate. Her mood seemed depressed as she was tearful through much of the examination.
Her lower extremity muscle strength was rated 5/5 bilaterally with good effort. (Tr. 1017-22.)
An October 12, 2018, cervical MRI revealed extensive C5 and C6 edema with foraminal
stenosis from a spur and small extrusion. The MRI also showed right C6-C7 neural foraminal
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stenosis from a spur. He noted the edema is new and the spurring is more prominent than previous
examinations. (Tr. 1091-97.) A physician review of the MRI reported stable degenerative disc
disease at C5-C6 and C6-C7 due to cervical spondylosis. The report stated that the majority of
plaintiff’s pain is due to fibromyalgia. (Tr. 1098-1100.)
From November 2018 through April 2019, plaintiff received pain management treatment
at Advanced Pain Center.
(Tr. 1026-58.) Plaintiff failed to respond to conservative pain
management and received several pain injections that provided temporary pain relief. Id.
On January 2, 2019, plaintiff saw Brian C. Schafer, M.D., an orthopedist, with complaints
of right knee pain. Dr. Schafer believed her right knee showed primary osteoarthritis. (Tr. 10681069.) Plaintiff received a cortisone injection in her knee to help with the symptoms. Id.
On March 6, 2019, plaintiff saw Dr. Schafer for her right knee osteoarthritis because her
right knee pain had returned after the January injection. Dr. Schafer noted plaintiff’s physical
exam showed the ability to stand and walk with stable symmetric gait and good lower extremity
strength. (Tr. 1074-77.)
On April 29, 2019, plaintiff saw John R. Fitz, M.D., an ophthalmologist, with complaints
of double vision. Both eyes showed diplopia (double vision), dry eye syndrome, and nuclear
cataracts. Both lower eyelids were inflamed. (Tr. 1061-64.)
On May 6, 2019, plaintiff saw Dr. Davis for multiple issues, including fibromyalgia, neck
pain, low back pain, right knee pain, and memory issues. Dr. Davis noted plaintiff has difficulty
completing activities of daily living due to pain and fatigue. (Tr. 1236-40.)
ALJ Hearing
On June 26, 2019, plaintiff appeared and testified to the following at a hearing before an
ALJ. (Tr. 29-62.) She lives at home with her fiancé to whom she has been engaged to for around
ten years. (Tr. 49.) She last worked as a respiratory technician, a position that she held for a
number of years. (Tr. 34.) She left this job in December 2016 because her pain caused her blood
pressure to elevate, breaking out in sweat, double vision, and an inability to move throughout the
hospital. (Tr. 37-39.) As a respiratory technician, she completed tasks such as preparing and
setting up for EKGs, reviewing insurance, and getting water for patients. (Tr. 35-36.) She has
been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, double/blurry vision, carpal tunnel, back issues, fatigue, sleep
apnea, migraines. (Tr. 32-33, 39-41.) She does not drive and has not driven for over two years
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because of her blurry vision. (Tr. 43.) Plaintiff testified that her symptoms are currently much
worse than they were when she stopped working in December 2016. (Tr. 39.)
Plaintiff spends a lot of time during the day sitting and lying down to manage her pain.
(Tr. 42.) She has to lay down constantly because of her pain. (Tr. 51-52.) Due to her inactivity,
she has gained nearly 100 pounds in the last year. (Tr. 47-48.) She makes breakfast in the morning,
does dishes, and also tries to take a shower every day. (Tr. 42-43, 48.) Due to her pain, she does
not get out and about for any recreational hobbies or to run any daily errands. (Tr. 49-50.) Plaintiff
claims she is unable to walk very far because of the pain and she struggles when lifting anything
that weighs more than a few pounds. (Tr. 44-47.)
A vocational expert (VE) testified at the hearing. After review of plaintiff’s information,
the VE classified her as a respiratory technician and as a cardiac monitor technician. (Tr. 54-55.)
The VE believed that plaintiff could not return to her past work as a respiratory technician. (Tr.
56-57.) While the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) indicated that plaintiff could return to
work as a cardiac monitor technician, the VE testified she did not think that was realistically
possible. (Tr. 56-57.) The VE testified that while she did not believe plaintiff could return to her
prior occupations, she could work as a document preparer, a telephone quotation clerk, and a food
and beverage order clerk. (Tr. 60-61.)
DECISION OF THE ALJ
On July 24, 2019, the ALJ issued a decision finding that plaintiff was not disabled. (Tr. 728.) At Step One, the ALJ found plaintiff had not performed substantial gainful activity since her
December 20, 2016 alleged onset date. (Tr. 12-13.) At Step Two, the ALJ found that plaintiff had
the severe impairments of migraines, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, residuals of right
rotator cuff repair, hypertension, anxiety disorder, degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine,
fibromyalgia, and obesity. (Tr. 13-14.) However, at Step Three, the ALJ found that plaintiff did
not have an impairment or combination of impairments listed in or medically equal to one
contained in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. (Tr. 14-15.)
At Step Four, the ALJ determined that plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity
(RFC) to perform sedentary work as defined in the regulations, except that she is able to perform
work that requires no more than occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, with no
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more than moderate background noise in her work environment. (Tr. 15-16.) With this RFC, the
ALJ found plaintiff could not perform her past relevant work. (Tr. 22.)
Relying on vocational expert testimony, the ALJ concluded that plaintiff’s impairments
would not preclude her from performing other work that exists in significant numbers in the
national economy, such as a document preparer and a telephone quotation clerk. (Tr. 23.)
Consequently, the ALJ found that plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act. (Tr.
24.)
GENERAL LEGAL PRINCIPLES
The Court’s role on judicial review of the Commissioner’s decision is to determine whether
the Commissioner’s findings applied the relevant legal standards to facts that are supported by
substantial evidence in the record as a whole. Pate-Fires v. Astrue, 564 F.3d 935, 942 (8th Cir.
2009). “Substantial evidence is less than a preponderance, but is enough that a reasonable mind
would find it adequate to support the Commissioner’s conclusion.” Id. In determining whether
the evidence is substantial, the Court considers evidence that both supports and detracts from the
Commissioner’s decision. Id. As long as substantial evidence supports the decision, the Court
may not reverse it merely because substantial evidence exists in the record that would support a
contrary outcome or because the Court would have decided the case differently. See Krogmeier
v. Barnhart, 294 F.3d 1019, 1022 (8th Cir. 2002).
To be entitled to disability benefits, a claimant must prove she is unable to perform any
substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that
would either result in death or which has lasted or could be expected to last for at least 12
consecutive months. 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(a)(1)(D), (d)(1)(A); Pate-Fires, 564 F.3d at 942. A fivestep regulatory framework is used to determine whether an individual is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1520(a)(4); see also Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-142 (1987) (describing the five-step
process).
Steps One through Three require the claimant to prove: (1) she is not currently engaged in
substantial gainful activity; (2) she suffers from a severe impairment; and (3) her condition meets
or equals a listed impairment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(iii). If the claimant does not suffer
from a listed impairment or its equivalent, the Commissioner’s analysis proceeds to Steps Four
and Five. Step Four requires the Commissioner to consider whether the claimant retains the RFC
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to perform past relevant work (PRW). Id. at § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). The claimant bears the burden
of demonstrating she is no longer able to return to her PRW. Pate-Fires, 564 F.3d at 942. If the
Commissioner determines the claimant cannot return to her PRW, the burden shifts to the
Commissioner at Step Five to show the claimant retains the RFC to perform other work that exists
in significant numbers in the national economy. Id.; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v).
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff argues the ALJ erred in failing to give more persuasive weight to plaintiff’s
treating physician, in contrast to physicians who treated plaintiff less frequently, and that the ALJ
instead relied on “common sense.” She also argues that the ALJ erred by not properly considering
whether plaintiff was limited to less than the full range of sedentary work.
A.
Weight of Medical Evidence
Plaintiff argues the ALJ erred by failing to find the opinion of Dr. Davis, her treating
physician for eleven years, more persuasive than the opinions of Dr. Byrne and Dr. Burchett, who
only provided treatment to plaintiff a handful of times, in determining her RFC. She argues that
the opinion of a treating physician is entitled to “greater weight” and “special deference” under the
Social Security regulations. She further argues that Dr. Davis was able to watch her at work for
the past eleven years and thus he is better able to provide an opinion as to plaintiff’s RFC. Finally,
plaintiff claims Dr. Davis’ opinion is entitled to greater weight because it was consistent
throughout and was based on significant medical treatment and tests, with the record containing
970 pages of medical evidence.
The Court disagrees. Plaintiff’s argument is based on 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2), which
provides that more weight is given to treating physicians since they can provide a more detailed,
longitudinal picture of the medical impairments. However, the regulation plaintiff invoked, 20
C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2), applies to claims filed before March 27, 2017. For claims filed after
March 27, 2017, 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c applies. Plaintiff’s claim was filed on June 20, 2017.
Thus, the new regulations apply for considering the proper weight to physician opinions.
The new regulations do not require additional weight be given to a treating physician’s
opinion. Instead, for claims filed after March 27, 2017, the agency “will not defer or give any
specific evidentiary weight, including controlling weight, to any medical opinion(s) or prior
administrative medical finding(s), including those from [the claimant’s] medical sources.” 20
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C.F.R. § 404.1520c(a). Rather, the ALJ is to consider factors in determining how persuasive to
find medical opinions and prior administrative medical findings. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c(b). The
two most important factors an ALJ must consider in evaluating a medical opinion are
supportability and consistency. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c(b)(2). Additional factors that an ALJ may,
but are not required to, consider in evaluating a medical opinion are the relationship with the
claimant, the length of the treatment relationship, the frequency of examinations, the purpose of
the treatment relationship, the extent of the treatment relationship, the examining relationship,
specialization, and additional factors that tend to support or contradict a medical opinion or prior
administrative medical finding. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c(c)(3)-(5).
The ALJ evaluated the medical opinions of Dr. Davis and Dr. Byrne. The ALJ reviewed
all the records and opinion of Dr. Davis and concluded that his medical opinions were “not
persuasive.” This conclusion was based on two reasons. First, the ALJ found that Dr. Davis’s
opinions do not state what plaintiff is still able to do and merely recite her symptoms. (Tr. 21.)
Dr. Davis stated that plaintiff was unable to work, but the treatment records do not reflect
limitations severe enough to warrant this finding. (Tr. 21.) Second, some of the physical exam
findings noted by Dr. Davis subsequent to his opinions were within mostly normal limits. (Tr.
21.) On the other hand, the ALJ found Dr. Byrne’s opinions to be persuasive and consistent with
other evidence located in the record that noted plaintiff’s lack of significant limitations. (Tr. 21.)
In accordance with the standard set forth in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c(b)(2), the ALJ
determined that Dr. Byrne’s opinion was consistent with the other evidence throughout the medical
records that supported the opinion that plaintiff lacked significant limitations. On the other hand,
the ALJ found that Dr. Davis’s opinion was inconsistent and not supported by additional treatment
records. The ALJ properly considered the factors of supportability and consistency as required by
20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c(b)(2). The ALJ’s decision whether or not to lend weight to the fact that
Dr. Davis was plaintiff’s treating physician was discretionary. Viewed in its entirety, the ALJ’s
analysis of the entire record in determining the persuasiveness of Dr. Byrne’s opinions and lack of
persuasiveness of Dr. Davis’s opinions is supported by substantial evidence.
Further, plaintiff argues that the ALJ’s decision was based on the ALJ’s exercise of his
“common sense” because the ALJ stated “the claimant gave the impression that she does virtually
nothing during the day other than lie down with pillows strategically placed around her body. That
may be so, but it is more likely than not, that she could perform sedentary work if she chose to do
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so.” (Tr. 21.) Plaintiff further argues the ALJ admitted the medical evidence was sufficient to
support that her impairments could cause her symptoms when it was stated that “[a]fter careful
consideration of the evidence, the undersigned finds that the claimant’s medically determinable
impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms….” (Tr. 17.) However,
the remainder of the ALJ’s statement provides “the claimant’s statements concerning the intensity,
persistence, and limiting effects of these symptoms are not entirely consistent with the medical
evidence and other evidence in the record for the reasons explained in this decision.” (Tr. 17.)
Plaintiff’s argument that the ALJ’s decision was based solely on common sense is without merit.
The ALJ spent pages of the opinion discussing plaintiff’s medical history and medical records,
plaintiff’s testimony at the ALJ hearing, and the opinions of Dr. Davis and Dr. Byrne. (Tr. 17-21.)
The ALJ provided ample support for the decision reached, and there is no indication that the
decision as a whole was based on the ALJ’s exercise of his “common sense.”
In sum, the ALJ acted properly in determining the persuasiveness of the physicians’
opinions and considering all evidence in reaching the decision. The ALJ’s decision is supported
by substantial evidence.
B.
Plaintiff’s Capacity to Perform Sedentary Work
Plaintiff next argues that the ALJ erred at Step Five in not properly considering whether
plaintiff was limited to less than the full range of sedentary work. If so limited, plaintiff argues,
there are no jobs in the national economy that she can do.
Plaintiff’s argument appears to misunderstand the ALJ’s opinion. The ALJ stated that “the
claimant’s ability to perform all or substantially all of the requirements of [the full range of
sedentary work] has been impeded by additional limitations.” (Tr. 23.) In order to ascertain which
limitations “erode the unskilled sedentary occupational base,” the ALJ elicited testimony from a
vocational expert (VE) at the hearing to determine whether jobs exist in the national economy for
someone with plaintiff’s age, education, work experience, and RFC. (Tr. 23.) The ALJ previously
determined that plaintiff was able to perform a reduced amount of sedentary level work,
specifically “work that requires no more than occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and
crawling; and no more than moderate background noise in her work environment.” (Tr. 15-16.)
This RFC contained limitations from the normal level of sedentary work, which generally requires
listing no more than ten pounds, standing or walking no more than two hours in an eight hour day,
and sitting six hours in an eight hour day. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a), 416.967(a).
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Given this limited range of sedentary work, the ALJ posed a hypothetical question to the
VE consistent with the RFC finding. (Tr. 60-61.) The VE testified that a person with this RFC
could perform the occupations of document preparer, telephone quotation clerk, and food and
beverage clerk per the DOT. (Tr. 60-61.) However, the VE also testified that despite plaintiff
falling in the DOT for these three occupations, a situation where plaintiff would have to switch
positions every thirty minutes would preclude the employment. Despite this testimony, the ALJ
acted properly in considering the VE’s testimony that plaintiff falls under the DOT categories for
these three occupations. As defendant pointed out in its brief, “[testimony] from a VE based on a
properly phrased hypothetical question constitutes substantial evidence.” Milam v. Colvin, 794
F.3d 978, 985-86 (8th Cir. 2015). The ALJ’s opinion summarized the RFC of plaintiff; thus the
ALJ’s decision is supported by substantial evidence since the VE testified that based on the ALJ’s
hypothetical, plaintiff could perform three different occupations available in the national economy.
For these reasons, the Court concludes the ALJ did not err and properly considered whether
plaintiff was limited to less than the full range of sedentary work.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security is
affirmed. An appropriate Judgment Order is issued herewith
/s/ David D. Noce
j
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Signed on July 14, 2021.
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