Watson v. Berryhill
Filing
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MEMORANDUM re: 18 SOCIAL SECURITY BRIEF filed by Plaintiff Terry G. Watson ; For the reasons set forth above, the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security is affirmed. An appropriate Judgment Order is issued herewith.. Signed by Magistrate Judge David D. Noce on 9/18/18. (KKS)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
NORTHERN DIVISION
TERRY G. WATSON,
Plaintiff,
v.
NANCY A. BERRYHILL,
Deputy Commissioner of Operations,
Social Security Administration,
Defendant.
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No. 2:17 CV 20 DDN
MEMORANDUM
This action is before the court for judicial review of the final decision of the
Commissioner of Social Security finding that plaintiff Terry G. Watson is not disabled
and, thus, not entitled to Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) under Title II of the Social
Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 401-434. 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 decision of the Commissioner is
affirmed.
I.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff was born on October 24, 1969. (Tr. 1998). Plaintiff filed an application
for DIB on October 28, 2015, alleging an onset date of July 28, 2012. (Tr. 1998).
Plaintiff claims that he suffers from chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and
depression; radiculopathy, right lower extremity; total left knee replacement; quadriceps
tendon muscle tear residuals including atrophy; left lower extremity radiculopathy and
sciatica; osteoarthritis of the right knee; muscle pain tendon tie up; bursitis of the right
and left shoulders; degenerative disc disease; spondylosis with myelopathy; and
sacroiliitis. (Tr. 2034-35). Plaintiff’s application was denied on March 3, 2016, and he
requested a hearing before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”). (Tr. 2053, 2057). A
hearing was held in October 2016, where plaintiff, a vocational expert (“VE”), and a
witness testified. (Tr. 1987-2033). By decision dated November 4, 2016, the ALJ found
that plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act. (Tr. 38-57). The ALJ
determined that plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to perform
jobs available in significant numbers in the national economy. Id.
On March 8, 2017, the Appeals Council of the Social Security Administration
denied plaintiff’s request for review of the ALJ’s decision, making the ALJ’s decision the
final decision of the Commissioner to be reviewed in this case. (Tr. 1-5). Plaintiff argues
that the ALJ’s decision is not supported by substantial evidence. (Doc. 18). He asks for
judicial review of the ALJ’s decision and for entry of whatever judgment may be proper,
including costs. (Doc. 1). He also seeks nominal damages in the amount of $1.00 and an
injunction that defendant not discriminate against veterans. (Doc. 18 at 8).
A.
Medical Record and Evidentiary Hearing
To be entitled to DIB, plaintiff has the burden to show disability after his alleged
onset date but prior to the expiration of his insured status on December 31, 2017. (Tr.
2034). See 20 C.F.R. § 404.130; Moore v. Astrue, 572 F.3d 520, 522 (8th Cir. 2009).
Although plaintiff has submitted decades of medical records, the only records relevant to
the inquiry before this Court are those detailing plaintiff’s impairments between July 28,
2012 and December 31, 2017.
To place plaintiff’s impairments in context, however, some background
information is useful: plaintiff served in the United States Army from 1988 to 1993. (Tr.
2001). In the early 1990s, he fell to the ground from a two-story Army building, and he
has had long-term side effects related to the resulting injuries. (Tr. 26, 396, 1318, 1636).
The Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) considers plaintiff to be “totally and
permanently disabled due solely to [his] service-connected disabilities.” (Tr. 2100). In
2009, plaintiff had a total replacement of his left knee, and while recovering he slipped
and fell, tearing his left quadriceps tendon and requiring additional surgery. (Tr. 2540).
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Plaintiff was incarcerated in February 2012, and his treatment since his July 28,
2012 alleged onset date shows that he has a “steady gait” (Aug. 9, 2012, Tr. 2435; Jan.
16, 2013, Tr. 2457; Sep. 3, 2015, Tr. 3038; Dec. 16, 2015, Tr. 3103); “full range of
motion” with some joint pain in his right knee and left leg (July 26, 2012, Tr. 2431);
“good ability” to perform physical therapy exercises (Jun. 15, 2013, Tr. 2962); “no gross
motor weakness” (Jul. 25, 2014, Tr. 2355); and the ability to sit, stand, and move all
extremities without difficulty. (Aug. 7, 2012, Tr. 2435; Sep. 3-5, 2015, Tr. 3038-47; Dec.
3, 2015, Tr. 3094)
A medical evaluation conducted in August 2013 revealed that
plaintiff’s knees were “stable w/o effusion or deformity.” (Tr. 2305). In December 2015,
his nurse noted he “ambulates appropriately” and is “able to move all extremities without
difficulty.” (Tr. 3094, 3303). A February 2016 exam of his knee replacement revealed
“no indication of loosening, discontinuity or joint effusion.” (Tr. 3324).
The medical records reveal plaintiff does use an assistive device to walk around.
In September 2012, he requested and was issued a cane, and, because he could not carry a
tray with his cane, was also given a helper at meals. (Tr. 2440-41). In June 2013 he
reported he uses a straight cane with all walking and that his leg and back pain is worst
with sustained standing or sitting in a non-cushioned chair. (Tr. 2961-62). In September
2015 he reported using a cane “for longer distances.” (Tr. 3046, 3055, 3064).
In terms of plaintiff’s back and neck pain, diagnostic imaging showed plaintiff has
mild degenerative changes in his lumbosacral spine, with slight disc-space narrowing,
some asymmetry, and bony sclerosis. (Tr. 2477-81, 3019). Imaging of plaintiff’s neck
also showed “minimal marginal” hypertrophic changes to the cervical spine. (Tr. 3324).
Providers have described these degenerative changes as “mild,” “minimal,” “stable,” and
“slight,” and plaintiff has reported significant improvement in his symptoms with
treatment. (Tr. 2350, 2425, 2477-81, 2961, 3019, 3026, 3324).
With regard to plaintiff’s mental health, plaintiff has denied having any mental
symptoms or complaints on several occasions. (Tr. 3026, 3115-17). Providers have
frequently noted plaintiff’s normal affect and mood (Tr. 3026, 3042, 3054, 3068, 3086)
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with only occasional observations of plaintiff acting “anxious” or, when he was placed in
administrative segregation, “stressed.” (Tr. 3034, 3116).
On October 26, 2011, Physician Assistant Deborah S. Droste opined that plaintiff
could not perform farm work, has distractions from chronic pain, and has difficulty
getting up and down from the seated position at a desk, but is otherwise able to perform
desk work. (Tr. 2544).
On January 23, 2012, plaintiff was evaluated by Nurse Practitioner Susan Morris,
who opined that plaintiff’s lumbar and cervical spine issues “are severe and permanent,”
to the extent that he must make frequent changes of position for his neck and back when
sitting at a desk or a computer. (Tr. 2297). She recommended that plaintiff “have an
ergonomically correct chair,” and “have frequent change of position sit to stand.” (Tr.
2297).
On October 31, 2014, plaintiff was evaluated by a VA doctor, James Richard
Marzolf, M.D., who rated plaintiff’s left knee extension at 4/5 and noted muscle atrophy
in his left thigh and calf, normal deep tendon reflexes, positive straight leg raising tests
on both legs, diminished motor strength with left knee extension, diminished sensation in
his left leg, and moderate pain in his left lower extremity. (Tr. 3366-78). Dr. Marzolf
opined that due to plaintiff’s back issues, he cannot sit more than 15 minutes, walk more
than 300 feet, bend, stoop, lift, or carry more than 20 pounds. (Tr. 3370). Dr. Marzolf
also opined that plaintiff would have “increased absenteeism 7 days per month.” (Tr.
3370).
B.
ALJ’s Decision
The ALJ first found that plaintiff meets the insured status requirements of the
Social Security Act through December 31, 2017. (Tr. 43). He found that plaintiff has not
engaged in substantial gainful activity since his alleged onset date of July 28, 2012. (Tr.
43). He also found that plaintiff suffers from the severe impairments of status/post left
knee replacement; degenerative disc disease in the lumbosacral spine; degenerative joint
disease in the right knee; and obesity. (Tr. 43). However, the ALJ concluded that none
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of these impairments, individually or in combination, met or equaled an impairment listed
in the Commissioner’s regulations. (Tr. 47-48).
The ALJ determined that plaintiff’s impairments left him with the RFC to perform
sedentary work as defined in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a) except that he can occasionally
climb ramps and stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. (Tr. 48). In making this
determination, the ALJ considered the objective medical evidence in the record, opinion
evidence, and plaintiff’s allegations and testimony. (Tr. 48-51).
The ALJ found that plaintiff’s reports concerning the intensity, persistence, and
limiting effects of his impairments were not consistent with the medical evidence and
other evidence in the record. (Tr. 49). The ALJ noted that although plaintiff underwent a
total replacement of his left knee in 2009, diagnostic imaging shows it to be stable, in
good repair, without effusion or deformity, and having “good residual function.” (Tr.
49). The ALJ noted that plaintiff generally demonstrates normal reflexes and strength
throughout his left lower extremity and has been observed to have a steady gait and the
ability to sit, stand, and move his extremities without difficulty. (Tr. 49). He reported
significant improvement with physical therapy and met all of his defined treatment goals,
and the ALJ observed that the knee replacement occurred three years prior to his alleged
onset date. (Tr. 49).
The ALJ pointed to similar evidence contradicting plaintiff’s complaints about his
right knee. (Tr. 49). As to plaintiff’s back pain, the ALJ observed that diagnostic
imaging shows plaintiff has some degenerative changes in his lumbosacral spine and
hypertrophic changes in his cervical spine. He has occasionally exhibited a limited range
of motion through his lumbosacral spine, tenderness to palpation, muscle spasms, and
positive straight-leg raises. (Tr. 49-50). However, the ALJ relied on the reports of
providers, who described plaintiff’s spinal conditions as “mild,” “minimal,” and “slight,”
and plaintiff’s own reports that he had significant improvement in his pain with epidural
steroid injections, the use of an inversion table, and medication. (Tr. 50).
As to plaintiff’s obesity, the ALJ noted that plaintiff has a body mass index of 40.9
and was diagnosed with morbid obesity. (Tr. 50). The ALJ concluded that plaintiff’s
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obesity significantly limits his ability to engage in work activity and causes plaintiff to
experience greater pain and functional limitations than might otherwise be expected from
his impairments. (Tr. 50). The ALJ state he considered these combined effects in
determining plaintiff’s RFC. (Tr. 48).
The ALJ also observed that plaintiff often denied having any physical or mental
symptoms or complaints at doctor appointments, and noted that his alleged date of onset
coincides with the start of his incarceration. (Tr. 50).
With regard to the opinion evidence, the ALJ noted that the record contains a 100percent disability determination by the VA. (Tr. 50). The ALJ noted that while he was
mindful plaintiff was found disabled by the VA and is currently receiving disability
payments from it, the VA’s determination was not binding on him, as the Social Security
Administration makes determinations of disability according to Social Security law. (Tr.
50). The ALJ nevertheless considered the VA determination and gave it little weight,
finding it to be inconsistent with plaintiff’s largely normal physical examinations and
lack of subjective complaints to providers. (Tr. 50).
The ALJ gave the opinion of Deborah S. Droste, P.A., some weight. Ms. Droste
found plaintiff able to perform desk work. The ALJ found this opinion to be generally
consistent with the objective medical evidence, but discounted it because it did not
contain a function-by-function analysis of plaintiff’s remaining capabilities and because
Ms. Droste is not an acceptable medical source under the regulations. (Tr. 50-51).
The ALJ gave the opinion of Dr. Marzolf little weight. Dr. Marzolf opined that
plaintiff could not sit more than 15 minutes at a time, walk more than 300 feet, stand
more than one hour at a time, lift and carry more than 20 pounds; bend, stoop, or squat;
ascend and descend stairs without difficulty; or walk without a cane. (Tr. 51). Dr.
Marzolf also believed plaintiff would likely be absent at least seven times a month as a
result of his impairments. (Tr. 51). The ALJ found these restrictions to be inconsistent
with plaintiff’s largely normal physical examinations, his documented “mild” and
“minimal” degenerative changes, and his own reports of little to no symptoms to
providers (i.e. Dr. Marzolf opined plaintiff must always use a cane, but treatment notes
6
show plaintiff to routinely have a steady gait and to use a cane only for long distances).
(Tr. 51). The ALJ also noted that Dr. Marzolf’s opinion was rendered in conjunction
with veterans’ disability benefits, which apply different rules and regulations than those
applicable in a Social Security disability proceeding. (Tr. 51).
Finally, the ALJ gave little weight to the opinion of Nurse Practitioner Morris,
who found plaintiff to have “severe and permanent” spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine
and spondylosis of the cervical spine, which she opined would limit his ability to sit at a
desk or computer without frequent changes in position and would require an
ergonomically correct chair. (Tr. 51). The ALJ discounted this opinion because Ms.
Morris is not an acceptable medical source, the opinion did not contain a function-byfunction analysis of plaintiff’s remaining capabilities, its restrictions contain vague
terminology without specific time constraints, and it is largely inconsistent with
plaintiff’s generally normal physical examinations and provider findings that plaintiff’s
spinal changes are mild. (Tr. 51).
The ALJ concluded that plaintiff is able to perform past relevant work as a legal
assistant as actually performed.
(Tr. 51-52).
Accordingly, the ALJ concluded that
plaintiff was not disabled. (Tr. 22).
II.
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed to give proper weight to the VA disability
determinations and erred in doing so without obtaining the full VA record. He further
claims that the ALJ ignored his chronic adjustment disorder and was personally biased
against him as an incarcerated and disabled veteran. (Doc. 18). This Court disagrees.
A.
General Legal Principles
In reviewing the denial of Social Security disability benefits, the Court’s role is to
determine whether the Commissioner’s findings comply with the relevant legal
requirements and are supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole. PateFires v. Astrue, 564 F.3d 935, 942 (8th Cir. 2009). It is not to conduct de novo review.
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(See Doc. 18 at 6-7). “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 Johnson v. Astrue, 628
F.3d 991, 992 (8th Cir. 2011).
To be entitled to disability benefits, a claimant must prove that he is unable to
perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment that would either result in a death or which has lasted or could be
expected to last for at least twelve continuous months. 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(a)(1)(D),
(d)(1)(A); Pate-Fires, 564 F.3d at 942. A five-step regulatory framework is used to
determine whether an individual is disabled. 20 CFR § 404.1520(a)(4); see also PateFires, 564 F.3d at 942 (describing the five-step process).
Steps One through Three require the claimant to prove (1) he is not currently
engaged in substantial gainful activity, (2) he suffers from a severe impairment, and (3)
his disability 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 to perform his past
relevant work (PRW). Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). The claimant bears the burden of
demonstrating he is no longer able to return to his PRW. Pate-Fires, 564 F.3d at 942. If
the Commissioner determines the claimant cannot return to 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.
404.1520(a)(4)(v).
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Id.; 20 C.F.R. §
B.
The ALJ Appropriately Weighed the VA Evidence
Plaintiff claims that, because he is 100% permanently and totally disabled under
the VA benefits regime, he should qualify for Social Security benefits as well. (Doc. 18
at 7). He claims the ALJ “failed to give proper weight to the VA rating determinations
and did so without obtaining the full record,” arguing the standard for VA disability
benefits "exceeds SSA regulations." (Doc. 18 at 2). Plaintiff’s brief details his medical
complaints and VA disability benefits regulations and asserts that “[t]he process of
determining the rating percentage assigned to a particular disability is virtually the same
as SSA.” (Doc. 18 at 3). However, this assertion is contrary to well-established law.
The final responsibility for determining whether a claimant is disabled is reserved
to the Commissioner of Social Security, not another agency. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(a); 20
C.F.R. § 404.1527. The VA regulations to which plaintiff refers are the Department of
Veterans Affairs’ own interpretations of its enabling statutes. See, e.g., 38 C.F.R. §§
3.159, 3.350, 3.352. The Social Security regulations govern the present case and are the
Social Security Administration’s interpretations of its own enabling statutes. See 42
U.S.C. §§ 401 et seq.
Plaintiff relies on Bird v. Comm’r of Social Sec. Admin., in which the United
States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit found that the ALJ should have considered
a VA rating decision retrospectively, even when it was issued after the DIB claimant’s
date last insured. 699 F.3d 337, 340-41 (4th Cir. 2012). That court held that the purposes
and evaluation methodologies of the SSA and the VA are “closely related,” so “a
disability rating by one of the two agencies is highly relevant to the disability
determination of the other agency” and “must” be given substantial weight. Id. at 343.
However, that court also noted that an ALJ may give less weight to a VA disability rating
“when the record before the ALJ clearly demonstrates that such a deviation is
appropriate.” Id.
This Court agrees that VA records and opinions are relevant to the SSA disability
determination. However, they are not binding on the SSA. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1504 (“We
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must make a disability or blindness determination based on social security law.
Therefore, a determination made by another agency that you are disabled or blind is not
binding on us.”) 1; Pelkey v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 575, 579 (8th Cir. 2006) (“The ALJ
should consider the VA’s finding of disability, but the ALJ is not bound by the disability
rating of another agency when he is evaluating whether the claimant is disabled for
purposes of social security benefits.”) (quoted case citation omitted). In Pelkey, the
Eighth Circuit held that an ALJ did not err in discounting a VA disability rating when he
“fully considered the evidence underlying the VA’s final conclusion.” 433 F.3d at 579.
Cf. Morrison v. Apfel, 146 F.3d 625, 628 (8th Cir. 1998) (remanding on the basis that the
ALJ failed to consider a VA determination and holding that “findings of disability by
other federal agencies, even though they are not binding on an ALJ, are entitled to some
weight and must be considered in the ALJ’s decision”).
In this case, the ALJ fully considered the evidence plaintiff submitted to support
his claim, including evidence from the VA. He acknowledged that plaintiff was awarded
a 100% disability rating from the VA, but he determined that this decision was entitled to
little weight because it was inconsistent with plaintiff’s physical examinations and
reported symptoms. (Tr. 50).
The VA gave plaintiff significant disability ratings for his left knee replacement
and related lower extremity issues, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and adjustment
disorder. (Tr. 212, 2012). But the ALJ considered evidence from the relevant time
period, July 28, 2012, to December 31, 2017, showing that plaintiff has a “steady gait”
(Aug. 9, 2012, Tr. 2435; Jan. 16, 2013, Tr. 2457; Sep. 3, 2015, Tr. 3038; Dec. 16, 2015,
Tr. 3103); “full range of motion” with some joint pain in his right knee and left leg (July
26, 2012, Tr. 2431); “good ability” to perform physical therapy exercises (Jun. 15, 2013,
1
The Commissioner of Social Security recently amended this regulation,
providing that for claims filed after March 27, 2017, the agency “will not provide any
analysis in our determination or decision about a decision made by any other
governmental agency or a nongovernmental entity about whether you are disabled, blind,
employable, or entitled to any benefits.” 20 C.F.R. 404.1504. However, this Court
applies the regulation in effect at the time plaintiff filed his claim.
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Tr. 2962); “no gross motor weakness” (Jul. 25, 2014, Tr. 2355); and the ability to sit,
stand, and move all extremities without difficulty. (Aug. 7, 2012, Tr. 2435; Sep. 3-5,
2015, Tr. 3038-47; Dec. 3, 2015, Tr. 3094) A medical evaluation conducted in August
2013 revealed that plaintiff’s knees were “stable w/o effusion or deformity.” (Tr. 2305).
In December 2015, his nurse noted he “ambulates appropriately” and is “able to move all
extremities without difficulty.” (Tr. 3094, 3303). A February 2016 exam of his knee
replacement revealed “no indication of loosening, discontinuity or joint effusion.” (Tr.
3324).
As for plaintiff’s lumbar degenerative disc disease, plaintiff was observed to have
a steady gait and the ability to sit and stand without difficulty. (Tr. 2435). In June 2014,
he had a good range of motion in his back and negative straight-leg raises. (Tr. 2350).
Diagnostic imaging showed plaintiff had only “mild” degenerative changes in his
lumbosacral spine, with slight disc-space narrowing, some asymmetry, and bony
sclerosis.
(Tr. 2477-81, 3019).
Imaging of plaintiff’s neck also showed “minimal
marginal” hypertrophic changes to the cervical spine. (Tr. 3324). Providers described
these degenerative changes as “mild,” “minimal,” “stable,” and “slight,” and plaintiff has
reported significant improvement in his symptoms with treatment. (Tr. 2350, 2425,
2477-81, 2961, 3019, 3026, 3324). Plaintiff’s medical providers frequently described his
physical condition as “stable.” (Tr. 2345, 2379, 2466, 2918, 2955, 3019). Plaintiff
himself often denied to his providers that he had any symptoms or complaints. (Tr. 50,
3006, 3055, 3013, 3026, 3050, 3076, 3104,3269, 3313, 3342).
Finally, with regard to plaintiff’s mental status, the ALJ considered the medical
record to be inconsistent with the VA rating of mental disorder at 70 percent. He noted
plaintiff’s normal mental-status examinations (Tr. 44-45), as well as an opinion from
plaintiff’s VA record that his mental impairment was only mild or transient. (Tr. 2551–
52). Plaintiff denied having any mental symptoms or complaints on several occasions,
and he scored a “0” on a depression screening. (Tr. 44, 2358–60, 2554, 2564, 3026,
3115-17, 3153). Providers frequently noted plaintiff’s normal affect and mood (Tr. 3026,
3042, 3054, 3068, 3086) with only occasional observations of plaintiff acting “anxious”
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or, when he was placed in administrative segregation, “stressed.” (Tr. 3034, 3116). The
ALJ reasoned that plaintiff would have displayed greater abnormalities during his
physical and mental examinations if he had disabling mental limitations, but these
abnormalities were simply not present in the record. See, e.g., McCoy v. Astrue, 648 F.3d
605, 614 (8th Cir. 2011) (complaints of disabling pain are inconsistent with repeated
observations from treating and consultative physicians that a claimant was not in acute
pain or distress).
Inconsistences between medical treatment records and an opinion provide an
appropriate basis for the ALJ to discount the VA disability rating. Julin v. Colvin, 826
F.3d 1082, 1088 (8th Cir. 2016); Tapley v. Colvin, No. 4:15 CV 643 NAB, 2016 WL
728332, at *4 (E.D. Mo. Feb. 24, 2016) (ALJ properly gave only little weight to VA
disability rating because it was not fully supported by the record). For the above reasons,
there was substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s conclusion that the VA rating of
100% was inconsistent with the medical record and entitled to little weight. The ALJ
considered plaintiff’s mental and physical examinations, diagnostic test results, and
frequent denial of symptoms. He lawfully considered “all relevant evidence” from the
relevant time period, including plaintiff’s VA records and prison medical records, as well
as VA treatment records beginning in 2011. See Casey v. Astrue, 503 F.3d 687, 697 (8th
Cir. 2007). The more than one thousand pages of medical records provided a sufficient
basis for the ALJ to assess the VA’s disability rating, regardless of whether the ALJ had
plaintiff’s entire VA file. Plaintiff has not pointed to any records in his VA file that
would contradict the ALJ’s analysis.
Nor can the Court find any, as in the years
immediately prior to his alleged onset date and incarceration, plaintiff was working full
time and engaged in significant physical activities like heavy lifting. (Tr. 2117-19, 2134,
2139, 2163-64, 2246, 2254, 2265, 2283).
For these reasons, the Court finds that the ALJ properly considered the VA’s
disability ratings and did not err in giving the ratings little weight.
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C.
The ALJ Adequately Developed the Record
Plaintiff similarly argues that the ALJ erred by not obtaining his complete VA file.
The Court construes plaintiff’s argument as a failure by the ALJ to develop the record.
The Commissioner has a duty to fully and fairly develop the record. Smith v. Barnhart,
435 F.3d 926, 930 (8th Cir. 2006). However, a plaintiff claiming that the Commissioner
failed to do so must show both a failure to develop necessary evidence and unfairness or
prejudice resulting from that failure. See Haley v. Massanari, 258 F.3d 742, 749–50 (8th
Cir. 2001). As long as the record contained enough evidence to permit the ALJ to reach
an informed decision, the record was complete. See id.; Anderson v. Shalala, 51 F.3d
777, 779 (8th Cir. 1995) (holding that an ALJ is permitted to issue a decision without
obtaining additional medical evidence if other evidence in the record provides a sufficient
basis for the ALJ’s decision).
As discussed above, and contrary to Plaintiff’s theory, the ALJ had sufficient
medical evidence from the relevant period to reach an informed decision. Moreover,
plaintiff has not pointed to any evidence in the omitted records that would have changed
the outcome of the ALJ’s decision. See Draper v. Barnhart, 425 F.3d 1127, 1130 (8th
Cir. 2005) (declining to remand when an ALJ’s deficiency “has no practical effect on the
outcome of the case.”). Again, the record before the ALJ contained over one thousand
pages of medical records. (Tr. 2241–3406). Those records included treatment notes from
Corizon, which provided his medical care during the relevant period; from the VA; and
from plaintiff’s orthopedist.
(Tr. 2241–3406).
Plaintiff points to nothing in the
remainder of the VA file that would contradict the records before the ALJ or undermine
the ALJ’s reasoning. Thus, Plaintiff has not shown that the ALJ’s alleged failure to
develop the record prejudiced him. The Court is persuaded that the voluminous evidence
of record provided a sufficient basis for the ALJ’s decision, and no further development
was necessary.
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D.
Substantial and Sufficient Evidence Supports the ALJ’s RFC Determination
Finally, plaintiff claims that the ALJ ignored his chronic adjustment disorder and
discriminated against plaintiff “due to his incarcerated status and because he is a disabled
veteran.” (Doc. 18 at 9). He argues that “the ALJ was biased against the VA ratings for
personal belief, not for the evidence presented by Plaintiff.” (Doc. 18 at 5). Plaintiff
presented his claim of bias to the Appeals Council, which considered and denied
plaintiff’s claim. (Tr. 2, 2217). Plaintiff now renews the allegation before this Court.
ALJs and similar quasi-judicial administrative officers are presumed to be
unbiased. Partee v. Astrue, 638 F.3d 860, 865 (8th Cir. 2011) (holding that there is a
“presumption of honesty and integrity in those serving as adjudicators.”). In order to
overcome this presumption, a plaintiff must show “that the ALJ’s behavior, in the context
of the whole case, was so extreme as to display clear inability to render fair judgment.”
Perkins v. Astrue, 648 F.3d 892, 903 (8th Cir. 2011). This is a heavy burden to bear. In
Perkins, the plaintiff presented evidence that the ALJ referred to the Lifetime Channel as
the “girl channel” and stated that he “could have touched a feminist’s nerve there with the
girl thing,” as well as statistical evidence showing that the ALJ in that case had lower
than average approval ratings for obese women with fibromyalgia and mental
impairments.
Id. at 902–03.
The Eighth Circuit held that this was insufficient to
demonstrate bias, even if they were sarcastic. Id. at 903.
Plaintiff has produced far less in support of his allegation of bias. He points to no
statement made by the ALJ nor statistical evidence about the ALJ’s treatment of veteran
claimants. On the contrary, upon the Court’s review of the hearing transcript, the ALJ
treated plaintiff courteously and respectfully in a nearly hour-long hearing, explaining in
detail why a VA rating would not be binding on his decision (Tr. 1993-95), advising
plaintiff of his right to representation (Tr. 1990-91), offering plaintiff the option to shift
positions if necessary (Tr. 1997), apologizing to plaintiff for the long wait in receiving a
decision (Tr. 2033), preparing plaintiff to ask questions of the vocational expert (Tr.
2026), and asking plaintiff if he had any more questions for the vocational expert. (Tr.
2031). While the ALJ did ask plaintiff questions about his incarceration, these were
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related to his conviction date and expected release date. (Tr. 1999). Plaintiff’s release
date is relevant because disability benefits cannot be paid to an individual who is in jail,
see 42 U.S.C. § 402(x)(1)(A), and plaintiff’s conviction date is relevant because the ALJ
was trying to determine whether plaintiff only stopped working because of his
incarceration, as he stated in his application (Tr. 2154), rather than his impairments.
Accordingly, plaintiff has not shown that the ALJ’s behavior was “so extreme as
to display clear inability to render fair judgment.” Perkins, 648 F.3d at 902-03. 2
On the contrary, the ALJ treated plaintiff appropriately and objectively, and relied
on substantial evidence in finding that plaintiff’s chronic adjustment disorder was not
severe. He noted plaintiff’s normal mental-status examinations (Tr. 44-45), an opinion
from plaintiff’s VA record that his mental impairment was only mild or transient (Tr.
2551–52), plaintiff’s frequent denials of having any mental symptoms or complaints on
several occasions and scoring “0” on depression screenings (Tr. 44, 2358–60, 2554,
2564, 3026, 3115-17, 3153), and providers frequently noting plaintiff’s normal affect and
mood (Tr. 3026, 3042, 3054, 3068, 3086) with only occasional observations of plaintiff
acting “anxious” or “stressed” (Tr. 3034, 3116). The ALJ did not ignore plaintiff’s
adjustment order but considered the evidence of record and lawfully found it to be nonsevere.
2
In his reply brief, plaintiff also invokes Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of Fed.
Bureau of Narcotics, 403 U.S. 388 (1971) and the ADA. (Doc. 18 at 8). However,
plaintiff did not plead those claims in his complaint (Doc. 1), nor can he bring a Bivens or
ADA claim under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Regardless, plaintiff has not demonstrated a
constitutional violation to support a Bivens claim nor has he demonstrated that the ALJ
discriminated against him because of his purported disability or otherwise shown that he
qualifies for protection under the ADA. See Hart v. City of Little Rock, 432 F.3d 801,
804 (8th Cir. 2006); Chalfant v. Titan Distribution, Inc., 475 F.3d 982, 988 (8th Cir.
2007)
15
III.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the final decision of the Commissioner of Social
Security is affirmed. An appropriate Judgment Order is issued herewith.
/S/ David D. Noce
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Signed on September 18, 2018.
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