Brewer v. Colvin

Filing 21

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED and that this case is DISMISSED. An appropriate Order of Dismissal shall accompany this Memorandum and Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Thomas C. Mummert, III on January 7, 2015. (MCB)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
EASTERN DIVISION
DANA L. BREWER,
Plaintiff,
vs.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.

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Case number 4:14cv0148 TCM

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) for judicial review of the final decision of
Carolyn W. Colvin, the Acting Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner), denying
the application of Dana Brewer (Plaintiff) for disability insurance benefits ( DIB ) under Title
II of the Social Security Act (the Act ), 42 U.S.C. § 401-433, is before the undersigned by the
written consent of the parties. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(c).
Procedural History
Plaintiff applied for DIB in November 2010, alleging he had become disabled on
August 2, 2006, because of chronic kidney stones, osteoporosis, degenerative joint and disc
disease, and a heart attack. (R.1 at 100-06, 127.) His application was denied initially and
following a hearing held in April 2012 before Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Bradley
Hanan. (Id. at 7-20, 25-42, 49, 52-56.) The Appeals Council then denied Plaintiff's request

1

answer.

References to "R." are to the administrative record filed by the Commissioner with her

for review, effectively adopting the ALJ's decision as the final decision of the Commissioner.
(Id. at 1-3.)
Testimony Before the ALJ
Plaintiff, represented by counsel, testified at the administrative hearing.2
Plaintiff, fifty years old at the time of the hearing, testified that he is ambidextrous,
recently divorced, and lives with his father. (Id. at 30.) He received divorce papers from his
second wife approximately two weeks earlier. (Id.) She left him five months after their
December 2006 marriage. (Id.) He does not currently have a driver's license. (Id.) He has
a high school diploma and received some college credit when in the Navy. (Id. at 30-31) He
was honorably discharged after twenty years' service and is receiving a military pension. (Id.
at 31.)
After being discharged, Plaintiff worked for three years as a military policeman. (Id.
at 33.) Plaintiff had to quit his last job, a liquid filler operator, after having a heart attack in
August 2006 because his cardiologist would not release him to return to the non-air
conditioned job site. (Id. at 32.) He could not apply for jobs for six to nine months after the
attack and was never hired again. (Id.)
Also preventing him from working is his inability to sit for long because of kidney
stones and his fatigue and weakness. (Id. at 34.) He cannot walk far and cannot walk longer
than thirty to forty-five minutes before having to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. (Id. at 34-35.)
He cannot sit for longer than thirty minutes before having to stand up and move around. (Id.

2

Brenda Young, a vocational expert, was present but did not testify.
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at 35, 36.) He lays down for one to four hours a day. (Id. at 35.) Asked about his kidney
stones, Plaintiff explained that he has always had them, but they are getting worse and cause
him constant pain. (Id. at 35-36.) Consequently, he has trouble with his daily activities. (Id.
at 36.) For instance, he has difficulties putting on his shoes or long pants. (Id.) When he is
bothered by the kidney stones, he cannot sit for longer than thirty to sixty minutes. (Id.)
Because of his degenerative disc and joint disease, Plaintiff has back problems that
limit his mobility, bending, and lifting. (Id. at 37.) He cannot lift more than ten pounds. (Id.)
He uses a cane most of the time and has been for five to six years. (Id.) The cane was not
prescribed by anyone. (Id. at 40.) Also, Plaintiff is taking medication for depression. (Id.
at 37.) Plaintiff's medications cause him to "get the shakes" usually five to seven days a
month. (Id. at 38-39.) His medications include aspirin, Lipitor (a statin to reduce levels of
"bad" cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), and increase levels of "good" cholesterol,
high-density lipoprotein (HDL)), metoprolol (a beta blocker), Wellbutrin (an antidepressant),
Plavix (an anti-coagulant), Niaspan (to reduce LDL and increase HDL), and Lexapro (an
antidepressant). (Id. at 40.)
Plaintiff pays his first wife half his pension. (Id. at 33.)
Plaintiff used to drink, but has never been told by anybody he has to stop. (Id.) He
has never used illegal drugs. (Id. at 34.)
Plaintiff helps his father with chores "[a]s much as [he] can." (Id. at 39.) For instance,
he helps clear the table. (Id.) His twin brother sometimes comes over and cooks. (Id.) His
brother takes out the trash. (Id.) They use a wood stove for heat, but he has not "been able
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to do a whole lot of wood cutting or splitting." (Id.) He does not vacuum because he has
difficulty bending over. (Id. at 40.)
Remarking that the only medication listed for Plaintiff was aspirin,3 the ALJ decided
to order a psychological examination of Plaintiff. (Id. at 40-41.) The question of his residual
functional capacity (RFC) would be addressed after the record was further developed. (Id.
at 41.)
Medical and Other Records Before the ALJ
The documentary record before the ALJ includes forms completed as part of the
application process, documents generated pursuant to Plaintiff's application, records from
health care providers, and assessments of his physical and mental capabilities.
When applying for DIB, Plaintiff completed a Disability Report. (Id. at 126-36.) He
is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 193 pounds. (Id. at 127.) Plaintiff stopped working on
August 8, 2008, see note six, infra, but had to make changes in his work activity on August
2, 2006. (Id.)
Asked to describe on a Function Report what he does during the day, Plaintiff
responded that he drinks a cup of coffee, takes his morning pills, smokes outside, works on
a computer, walks a little, eats, watches television, shops a little, eats, takes his night-time
medications, and goes to bed. (Id. at 138.) Occasionally he visits with friends or goes to
church. (Id.) One to three times a week, he attends lodge meetings. (Id.) He does not take

The Court notes that Plaintiff listed seven medications when applying for DIB, including
those named in his testimony.
3

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care of anyone else. (Id. at 139.) His impairments sometimes wake him up or prevent him
from going to sleep. (Id.) He has difficulty putting on shoes and socks4 and, sometimes, has
trouble standing and bending to shave. (Id.) He shops for household goods and food one to
five times a month for 20 to 105 minutes each time. (Id. at 141.) His impairments adversely
affect his abilities to lift, squat, bend, stand, walk, sit, kneel, and climb stairs. (Id. at 143.)
He can pay attention for as long as needed and can follow written and spoken instructions
"very well." (Id.) He also handles stress and changes in routine "very well." (Id. at 144.)
Plaintiff reported on a Disability Report – Appeal form that there had been no changes,
no new limitations, and no new impairments since he had filed for DIB. (Id. at 163.)
An earnings report for the years from 1978 through 2008 indicated steadily increasing
annual earnings for the years 1985 to 1999, when he earned his highest amount, $26, 071,5
followed by sporadic earnings. (Id. at 107.) For instance, in 2000 Plaintiff had annual
earnings of $10,593; in 2002, he had no earnings; in 2004, he had earnings of $24,695; in
2006, earnings of $9,405; no earnings in 2007; and, in 2008, $127.6
The medical records before the ALJ are summarized below in chronological order,
beginning with the report of Plaintiff's May 2004 initial visit to Matthew Tiefenbrunn, M.D.
(Id. at 396.) Plaintiff reported that he was depressed, had problems sleeping, and had no

It was noted by the person interviewing Plaintiff when he applied for DIB that Plaintiff wore
sandals with socks.
4

5

All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.

6

This was one day's pay when Plaintiff attempted to return to his last employment. (Id. at

137.)
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energy or appetite. (Id.) A relationship had recently ended. (Id.) He had suicidal thoughts,
but no plan. (Id.) On examination, he had "a markedly blunted affect" and bordered on being
tearful. (Id.) Dr. Tiefenbrunn diagnosed Plaintiff with depression, prescribed Lexapro, and
directed Plaintiff to follow-up in six weeks or sooner if needed. (Id.)
Plaintiff next saw Dr. Tiefenbrunn in September 2005, complaining of vomiting, fever,
and mid-back pain. (Id. at 396.) A computed tomography (CT) scan of his kidney, ureter,
and bladder was performed to rule out renal lithiasis (the formation or presence of stony
concretions, calculi). (Id. at 396, 408.) The CT scan revealed that Plaintiff had a horseshoe
kidney7 and multiple bilateral intrarenal calculi. (Id. at 408.)
In November, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of Plaintiff's spine showed
moderate wedge deformities of the T11 and T12 vertebral bodies. (Id. at 403-07.) He was
diagnosed with osteoporosis; Fosamax was recommended.

(Id. at 407.)

An

electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal. (Id. at 401.)
On August 2, 2006, Plaintiff went to the emergency room at Missouri Baptist Sullivan
with complaints of chest discomfort for the past hour, was given TNKase,8 and then
transferred to Missouri Baptist Medical Center (MBMC), where Stuart T. Higano, M.D.,

A horseshoe kidney, a congenital condition, is "the most common type of renal fusion
anomaly" and "is formed by fusion across the midline of two distinct functioning kidneys, one on
each side of the midline." Yuranga Weerakkody and Frank Gaillar, Horseshoe kidney,
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/horseshoe-kidney (last visited Dec. 10, 2014). A horseshoe kidney is
prone to renal calculi. Id.
7

TNKase, Tenecteplase, are tissue plasminogen activators used to help the patient's body
dissolve unwanted blood clots and used to prevent death from an acute myocardial infarction. See
TNKase, http://www.drugs.com/search.php?searchterm=TNKase (last visited Dec. 9, 2014).
8

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performed an urgent catheterization and drug coated stent placement in the first obtuse
marginal. (Id. at 312-30.) Plaintiff's risk profile included tobacco abuse and a family history
of heart disease. (Id. at 316.) He was monitored for two days, had no further chest pain, and
was discharged. (Id.) He was to discontinue tobacco use and was placed on a statin, ACE
inhibitor, and beta blocker. (Id. at 327-28.)
When seen by Dr. Higano on August 18, Plaintiff was described as having done
"remarkably well." (Id. at 203-04, 457-59.) He had not had any post myocardial infarctions,
but was "somewhat tired." (Id. at 203.) On examination, his lungs were clear to auscultation
and percussion; his heart rate was regular in rate and rhythm; his extremities were not
swollen. (Id.) He was not intending on going back to work and was to start attending college
the next week. (Id.) He was also to begin a six-week course of cardiac rehabilitation and was
to see Dr. Higano immediately thereafter. (Id.) Dr. Higano told Plaintiff not to do any heavy
lifting and to try to avoid smoking. (Id. at 204.)
The following month, Plaintiff saw Dr. Tiefenbrunn for a follow-up of his myocardial
infarction. (Id. at 395, 478.) He was reportedly doing well, had not had any recurrent anginal
events, was "'taking it easy,'" and was not "really doing any sort of physical activity." (Id.)
He had not been taking Fosamax because he did not understand its purpose, but was willing
to take it when the purpose was explained. (Id.) He was not in acute distress or discomfort
and had an unremarkable examination.

(Id.)

Fosamax was prescribed and calcium

supplementation and weight-bearing exercise were recommended. (Id.) Plaintiff was

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encouraged to stop smoking. (Id.) He was to return in three months or sooner if needed.
(Id.)
Plaintiff informed Dr. Higano when he next saw him, in February 2007, that he had
"done reasonably well." (Id. at 207-08, 453-55.) He had briefly attended college, had not
completed cardiac rehabilitation, and was not on any formal exercise program. (Id. at 207.)
He also had not had any recurrent chest pains, heart failure symptoms, or arrhythmic
symptoms. (Id.) He was still smoking, and was told to cut back. (Id.) He questioned
whether he could return to his previous work, explaining that he frequently had to lift 50 to
50 pound objects and, during the summer, worked in temperatures exceeding 95 degrees.
(Id.) There were no abnormalities on examination. (Id.) Dr. Higano told Plaintiff not to
"do[] excessive lifting over 50 pounds and certainly not with any type of excessive thermal
exposures." (Id.) Plaintiff replied that he would look for other work. (Id.) Dr. Higano
further told him that he would be on aspirin and Plavix for at least a year. (Id.) It was noted
on results of lab work performed two days later, on March 1, that Plaintiff's lipid profile was
"much better." (Id. at 424.) Niaspan was added to raise his HDL levels. (Id.) Plaintiff was
to take "baby" aspirin one-half hour before taking the Niaspan. (Id.)
Plaintiff consulted Dr. Tiefenbrunn on March 13 for assistance in stopping smoking
and about depression. (Id. at 394-95, 477-78.) His current medications included Crestor,
Plavix, Metoprolol, aspirin, and Fosamax. (Id. at 394.)

He had not filled a prescription

given him by Dr. Higano to stop smoking. (Id.) He reported that he lacked motivation,
frequently felt anxious and overwhelmed, and had difficulty sleeping. (Id.) He had moderate
-8-

anhedonia (the loss of the capacity to experience pleasure). (Id.) He did not have any
suicidal ideation or intent. (Id.) His physical examination was unremarkable. (Id.) He was
started on Lexapro in addition to the Niaspan and continued on his other medications. (Id.)
He was to follow up in six to eight weeks. (Id.)
Plaintiff returned on April 5, reporting that the Lexapro was helping but not as well
as he would like. (Id. at 393-94, 476-77.) He wanted to increase the dose or add another
medication. (Id. at 393.) He had recently married but was having difficulties with erectile
dysfunction. (Id.) On examination, he "still [had] a somewhat flattened affect," but was
appropriately conversive and made good eye contact. (Id.) Dr. Tiefenbrunn diagnosed
Plaintiff with major depression, increased his dosage of Lexapro and added Wellbutrin, and
directed him to follow-up in four to six weeks. (Id.)
Dr. Higano telephoned Plaintiff on May 2 and told him that his stress study of May 1 9
revealed some anterobasal changes that could represent ischemia but were not in the
anatomically correct position and that, regardless of his prior infarction, Plaintiff had a
normal, 71 percent ejection fraction. (Id. at 210, 452.) Plaintiff stated that he was exercising
more frequently, had not had any recurrent angina, and was planning on reducing his
smoking. (Id.) He was to return in August. (Id.)
Plaintiff did see Dr. Tiefenbrunn in August. (Id. at 393, 423, 476.) His total
cholesterol levels and triglycerides (TGL) had increased since March. (Id. at 423.) His HDL

There is a February 1, 2007, stress study report with the results cited by Dr. Higano, but no
May 1 report. See id. at 213, 400.
9

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levels had slightly decreased. (Id.) Plaintiff reported that "there [were] times when he still
fe[lt] depressed," but he felt as if the Lexapro was "kick[ing] in." (Id. at 393, 476.) On
examination, he had a "fairly flattened affect," but was well groomed and made appropriate
eye contact. (Id.) His physical examination was unremarkable. (Id.) Dr. Tiefenbrunn and
Plaintiff discussed whether to change his antidepressant medications; Plaintiff preferred to
stay on his current regimen. (Id.) He was to return in four months or sooner if needed. (Id.)
Six months later, in February 2008, Plaintiff again saw Dr. Tiefenbrunn. (Id. at 420.)
His total cholesterol and TGL had again increased, the latter having approximately doubled
from the March 2007 level. (Id. at 392, 420, 475.) Plaintiff's Crestor dosage was increased
and he was told that "[m]ore strict dietary compliance [was] needed." (Id.) Plaintiff was
described as "doing well" overall. (Id. at 392, 475.) There were no side effects from his
medications. (Id.) He was continuing to smoke. (Id.) Although he had reduced the amount
of cigarettes he smoked and knew he needed to stop entirely, he was not certain he was ready
to quit. (Id.) His physical examination was unremarkable. (Id.) His diagnoses were
coronary artery disease (CAD)/history of myocardial infarction, mixed hyperlipidemia,
tobacco dependence, history of vertebral compression fractures,10 and major depression,
reasonably controlled. (Id.) Plaintiff was continued on his current medications with the
dosage of Niaspan increased. (Id.) He was to follow-up in six months or sooner if needed.
(Id.)

10

Plaintiff reported that he had fallen off a twenty-foot wall in the 1980s.
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Plaintiff saw Dr. Higano on March 11 for a follow-up for his CAD and for permission
to return to work. (Id. at 205, 450-51.) Dr. Higano noted that he had not seen Plaintiff since
February 2007 and that Plaintiff had not been allowed then to return to work due to high work
loads. (Id.) Plaintiff was still smoking, but was cutting down. (Id.) His lipids were under
control. (Id.) He was walking daily for one to two hours at a time. (Id.) He did not have any
shortness of breath, heart failure symptoms, arrhythmias, palpitations, or chest pain. (Id.) No
abnormalities were found on examination. (Id.) He was to have a repeat stress test and
would be released to return to work if there was no significant ischemia. (Id.) Plaintiff
underwent the test on March 19. (Id. at 214, 399.)
Two days later, Plaintiff saw Dr. Tiefenbrunn to request a prescription for Chantix to
help him stop smoking. (Id. at 391, 473.)
In April, Plaintiff was informed by Dr. Higano that his stress perfusion study was
normal. (Id. at 209, 449.) He was to return in three to six months. (Id.)
Plaintiff consulted Dr. Tiefenbrunn in August for complaints of increasing flank pain
Plaintiff thought might be caused by kidney stones. (Id. at 250-51, 389, 409-10, 417, 472.)
He was described as being in mild discomfort but not in acute distress. (Id. at 389.) He was
referred to an urologist and was to have a CT scan of his kidney, ureter, and bladder. (Id.)
His total cholesterol and TGL had decreased and were near the March 2007 levels. (Id. at
417.) Plaintiff's Crestor dosage was again increased. (Id.) An abdominal x-ray and the CT
scan revealed renal calculi with no obstructive uropathy. (Id. at 250-51, 409-10.)

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In October, Plaintiff had a bilateral retrograde pyelography and right ureteral stent
placement for a nephrolithotomy to be performed the following week. (Id. at 303-11.)
Subsequently, on November 5, Plaintiff was admitted to MBMC for a right percutaneous
nephrolithotomy (a surgical procedure to remove kidney stones) and right ureteroscopy, (Id.
at 285-302, 368-69.) The majority of the stones were removed and he was discharged two
days later. (Id. at 295-96.) Plaintiff was seen at MBMC on November 26 as an out-patient
for a ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (a procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney
stones). (Id. at 272-80.)
On April 8, 2009, Plaintiff was seen by Dr. Tiefenbrunn for abdominal pain and
swelling during the past three to four months without any changes in bowel or bladder habits.
(Id. at 387-88, 470-71.) Plaintiff did not have any anginal chest pain, shortness of breath with
activity, or difficulty breathing when lying down. (Id. at 37.) He was not in acute distress
and had an unremarkable physical examination. (Id.) He was given refills of his medications
for a year, was given a referral to Jaroslaw Michalik, M.D., and was scheduled for an
echocardiogram. (Id. at 388.) The echocardiogram revealed a left ventricle that was normal
in size with low normal function and an estimated ejection fraction of 56 percent. (Id. at
398.) He had mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. (Id.)
On April 23, Plaintiff saw Dr. Higano for a pre-operative assessment prior to
undergoing hernia repair surgery by Dr. Michalik. (Id. at 212, 448.) Plaintiff reported having
no cardiac symptoms and walking one and one-half miles a day. (Id.) Six days later, Plaintiff
underwent a stress test with myocardial perfusion imaging. (Id. at 215, 397.) He experienced
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"moderate shortness of breath," had a normal ejection fraction, mild inferior hypokinesis, and
no significant ischemia. (Id.) The results were described as being "very excellent." (Id.) Dr.
Higano wrote Dr. Michalik that Plaintiff was cleared for the hernia repair. (Id. at 211.)
Plaintiff was seen by Dr. Michalik on May 14 for a laparoscopic patch repair of his
incisional epigastric hernia to be performed two days later. (Id. at 217-22.) On examination,
it was noted that he suffered from depression but was alert and oriented to time, place, and
person, with a normal affect and intact memory. (Id. at 218, 219.) The repair went well. (Id.
at 221-22.)
A June CT scan and abdominal x-ray showed multiple renal calculi. (Id. at 245-46.)
It was noted that the calculi had increased in size and number since the last studies. (Id.)
There was no evidence of a hernia, but there was evidence of degenerative changes in
Plaintiff's lumbar spine. (Id.)
In July, Plaintiff was seen by Brad C. White, M.D., in a follow-up visit for kidney
stones. (Id. at 346-48.) It was noted that Plaintiff had tolerated previous stone removal
procedures without significant pain or other side effects, e.g., nausea. (Id. at 346.) Dr. White
also noted that Plaintiff had stopped smoking in April 2008. (Id.) On examination, Plaintiff
was alert, not in acute distress, and oriented to time, place, and person. (Id.) He reported
having no significant flank, groin, or abdominal pain, no hematuria (blood in the urine), and
no urinary frequency, urgency, obstruction, or retention. (Id. at 346.) Treatment options were
discussed; Plaintiff elected to proceed with "observation."
encouraged him to increase his fluid intake and lemonade. (Id.)
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(Id. at 347.)

Dr. White

In December, Plaintiff went to the emergency room at Missouri Baptist Hospital with
complaints of abdominal pain. (Id. at 223-40.) A CT scan and x-rays of his abdomen
revealed extensive renal calcifications, i.e., kidney stones. (Id. at 228-32, 235.) Plaintiff was
prescribed Percocet, to be taken as needed for pain. (Id. at 224.)
Plaintiff saw Dr. White again in January 2010 for a follow-up visit. (Id. at 342-44.)
He was "slightly worse, but asymptomatic." (Id. at 342.) Again, he had no significant flank,
groin, or abdominal pain, no hematuria, and no urinary frequency, urgency, obstruction, or
retention. (Id.) His mental status examination was as before. (Id. at 343.) Treatment options
were discussed. (Id.) Plaintiff choose to proceed with a percutaneous stone removal. (Id.)
An increase in fluid intake and lemonade was again recommended. (Id.)
Two months later, Plaintiff underwent a left percutaneous nephrolithotomy at MBMC
and was discharged two days later. (Id. at 253-71, 356-67.) When seen shortly thereafter by
Dr. White, Plaintiff was reportedly doing well. (Id. at 337-39.) Dr. White noted that Plaintiff
had not had any pain associated with his kidney stones and that on examination he moved all
his extremities well. (Id. at 337, 338.) Plaintiff again reported having no significant flank,
groin, or abdominal pain, no hematuria, and no urinary frequency, urgency, obstruction, or
retention. (Id. at 337.)
Plaintiff consulted Dr. Tiefenbrunn in May for treatment of his left lower quadrant
abdominal pain that had begun three days earlier, possibly due to diverticulitis. (Id. at 38086, 465-69.) His myocardial infarction was "[s]table and relatively asymptomatic"; his
hypertension was stable; his depression was "[w]ell controlled." (Id. at 382.) He smoked a
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quarter pack of cigarettes a day. (Id. at 383.) His physical examination was unremarkable,
including no hematuria, polyuria (the excessive passage of urine), suprapubic pain, or urinary
urgency and incontinence. (Id. at 384-85.) He walked "[w]ith a normal gait with no
abnormality upon inspection of the spine." (Id. at 385.) His TGL and HDL levels were
within the recommended ranges. (Id. at 380.) He was to stop taking Lexapro and start taking
citalopram, an antidepressant. (Id. at 385.) His other medications were continued. (Id.) A
CT scan of his abdomen and pelvis revealed mild colonic wall thickening in the sigmoid
region with evidence of colonic diverticulosis but no evidence of acute diverticulitis; multiple
renal calculi; mild diffuse hepatitis steatosis; and minimal aortic atherosclerosis. (Id. at 42829.)
Plaintiff saw Dr. White in September for complaints of bilateral flank pain for the past
several weeks. (Id. at 334-36, 353-55.) Transaxial helical imaging revealed numerous
bilateral non-obstructing intrarenal calculi. (Id.) The calculi had increased in size and
number since the previous examination. (Id. at 353.) There were, however, no suspicious
renal masses and Plaintiff's liver, bladder, spleen, pancreas, and prostrate and adrenal glands
were all normal. (Id.) As before, there was also no urinary frequency, urgency, obstruction,
or retention. (Id. at 334.)
In October, Plaintiff was seen by Dr. Tiefenbrunn for constant, aching pain in the top
of his right foot. (Id. at 376-79, 432, 461-64.) X-rays of the foot revealed no acute fractures
or dislocations. (Id. at 432.) Indomethacine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was
prescribed to be taken routinely for one week and as needed thereafter. (Id. at 376.) Plaintiff

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was still smoking. (Id. at 377.) A review of his systems was negative for back pain and
muscle weakness. (Id.) He was alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation and
had normal insight. (Id. at 378.) He was in no apparent distress. (Id.)
Also before the ALJ were reports of assessments of Plaintiff's functional limitations
and abilities.
In April 2011, a Physical Residual Functional Capacity Assessment of Plaintiff was
completed by Patricia Chaplin, a single decisiomaker.11 (Id. at 43-48.) The primary diagnosis
was coronary artery disease; the secondary diagnosis was nephrolithiasis. (Id. at 43.)
Another alleged impairment was osteoporosis. (Id.) These impairments resulted in exertional
limitations of Plaintiff being able to occasionally lift or carry twenty pounds; frequently lift
or carry ten pounds; and sit, stand, or walk for approximately six hours in an eight-hour
workday. (Id. at 44.) His ability to push and pull was otherwise unlimited. (Id.) He had no
postural, manipulative, visual, communicative, or environmental limitations. (Id. at 45-46.)
The same month, a Psychiatric Review Technique form was completed for Plaintiff
by a non-examining consultant, Marsha Toll, Ph.D. (Id. at 435-45.) Plaintiff was described
as having an affective disorder, i.e., major depressive disorder, that was not severe. (Id. at
435, 438.) Specifically, this disorder did not cause any restrictions in activities of daily
living, difficulties in social functioning, or difficulties in maintaining concentration,

See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.906, 416.1406 (defining role of single decision-maker under proposed
modifications to disability determination procedures). See also Shackleford v. Astrue, 2012 WL
918864, *3 n.3 (E.D. Mo. Mar. 19, 2012) ("Single decision-makers are disability examiners
authorized to adjudicate cases without mandatory concurrence by a physician.") (citation omitted).
11

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persistence, or pace. (Id. at 443.) Nor did the disorder cause him to have repeated episodes
of decompensation of extended duration. (Id.)
As directed by the ALJ, Plaintiff was evaluated by Paul W. Rexroat, Ph.D., a licensed
psychologist, in May 2012. (Id. at 479-85.) Plaintiff's presenting problem was depression.
(Id. at 479.) Plaintiff reported he had been taking Cymbalta for the past two weeks, was still
depressed, and was more depressed since his wife had filed for divorce three weeks earlier.
(Id. at 480.) On examination, Plaintiff was nicely dressed and groomed and "was not
suspicious, anxious, tense, or weepy." (Id.) He had a normal affect, energy level, gait,
posture, speech, and range of emotional responsiveness. (Id.) He did not have unusual mood
swings and was not anxious. (Id.) He reported that he has been depressed since he was
married the fist time.12 (Id.) He has periods of at least fourteen days when he is depressed.
(Id.) Also, he is easily irritated, withdrawn, lacks energy, has no interest in things, has trouble
going to and staying asleep, is hopeless, and has low self-esteem. (Id.) He sometimes stays
in his room. (Id.)
On examination, Plaintiff was well oriented to time, place, person, and situation. (Id.
at 481.) His memory was good, whether it be his immediate, delayed, recent, or remote
memory. (Id.) He was functioning in the average range of intelligence. (Id.) He could
understand and remember simple instructions, sustain concentration and persistence with
simple tasks, and interact socially. (Id.) He had mild limitations in his ability to adapt to his
environment. (Id.) He also had mild limitations in his activities of daily living. (Id.) He had

12

According to Plaintiff's DIB application, he was first married in 1981. (Id. at 100.)
- 17 -

few limitations in social functioning. (Id. at 481-82.) His memory functioning was in the
average range. (Id. at 482.) Dr. Rexroat diagnosed Plaintiff with major depression, recurrent,
moderate and rated his Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) as 61.13 (Id.)
In a Medical Source Statement of Ability to Do Work-Related Activities (Mental), Dr.
Rexroat reported that Plaintiff's depression did not affect his ability to understand, remember,
and carry out instructions. (Id. at 483.) It did mildly affect his ability to interact appropriately
with the public, supervisors, and co-workers and to respond appropriately to usual work
situations and to changes in a routine work setting. (Id. at 484.) No other capabilities were
affected by his depression. (Id.)
The ALJ forwarded to Plaintiff's counsel a copy of Dr. Rexroat's report and informed
him he could request a supplemental hearing, which would be granted unless the ALJ could
render a favorable decision based on the record. (Id. at 185-87.) His counsel replied that he
had no objections to the report. (Id. at 188.) A supplemental hearing was not requested. (Id.)
In August 2012, a vocational expert (VE), J. Stephen Dolan, M.A., C.R.C., answered
written interrogatories submitted to him by the ALJ. (Id. at 190-93, 195-96.) He was asked
to assume a hypothetical claimant who had the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform

"According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 32 (4th ed. Text
Revision 2000) [DSM-IV-TR], the [GAF] is used to report 'the clinician's judgment of the
individual's overall level of functioning,'"" Hudson v. Barnhart, 345 F.3d 661, 663 n.2 (8th Cir.
2003), and consists of a number between zero and 100 to reflect that judgment, Hurd v. Astrue, 621
F.3d 734, 737 (8th Cir. 2010). A GAF score between 61 and 70 indicates "[s]ome mild symptoms
(e.g., depressed mood and mild insomnia) OR some difficulty in social, occupational, or school
functioning (e.g., occasional truancy, or theft within the household), but generally functioning pretty
well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships." DSM-IV-TR at 34 (emphasis omitted).
13

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light work as defined in the regulations14 with additional restrictions of being unable to climb
ladders, ropes, and scaffolds; being able to only occasionally crawl or climb ramps or stairs;
and having to avoid concentrated exposure to heat, cold, and extreme vibration. (Id. at 191.)
This claimant had to avoid operational control of moving machinery, working at unprotected
heights, and using hazardous machinery. (Id.) He was also limited to work involving only
simple, routine, and repetitive tasks and requiring only occasional decision making, changes
in the work setting, and interaction with coworkers and the public. (Id.) Asked if this
claimant can perform any of Plaintiff's past work, Mr. Dolan replied that he cannot because
that work is not simple, routine, repetitive, and light. (Id. at 195.) Asked if this claimant can
perform any unskilled jobs existing in significant numbers in the state and national
economies, he replied that he can perform the jobs of housekeeping cleaner, hand packager,
and mail room clerk. (Id. at 195-96.) Mr. Dolan stated that there was no conflicted between
his occupational evidence and the information in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and
Selected Characteristics of Occupations. (Id. at 192, 195.)
The ALJ forwarded Mr. Dolan's responses to Plaintiff's counsel, again informing him
of, among other things, the right to comment and to request a supplemental hearing. (Id. at
197-98.) No comments were made; no supplemental hearing was requested.

"According to the regulations, 'light work' is generally characterized as (1) lifting or carrying
ten pounds frequently; (2) lifting twenty pounds occasionally; (3) standing or walking, off and on,
for six hours during an eight-hour workday; (4) intermittent sitting; and (5) using hands and arms for
grasping, holding, and turning objects." Holley v. Massanari, 253 F.3d 1088, 1091 (8th Cir. 2001)
(citing Social Security Ruling 83–10, 1983 WL 31251, at *4–5 (S.S.A. 1983))
14

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The ALJ's Decision
The ALJ first determined that Plaintiff last met the insured status of the Act on
December 31, 2010, and has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since his alleged
disability onset date of August 2, 2006, through the date last insured.15 (Id. at 12.) He next
found that, through the date last insured, Plaintiff had severe impairments of CAD,
nephrolithiasis, degenerative disc disease, and major depressive disorder. (Id.) He did not
have an impairment or combination of impairments that met or medically equaled an
impairment of listing-level severity. (Id. at 12-13.) Addressing Plaintiff's depression, the
ALJ found him to have mild restrictions in his activities of daily living, moderate difficulties
in social functioning, and moderate difficulties in concentration, persistence, or pace. (Id. at
13.) He had not had any episodes of decompensation of extended duration. (Id.) The ALJ
noted that Plaintiff's records documented a history of depression, but also documented that
it was well controlled. (Id.) The ALJ also noted that Plaintiff had not alleged any difficulties
paying attention or finishing tasks and that he worked on a computer, read, and watched
television. (Id.)
The ALJ next determined that Plaintiff had the RFC earlier described to Mr. Dolan.
(Id. at 14.) In making this determination, the ALJ assessed Plaintiff's credibility. (Id. at 1419.) He noted the complaints of abdominal and flank pain as early as May 2004 and the

Because Plaintiff is no longer insured for Title II disability purposes, only his medical
condition before the date last insured, December 31, 2010, is considered. See Davidson v. Astrue,
501 F.3d 987, 989 (8th Cir. 2007).
15

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consistently normal objective examination findings, including no abnormal gait or heart
irregularities. (Id. at 15-16.) He also noted that Plaintiff continued to smoke regardless of
being repeatedly advised to stop. (Id. at 15.) There was no evidence that Plaintiff was
prescribed or required the use of an assistive device, including a cane. (Id. at 16.) Also,
Plaintiff was frequently reported not to be in acute distress and did not exhibit significant pain
behaviors or such signs as abnormal breathing. (Id.) He had never sought treatment on a
regular basis through a pain clinic or work hardening program. (Id.) The ALJ noted that
there was no documentation of treatment for depression between May 2004 and March 2007
and that his depression was described as well controlled in May 2010. (Id. at 17.) There was
no ongoing and frequent treatment by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor. (Id. at 17-18)
Also, there was no documentation of any complaints of medication side effects, contrary to
Plaintiff's testimony. (Id. at 18.) There was no documentation of complaints of fatigue and
no relevant findings, e.g., atrophy. (Id.) Although Plaintiff described significant limitations
in his activities of daily living, those allegations were not self-proving. (Id.) The ALJ did
consider Plaintiff's good earnings record as a factor in favor of his credibility, but found it did
not outweigh the detractors. (Id. at 19.)
The ALJ concluded that with his RFC, Plaintiff was unable to perform any past
relevant work, but was able to perform jobs that existed in significant numbers, as described
by the VE. (Id. at 19-20.) Plaintiff was not disabled within the meaning of the Act during
the relevant period. (Id. at 20.)

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Standards of Review
Under the Act, the Commissioner shall find a person disabled if the claimant is
"unable to engage in any substantial activity by reason of any medically determinable physical
or mental impairment," which must last for a continuous period of at least twelve months or
be expected to result in death. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1). Not only the impairment, but the
inability to work caused by the impairment must last, or be expected to last, not less than
twelve months. Barnhart v. Walton, 535 U.S. 212, 217-18 (2002). Additionally, the
impairment suffered must be "of such severity that [the claimant] is not only unable to do his
previous work, but cannot, considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in
any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy, regardless
of whether . . . a specific job vacancy exists for him, or whether he would be hired if he
applied for work." 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A).
"The Commissioner has established a five-step 'sequential evaluation process' for
determining whether an individual is disabled.'" Phillips v. Colvin, 721 F.3d 623, 625 (8th
Cir. 2013) (quoting Cuthrell v. Astrue, 702 F.3d 1114, 1116 (8th Cir. 2013) (citing 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1520(a)). "Each step in the disability determination entails a separate analysis and legal
standard." Lacroix v. Barnhart, 465 F.3d 881, 888 n.3 (8th Cir. 2006). First, the claimant
cannot be presently engaged in "substantial gainful activity." See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b);
Hurd, 621 F.3d at 738. Second, the claimant must have a severe impairment. See 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1520(c). A"severe impairment" is "any impairment or combination of impairments

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which significantly limits [claimant's] physical or mental ability to do basic work
activities . . . ." Id.
At the third step in the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ must determine whether
the claimant has a severe impairment which meets or equals one of the impairments listed in
the regulations and whether such impairment meets the twelve-month durational requirement.
See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d) and Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. If the claimant meets
these requirements, he is presumed to be disabled and is entitled to benefits. Bowen v. City
of New York, 476 U.S. 467, 471 (1986); Warren v. Shalala, 29 F.3d 1287, 1290 (8th Cir.
1994).
"Prior to step four, the ALJ must assess the claimant's [RFC], which is the most a
claimant can do despite [his] limitations." Moore v. Astrue, 572 F.3d 520, 523 (8th Cir.
2009). "[A]n RFC determination must be based on a claimant's ability 'to perform the
requisite physical acts day in and day out, in the sometimes competitive and stressful
conditions in which real people work in the real world.'" McCoy v. Astrue, 648 F.3d 605,
617 (8th Cir. 2011) (quoting Coleman v. Astrue, 498 F.3d 767, 770 (8th Cir. 2007)).
Moreover, "'a claimant's RFC [is] based on all relevant evidence, including the medical
records, observations of treating physicians and others, and an individual's own description
of his limitations.'" Moore, 572 F.3d at 523 (quoting Lacroix, 465 F.3d at 887); accord
Partee v. Astrue, 638 F.3d 860, 865 (8th Cir. 2011).
"'Before determining a claimant's RFC, the ALJ first must evaluate the claimant's
credibility.'" Wagner v. Astrue, 499 F.3d 842, 851 (8th Cir. 2007) (quoting Pearsall v.
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Massanari, 274 F.3d 1211, 1217 (8th Cir. 2002)). This evaluation requires the ALJ consider
"'[1] the claimant's daily activities; [2] the duration, frequency and intensity of the pain; [3]
precipitating and aggravating factors; [4] dosage, effectiveness and side effects of
medication; [5] functional restrictions.'" Id. (quoting Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320,
1322 (8th Cir. 1984)). "'The credibility of a claimant's subjective testimony is primarily for
the ALJ to decide, not the courts.'" Id. (quoting Pearsall, 274 F.3d at 1218). After
considering the Polaski factors, the ALJ must make express credibility determinations and
set forth the inconsistencies in the record which caused the ALJ to reject the claimant's
complaints. Ford v. Astrue, 518 F.3d 979, 982 (8th Cir. 2008); Singh v. Apfel, 222 F.3d
448, 452 (8th Cir. 2000).
At step four, the ALJ determines whether claimant can return to his past relevant work,
"review[ing] [the claimant's] [RFC] and the physical and mental demands of the work
[claimant has] done in the past." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e). The burden at step four remains
with the claimant to prove his RFC and establish he cannot return to his past relevant work.
Moore, 572 F.3d at 523; accord Dukes v. Barnhart, 436 F.3d 923, 928 (8th Cir. 2006);
Vandenboom v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 745, 750 (8th Cir. 2005).
If, as in the instant case, the ALJ holds at step four of the process that a claimant
cannot return to past relevant work, the burden shifts at step five to the Commissioner to
establish the claimant maintains the RFC to perform a significant number of jobs within the
national economy. Pate-Fires v. Astrue, 564 F.3d 935, 942 (8th Cir. 2009); Banks v.
Massanari, 258 F.3d 820, 824 (8th Cir. 2001). See also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f). The
- 24 -

Commissioner may meet her burden by eliciting testimony by a VE, Pearsall, 274 F.3d at
1219, based on hypothetical questions that "'set forth impairments supported by substantial
evidence on the record and accepted as true and capture the concrete consequences of those
impairments,'" Jones v. Astrue, 619 F.3d 963, 972 (8th Cir. 2010) (quoting Hiller v. S.S.A.,
486 F.3d 359, 365 (8th Cir. 2007)).
If the claimant is prevented by his impairment from doing any other work, the ALJ
will find the claimant to be disabled.
The ALJ's decision whether a person is disabled under the standards set forth above
is conclusive upon this Court "'if it is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a
whole.'" Wiese v. Astrue, 552 F.3d 728, 730 (8th Cir. 2009) (quoting Finch v. Astrue, 547
F.3d 933, 935 (8th Cir. 2008)); accord Dunahoo v. Apfel, 241 F.3d 1033, 1037 (8th Cir.
2001). "'Substantial evidence is relevant evidence that a reasonable mind would accept as
adequate to support the Commissioner's conclusion.'" Partee, 638 F.3d at 863 (quoting Goff
v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785, 789 (8th Cir. 2005)). When reviewing the record to determine
whether the Commissioner's decision is supported by substantial evidence, however, the Court
must consider evidence that supports the decision and evidence that fairly detracts from that
decision. Moore, 623 F.3d at 602; Jones, 619 F.3d at 968; Finch, 547 F.3d at 935. The
Court may not reverse that decision merely because substantial evidence would also support
an opposite conclusion, Dunahoo, 241 F.3d at 1037, or it might have "come to a different
conclusion," Wiese, 552 F.3d at 730.

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Discussion
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ committed reversible error when (1) failing to properly
determine his RFC and to explain how the evidence supported that determination and (2)
evaluating his credibility.
RFC. When applying for DIB, Plaintiff alleged he cannot work because of chronic
kidney stones, osteoporosis, degenerative joint and disc disease, and a heart attack. When
denying his application, the ALJ found Plaintiff had severe impairments of CAD,
nephrolithiasis, degenerative disc disease, and major depressive disorder. The ALJ further
found that, because of these impairments, Plaintiff has the RFC to perform light work with
additional restrictions of being unable to climb ladders, ropes, and scaffold; being able to only
occasionally crawl and climb ramps and stairs; having to avoid concentrated exposure to heat,
cold, and extreme vibration; and having to avoid the operation of moving machinery, work
at unprotected heights, and use of hazardous machinery. Plaintiff also was limited to work
involving only simple, routine, and repetitive tasks and requiring only occasional decision
making, changes in the work setting, and interactions with coworkers and the public. Plaintiff
contends this RFC is fatally flawed because the ALJ did not elicit a medical opinion when
evaluating his RFC and did not indicate how the RFC was supported by the medical evidence
summarized by the ALJ.
"Ordinarily, RFC is the individual's maximum remaining ability to do sustained work
activities in an ordinary work setting on a regular and continuing basis, and the RFC
assessment must include a discussion of the individual's abilities on that basis. A 'regular and

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continuing basis' means 8 hours a day, for 5 days a week, or an equivalent work schedule.
RFC does not represent the least an individual can do despite his or her limitations, but the
most." S.S.R. 96-8p, 1996 WL 374184, *2 (S.S.A. July 2, 1996) (footnote omitted). "[S.S.R.
96-8p] cautions that a failure to make [a] function-by-function assessment [of a claimant's
RFC] could 'result in the adjudicator overlooking some of an individual's limitations or
restrictions.'" Depover v. Barnhart, 349 F.3d 563, 567 (8th Cir. 2003) (quoting S.S.R. 968p, 1996 WL 374184, *1). An ALJ does not, however, fail in his duty to assess a claimant's
RFC merely because the ALJ does not address all areas regardless of whether a limitation is
found. See Id. Instead, an ALJ who specifically addresses the areas in which he found a
limitation but is silent as to those areas in which no limitation is found is believed to have
implicitly found no limitation in the latter. Id. at 567-68. See Renstrom v. Astrue, 680 F.3d
1057, 1065 (8th Cir. 2012) (ALJ does not fail in duty to fully develop the record by not
providing "an in-depth analysis of each piece of record").
Citing Nevland v. Apfel, 204 F.3d 853 (8th Cir. 2000), and, in his reply brief,
Willcockson v. Astrue, 540 F.3d 878 (8th Cir. 2008), Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed in
his duty to explain how his RFC determination is supported by the medical evidence. The
question in Nevland was how the ALJ had determined that the claimant's impairments of
dysthymia (depression) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder prevented him from
performing his past relevant work at the Post Office but did not preclude him from other
work. The court held that the ALJ's reliance on opinions of non-treating, non-examining
physicians to determine the claimant's RFC was in error and remanded with instructions for
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the ALJ to seek an opinion about the claimant's RFC either from his treating physicians or
from a consulting, examining physician. 204 F.3d at 858. In Willcockson, the question was
whether the ALJ's implicit reliance on the RFC by a nonexamining consultant was in error
when there was a seventeen-month gap between the consultant's RFC and the hearing, a gap
during which the claimant had received additional treatment. 540 F.3d at 880. The court
noted that the reliance was but one error in the case and that remand was required because of
a combination of errors, including the ALJ's omission of relevant information when
evaluating the claimant's credibility. Id.
In the instant case, the ALJ summarized Plaintiff's testimony and the medical record
in support of his RFC determination. See Dykes v. Apfel, 223 F.3d 865, 866-67 (8th Cir.
2000) (per curiam) (noting that "the current regulations make clear that [RFC] is a
determination based upon all the record evidence"). In Pfitzner v. Apfel, 169 F.3d 566, 568
(8th Cir. 1999), the court held that the ALJ had erred when, after recounting the medical
evidence, describing the claimant's RFC only in general terms.

This holding was

distinguished in Depover when the court held that the ALJ had made explicit findings as to
the claimant's RFC, e.g., the claimant could not work around moving machinery and heights.
349 F.3d at 567. Citing Depover, 349 F.3d at 567, the court in Jones v. Astrue, 2011 WL
4445825, *10 (E.D. Mo. Sept. 26, 2011), held that an "ALJ need not provide a narrative
discussion immediately following each statement of an individual limitation in the RFC, if the
court can otherwise discern the elements of the ALJ's decision-making." See also Hilgart v.
Colvin, 2013 WL 2250877, *4 (W.D. Mo. May 22, 2013) (finding that a requirement that an
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ALJ "follow each RFC limitation with a list of specific evidence on which the ALJ relied" to
be inconsistent with the court's duty to base its decision on "all the relevant evidence")
(internal quotations omitted).
In further support of his argument, Plaintiff argues that there are no treatment notes
about his ability to sit, lift, walk, stand or perform other work-related activities and, without
this, the ALJ's RFC is impermissibly based only his interpretation of Plaintiff's impairments.
This argument is without merit. The treatment notes refer to Plaintiff's ability to walk for a
mile or two or for an hour or two each day. He was released to return to work by Dr. Higano
in April 2008. His gait was described in May 2010 as normal. His physical examinations
were regularly unremarkable.
Nor does the ALJ's failure to explain the "significance" of Plaintiff's recurrent kidney
stone or degenerative changes of his lumbar spine undermine his RFC determination. As
noted by the Commissioner, Plaintiff's kidney stones are a consequence of his horseshoe
kidney, a condition present since birth. Although Plaintiff sought treatment for the stones at
least six times between August 2008 and September 2010, the treatment notes consistently
refer to Plaintiff having no significant pain and no accompanying urinary problems. Indeed,
in August 2008 Plaintiff was described only as being in "mild discomfort" and in January as
being"slightly worse" but still asymptomatic. Twenty months before his alleged disability
onset date, an MRI revealed him to have osteoporosis. Plaintiff was prescribed Fosamax, but
did not take it for another twenty months. His treating physician recommended weightbearing exercise and no physical examination revealed problems with his back or gait.

- 29 -

"[T]he burden of persuasion to prove disability and demonstrate RFC [is] on the
claimant." Vossen v. Astrue, 612 F.3d 1011, 1016 (8th Cir. 2010). For the foregoing
reasons, Plaintiff has not established that the ALJ erred in assessing his RFC.
Credibility. Plaintiff next argues that the ALJ erred in not finding his subjective
complaints entirely credible.
As noted above, a claimant's credibility is evaluated before his RFC is determined.
Wagner, 499 F.3d at 851. When finding Plaintiff not fully credible, the ALJ properly
considered the lack of supporting objective evidence. See Id. (affirming the appropriateness
of such consideration); Renstrom, 680 F.3d at 1066 (same). See also Forte v. Barnhart, 377
F.3d 892, 895 (8th Cir. 2004) (holding that "an ALJ may not discount allegations of disabling
pain solely on the lack of objective medical evidence," bu such lack "is a factor the ALJ may
consider") (emphasis added). And, in the instant case, Plaintiff's testimony is not only not
supported by the objective medical evidence it is inconsistent with such evidence. See
Turpin v. Colvin, 750 F.3d 989, 994 (8th Cir. 2014) (affirming adverse credibility
determination by ALJ when testimony was inconsistent with medical records). The majority
of Plaintiff's medical records are for treatment of his CAD and kidney stones. After being
hospitalized for two days in August 2006 after suffering a heart attack, Plaintiff saw Dr.
Higano once more that month, once six months later, and three times between March 2008
and April 2009. Plaintiff was released to return to work following the February 2007 visit
with restrictions accommodated by the ALJ's RFC. The last visit was for clearance for hernia
surgery; the results of Plaintiff's stress test were "very excellent." The second to the last visit,
- 30 -

in April 2008, Dr. Higano released Plaintiff to return to work without the restrictions earlier
imposed. Plaintiff sought treatment for his kidney stones more recently and frequently than
for his heart condition. Even so, the treatment notes consistently record that he was not in any
significant pain and did not have any accompanying urinary difficulties. Indeed, in July 2009,
after discussing with Dr. White treatment options for the stones, Plaintiff elected to continue
as he had been. And, although Plaintiff cited degenerative disc and joint disease as disabling
conditions, he had a normal gait and, in his last medical record, that of October 2010, was
found not to have any back pain.
The relevant lack of supporting evidence includes the absence of any restrictions 16
placed on Plaintiff by any of his treating physicians. See Teague v. Astrue, 638 F.3d 611,
615 (8th Cir. 2011); Roberson v. Astrue, 481 F.3d 1020, 1025 (8th Cir. 2007). To the
contrary, Dr. Higano released him to return to work in April 2008 without placing any
restrictions on the release and Dr. Tiefenbrunn recommended weight-bearing exercises. See
Hutton v. Apfel, 175 F.3d 651, 655 (8th Cir. 1999) (finding that the lack of any physical
restrictions on claimant supported ALJ's adverse credibility determination).
Another proper consideration by the ALJ was Plaintiff's failure to follow his doctor's
treatment recommendations, specifically, to complete a cardiac rehabilitation program and to
stop smoking.17 See Kisling v. Chater, 105 F.3d 1255, 1257 (8th Cir. 1997).

As noted, the lifting and temperature exposures placed on Plaintiff by Dr. Higano were not
permanent.
16

Dr. White reported when first seeing Plaintiff in July 2009 that he had stopped smoking in
April 2008. In May 2010, however, he was still smoking.
17

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Additionally, "[a]n ALJ may discount a claimant's subjective complaints if there are
inconsistencies in the record as a whole." Van Vickle v. Astrue, 539 F.3d 825, 828 (8th Cir.
2008). See also McCoy, 648 F.3d at 614 (inconsistencies in record detract from a claimant's
credibility). For instance, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Tiefenbrunn that there were no medication
side effects, but he testified that his medications cause him to shake. He uses a cane, but none
was prescribed. See Kriebaum v. Astrue, 280 Fed.App'x 555, 559 (8th Cir. 2008) (finding
ALJ's adverse credibility determination based on, inter alia, claimant's use of self-prescribed
cane to be "supported by good reasons"). He told Dr. Higano that he did not intend to return
to work but was going to start college. See Goff, 421 F.3d at 793 (finding it "relevant to
credibility" that a claimant is not working for reasons other than his medical condition).
Plaintiff argues that the consistency between his activities of daily living and his
testimony supports his credibility. A similar argument was rejected in Whitman v. Colvin,
762 F.3d 701 (8th Cir. 2014). In that case, the ALJ discounted the claimant's allegations of
limited daily activities on the grounds that the activities could not be objectively verified and
that, even if they were as restricted as alleged, the degree of limitation could not be attributed
to his medical condition. Id. at 705. The court deferred to the ALJ's credibility finding. Id.
at 707-08. See also Kamann v. Colvin, 721 F.3d 945, 951-52 (8th Cir. 2013) (affirming
ALJ's credibility finding based on discrepancies between claimant's self-reported limitations
and observed capacities).
Finally, the Court notes, as did the ALJ, that a good earnings record such as Plaintiff's
supports his credibility, but does not necessarily outweigh the detracting considerations. See
- 32 -

Finch, 547 F.3d at 936 (noting that an unbroken earnings record of thirty-eight years
supported claimant's credibility but did not outweigh ALJ's decision finding other factors
detracted from such).
"'If an ALJ expressly discredits the claimant's testimony and gives good reason for
doing so, [the Court] will normally defer to the ALJ's credibility determination.'" Juszczyk
v. Astrue, 542 F.3d 626, 632 (8th Cir. 2008); accord Buckner v. Astrue, 646 F.3d 549, 558
(8th Cir. 2011). Having carefully considered Plaintiff's arguments to the contrary, the Court
finds that the ALJ's credibility determination is supported by good reasons and is affirmed.
Conclusion
Considering all the evidence in the record, including that which detracts from the ALJ's
conclusions, the Court finds that there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ's decision.
"If substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision, [the Court] [should] not reverse the
decision merely because substantial evidence would have also supported a contrary outcome,
or because [the Court] would have decided differently." Wildman v. Astrue, 596 F.3d 959,
964 (8th Cir. 2010).
Accordingly, for the foregoing reasons,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED
and that this case is DISMISSED.

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An appropriate Order of Dismissal shall accompany this Memorandum and Order.

/s/ Thomas C. Mummert, III
THOMAS C. MUMMERT, III
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Dated this 7th day of January, 2015.

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