Parker v. Colvin

Filing 26

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the decision of the Commissioner is affirmed. A separate Judgment in accordance with this Memorandum and Orderwill be entered this same date.. Signed by District Judge Carol E. Jackson on 8/12/15. (KKS)

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

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Case No. 4:14-CV-1302 (CEJ)

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This matter is before the Court for review of an adverse ruling by the Social
Security Administration.
I. Procedural History
On August 19, 2011, plaintiff Isis Parker filed an application for disability
insurance benefits, Title II, 42 U.S.C. §§ 401 et seq., with an alleged onset date of
September 28, 2009, which she subsequently amended to November 13, 2009.
(Tr. 115-21, 122-23). After plaintiff’s application was denied on initial consideration
(Tr. 60-61), she requested a hearing from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). (Tr.
75-76).
Plaintiff and counsel appeared for a hearing on January 25, 2013. (Tr. 2959). The ALJ issued a decision denying plaintiff’s application on February 28, 2013.
(Tr. 8-27). The Appeals Council denied plaintiff’s request for review on May 30,
2014. (Tr. 1-6). Accordingly, the ALJ’s decision stands as the Commissioner’s final
decision.
II. Evidence Before the ALJ
A. Disability Application Documents

In her Disability Report (Tr. 140-54), plaintiff listed her disabling conditions
as blindness in her left eye, high blood pressure, arthritis, residuals of right knee
meniscectomy in 2009, history of transient ischemic attack in June 2011, episodic
numbness of the left side, arterial plaque in the brain, diverticulosis and severe
abdominal pain, abdominal/pelvic adhesive disease, and depression. She reported
that she worked as a department manager for a grocery store from 1987 until her
termination in September 2009. She also worked as a tax preparer between 2006
and 2009. She was prescribed medications for the treatment of hypertension, high
cholesterol, and clot prevention. In December 2012 and January 2013, her
additional medications included antidepressants, a stool softener, Ranitidine,1
Motrin, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. (Tr. 191-93).
In a Function Report dated August 29, 2011, (Tr. 167-77), plaintiff stated
that she lived in a house with her family. Her daily routine consisted of getting her
six-year-old son ready for school, dropping him off at school, resting or attending
medical appointments, picking her son up, helping him with his homework, and
getting his dinner. Otherwise, she watched television. She prepared meals that
could be heated in the microwave. The only chore she described doing was laundry,
which she did once or twice a month. She was able to go out alone, drive and shop.
Her hobbies included watching television and occasionally going to a show. She
occasionally visited her aunt, but in general she spoke to people on the telephone.
She wrote that she “stay[ed] home a lot” because “it takes a lot out of me to keep
my house running.” (Tr. 172). Her medical conditions reduced her ability to walk up
1

Ranitidine is indicated in treatment of duodenal ulcer, GERD, and erosive esophagitis. See
Phys. Desk. Ref. 1633-35 (65th ed. 2011).

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and down stairs and to sit or stand. She also complained of fatigue and reduced
energy. Plaintiff had difficulties with lifting, squatting, bending, standing, reaching,
walking, sitting, kneeling, climbing stairs, seeing, memory, completing tasks, and
understanding. She could not lift more than 10 pounds or stand or sit for more than
one hour. She could walk for 15 minutes before needing to rest for 20 minutes. She
occasionally used a cane. She got along well with people but did not handle stress
well. She worried about having enough money to take care of her son.
Plaintiff’s friend, Kimberly Caruthers, completed a Third-Party Function
Report. (Tr. 155-62). Ms. Caruthers watched movies with plaintiff 2 or 3 times a
week.

Ms. Caruthers stated that, as a result of knee and back pain, plaintiff no

longer enjoyed playing with her son and granddaughter and was not able to bowl or
play softball.
B. Testimony at Hearing
Plaintiff testified that she graduated from high school and obtained
certificates in the areas of real estate sales, dental assistance, certified nursing
assistance, and tax preparation. She never worked as a dental assistant or in real
estate sales. (Tr. 32-33). From 2006 through 2008, plaintiff worked part-time as a
tax preparer in addition to her full-time work. (Tr. 163-66).
Plaintiff worked in a grocery store seafood department for 23 years and was
an assistant manager for 15 years. Her responsibilities included supervising two
people, keeping the inventory, ordering products, and organizing the coolers and
freezers. She stood or walked for 7.5 hours of an 8-hour shift and lifted up to 50

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pounds. Her work required her to be on her feet for the entire 8-hour shift. She
stated that her job was terminated in 2009 after she had surgery on her right knee.
Plaintiff testified that she experienced pain and stiffness in both knees and
had difficulty with walking and bending. She could stand or sit for about 30 minutes
at a time before she felt pain shooting down her legs.1 Her left knee was more
troublesome than her right and was especially bad on cold days. She had had the
knee injected once and took unspecified pain pills every day. She was using a cane
on the day of hearing and testified that she generally used it every day, especially
when her arthritis was aggravated by the weather.
Plaintiff also had carpal tunnel syndrome which caused pain, numbness and
tingling in her hands. When she was not experiencing pain, she could easily lift as
much as 2 gallons of milk; at other times, however, even lifting the phone caused
pain. Her doctor had given her an injection but she needed to have surgery to
address the issue. (Tr. 40-41).
Plaintiff testified about her other impairments: she was born without sight in
her left eye. She had corrected vision in her right eye and was able to drive, read,
and use a computer. Her high blood pressure was controlled by medication. In June
2011, she experienced a transient ischemic attack in which her entire left side, from
head to toe, became numb for 15 minutes. She was hospitalized for three days.
She continued to have episodes until August 2012 when a neurologist prescribed
medication which stopped the episodes. (Tr. 45). Plaintiff also had abdominal
adhesive tissue disease. She underwent surgery to alleviate the condition, but after

1

During her testimony, plaintiff had to stand for a minute or two after sitting for about 10
minutes. (Tr. 37-38).

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an initial attempt, her surgeon determined that he could not complete the
procedure. Her condition caused abdominal pain which had been severe in the past
but had improved significantly after she started taking a stool softener. At the time
of the hearing, she experienced abdominal pain about twice a week and she simply
lay down for an hour or so until it resolved. (Tr. 46-47). Plaintiff testified that
before she stopped working she had experienced depression for which she
occasionally took medication, but her condition became worse after she lost her
job. Medication helped her symptoms but she still felt fatigued all the time. (Tr. 4749). Finally, she experienced neck pain about twice a week for which she took
Tylenol.
C. Medical Records2
On September 3, 2009, plaintiff underwent an examination of her left
shoulder in conjunction with a work place injury. (Tr. 427). On examination, she
had minimal tenderness and “slow cautious range of motion.” She had discomfort
with an impingement maneuver. Plaintiff’s physical therapist reported that she had
made “some slow progress, but at times her complaints seem[ed] to be
exaggerated or out of proportion.” An MRI of the left shoulder was negative. (Tr.
419).
Also in September 2009, plaintiff sought treatment for pain in her right knee
that had been present for about three weeks. Tramadol provided limited pain relief.
(Tr. 609). The right knee was tender on palpation and with full range of motion. An
MRI completed on September 23, 2009, showed moderate sized joint effusion and a
2

The administrative record contains medical reports beginning in 1998. Plaintiff cites records
starting in September 2009 and the court will likewise restrict its consideration of the
record.

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popliteal cyst. Other findings suggested a focal amputation and tear of the lateral
meniscus. (Tr. 613). On November 11, 2009, Robert S. Kramer, M.D. completed
arthroscopy and cartilage debridement of the right knee. (Tr. 216-17). The
postoperative diagnoses included right knee lateral meniscal tear and Grade III
and Grade IV chondromalacia. At follow-up one week later, Dr. Kramer prescribed
physical therapy three times a week for a three-week period. (Tr. 226). Plaintiff
underwent an initial evaluation for physical therapy, but stated that she could not
afford the co-pay for future visits. She was given a home exercise plan. (Tr. 222).
On December 16, 2009, plaintiff told Dr. Kramer that she had mild discomfort for
which she was taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen twice a day. She also stated that she
was going to physical therapy. (Tr. 225). Two weeks later, she told Dr. Kramer that
her knee was significantly improved. Dr. Kramer noted that plaintiff no longer
required physical therapy and could increase her activities as tolerated. (Tr. 224).
On July 29, 2010, plaintiff sought emergency treatment at Missouri Baptist
Hospital for pain in her lower back and abdomen. (Tr. 296-97). On September 20,
2010, Donna L. Wenzelburger, WHNP, conducted a gynecological examination.
Plaintiff reported that she was “stressed out” because she had lost her job of 25
years and could not find another. In addition, she was taking care of two small
children and her mother, who had lung and rectal cancer. (Tr. 383). Jeffrey Mormol,
M.D.,

evaluated

plaintiff’s

abdominal

pain

on

September

28,

2010,

and

recommended that she undergo a hysterectomy. (Tr. 385). On November 9, 2010,
Dr. Mormol attempted to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy but encountered
extensive adhesions throughout her abdominal cavity and pelvis. (Tr. 281-82). He

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determined that plaintiff required a more extensive procedure than had been
planned and the procedure was halted.
On June 3, 2011, plaintiff was admitted to Missouri Baptist Hospital with
complaints of chest pain and left-sided numbness. (Tr. 723). Plaintiff reported that
she was experiencing numbness that started in her left foot and then radiated up
her leg, trunk, arm, and face, all within a minute. (Tr. 739). On examination,
plaintiff was neurologically normal. An MRI of the brain showed no evidence of
recent infarction, mass or enhancing abnormality. However, there were prominent
nonspecific changes throughout hemispheric white matter, predominately in the
subcortical region. (Tr. 768). A chest x-ray showed mild cardiomegaly. (Tr. 740). A
cardiac stress test was normal and plaintiff’s chest pain “totally resolved.” Plaintiff’s
left-sided numbness was attributed to a transient ischemic attack. (Tr. 723).
On June 24, 2011, Dave A. Rengachary, M.D., evaluated plaintiff’s left-sided
paresthesias. (Tr. 733-34). He noted that, following her hospitalization, plaintiff
started taking an antiplatelet agent and medication to control cholesterol and blood
pressure. She then had a recurrence of symptoms. Dr. Rengachary noted that
plaintiff’s recurrent paresthesias were suggestive of a TIA, but a full workup failed
to show clear focal or explanatory lesion. On examination, plaintiff had full strength,
normal muscle bulk and tone, and intact sensation and coordination. She was alert
and oriented. Dr. Rengachary recommended that plaintiff take Plavix and noted that
she was attempting to enroll in the patient assistance plan.

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On July 15, 2011, plaintiff sought emergency treatment for persistent
abdominal pain. (Tr. 699-701). Radiologic studies indicated that she had mild
diverticulosis and an ovarian cyst. (Tr. 781, 783).
On July 27, 2011, Shawn L. Berkin, D.O., conducted an independent medical
evaluation of plaintiff in connection with the August 2009 injury to her right knee.
(Tr. 691-97). At the time of the evaluation, plaintiff reported that she experienced
pain and swelling and that her right knee popped. She experienced pain when she
climbed stairs, squatted or kneeled. She took Motrin for pain control. On
examination, plaintiff’s right knee did not display any swelling or joint effusion. Her
gait was nonantalgic with normal stride and cadence. She had crepitus, tenderness
and pain with various maneuvers, but there was no instability. Dr. Belkin opined
that plaintiff had a permanent partial disability of 35% at the right knee. He
recommended treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and
analgesics. He also recommended that she follow a home exercise program to
strengthen the knee and improve her flexibility. He opined that she should avoid
excessive squatting, kneeling, stooping, turning, twisting, lifting, and climbing. She
should also avoid standing for extended periods and walking long distances and
should take frequent breaks during exertion.
An MRI of plaintiff’s cervical spine completed on August 5, 2011, showed mild
broad lateralization of the C5-C6 disc of uncertain significance, a suggestion of “red
marrow reconversion,” and possible muscle spasm. (Tr. 729). Dr. Rengachary
recommended that plaintiff undergo physical therapy to address mild disc

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herniation. He directed her to follow up with her primary care providers regarding
the clinical significance of the possible marrow conversion. (Tr. 728).
Plaintiff again sought treatment for abdominal pain in August 2011. (Tr. 795,
717). In October 2011, she complained of pain in her right wrist. X-rays showed a
normal bony pattern. (Tr. 819, 838). In December 30, 2011, plaintiff reported to
Jean Mueller, GNP, that she had substernal chest discomfort and occasional
numbness and tingling in her left side. (Tr. 978-81). On examination, plaintiff’s
heart rate was normal with regular rhythm. She had no edema. Cardiologist Robert
Kopitsky, M.D., evaluated plaintiff on February 2, 2012, c. (Tr. 929-30). He noted
that she had not had a recurrence of significant chest pain and that her thallium
stress test and echocardiogram were normal. His diagnostic impression was benign
hypertension and pure hypercholesterolem. He did not recommend any further
cardiac evaluation and he strongly urged her to lose weight.
On February 8, 2012, plaintiff was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea
following a sleep study. (Tr. 849-50). Treatment with a CPAP machine improved her
sleep. (See, e.g., Tr. 854).
At follow up on July 26, 2012, Dr. Kopitsky assessed plaintiff as stable from
the cardiac standpoint. (Tr. 926-27). He noted that she had recurrent episodes of
upper chest discomfort, but no exertional angina symptoms, palpitations, syncope,
or symptoms of congestive heart failure. He recommended a repeat thallium stress
test, but otherwise “made no changes in her excellent medical regimen.” Also in
July, she was determined to be as an appropriate candidate for bariatric surgery,
pending approval by her insurance company. (Tr. 989-90). In October 2012, Dr.

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Kopitsky determined that there were “no cardiac contraindications” to plaintiff
undergoing bariatric surgery. (Tr. 1054).
An x-ray of plaintiff’s left knee on August 8, 2012, showed mild to moderate
three-compartment osteoarthritic changes and small to moderate joint effusion.
(Tr. 984). Terry Boxdorfer, FNP, conducted an orthopedic evaluation of plaintiff’s
left knee on August 22, 2012. (Tr. 1061-64). Plaintiff reported increased pain,
popping and swelling, which was attributed to a possible torn meniscus. However,
an MRI on September 14, 2012, did not definitely show a meniscal tear. (Tr. 1101).
There was evidence of a “tiny” popliteal cyst, moderate osteoarthritis with some
joint-centered bone edema, and small joint effusion. On September 24, 2012,
plaintiff received a cortisone injection to the left knee. (Tr. 1059).
A nerve conduction study on August 23, 2012, indicated that plaintiff had
mild bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. (Tr. 1092-94). Shawn Kutnik, M.D. described
the results of the study and a clinical evaluation as “quite benign” and assessed
plaintiff’s symptoms as “very mild in nature.” (Tr. 1057). Surgery was not indicated
and a right carpal tunnel injection was administered.
III. The ALJ’s Decision
In the decision issued on February 28, 2013, the ALJ made the following
findings:
1.

Plaintiff met the insured status requirements of the Social Security Act
through December 31, 2014.

2.

Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity November 13,
2009, her alleged onset date.

3.

Plaintiff has the following severe impairments: hypertension, arthritis
of the bilateral knees, status post transient ischemic attack, abdominal
pain from adhesive disease and diverticulosis, obesity, sleep apnea,
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degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and mild bilateral
carpal tunnel syndrome.
4.

Plaintiff does not have an impairment or combination of impairments
that meet or medically equal the severity of one of the listed
impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1.

5.

Plaintiff has the residual functional capacity to perform the full range of
sedentary work as defined in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a).

6.

Plaintiff is unable to perform any past relevant work.

7.

Plaintiff was born on August 1, 1967, and was 42 years old, which is
defined as a younger individual on the alleged onset date.

8.

Plaintiff has at least a high school education and is able to
communicate in English.

9.

Transferability of job skills is not material to the determination
because using the Medical-Vocational Rules as a framework supports a
finding that plaintiff is not disabled, whether or not she has
transferrable skills.

10.

Considering plaintiff’s age, education, work experience, and residual
functional capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in
the national economy that plaintiff can perform.

11.

Plaintiff has not been under a disability within the meaning of the
Social Security Act from November 13, 2009, through the date of the
decision.

(Tr. 13-21).
IV. Legal Standards
The Court must affirm the Commissioner’s decision “if the decision is not
based on legal error and if there is substantial evidence in the record as a whole to
support the conclusion that the claimant was not disabled.” Long v. Chater, 108
F.3d 185, 187 (8th Cir. 1997). “Substantial evidence is less than a preponderance,
but enough so that a reasonable mind might find it adequate to support the
conclusion.” Estes v. Barnhart, 275 F.3d 722, 724 (8th Cir. 2002) (quoting Johnson
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v. Apfel, 240 F.3d 1145, 1147 (8th Cir. 2001)). If, after reviewing the record, the
Court finds it possible to draw two inconsistent positions from the evidence and one
of those positions represents the Commissioner’s findings, the Court must affirm
the decision of the Commissioner. Buckner v. Astrue, 646 F.3d 549, 556 (8th Cir.
2011) (quotations and citation omitted).
To be entitled to disability benefits, a claimant must prove she is unable to
perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment that would either result in death or which has lasted or could be
expected to last for at least twelve continuous months. 42 U.S.C. § 423(a)(1)(D),
(d)(1)(A); Pate-Fires v. Astrue, 564 F.3d 935, 942 (8th Cir. 2009).

The

Commissioner has established a five-step process for determining whether a person
is disabled. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520; Moore v. Astrue, 572 F.3d 520, 523 (8th
Cir. 2009).

“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).
Steps one through three require the claimant to prove (1) she is not
currently engaged in substantial gainful activity, (2) she suffers from a severe
impairment, and (3) her disability meets or equals a listed impairment. Pate-Fires,
564 F.3d at 942. If the claimant does not suffer from a listed impairment or its
equivalent, the Commissioner’s analysis proceeds to steps four and five. Id.
APrior to step four, the ALJ must assess the claimant=s residual functioning
capacity (>RFC=), which is the most a claimant can do despite her limitations.@
Moore, 572 F.3d at 523 (citing 20 C.F.R. ' 404.1545(a)(1)). “RFC is an
administrative assessment of the extent to which an individual’s medically

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determinable impairment(s), including any related symptoms, such as pain, may
cause physical or mental limitations or restrictions that may affect his or her
capacity to do work-related physical and mental activities.” Social Security Ruling
(SSR) 96-8p, 1996 WL 374184, *2. “[A] claimant’s RFC [is] based on all relevant
evidence, including the medical records, observations by treating physicians and
others, and an individual’s own description of his limitations.” Moore, 572 F.3d at
523 (quotation and citation omitted).
In determining a claimant’s RFC, the ALJ must evaluate the claimant’s
credibility.

Wagner v. Astrue, 499 F.3d 842, 851 (8th Cir. 2007); Pearsall v.

Massanari, 274 F.3d 1211, 1217 (8th Cir. 2002). This evaluation requires that the
ALJ consider “(1) the claimant’s daily activities; (2) the duration, intensity, and
frequency of the pain; (3) the precipitating and aggravating factors; (4) the
dosage,

effectiveness,

and

side

effects

of

medication;

(5)

any

functional

restrictions; (6) the claimant’s work history; and (7) the absence of objective
medical evidence to support the claimant’s complaints.”

Buckner v. Astrue, 646

F.3d 549, 558 (8th Cir. 2011) (quotation and citation omitted). “Although ‘an ALJ
may not discount a claimant’s allegations of disabling pain solely because the
objective medical evidence does not fully support them,’ the ALJ may find that
these allegations are not credible ‘if there are inconsistencies in the evidence as a
whole.’” Id. (quoting Goff v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785, 792 (8th Cir. 2005)). After
considering the seven factors, the ALJ must make express credibility determinations
and set forth the inconsistencies in the record which caused the ALJ to reject the

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claimant’s complaints. Singh v. Apfel, 222 F.3d 448, 452 (8th Cir. 2000); Beckley
v. Apfel, 152 F.3d 1056, 1059 (8th Cir. 1998).
At step four, the ALJ determines whether a claimant can return to her 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 her RFC and establish
that she cannot return to her 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 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
that the claimant maintains the RFC to perform a significant number of jobs within
the national economy.

Banks v. Massanari, 258 F.3d 820, 824 (8th Cir. 2001).

See also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f).
If the claimant is prevented by her impairment from doing any other work,
the ALJ will find the claimant to be disabled.
V. Discussion
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred by determining that she has the residual
functional capacity (RFC) to perform sedentary work without identifying her
functional limitations or restrictions as required by Social Security Ruling (SSR) 968p.
The RFC should “identify the individual’s functional limitations or restrictions
and assess his or her work-related abilities on a function-by-function basis,

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including the functions in . . . 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545[(b)],” which include “sitting,
standing, [and] walking.” Depover v. Barnhart, 349 F.3d 563, 567 (8th Cir. 2003)
(alterations in original). “[A] failure to make the function-by-function assessment
‘could result in the adjudicator overlooking some of an individual’s limitations or
restrictions.’” Id. (citing S.S.R. 96–8p, 1996 WL 374184, at *1). An ALJ must
“specifically set forth the claimant’s limitations, both physical and mental, and
determine how those limitations affect the claimant’s RFC.” Pfitzner v. Apfel, 169
F.3d 566, 568 (8th Cir. 1999) (citation omitted). It is well established, however,
that “an arguable deficiency in opinion-writing technique does not require [a court]
to set aside an administrative finding when that deficiency had no bearing on the
outcome.” Owen v. Astrue, 551 F.3d 792, 801 (8th Cir. 2008) (citation omitted).
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ’s RFC determination is improper because he did
not explicitly set out the function-by-function analysis. Here, the ALJ determined
that plaintiff was capable of performing the full range of sedentary work. He then
engaged in a lengthy and thorough discussion of the evidence used to determine
the RFC. As discussed in more detail below, the court finds substantial evidence
supports the overall RFC determination. And, although it is preferable for an ALJ to
make specific findings as to each function, the failure to do so does not necessarily
indicate that the ALJ overlooked the functions for which he does not make specific
findings. Lynch v. Astrue, No. 4:10-CV-01035NAB, 2011 WL 3943851, at *11 (E.D.
Mo. Sept. 7, 2011) (citing Depover, 349 F.3d at 567 (8th Cir. 2003)).
The ALJ determined that plaintiff can perform the full range of sedentary
work, which involves “lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally
lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools” and “sitting,
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[though] a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying
out job duties.”

20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a). A job is sedentary if the periods of

walking or standing generally total no more than two hours in an eight-hour
workday and sitting generally totals six hours in an eight-hour workday. See SSR
83-10, 1983 WL 31251, at *5.
In determining the plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ fully addressed plaintiff’s
musculoskeletal complaints, cardiac complaints, obesity, transient ischemic attack,
sleep apnea, abdominal pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.3 In doing so, the ALJ
considered plaintiff’s allegations of disabling symptoms, the treatment record, and
the objective medical evidence. (Tr. 16-18). For example, addressing plaintiff’s
complaints of disabling knee pain, the ALJ noted that she had undergone
arthroscopic surgery for the right knee, after which she reported significant
improvement. (Tr. 16-17). Subsequent physical examinations disclosed tenderness
to palpation and crepitus with movement, but plaintiff had full strength and normal
muscle tone, coordination, and reflexes. Although plaintiff reported increasing pain
in her left knee, an MRI in 2012 showed only moderate arthritis with small joint
effusion. Plaintiff’s complaints of neck and back pain were similarly disproportionate
to the results of clinical examinations and objective medical evidence. With respect
to plaintiff’s carpal tunnel syndrome, the ALJ noted that, in September 2012, an
orthopedic specialist determined that her symptoms were “very mild” and described
the clinical findings and examination results as “quite benign.” With respect to her
obesity, the ALJ noted that plaintiff had worked fulltime for many years at her
current weight.
3

Plaintiff does not challenge the ALJ’s finding that her left-eye blindness, depression and
anxiety were not severe impairments.

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The ALJ also addressed factors adversely affecting plaintiff’s credibility. In
particular, he noted that plaintiff is the primary caregiver to two young children and
is able to perform cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping. She also took care of
her ailing mother for a period of time. The ALJ found that these activities require a
significant amount of physical and mental stamina. (Tr. 18-19). At various times,
physicians imposed temporary restrictions on lifting or carrying in order to
accommodate acute injuries, but her treatment providers never identified any
limitations that would preclude the performance of sedentary level work on a
sustained basis.
The court finds that the ALJ’s determination that plaintiff has the residual
functional capacity to perform the full range of sedentary work is supported by
evidence in the record as a whole. To the extent that the ALJ failed to make a
function-by-function assessment, the error is harmless.
VI. Conclusion
For the reasons discussed above, the Court finds that the Commissioner’s
decision is supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole.
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the decision of the Commissioner is
affirmed.

A separate Judgment in accordance with this Memorandum and Order

will be entered this same date.
___________________________
CAROL E. JACKSON
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Dated this 12th day of August, 2015.
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