GUZMAN v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY
Filing
18
OPINION. Signed by Judge Kevin McNulty on 9/12/16. (DD, )
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
EDUARDO GUZMAN,
Civ. No. 15-6564 (KM)
Plaintiff,
v.
OPINION
CAROLYN COLVIN, Acting Commissioner
of Social Security,
Defendant.
KEVIN MCNULTY, U.S.D.J.:
Eduardo Guzman brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
§ 405(g) to
review a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security denying his claim
for Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) under Title II of the Social Security Act,
42 U.S.C.
§ 401—434. I do not minimize the challenges faced by Mr. Guzman;
he suffers from schizophrenia, paranoid type, an impairment that is serious
and real. There is substantial evidence in the record, however, that Mr.
Guzman’s symptoms are controlled by medication to the extent that he retains
the ability to perform the functions of low-pressure jobs that exist in the
national economy. The applicable standard of review therefore requires me to
defer to the AU’s weighing of the evidence. For the reasons set forth below, the
decision of the Administrative Law Judge (“AU”) is AFFIRMED.
I.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Guzman has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which
causes him to experience auditory and visual hallucinations.’ (R. 895-897, 37,
41) Those hallucinations began at some time during 2002—04, while Guzman
was stationed in Korea during a tour with the U.S. Army. (R. 895-897, 291) In
August 2007, at the age of 28, he received a medical discharge from the service
I
Pages in the administrative record (ECF no. 10) are cited as “R.
1
“
for psychiatric reasons. (R. 43, 187, 291, 89597)2 Guzman has not looked for
work since June 2, 2007, the date on which he alleges the onset of disability.
(R. 37, 174). He takes medication for his condition and regularly visits Veteran
Affairs doctors. (R. 5 1-52)
Guzman applied for DIB on November 29, 2011. (R. 18) His
application was initially denied on February 6, 2012 and then on
reconsideration on June 22, 2012. (R. 67-77, 79-88) On February 21, 2014,
following a hearing at which Guzman testified and was represented by counsel,
AU
Elias Feuer found that Guzman was not under a disability as defined in
the Social Security Act from any time from June 2, 2007 through December 31,
2012, the date last insured. (R. 26) On July 1, 2015, the Appeals Council
denied also his request for review, rendering the AU’s decision the final
decision of the Commissioner. (R. 1) Guzman now appeals that decision.
II.
DISCUSSION
To qualify for Title II DIB benefits, a claimant must meet the insured
status requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 423(c). He must also show that he is unable
to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in
death or that has lasted (or can be expected to last) for a continuous period of
not less than twelve months. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A).
A.
Standard of Review
This Court exercises a plenary review of all legal issues. Schaudeck v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 181 F.3d 429, 431 (3d Cir. 1999). This Court adheres to
the AU’s findings so long as they are supported by substantial evidence. Jones
v. Barnhart, 364 F.3d 501, 503 (3d Cir. 2004) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)). Where
Guzman testified that the Veteran’s Administration, from which he receives over
$3,000 a month in disability pension benefits, has determined that he is 100%
disabled. (R. 36) Despite ALl Feuer’s request that Guzman supplement the record with
information about the Veteran’s Administration’s disability determination (R. 65), the
record does not appear to contain any information detailing the Veteran
Administration’s reasons for its determination of Guzman’s disability.
2
2
facts are disputed, this Court will “determine whether
the administrative record
contains substantial evidence supporting the findings.”
Sykes v. Apfel, 228
F.3d 259, 262 (3d Cir. 2000). “Substantial evidence is
such relevant evidence
as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to supp
ort a conclusion.”
Zimsak v. Colvin, 777 F.3d 607, 610 (3d Cir. 2014)
(internal quotation marks
and citation omitted). Substantial evidence “is more
than a mere scintilla but
may be somewhat less than a preponderance of the
evidence.” Id. (internal
quotation marks and citation omitted).
[Tin evaluating whether substantial evidence supports
the AU’s
findings
leniency should be shown in establishing the claim
ant’s
disability, and
the Secretary’s responsibility to rebut it should
be strictly construed. Due regard for the beneficent
purposes of the
legislation requires that a more tolerant standard be
used in this
administrative proceeding than is applicable in a typic
al suit in a
court of record where the adversary system prevails.
Reefer v. Barnhart, 326 F.3d 376, 379 (3d Cir. 2003
) (internal citations and
quotations omitted). When there is substantial evid
ence to support the AU’s
factual findings, however, this Court must abide by
them. See Jones, 364 F.3d
at 503 (citing 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)); Zimsak, 777 F.3d
at 610—11 (“[WJe are
mindful that we must not substitute our own judg
ment for that of the fact
finder.”).
...
...
This Court may, under 42 U.S.C. 405(g), affirm,
modify, or reverse the
§
Secretary’s decision, or it may remand the matter
to the Secretary for a
rehearing. Podedworny v. Harris, 745 F.2d 210, 221
(3d Cir. 1984).
Outright reversal with an award of benefits is appr
opriate only when a
fully developed administrative record substantial
evidence which, on the whole,
establishes that the claimant is disabled and entit
led to benefits. Podedwomy,
745 F.2d at 22 1-222; Morales v. Apfel, 225 F.3d
310, 320 (3d Cir. 2000); see
also Bantleon v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2010 WL 2802
266, at *13 (D.N.J. July 15,
2010).
Remand is proper if the record is incomplete, or
if there is a lack of
substantial evidence to support a definitive finding
on one or more steps of the
five step inquiry. See Podedwomy, 745 F.2d at
221—22. Remand is also proper
3
if the AU’s decision lacks adequate reasoning or support for its conclusions, or
if it contains illogical or contradictory findings. See Burnett v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec., 220 F.3d 112, 119-20 (3d Cir. 2000); Leech v. Barnhart, 111 Fed. App’x
652, 658 (3d Cir. 2004) (“We will not accept the AU’s conclusion that Leech
was not disabled during the relevant period, where his decision contains
significant contradictions and is therefore unreliable.”).
It is also proper to remand where the AU’s findings are not the product
of a complete review which “explicitly’ weigh[s] all relevant, probative
and
available evidence” in the record. Adorno v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 43, 48
(3d Cir. 1994).
B.
The Five-Step Analysis
Under the authority of the Social Security Act, the Social Security
Administration has established a five-step evaluation process for determining
whether a claimant is entitled to benefits. 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1520, 4 16.920.
Review necessarily incorporates a determination of whether the AU properly
followed the five-step process prescribed by regulations.
Step 1: Determine whether the claimant has engaged in substantial
gainful activity since the onset date of the alleged disability. 20 C.F.R.
§
404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If not, move to step two.
Step 2: Determine if the claimant’s alleged impairment, or
combination of impairments, is “severe.” Id.
§ 404.1520(c), 4 16.920(c). If the
claimant has a severe impairment, move to step three.
Step 3: Determine whether the impairment meets or equals the
criteria of any impairment found in the Listing of Impairments. 20 C.F.R. Pt.
404, Subpt. P, App. 1, Pt. A. (Those Part A criteria are purposely set at a high
level, to identify clear cases of disability without further analysis.) If so, the
claimant is automatically eligible to receive benefits; if not, move to step four.
Id.
§ 404.1520(d), 4 16.920(d).
4
Step 4: Determine whether, despite any severe impairment, the
claimant retains the Residual Functional Capacity (“RFC”) to perform past
relevant work. Id.
§
404. 1520(e)—(f), 416.920(e)—(f). If not, move to step five.
Step 5: At this point, the burden shifts to the SSA to demonstrate
that the claimant, considering her age, education, work experience, and RFC,
is capable of performing jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national
economy. 20 C.F.R.
§
404.1520(g), 416.920(g); see Poulos v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec., 474 F.3d 88, 91—92 (3d Cir. 2007). If so, benefits will be denied; if not,
they will be awarded.
The AU’s Decision
C.
AU
Feuer determined that Guzman’s date last insured (see
https:/ / secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/ 0425501320) was December 31, 2012,
and that the alleged disability onset date was June 2, 2007. (R. 20) The AU
further determined that Guzman was not under a disability, as defined in the
Social Security Act, at any time during that period. (R. 25) The AU’s specific
determinations may be summarized as follows.
1.
The AU
Step One
found that Guzman had not engaged in substantial gainful
activity between June 2, 2007 through December 31, 2012. (R. 20)
2.
The AU
Step Two
identified Guzman’s paranoid schizophrenia as a severe
3
impairment. (Id.)
3.
Step Three
The AU determined that Guzman’s paranoid schizophrenia did not
meet or medically equal the severity of the listed impairments, 20 C.F.R. Pt.
Guzman reports that he is also troubled by asthma, plantar fasciitis, and lower
back pain. (Pl.’s Br. 22-26) But Guzman does not contend that he is disabled by any of
these conditions. Indeed, the AU found that Guzman’s asthma—the only other
disabling condition besides paranoid schizophrenia argued before AU Feuer—was not
severe, and he does not challenge that finding here. (R. 20, 24)
5
404, Subpt. P, App.1, Pt. A
the AU
§ 12.03 (hereinafter, “Listing 12.03”).4 Specifically,
found that Guzman failed to demonstrate that his mental impairments
Listing 12.03 provides:
Schizophrenic, Paranoid and Other Psychotic Disorders: Characterized by
the onset of psychotic features with deterioration from a previous level of
functioning. The required level of severity for these disorders is met
when the requirements in both A and 13 are satisfied, or when the
requirements in C are satisfied.
Medically documented persistence, either continuous or
A.
intermittent, of one or more of the following:
1. Delusions or hallucinations; or
2. Catatonic or other grossly disorganized behavior; or
3. Incoherence, loosening of associations, illogical thinking, or
poverty of content of speech if associated with one of the following:
a. Blunt affect; or
b. Flat affect; or
c. Inappropriate affect;
or
4. Emotional withdrawal and/or isolation;
AND
B.
1.
2.
3.
pace;
4.
Resulting in at least two of the following:
Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or
Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or
Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or
or
Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;
OR
Medically documented history of a chronic schizophrenic,
C.
paranoid, or other psychotic disorder of at least 2 years duration that
has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work
activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or
psychosocial support, and one of the following:
1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;
or
2. A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal
adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or change
in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to
decompensate; or
3. Current history of 1 or more years’ inability to function outside a
highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued
need for such an arrangement.
6
satisfied at least two of the following “paragraph B” criteria: (1) a marked
5
limitation of daily living activities; (2) a marked restriction in social
6
7
functioning; (3) a marked restriction in maintaining concentration,
persistence, or pace; or (4) repeated episodes of decompensation, each of
8
extended duration. (R. 21) To the contrary, the AU
9
found that Guzman’s
schizophrenia resulted in no episodes of decompensation of extended duration
and only mild or moderate restrictions or limitations in daily living activities,
social functioning, or concentration, persistence, or pace. (Id.)
The AU
supported these determinations with specific findings based
on Guzman’s testimony and evidence in the record. Guzman’s daily living
activities, the AU found, included going to the gym, caring for pets, preparing
A marked degree of limitation is more than moderate but less than extreme. 20
C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App.1, Pt. A § 12.00(C).
Among other activities, activities of daily living include cleaning, shopping,
cooking, taking public transportation, paying bills, caring for personal hygiene and
grooming, and maintaining a residence. Id. at § 12.00(C)(1). In order to have a marked
limitation, an applicant should have “serious difficulty performing [activities of daily
living) without direct supervision, or in a suitable manner, or on a consistent, useful,
routine basis, or without undue interruptions or distractions.” Id.
6
In general, an applicant’s capacity to maintain of social functioning is indicated
by their ability “get along with others.” Id. at § 12.00(C)(2). In a work environment, this
includes an applicant’s ability to respond appropriately to authority figures and
cooperate with coworkers. Id. In any case, an applicant may have a marked limitation
in social functioning if she is “highly antagonistic, uncooperative, or hostile”. Id.
An applicant’s capacity to maintain concentration, persistence, or pace is
demonstrated by their ability to sufficiently focus and timely complete workplace
tasks. Determining whether an applicant has marked limitations of concentration,
persistence, or pace requires something of a gestalt analysis (e.g., consideration of the
task’s complexity and objectives, its supervision and assistance, the production
standards by which completion of the task is judged, etc.) that is best informed by
actual limitations observed or reported in work settings, but such limitations may be
reflected in other settings or observed in a clinical or psychological examination. Id. at
§ l2.00(C)(3). An applicant may have a marked limitation in concentration,
persistence, or pace if she cannot complete tasks “without extra supervision or
assistance, or in accordance with quality and accuracy standards, or at a consistence
pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods, or without undue
interruptions or distractions.” Id.
8
A “repeated episode of decompensation of extended duration” means three
episodes in a year, or an average of once every four months, each lasting for at least
two weeks. Id. at § 12.00(C)(4).
9
7
meals, and attending to personal hygiene and grooming. (R. 21) While he needs
motivation, Guzman cleans and does his own laundry and ironing. (Id.)
Guzman is able to leave his home, drive a car, and shop for food, clothes and
other necessities by himself. (Id.)
With respect to Guzman’s social functioning abilities, the AU
found
that Guzman seldom interacts with friends but frequents a gym and a church
(Id.), although he does so only when there are not too many people around
because he feels anxious in crowds. (R. 54, 56, 223)10 Guzman has a girlfriend
whose children he plays with and to whom he reads every night.” (R. 21, 58)
Guzman reported, and the AU
noted, that he respects authority figures.
(R. 21, 225)
Although Guzman testified that he finds it difficult to distinguish
reality from his hallucinations about three times a week, the AU
found that
his ability to maintain concentration, persistence, or pace is demonstrated by
his ability to follow written and spoken instructions, read to his girlfriend’s
children, handle household bills, and focus for at least two hours while he
plays video games. (R. 21, 6 1-62)
Guzman was hospitalized only twice (in June 2008 and February
2010) and never for a period longer than 11 days. (R. 290-92, 286) The first
resulted from noncompliance with medication; the second after he choked his
wife when she attempted to wake him up. (Id.) The AU concluded that Guzman
experienced no episode of decompensation for an extended duration. (R. 21)
After thorough review of Mr. Guzman’s testimony and the record as a
whole, the AU concluded that the evidence failed to satisfy the “paragraph B”
criteria “because the claimant’s mental impairment did not cause at least two
‘marked’ limitations or one ‘marked’ limitation and ‘repeated’ episodes of
To that end, Quzman testified that he worries others might treat him like “some
type of threat” and that he might “lash out in defense mode”, but hadn’t done so in the
18 months prior to December 31, 2012. (R. 57)
10
Guzman testified that he sometimes fmds it difficult to differentiate his voice from
auditory hallucinations when he reads to himself. (R. 58-59).
11
8
decompensation, each of extended duration.” (R. 21) The AU
concluded that
the evidence also “failed to establish the presence of the ‘paragraph C’ criteria”.
(Id.)
Before proceeding to step four, the AU determined Guzman’s residual
functional capacity:
After careful consideration of the entire record, the
5.
undersigned finds that, through the date last insured, the
claimant had the residual functional capacity to perform a full
range of work at all exertional levels but with the following
nonexertional limitations: the claimant is limited to
occasional contact with coworkers and the public and is
limited to simple, routine repetitive tasks.
(R. 22)
Here, too, the AU based his determination a thorough review of the
evidence in the record.
AU
Feuer determined that Guzman suffers from paranoid
schizophrenia. (R. 22) Although Guzman treats his condition with medication
and psychotherapy, the AU noted that Guzman can be distracted by
“mumbling” voices, which, when intelligible, he understands to mock and
demean him. (Id.; see also 39, 55-56, 350, 369, 1116)
The AU
determined that Guzman’s symptoms were not inconsistent
with the medically determinable impairments, but did not fully credit
Guzman’s statements about the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of
his condition.
Based on a review of Guzman’s treatment records, the AU found that
medication has stabilized Guzman’s condition. (R. 22-24, see also, e.g., 327,
472, 569-570, 1249, 1678) As noted above, Guzman experienced only two
instances of decompensation during the five years and six months that
comprise the relevant time period, the last of which occurred in 2010. (R. 23)
Especially (but not exclusively) since then, Guzman’s treatment records
indicate that he could, and did, manage the symptoms of his condition; indeed,
as the AU found, the “mumblings” Guzman hears are not so-called command
9
hallucinations; that is, Guzman reports that he can ignore or otherwise
manage them. (R. 22-23, 346, 375, 382, 481, 845)
After considering the objective medical evidence and Guzman’s
testimony, the AU gave great weight to the opinions of the state’s medical
consultants. Robert Starace, Ph.D., found that Guzman has moderate
limitations in social functioning and the maintenance of concentration,
persistence or pace, no restrictions of activities of daily living, and no episodes
of decompensations of an extended duration. (R. 24-25; 71) He determined that
the medical evidence demonstrated that Guzman has substantial work
capability for jobs in the national economy at all skill and physical demand
levels. (R. 75-76) Noting that Guzman did not claim that his condition had
worsened, Ellen Gara, Ph.D., reexamined the evidence and affirmed the
opinions of Starace. (R. 25, 82, 86-87)
On this record, in a balanced ruling, the AU found that Guzman’s
moderate social functioning and concentration limitations were real, but not
disabling. In AU Feuer’s words:
Based on the entire record, the undersigned concludes that the
evidence fails to support the claimant’s assertions of total
disability. Despite evidence demonstrating that the claimant has
suffered from a medically determinable “severe” impairment, the
evidence also establishes that the claimant retains the capacity to
function adequately to perform many basic activities associated
with work. Although the claimant suffers some limitation due to
impairments, and as a result, his capacity to perform work is
affected, the undersigned finds that the claimant retains the
residual functional capacity to perform a full range of work activity
at all exertional levels but with the above outlined nonexerfional
limitations.
(R. 24) (internal citations omitted)
4.
Step Four
Based on the testimony of a vocational expert, the AU found that Mr.
Guzman, within his RFC restrictions, was capable of performing past relevant
work as a warehouse worker. (R. 25, 62-63)
10
Analysis
D.
Guzman argues that the AU’s Step Three analysis is infected by three
errors: (1) the AU failed to adequately discuss why Guzman’s impairments
failed to satisfy “paragraph C” of Listing 12.03; (2) the AU erred in finding that
Mr. Guzman’s impairments failed to satisfy “paragraph B” of Listing 12.03; and
(3) the AU failed to account for all of the evidence in the record when
determining Guzman’s residual functional capacity.
1.
Failure to Discuss “Paragraph C” Criteria
Guzman first faults the AU for failing to “fully state the reasons” why
his condition is not a “residual disease process that has resulted in such
marginal adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or
change in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to
decompensate.” (Pl.’s Br. 32, 37) That standard is seemingly intended to cover
a mental condition that, while not currently resulting in decompensation, is
fragile.
The AU’s discussion of this issue is concededly terse: “The
undersigned has also considered whether the ‘paragraph C’ criteria were
satisfied. In this case, the evidence fails to establish the presence of the
‘paragraph C’ criteria.” (R. 21) However, the AU need not “use particular
language or adhere to a particular format in conducting his analysis” but
rather provide “sufficient development of the record and explanation of findings
to permit meaningful review”. Jones, 364 F.3d at 505. I find the AU here
discharged that responsibility and that his determination is supported by
substantial evidence.
Considering the AU’s decision as a whole, it is clear that the AU
found the objective medical evidence and Guzman’s testimony concerning his
impairments insufficient to establish that even a minimal increase mental
11
demands or change in environment would cause Guzman to decompensate.’
2
As noted above, the AU
assessed Guzman’s impairments under “paragraph B”
and determined—with specific findings based on Guzman’s testimony and
treatment records—that his impairments did not meet or medically equal the
severity of that paragraph of Listing 12.03.
Without conflating what are separate issues, I consider the evidence
that the AU developed in connection with “paragraph B” and Guzman’s
residual functional capacity. (R. 22-25) I will not require that an AU
mechanically repeat the same facts and evidence under each topic heading of
the opinion, as long as the findings, and the AU’s application of them to the
regulatory criteria, are clear. This is such a case.
AU
Feuer found that Guzman considered taking college courses,
navigated a divorce, and began a third romantic relationship after ending a
second relationship with a woman he had met while traveling in Puerto Rico,
and had considered moving in with her, although he ultimately rejected the
idea. (R. 23, 53, 325-326, 841, 844-46, 1670) The AU considered Guzman’s
testimony that he has never heard voices while driving a car, and is able to
play a video game for at least two hours or until he feels hungry. (R. 23, 56-57,
62) The AU
noted that Mr. Guzman reported he was able to manage his
symptoms by keeping busy. (R. 23, 1519) All of these findings, the AU
concluded, were consistent with the determinations of the state’s medical
consultants that Mr. Guzman can “understand, remember and execute routine
instructions [and] tasks; can sustain concentration, pace, persistence; and
socially interact and adapt to changes.” (R. 24-25)
The AU’s relatively brief treatment of the “paragraph C” criteria is
understandable given the apparent insignificance of the issue to Guzman: although
the state’s medical consultants determined that the “evidence does not establish the
presence of the ‘C’ criteria” at both the initial and reconsideration levels of review (R.
71, 83), Guzman did not cite the “paragraph C” criteria or argue that they were not
met in either his pre-hearing memorandum to the AU or letter memorandum to the
Appeals Council. (R. 250, R. 266)
12
12
The AU’s rejection of the conclusion that even a minimal increase in
mental demand or change in environment would cause Mr. Guzman to
decompensate is supported by substantial evidence. The AU’s explanation,
while brief, is sufficient to permit meaningful review when considered in the
3
context of the opinion as a whole.’
2.
Failure to Find Marked Limitations
Next, Guzman argues that the AU got it wrong under “paragraph B”
in Step Three. The evidence, he says, actually indicates that Guzman has
marked limitations or restrictions of activities of daily life, social functioning,
and maintaining concentration, persistence or pace. For many of the same
reasons stated above, the AU’s determinations are supported by substantial
evidence.
Guzman now argues that “any increase in stress” causes his condition to
worsen. In support, he cites to his 2010 hospitalization, during which he reported
feeling depressed that his wife lost her job and frustrated that he could not work
because of his condition. (Pl.’s Br. 37., R. 286, 387) See 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P,
App. 1, Pt. A § 12.00(c)(4) (“Episodes of decompensation may be inferred from medical
records showing significant alteration in medication; or documentation of the need for
a more structured psychological support system (e.g., hospitalizations, placement in a
halfway house, or a highly structured and directing household).”)
Fair enough; that is one piece of evidence weighing against the AU’s
conclusions. But the standard here is whether there was substantial evidence in
support of those conclusions. Other treatment records cited by Guzman weigh against
a fmding that “any increase in stress” would likely cause him to decompensate. (See
R. 333 (reporting that Guzman had arguments with his wife and experienced auditory
hallucinations but his thought process was sequential and affect appropriate); R. 458
(reporting that Guzman had been easily stressed by performing routine tasks but he
and his wife were planning to adopt a teenager); R. 464 (reporting that Guzman had
been stressed by his wife’s repeated divorce threats and the responsibilities of caring
for his children but did not report hallucinations and had helped his sister move out
of her apartment); R. 470-7 1 (reporting that Guzman experienced auditory
hallucinations and had nearly struck his nephew but fought less with his wife and
was caring for a new puppy); R. 538 (reporting that Guzman had been stressed by
moving to a new house and experienced visual hallucinations but was helping the
super work on his new home); R. 1665 (reporting that Guzman experienced auditory
hallucinations and mild depression but had stayed busy with volunteer work)). On this
record, therefore, I cannot say that the AU’s decision that a minimal increase in
mental demands or change in environment would not be predicted to cause Guzman
to decompensate lacked substantial evidence.
13
Guzman’s brief points to treatment records from 53 different dates
during the relevant time period as “evidence before the AU” concerning
Guzman’s mental impairment. (Pl.’s Br. 7-22) It is true that some of these
records suggest that Mr. Guzman has had some difficulty managing the
symptoms of his condition, or has experienced stress, anger, anxiety,
frustration, or depression. (See, e.g., R. 958-59, 895-97, 538, 468-7 1, 465-66,
458, 377-78, 369-70, 350, 345-46, 333, 869, 1684-85, 896) Particularly
troubling are several records which suggest Guzman strained, and occasionally
failed, to control violent impulses of anger and aggression directed towards
others. (See, e.g., 286, 291, 326, 328-29, 470-71, 480)
But a number of these records suggest, contrariwise, that Mr.
Guzman was able to perform daily activities, get along with others, and
maintain concentration on specific tasks despite his challenging symptoms.
(See, e.g., R. 538, 465, 469-71, 480, 458, 538, 480-81, 369-70, 350, 345-46,
1684-85). And in still other records, Mr. Guzman denied having hallucinations,
or reported that they didn’t bother him or could be ignored. (See, e.g. R. 481;
305-306, 377, 845, 1667, 1687)
The evidence, in short, is conflicted. The AU’s weighing of this
evidence was careful, and he made specific findings to support his conclusions.
Whether this court would weigh the evidence the same way is irrelevant under
the applicable standard of review. Because the AU’s findings and conclusions
are supported by substantial evidence, I must sustain them.
3.
Failure to Adequately Consider Evidence in RFC
Determination
Guzman faults the AU
for failing to adequately account for evidence
of his inability to concentrate when determining his residual functional
capacity. I find that the AU gave due consideration to all of the evidence, made
findings, and gave reasons for them. His determinations are supported by
substantial evidence.
14
I am unpersuaded by Guzman’s argument that the AU
failed to
account for evidence that Guzman’s auditory hallucinations, while not
commands, nevertheless impair his concentration. Citing to Guzman’s DIB
application, the AU noted that Guzman stated he has difficulty maintaining
concentration and focus. (R. 21, 219-226). In the same report, however,
Guzman also stated that he could pay bills, handle a savings account, count
change, use a checkbook, watch TV, play video games, fish, and finish
activities he started. (Id.) Those statements are consistent with Guzman’s
testimony before the AU, where he stated that he could play a video game for
at least two hours, even though his hallucinations generally affect his
concentration. (R. 21, 23, 39, 6 1-62) As noted above, AU
Feuer then assessed,
in detail, the objective medical evidence of Guzman’s impairments, which was
consistent with Guzman’s application statements and testimony. Based on all
of those factors, the AU
then determined Mr. Guzman’s residual functional
capacity. (R. 2225)14
The AU, in other words, thoroughly discussed the evidence in the
record as a whole. He credited ample evidence to the effect that Guzman’s
concentration is impaired. He concluded, however, that the impairment was
not so debilitating as to render Mr. Guzman incapable of performing simple,
routine and repetitive tasks. The AU had before him Mr. Guzman’s treatment
records and the opinion of the state’s two medical consultants, who noted Mr.
Guzman’s moderate limitations in social functioning and maintenance of
Here, too, the treatment records cited by Guzman fail to demonstrate that the
AU’s residual functional capacity determination lacked substantial evidence or failed
to account for other pertinent evidence in the record. (See R. 350 (reporting that
Guzman heard demeaning voices but had purchased a second dog and discussed
taking college courses); 377 (reporting Guzman was able to ignore his hallucinations
although they had increased in frequency and were irritating him); 465 (reporting that
Guzman felt angry and frustrated but stated he wanted to go back to school and had
volunteered for his church); 466-67 (reporting that Guzman heard voices but was
helping to care for his father, who he planned to take to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s
disease); 468-69 (reporting that Guzman was anxious and paranoid but had adopted
his nephew); 480 (reporting that Guzman saw shadows but was helping his adopted
nephew learn English); 896 (reporting that, four months after the alleged onset date,
Guzman’s concentration had been moderate to severely impacted by his symptoms))
14
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concentration. (R. 71, 82). That medical evidence supports the AU’s
conclusion that Mr. Guzman can sustain concentration, adapt to changes, and
interact with others adequately.
By no means did the AU ignore Guzman’s complaints; the
formulation of Guzman’s residual functional capacity clearly incorporated the
social and concentration limitations that are supported by objective medical
evidence. Guzman, the AU ruled, has the capacity to work jobs at all
exertional levels (i.e., he is not physically limited). His mental impairments,
however, require that he be limited to occasional contact with other people and
simple, routine and repetitive tasks. In sum, the AU’s determination of the
residual functional capacity took into account what Guzman says it ignored.
The AU’s residual functional capacity determination is therefore supported by
substantial evidence.
III.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons expressed above, the AU’s decision is AFFIRMED.
Dated: September 12, 2016
KE IN MCNULTY
United States District Judge
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