HILL v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY

Filing 14

OPINION. Signed by Judge Susan D. Wigenton on 11/14/17. (DD, )

NOT FOR PUBLICATION
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

AISHA M. HILL

Civil Action No. 17-0386 (SDW)
Plaintiff,

v.

OPINION

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,
November 14, 2017

Defendant.

WIGENTON, District Judge.
Before this Court is Plaintiff Aisha M. Hill’s (“Plaintiff”) appeal of the final administrative
decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”). Specifically, Plaintiff appeals
Administrative Law Judge Leonard Olarsch’s (“ALJ Olarsch”) denial of her claim for disability
insurance benefits, period of disability, and supplemental security income under the Social
Security Act (the “Act”). This appeal is decided without oral argument pursuant to Federal Rule
of Civil Procedure 78. This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
Venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b). For the reasons set forth below, this Court finds that
ALJ Olarsch’s factual findings are supported by substantial credible evidence and that his legal
determinations are correct. Therefore, the Commissioner’s decision is AFFIRMED.

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I.

PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL HISTORY
A. Procedural History
Plaintiff filed a Title II application for a period of disability and disability insurance

benefits on September 24, 2012. (Administrative Record 19) [hereinafter Tr.]. At the same time,
Plaintiff also filed a Title XVI application for supplemental security income. (Id.) Plaintiff alleged
disability beginning January 13, 2011, “due to major depression, pulmonary embolisms, and high
blood pressure.” (Tr. 19, 224, 255.) Both claims were denied on January 17, 2013, and again on
reconsideration on September 10, 2013. (Id.) Plaintiff then filed a written request for hearing on
November 11, 2013. (Id.) The Plaintiff appeared and testified at a hearing held on August 12,
2015, in Newark, New Jersey. (Id.) Rocco J. Meola appeared at the hearing as a vocational expert.
(Id.) Subsequently, ALJ Olarsch concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled under §§ 216(i), 223(d),
or 1614(a)(3)(A) of the Act from January 13, 2011 through the date of his decision on August 24,
2015. (Tr. 19, 28-29.)
B. Factual History
1. Personal and Employment History
Plaintiff was thirty-five years old at the alleged onset date of her disability in 2011. (Tr.
226.) She attended public school through the eleventh grade, where she attended remedial
classes. (Tr. 38.) Plaintiff obtained her GED from Essex County College. (Id.) She previously
worked as a sales associate, nurse’s aide, and teacher’s aide. (Tr. 38, 324.) Plaintiff’s last
significant employment was as a nurse’s aide at Clara Maass Hospital (“Clara Maass”) in
Belleville, New Jersey; she was still working at Clara Maass at the time of her hearing. (Tr. 4042, 50.) As a nurse’s aide, Plaintiff is responsible for prepping patients, helping patients move
around, and helping patients into and out of bed, taking them to the restroom, and caring for

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them. (Tr. 45-48.) Plaintiff switched from working full time at Clara Maass to part time in
March 2015. (Tr. 49.) The position requires Plaintiff to do heavier work (e.g., lifting and
washing patients), without the option of only doing lighter work. (Tr. 51.) Plaintiff worked
sixteen hours per week as a nurse’s aide at the time she applied for disability. (Tr. 256.)
2. Medical History
The record demonstrates that numerous practitioners examined, consulted, and treated
Plaintiff for physical medical issues associated with her disability claim. The following is a
summary of the evidence. In April 2012, Plaintiff went to the Emergency Room at Clara Maass
seeking treatment for chest pain and high blood pressure. (Tr. 259.) She stayed overnight for
one week. (Id.) In October of that same year, Plaintiff returned to Clara Maass seeking treatment
for the same condition. (Id.) Plaintiff was diagnosed with non-severe chronic bronchitis. (Tr.
82.) Dr. Rajendra Desai subsequently prescribed Plaintiff medication to treat blood clots in her
lung. (Tr. 287.) That winter, Dr. Alphesh Amin of Garden State Oncology tested Plaintiff for
blood clots and lupus.

(Id.)

As of early 2013, Plaintiff took the following prescribed

medications: amlodipine besylate (for artery disease), bupropion (for COPD), clonazepam (for
panic attacks), and warfarin (for blood clots). (Tr. 288.) In 2014, she was also prescribed
simvastatin to treat her high cholesterol. (Tr. 336.) More recently, one of her doctors also
prescribed tizanidine to treat muscle spasms. (Tr. 340.)
Plaintiff has a history of pulmonary embolisms, protein C deficiency, hypertension, sleep
apnea and obesity. (Tr. 343, 661.) In early 2013, Plaintiff sought medical treatment from Dr.
Rajendra Desai due to nausea and vomiting. (Id.) An echocardiogram showed a normal left
ventricular size and systolic function, but an enlarged left atrium and trace tricuspid regurgitation.
(Id.) Dr. Desai diagnosed her with gastritis and a hiatal hernia. (Id.) Plaintiff alleges that she

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suffers from lupus. (Tr. 342.) Although there was mention in the record of Plaintiff potentially
having lupus or lupus antibodies, Plaintiff was never diagnosed with lupus. (Tr. 342, 758, 770,
787.) Indeed, Plaintiff tested negative for a lupus anticoagulant in 2015. (Tr. 769-70.)
3. Mental Health Treatment
The record demonstrates that Plaintiff sought treatment for mental health conditions. (Tr.
420-24, 453-55.) The following is a summary of the evidence. On November 11, 2012, Plaintiff
visited Northwest Essex Community seeking treatment for major depression. (Tr. 258.) She had
her first mental health evaluation on December 5, 2012. (Id.) In early 2013, Plaintiff sought
treatment for depression and anxiety at Northwest Essex Community. (Tr. 288.) Dr. Seymour
Bortner concluded that Plaintiff suffered from affective disorders that mildly restricted her daily
living activities and social functioning, and made it moderately difficult for Plaintiff to
concentrate. (Tr. 82.)
4. Function Report
Plaintiff completed a function report on June 24, 2013 and described her daily activities
as attending a mental health program a few times a week, preparing food for her children, and
shopping for groceries or clothing. (Tr. 63-64, 303-10.) Plaintiff reported that she needs help
from her two daughters and her mother in taking care of the home, preparing meals, and getting
ready in the morning. (Tr. 303-07.) In addition, she experiences trouble sleeping, focusing,
handling stress, and remembering things. (Tr. 303-10.)
5. Hearing Testimony
ALJ Olarsch held a hearing on August 12, 2015 during which Plaintiff and Vocational
Expert Rocco J. Meola (“VE Meola”) testified. (Tr. 35.) Plaintiff testified that she suffers from
blood clots, shortness of breath, and has trouble remembering things (e.g., taking her medication).

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(Tr. 54-61.) At the time of the hearing, Plaintiff took a muscle relaxer as well as medication to
treat her high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blood clots. (Tr. 58.) Although Plaintiff
worked only sixteen hours per week at the time she applied for disability, by the time of the
hearing Plaintiff worked up to thirty hours per week. (Tr. 47-49, 256.) Because of her fatigue,
Plaintiff had to call out of work a few times. (Tr. 50.) When asked if Plaintiff could perform
solely light work as a nurse’s aide at Clara Maass, Plaintiff replied, “[Clara Maass] told me if I
can’t do it…that I would have to, you know, find another [job].” (Tr. 51-52.)
Plaintiff testified that the blood clots have cleared in her lungs with the help of
medication. (Tr. 54-57.) Additionally, she has weaned herself off of Wellbutrin, the medication
that treated her depression. (Id.) From November 2012 to the end of 2013, Plaintiff attended a
mental health institution daily to treat her depression and anxiety. (Tr. 63-65.) Plaintiff testified
that although she previously had two to three panic attacks per week, she now has panic attacks
maybe once a week, but not as often as she used to. (Tr. 65-66.) Plaintiff testified that she is
particularly prone to panic attacks when taking elevators. (Tr. 70.)
ALJ Olarsch determined that Plaintiff’s limitations are unskilled medium work and offtask up to 10% of the workday, with limited social interaction. (Tr. 71-75.) VE Meola testified
that a hypothetical individual with Plaintiff’s education, training, work experience, and
functional limitations could not perform her past work as a nurse’s aide. (Tr. 71-72.) VE Meola
further testified that a hypothetical individual with Plaintiff’s background and limitations could
perform the occupations of hand packager, bagger, or ingredient scaler, which exist in substantial
numbers in the national economy. (Tr. 72.) However, a hypothetical individual could not miss
two days a month because of either a mental or a physical problem, or be off task 20% of the
time, and maintain employment in a competitive labor market. (Tr. 75.)

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II.

LEGAL STANDARD
A. Standard of Review
In Social Security appeals, this Court has plenary review of the legal issues decided by the

Commissioner. Knepp v. Apfel, 204 F.3d 78, 83 (3d Cir. 2000). However, this Court’s review of
the ALJ’s factual findings is limited to determining whether there is substantial evidence to support
those conclusions. Hartranft v. Apfel, 181 F.3d 358, 360 (3d Cir. 1999).
Substantial evidence “does not mean a large or considerable amount of evidence, but rather
such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”
Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988) (internal citation and quotations omitted). Thus,
substantial evidence is “less than a preponderance of the evidence, but ‘more than a mere
scintilla.’” Bailey v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 354 F. App’x 613, 616 (3d Cir. 2009) (quoting
Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971)). Importantly, “[t]his standard is not met if the
Commissioner ‘ignores, or fails to resolve, a conflict created by countervailing evidence.’” Bailey,
354 F. App’x at 616 (quoting Kent v. Schweiker, 710 F.2d 110, 114 (3d Cir. 1983)). However, if
the factual record is adequately developed, “the possibility of drawing two inconsistent
conclusions from the evidence does not prevent an administrative agency’s finding from being
supported by substantial evidence.” Daniels v. Astrue, No. 4:08-cv-1676, 2009 WL 1011587, at
*2 (M.D. Pa. Apr. 15, 2009) (quoting Consolo v. Fed. Mar. Comm’n, 383 U.S. 607, 620 (1966)
(internal quotation marks omitted)). “The ALJ’s decision may not be set aside merely because [a
reviewing court] would have reached a different decision.” Cruz v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 244 F.
App’x 475, 479 (3d Cir. 2007) (citing Hartranft, 181 F.3d at 360). This Court is required to give
substantial weight and deference to the ALJ’s findings. See Scott v. Astrue, 297 F. App’x 126, 128
(3d Cir. 2008). Nonetheless, “where there is conflicting evidence, the ALJ must explain which

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evidence he accepts and which he rejects, and the reasons for that determination.” Cruz, 244 F.
App’x at 479 (citing Hargenrader v. Califano, 575 F.2d 434, 437 (3d Cir. 1978)).
In considering an appeal from a denial of benefits, remand is appropriate “where relevant,
probative and available evidence was not explicitly weighed in arriving at a decision on the
plaintiff’s claim for disability benefits.” Dobrowolsky v. Califano, 606 F.2d 403, 407 (3d Cir.
1979) (quoting Saldana v. Weinberger, 421 F. Supp. 1127, 1131 (E.D. Pa. 1976) (internal
quotation marks omitted). Indeed, a decision to “award benefits should be made only when the
administrative record of the case has been fully developed and when substantial evidence on the
record as a whole indicates that the claimant is disabled and entitled to benefits.” Podedworny v.
Harris, 745 F.2d 210, 221–22 (3d Cir. 1984) (citations omitted).
B. The Five–Step Disability Test
A claimant’s eligibility for social security benefits is governed by 42 U.S.C. § 1382. An
individual will be considered disabled under the Act if the claimant is unable “to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment” lasting continuously for at least twelve months. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). The
impairment must be severe enough to render the individual “not only unable to do his previous
work but [unable], considering his age, education, and work experience, [to] engage in any kind
of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A). A
claimant must show that the “medical signs and findings” related to his or her ailment have been
“established by medically acceptable clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques, which show the
existence of a medical impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological
abnormalities which could reasonably be expected to produce the pain or other symptoms alleged
. . . . ” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5)(A).

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To make a disability determination, the ALJ follows a five-step sequential analysis. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a), 416.920(a); see also Cruz, 244 F. App’x at 480. If the ALJ determines at
any step that the claimant is or is not disabled, the ALJ does not proceed to the next step. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4).
Step one requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant is engaging in substantial
gainful activity (“SGA”). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). SGA is defined as
work that “[i]nvolves doing significant and productive physical or mental duties . . . for pay or
profit.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1510, 416.910. If the claimant engages in SGA, the claimant is not
disabled for purposes of receiving social security benefits regardless of the severity of the
claimant’s impairments. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). If the individual is
not engaging in SGA, the ALJ proceeds to step two.
Under step two, the ALJ determines whether the claimant suffers from a severe impairment
or combination of impairments that meets the duration requirement found in §§ 404.1509 and
416.909. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impairment or a combination of
impairments is not severe when medical and other evidence establishes only a slight abnormality
or combination of abnormalities that would have a minimal effect on an individual’s ability to
work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521, 416.921; Social Security Rule (“SSR”) 85-28, 96-3p, 96-4p. An
impairment or a combination of impairments is severe when it significantly limits the claimant’s
“physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). If
a severe impairment or combination of impairments is not found, the claimant is not disabled. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii).

If the ALJ finds a severe impairment or

combination of impairments, the ALJ then proceeds to step three.
Under step three, the ALJ determines whether the claimant’s impairment or combination

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of impairments is equal to, or exceeds, one of those included in the “Listing of Impairments” in 20
C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(a)(4)(iii). If
an impairment or combination of impairments meets the statutory criteria of a listed impairment
as well as the duration requirement, the claimant is disabled and entitled to benefits. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If, however, the claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments
does not meet the severity of the listed impairment, or if the duration is insufficient, the ALJ
proceeds to the next step.
Before undergoing the analysis in step four, the ALJ must determine the claimant’s residual
functional capacity (“RFC”). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a), 404.1520(e), 416.920(a), 416.920(e). An
individual’s RFC is the individual’s ability to do physical and mental work activities on a sustained
basis despite limitations from his or her impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545, 416.945. The ALJ
considers all impairments in this analysis, not just those deemed to be severe. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1545(a)(2), 416.945(a)(2); SSR 96-8p. After determining a claimant’s RFC, step four then
requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has the RFC to perform the requirements of
his or her past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e)-(f), 416.920(e)-(f). If the claimant is able
to perform his or her past relevant work, he or she will not be found disabled under the Act. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 404.1520(f), 416.920(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(f). If the claimant is unable
to resume his or her past work, the disability evaluation proceeds to the fifth and final step.
At step five, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant is able to do any other work,
considering his or her RFC, age, education, and work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v),
416.920(a)(4)(v). Unlike in the first four steps of the analysis where the claimant bears the burden
of persuasion, the burden shifts to the ALJ at step five to determine whether the claimant is capable
of performing an alternative SGA present in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g)(1)

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(citing 404.1560(c)), 416.920(g)(1) (citing 416.960(c)); Kangas v. Bowen, 823 F.2d 775, 777 (3d
Cir. 1987).

At this point in the analysis, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) is

“responsible for providing evidence that demonstrates that other work exists in significant numbers
in the national economy that [the claimant] can do, given [the claimant’s RFC] and vocational
factors.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560(c)(2), 416.960(c)(2). If the claimant is unable to do any other
SGA, he or she is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v).
III.

DISCUSSION
On August 24, 2015, ALJ Olarsch applied the five-step disability test and determined that

Plaintiff was not disabled between the onset date and the date last insured. (Tr. 19-29.) ALJ
Olarsch’s findings are supported by substantial credible evidence. There is no basis for remand or
reversal because Plaintiff’s medical history is sparse, and ALJ Olarsch appropriately considered
all of Plaintiff’s medically supported complaints.
At step one of the five-step test, ALJ Olarsch determined that Plaintiff has engaged in
substantial gainful activity since June 2014. (Tr. 22.); see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1571 et seq. At step
two, ALJ Olarsch found that Plaintiff’s history of pulmonary emboli, hypertension, and depression
are severe impairments because they cause more than minimal limitations and are documented in
the record. (Tr. 22.); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). Plaintiff also alleges she was
diagnosed with lupus, but ALJ Olarsch concluded there was no evidence to support this claim.
(Tr. 444; see also Tr. 22.) In fact, her blood test was negative for lupus. (Tr. 22.) Plaintiff also
claims she suffers from sleep apnea, but there is no objective medical evidence in the record to
support that claim. (Tr. 69.) Plaintiff also complained of cramping and tightness in her hand and
leg, but a clinical evaluation conducted at the Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases
showed that she has full range of motion of all joints. (Tr. 22, 758-759.) ALJ Olarsch’s finding

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that Plaintiff’s history of pulmonary emboli, hypertension, and depression are severe is supported
by the evidence in the record.
At step three, ALJ Olarsch found that Plaintiff does not have an impairment that meets the
severity of one of the listed impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 C.F.R.
404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526, 416.920(d), 416.925 and 416.926). (Tr. 23.) ALJ Olarsch
considered Plaintiff’s impairments under 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, §§ 3.00ff1
and 4.022 and factored her obesity into his decision. (Tr. 23.) Under § 4.02, a plaintiff must
provide medical evidence of systolic failure or dystolic failure resulting in either persistent
symptoms of heart failure, three or more separate episodes of acute congestive heart failure within
a consecutive twelve month period, with evidence of fluid retention and requiring hospitalization
or emergency room treatment, or inability to perform on an exercise tolerance test due to dyspnea,
fatigue, or other factors. 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, § 4.02. ALJ Olarsch properly
found no evidence in the record that Plaintiff’s symptoms meet the severity required by Listings
3.00ff and 4.02, or that obesity impacted Plaintiff’s other body systems. (Tr. 24.)
ALJ Olarsch found that Plaintiff’s mental impairments did not meet Paragraph B criteria
of affective disorders under 12.04 and anxiety-related disorders under 12.06. (Tr. 23.); see also
20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, §§ 12.0, 12.04, 12.06. Paragraph B criteria requires
that the mental impairment result in at least two of the following, with extended duration: marked
restriction of activities of daily living; marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning;
marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace; or repeated episodes of
decompensation. (Id.) ALJ Olarsch properly considered the restrictions to Plaintiff’s activities of

1

For purposes of this Opinion, this Court will refer to Listings and Sections interchangeably. Section 3.00ff lists
impairments involving a respiratory or cardiac involvement or an associated medical disorder.
2
Section 4.02 lists impairments involving chronic heart failure.

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daily living. (Tr. 23.) For example, the ALJ noted that Plaintiff is mildly restricted in her activities,
and that her mother helps Plaintiff when she feels stressed. (Tr. 292-310.) Additionally, he noted
that Plaintiff reported having difficulty leaving her home. (Tr. 270-75.) However, the record also
demonstrates that Plaintiff interacts with her mother, attends a program multiple times per week,
independently cares for her two daughters, cooks, cleans, cares for her personal needs, and takes
public transportation. (Tr. 270-85).
Regarding social functioning, ALJ Olarsch determined that Plaintiff has mild difficulty
with social interaction. (Tr. 23.) Plaintiff reported that she has no problem getting along with
others, but does not socialize often. (Tr. 270-77.) There is no medical evidence showing psychosis
or abnormal social behavior. (Tr. 357-62, 420-24, 436-48, 453-55.) ALJ Olarsch concluded that
Plaintiff has moderate difficulty with concentration, persistence, or pace. (Tr. 23.) Plaintiff
reported limitations in memory, completing tasks, and concentration, but is capable of simple
mathematical calculations. (Tr. 270-77, 453-55.)

ALJ Olarsch found that Plaintiff had no

episodes of decompensation, which have been of extended duration. (Tr. 23.) Because Plaintiff’s
mental impairment does not cause at least two “marked” limitations or one “marked” limitation
and “repeated” episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration, ALJ Olarsch ruled that
Plaintiff failed to meet her burden. (Tr. 24.) There is substantial evidence supporting ALJ
Olarsch’s determination that Plaintiff’s mental impairments do not cause the requisite marked
limitations.
ALJ Olarsch properly determined that Plaintiff’s mental impairments did not meet
Paragraph C criteria. (Tr. 24.); see also 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, § 12.00.
Paragraph C criteria for affective disorders under listing 12.04 includes a medically documented
history, for at least two years, of a chronic affective disorder that causes more than a minimal

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limitation of the ability to do basic work activities as well as symptoms currently attenuated by
medication or psychosocial support. (Id.) In addition, the evidence must demonstrate repeated
episodes of decompensation, residual disease process that results in such marginal adjustment that
even a minimal increase in mental demands or change of environment would cause
decompensation, or the inability to function outside of a highly supportive living arrangement for
at least one year. (Id.) ALJ Olarsch properly determined that Plaintiff’s affective disorders did
not meet Paragraph C criteria. (Tr. 23-24.) Paragraph C criteria for anxiety-related disorders under
listing 12.06 requires a complete inability to function independently outside the area of one’s
home. 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, § 12.06(c). Substantial evidence in the record
supports ALJ Olarsch’s determination.
ALJ Olarsch followed the appropriate two-step process for his RFC determination. (Tr.
24.) He first determined whether there were medically determinable impairments and then
evaluated the intensity, persistence, or functionally limiting effects of the symptoms. (Id.) In
addition, where Plaintiff’s statements about the intensity, persistence, or functionally limiting
effects of pain and other symptoms were not substantiated by objective medical evidence, the
credibility of the statements, based on the entire record of medical evidence, was properly
evaluated. (Id.)
ALJ Olarsch carefully considered the evidence and found that Plaintiff’s medically
determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to cause her alleged symptoms, but did
not find that Plaintiff’s statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of her
symptoms were entirely credible. (Tr. 25, 254-61.) Plaintiff alleged disability due to major
depression, blood clots in her lungs, pulmonary emboli, high blood pressure, and pain in her legs.
(Tr. 24.)

Plaintiff specifically alleged that her depression caused difficulty with memory,

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completing tasks, and concentrating. (Tr. 24; 270-77.) However, Plaintiff’s blood clots have
resolved, she underwent treatment for depression, and she testified that she no longer suffers from
frequent panic attacks. (Tr. 55, 64-65.) Plaintiff takes blood thinners and no longer takes
Wellbutrin. (Tr. 54-59.) She takes care of her daughters and is independent in most daily life
activities. (Tr. 270-77.) Dr. Amin, a treating hematologist, reported no limitations in Plaintiff’s
ability and that her exam results were normal. (Tr. 449-52.) Dr. Shah, a pulmonologist, also
reported that Plaintiff is doing well; and she found no evidence of respiratory problems or
pulmonary emboli. (Tr. 654-66.) Dr. Desai, a cardiologist, reported Plaintiff’s high blood pressure
is stable with medication and found no abnormalities. (Tr. 425-28, 708-53.) Furthermore, despite
her conditions, Plaintiff works as a nurse’s aide for thirty hours per week. (Tr. 40-42.) After
considering Dr. Desai and Dr. Amin’s reports, ALJ Olarsch concluded that it is reasonable for
Plaintiff to carry and lift up to twenty-five pounds, frequently, and fifty pounds, occasionally. (Tr.
26.) This finding is supported by objective medical evidence in the record.
ALJ Olarsch accorded great weight to Dr. Figurelli’s psychological examination, and little
weight to Dr. Linehan’s examination. (Id.) Dr. Figurelli found that Plaintiff showed normal
behavior and no evidence of psychosis, despite complaints of feeling overwhelmed, having
difficulty focusing, and isolating herself. (Tr. 25, 420-24.) Dr. Linehan also found that Plaintiff
showed no signs of psychosis, but stated that she may have a learning disability. (Tr. 25, 453-55.)
ALJ Olarsch found no objective evidence in the record to support the latter conclusion. (Tr. 25).
The ALJ’s finding is supported by substantial evidence because the administrative record shows
that Plaintiff completed a high school equivalency course, and obtained a GED and a nurse’s
assistant certification. (Tr. 38, 43.) Plaintiff is also the primary caregiver for her two children and
is able to independently care for them and maintain the household. (Tr. 270-77.) She is also able

14

to travel by public transportation on her own. (Id.) After considering the mental evaluations and
the record, ALJ Olarsch properly concluded that Plaintiff’s mild depression limited her to simple
tasks, but that she is capable of responding appropriately to others and can perform unskilled work.
(Tr. 26.) Based on the foregoing, there is substantial evidence in the record to support ALJ
Olarsch’s conclusion that Plaintiff’s impairments allow her to perform medium work as defined in
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1567(c) and 416.967(c), limited to unskilled work and off-task 10% of the work
day. (Tr. 24.)
At step four, after making the RFC determination, ALJ Olarsch properly determined that
Plaintiff was unable to perform any of her past relevant work because her RFC limited her to
unskilled work, and Plaintiff’s previous occupation as a nurse’s aide was categorized as
semiskilled. (Tr. 24-28.) VE Meola’s testimony on August 12, 2015, supports ALJ Olarsch’s
finding at step four. (Tr. 35, 71-76.)
At step five, ALJ Olarsch found that Plaintiff can perform work that exists in substantial
numbers in the national economy, considering her age, education, work experience, and RFC. (Tr.
71-74.) VE Meola testified that an individual with Plaintiff’s age, education, work experience,
and RFC would be able to perform the requirements of a hand packager, bagger, and ingredient
scaler—each of which has an excess of at least 50,000 jobs in the national economy. (Tr. 28, 7175.) ALJ Olarsch credited VE Meola’s testimony as consistent with the information contained in
the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. (Tr. 28.) After correctly following the five-step test, ALJ
Olarsch found that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Act. There is substantial medical evidence
in the record to support his decision.

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IV.

CONCLUSION
Because this Court finds that ALJ Olarsch’s factual findings were supported by substantial

credible evidence in the record and that ALJ Olarsch’s legal conclusions were correct, the
Commissioner’s decision is AFFIRMED.

s/ Susan D. Wigenton
SUSAN D. WIGENTON
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Orig: Clerk
cc:
Parties

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