Brown v. Colvin
Filing
16
MEMORANDUM-DECISION AND ORDER granting Pltf's 9 motion for judgment on the pleadings. Denying Deft's 10 Motion for judgment on the pleadings. Remanding this action to Deft.. Signed by Magistrate Judge William B. Carter on 7/17/17. (sfp, )
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
____________________________________________
BARBARA BROWN,
Plaintiff,
v.
3:16-CV-0941
(WBC)
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.
____________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
OF COUNSEL:
LACHMAN, GORTON LAW FIRM
Counsel for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 89
1500 East Main St.
Endicott, NY 13761
PETER A. GORTON, ESQ.
U.S. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMIN.
OFFICE OF REG’L GEN. COUNSEL – REGION II
Counsel for Defendant
26 Federal Plaza – Room 3904
New York, NY 10278
KRISTINA D. COHN, ESQ.
William B. Mitchell Carter, U.S. Magistrate Judge,
MEMORANDUM-DECISION and ORDER
This matter was referred to me, for all proceedings and entry of a final judgment,
pursuant to the Social Security Pilot Program, N.D.N.Y. General Order No. 18, and in
accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), Fed. R. Civ. P. 73, N.D.N.Y. Local
Rule 73.1 and the consent of the parties. (Dkt. Nos. 13, 15.).
Currently before the Court, in this Social Security action filed by Barbara Brown
(“Plaintiff”) against the Commissioner of Social Security (“Defendant” or “the
Commissioner”) pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3), are the parties’ cross-
motions for judgment on the pleadings and Plaintiff’s reply brief. (Dkt. Nos. 9, 10, 11.)
For the reasons set forth below, Plaintiff’s motion be granted, to the extent it seeks
remand under Sentence Four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), and Defendant’s motion is denied.
I.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND
A.
Factual Background
Plaintiff was born in 1970. (T. 262.) She completed college. (T. 268.)
Generally, Plaintiff’s alleged disability consists of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), asthma, back pain, neck pain, traumatic brain
injury, post-concussion disorder, degenerative disc disease, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (“GERD”), and swelling. (T. 267.) Her alleged disability onset date is
December 13, 2012. (T. 241.) 1 Her date last insured is December 31, 2016. (T. 263.)
She previously worked as a data entry clerk, lab technician/cook, licensed practical
nurse (“LPN”), and medical assistant. (T. 34-36, 269.)
B.
Procedural History
On January 22, 2013, Plaintiff applied for a period of Disability Insurance Benefits
(“SSD”) under Title II, and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) under Title XVI, of the
Social Security Act. (T. 262.) Plaintiff’s applications were initially denied, after which
she timely requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“the ALJ”). On
September 24, 2014, Plaintiff appeared before the ALJ, Elizabeth W. Koennecke. (T.
31-52.) ALJ Koennecke held a supplemental hearing on February 4, 2015. (T. 53-61.)
1
Plaintiff previously filed applications for benefits and on December 12, 2012 ALJ
Koennecke issued an unfavorable decision. (T. 86-107.) Plaintiff did not appeal the December 12, 2012
decision; therefore, the decision of the Commissioner finding Plaintiff not disabled during that time period
was binding. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.987, 416.1487. Plaintiff did not request that her previous application
be reopened, nor did ALJ Koennecke constructively reopen her previous application. Therefore, in the
case here, Plaintiff’s alleged onset date was amended to December 13, 2012, the day after the final
determination of the Commissioner.
2
On February 10, 2015, ALJ Koennecke issued a written decision finding Plaintiff not
disabled under the Social Security Act. (T. 7-28.) On July 14, 2016, the Appeals
Council (“AC”) denied Plaintiff’s request for review, rendering the ALJ’s decision the
final decision of the Commissioner. (T. 1-6.) Thereafter, Plaintiff timely sought judicial
review in this Court.
C.
The ALJ’s Decision
Generally, in her decision, the ALJ made the following five findings of fact and
conclusions of law. (T. 13-22.) First, the ALJ found that Plaintiff met the insured status
requirements through December 31, 2016 and Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial
gainful activity since December 13, 2012. (T. 13.) Second, the ALJ found that Plaintiff
had the severe impairments of obesity, fibromyalgia, and minimal degenerative joint
disease of cervical and lumbar spine. (T. 13-16.) Third, the ALJ found that Plaintiff did
not have an impairment that meets or medically equals one of the listed impairments
located in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix. 1. (T. 16.) Fourth, the ALJ found
that Plaintiff had the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to lift any weight up to three
hours per day, frequently lift and/or carry less than ten pounds, sit for six hours out of an
eight hour workday, and stand and/or walk for two hours out of an eight hour workday.
(Id.) 2 Fifth, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was capable of performing her past
relevant work as a data entry clerk. (T. 20.)
II.
THE PARTIES’ BRIEFINGS ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION
A.
Plaintiff’s Arguments
2
Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting
or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one
which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job
duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria
are met. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1567(a), 416.967(a).
3
Plaintiff makes essentially four separate arguments in support of her motion for
judgment on the pleadings. First, Plaintiff argues the ALJ erred in failing to find that
Plaintiff’s concussion syndrome was a severe condition and erred in failing to consider
or find any limitations therefrom. (Dkt. No. 9 at 13-16 [Pl.’s Mem. of Law].) Second,
Plaintiff argues that ALJ substituted her own medical opinion for that of Plaintiff’s
treating sources in formulating her RFC determination. (Id. at 16-21.) Third, Plaintiff
argues the AC failed to consider newly submitted evidence and the ALJ improperly
weighed the medical evidence in the record at the time of the hearing. (Id. at 21-22.)
Fourth, and lastly, Plaintiff argues she cannot perform her past relevant work and the
step five determination is not supported by substantial evidence. (Id. at 22-24.)
B.
Defendant’s Arguments
In response, Defendant makes four arguments. First, Defendant argues the ALJ
did not err in her step two determination. (Dkt. No. 10 at 5-10 [Def.’s Mem. of Law].)
Second, Defendant argues in determining Plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ properly evaluated
the medical evidence of record. (Id. at 10-17.) Third, Defendant argues the ALJ
properly found that Plaintiff could perform her past work as a data entry clerk. (Id. at 1719.) Fourth, Defendant argues the ALJ properly relied on the Medical-Vocational
Guidelines and vocational expert (“VE”) testimony at step five. (Id. at 19-20.)
C.
Plaintiff’s Reply Brief
Plaintiff filed a reply brief in which she reinforces the arguments made in her
initial brief. (Dkt. No. 11.)
III.
RELEVANT LEGAL STANDARD
A.
Standard of Review
4
A court reviewing a denial of disability benefits may not determine de novo
whether an individual is disabled. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g), 1383(c)(3); Wagner v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 906 F.2d 856, 860 (2d Cir. 1990). Rather, the
Commissioner’s determination will only be reversed if the correct legal standards were
not applied, or it was not supported by substantial evidence. See Johnson v. Bowen,
817 F.2d 983, 986 (2d Cir. 1987) (“Where there is a reasonable basis for doubt whether
the ALJ applied correct legal principles, application of the substantial evidence standard
to uphold a finding of no disability creates an unacceptable risk that a claimant will be
deprived of the right to have her disability determination made according to the correct
legal principles.”); Grey v. Heckler, 721 F.2d 41, 46 (2d Cir. 1983); Marcus v. Califano,
615 F.2d 23, 27 (2d Cir. 1979).
“Substantial evidence” is evidence that amounts to “more than a mere scintilla,”
and has been defined as “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as
adequate to support a conclusion.” Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401, 91 S. Ct.
1420, 1427 (1971). Where evidence is deemed susceptible to more than one rational
interpretation, the Commissioner’s conclusion must be upheld. See Rutherford v.
Schweiker, 685 F.2d 60, 62 (2d Cir. 1982).
“To determine on appeal whether the ALJ’s findings are supported by substantial
evidence, a reviewing court considers the whole record, examining evidence from both
sides, because an analysis of the substantiality of the evidence must also include that
which detracts from its weight.” Williams v. Bowen, 859 F.2d 255, 258 (2d Cir. 1988).
If supported by substantial evidence, the Commissioner’s finding must be
sustained “even where substantial evidence may support the plaintiff’s position and
5
despite that the court’s independent analysis of the evidence may differ from the
[Commissioner’s].” Rosado v. Sullivan, 805 F. Supp. 147, 153 (S.D.N.Y. 1992). In
other words, this Court must afford the Commissioner’s determination considerable
deference, and may not substitute “its own judgment for that of the [Commissioner],
even if it might justifiably have reached a different result upon a de novo review.”
Valente v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 733 F.2d 1037, 1041 (2d Cir. 1984).
D. Standard to Determine Disability
The Commissioner has established a five-step evaluation process to determine
whether an individual is disabled as defined by the Social Security Act. See 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520, 416.920. The Supreme Court has recognized the validity of this
sequential evaluation process. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-42, 107 S. Ct.
2287 (1987). The five-step process is as follows:
(1) whether the claimant is currently engaged in substantial gainful activity;
(2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of
impairments; (3) whether the impairment meets or equals the severity of the
specified impairments in the Listing of Impairments; (4) based on a ‘residual
functional capacity’ assessment, whether the claimant can perform any of
his or her past relevant work despite the impairment; and (5) whether there
are significant numbers of jobs in the national economy that the claimant
can perform given the claimant's residual functional capacity, age,
education, and work experience.
McIntyre v. Colvin, 758 F.3d 146, 150 (2d Cir. 2014).
IV.
ANALYSIS
For ease of analysis Plaintiff’s arguments will be address out of order and in a
consolidated manner.
A. The Medical Opinion Evidence in the Record and RFC Determination
6
Plaintiff’s RFC is “the most [she] can still do despite [her] limitations.” 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1545(a)(1); 416.945(a)(1). In formulating Plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ will consider
“all of the relevant medical and other evidence” in the record. Id. at §§ 404.1545(a)(3);
416.945(a)(3).
The opinion of a treating source will be given controlling weight if it “is well
supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is
not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the] case record.” 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1527(c)(2), 416.927(c)(2); see Greek v. Colvin, 802 F.3d 370, 375 (2d Cir. 2015).
The following factors must be considered by the ALJ when deciding how much
weight the opinion should receive, even if the treating source is not given controlling
weight: “(i) the frequency of examination and the length, nature, and extent of the
treatment relationship; (ii) the evidence in support of the opinion; (iii) the opinion's
consistency with the record as a whole; and (iv) whether the opinion is from a
specialist.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2)(i)-(iv), 416.927(c)(2)(i)-(iv). The ALJ is
required to set forth her reasons for the weight he assigns to the treating physician's
opinion. Id., see also SSR 96-2p, 1996 WL 374188 (July 2, 1996); Shaw v. Chater, 221
F.3d 126, 134 (2d Cir. 2000) (quoting Clark v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 143 F.3d 115, 118
(2d Cir.1998)).
Plaintiff received treatment for her fibromyalgia from rheumatologist, Thomas
Oven, M.D., and family nurse practitioner (“FNP”) Elizabeth Schlitz Hull with Regional
Rheumatology. On August 13, 2014, Dr. Oven and Nurse Hull completed a
“Questionnaire.” (T. 676-677.) The providers indicated that they treated Plaintiff for her
fibromyalgia and trochanteric bursitis. (T. 676.) They opined that Plaintiff would be “off
7
task” greater than 20%, but less than 33%, of a work day. (T. 676.) They further opined
that Plaintiff would have “good days” and “bad days,” and Plaintiff’s “bad days” would
cause her to be absent more than four days per month from work. (T. 676-677.)
Regarding functional limitations, the providers opined Plaintiff could sit for
approximately four to six hours in an eight hour day and stand/walk for approximately
one hour in an eight hour day. (T. 677.) They also opined that Plaintiff would need to
alternate between sitting and standing; however, they failed to complete the form to
indicate whether Plaintiff would need to alternate position every two minutes or every
two hours. (Id.) They opined Plaintiff could lift “over 10 pounds” up to three hours per
day. (Id.)
In formulating her RFC determination, the ALJ afforded the medical source
opinion of Dr. Oven and Nurse Hall various weights. (T. 17.) The ALJ afforded “some
weight” to the opinion that Plaintiff could lift over ten pounds up to three hours per day
and sit for approximately four to six hours per day. (Id.) The ALJ afforded “limited
weight” to the opinion that Plaintiff would be off task 20%-33% of the day, absent more
than four days per month, and required a sit/stand option. (Id.) The ALJ reasoned that
the providers’ “infrequent treatment” did not support these limitations. (Id.) The ALJ
also stated that Nurse Hull diagnosed Plaintiff’s bursitis based on an examination of
Plaintiff, but failed to identify any other abnormal clinical findings to establish a medical
determinable impairment. (Id.) And lastly, the ALJ stated that Nurse Hall treated
Plaintiff for lumbar radiculopathy, but objective testing showed no evidence of lumbar
radiculopathy. (Id.)
8
Plaintiff received her primary care at Lourdes Center for Family Health from
Darlene Denzien, D.O. and physician’s assistant (“PA”) Patricia Vincent. On November
19, 2014, Dr. Denzien completed a “Questionnaire.” (T. 746-747.) Dr. Denzien
indicated that she treated Plaintiff for her traumatic brain injury, low back pain, and
chronic fibromyalgia. (T. 746.) Dr. Denzien opined that Plaintiff would be “off task”
more than 33% of the day. (Id.) She further indicated that Plaintiff would have “good
days” and “bad days,” and her “bad days” would cause Plaintiff to be absent more than
four days per month. (T. 746-747.) Regarding functional limitations, Dr. Denzien
opined Plaintiff could sit for approximately four hours in an eight hour day; stand/walk
for approximately one hour in an eight hour day; and should alternate between sitting
and standing every fifteen minutes. (T. 747.) Dr. Denzien indicated that Plaintiff should
not lift any weight at all. (Id.)
The ALJ afforded Dr. Denzien’s opinion “limited weight.” (T. 17.) The ALJ
reasoned that the doctor’s opinion was “not fully supported by her own treatment notes.”
(Id.) Specifically, the ALJ stated that Dr. Denzien’s opinion was based on Plaintiff’s
traumatic brain injury, which the ALJ determined to be non-severe. (Id.) The ALJ also
reasoned that Dr. Denzien’s opinion was not supported by objective medical evidence in
the record. (T. 18.)
Here, the ALJ failed to provide good reasons for affording “limited weight” to the
treating sources’ medical opinions; and further, even had the ALJ properly determined
that the treating sources’ medical statements were entitled to “limited weight,” the ALJ’s
RFC determination was not supported by substantial evidence in the record.
9
Plaintiff relies primarily on the Second Circuit’s decision in Balsamo v. Chater,
142 F.3d 75 (2d Cir. 1998) to support her argument that the ALJ erred in weighing the
opinion evidence in the record. (Dkt. No. 9 at 16-24 [Pl.’s Mem. of Law].) Plaintiff
argues that under Balsamo, the ALJ’s failure to rely on “any medical opinion to dispute
the treating physicians’ conclusion that [plaintiff] could not perform sedentary work”
merits remand. (Id. at 16, 22-24, citing Balsamo, 142 F.3d at 81, 82.). Defendant
counters that the ALJ properly accorded limited weight to the treating source opinions.
(Dkt. No. 10 at 12-13 [Def.’s Mem. of Law].)
In Balsamo, as in the case here, the ALJ did not give controlling weight to the
opinions of the treating sources due to their “infrequency of treatment” and failure to
provide medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. (T. 17); see
Balsamo, 142 F.3d at 80. The Court in Balsamo went on to conclude that because the
ALJ did not cite any medical opinion indicating the plaintiff could perform sedentary
work the ALJ improperly substituted his own lay judgment against that of the treating
source. Balsamo, 142 F.3d at 81.
To be sure, here the ALJ did not rely on a specific medical opinion, or opinions,
in formulating her RFC determination; however, since Balsamo, the Second Circuit has
held that it is not per se error for an ALJ to make an RFC determination absent a
medical opinion. The Second Circuit has held that despite the lack of a specific medical
opinion, the RFC determination may still be supported by substantial evidence in the
record. Where, “the record contains sufficient evidence from which an ALJ can assess
the [plaintiff’s] residual functional capacity, Tankisi v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 521 F.
App’x. 29, 34 (2d Cir. 2013) (summary order), a medical source statement or formal
10
medical opinion is not necessarily required, see id.; cf Pellam v. Astrue, 508 F. App’x.
87, 90 (2d Cir. 2013) (summary order) (upholding ALJ's RFC determination where he
rejected physician's opinion but relied on physician's findings and treatment notes).”
Monroe v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 676 F. App'x 5, 8 (2d Cir. 2017).
In Monroe, the ALJ rejected the medical source statement of plaintiff’s treating
provider and instead relied on the provider’s notations which included descriptions of
symptoms, medical assessments, and “other characteristics relevant to [plaintiff’s]
abilities to perform sustained gainful activity.” Monroe, 676 F. App’x at 8. In Tankisi,
the medical record included an assessment of plaintiff’s limitations from a treating
source and a medical source statement from a consultative examiner. Tankisi, 521 F.
App’x, at 34. Therefore, it is not, as Plaintiff’s argues, per se error for an ALJ to
formulate an RFC determination absent a medical source statement.
Although an ALJ may make an RFC determination absent a medical source
statement, the ALJ must still provide good reasons for discounting Plaintiff’s treating
source opinions and provide a clear analysis of specific medical evidence in the record
which in turn supports her determination that Plaintiff can perform the functional
demands of work on a sustained basis. Here, the ALJ failed to do either.
First, the ALJ erred in her assessment of the opinions of Plaintiff’s treating
sources. The ALJ discounted Dr. Oven’s opinion, in large part, due to Plaintiff’s
“infrequent treatment.” (T. 17.) To be sure, frequency of treatment is a factor to be
considered in evaluating the opinion of a medical source. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1527(c)(2)(i), 416.927(c)(2)(i). However, the ALJ’s conclusion is belied by the
record. Plaintiff began treatment with Dr. Oven’s practice in August of 2010 and
11
consistently received treatment approximately every three months from August 2010
through August 2014. (T. 455-476, 652-660.) Plaintiff was examined by a provider with
Dr. Oven’s office 18 times in three years. There was no indication in the August 2014
treatment notation, the last in the record, that Plaintiff was being discharged from
treatment. (T. 651-652.)
The ALJ also discounted the opinions of Dr. Oven and Dr. Denzien because the
opinions were based on impairments which the ALJ deemed non-severe. (T. 17.) For
example, the ALJ discredits Dr. Oven and Nurse Hull’s opinion, in part, because
Plaintiff’s diagnosis of bursitis was not based on an “abnormal clinical finding” other than
Nurse Hall’s examination. (Id.) Indeed, the ALJ determined at step two that Plaintiff’s
bursitis was non-severe. (T. 13.) However, Dr. Oven and Nurse Hull indicated that their
limitations were based on Plaintiff’s fibromyalgia and trochanteric bursitis. (T. 676.)
The ALJ also discounted Dr. Denzien’s opinion, in part, because it was based on
treatment for Plaintiff’s brain injury, which the ALJ determined to be non-severe. (T.
17.) However, Dr. Denzien based her limitations on a variety of medical diagnosis, not
just a brain injury. (T. 746.)
Although an ALJ may deem a medically determinable impairment non-severe;
the ALJ must nonetheless take that impairment into consideration when formulating her
RFC determination. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(a)(2), 416.945(a)(2) (“We will consider
all of your medically determinable impairments of which we are aware, including your
medically determinable impairments that are not ‘severe [ ]’ ... when we assess your
[RFC]....”). Further, Plaintiff’s treating sources provided limitations based on their
treatment of Plaintiff’s collective impairments and it was therefore error for the ALJ to
12
summarily discount the entirety of the opinions because she classified one particular
impairment to be non-severe.
The ALJ also discredits the treating sources’ opinions because Plaintiff’s
fibromyalgia symptoms were not supported by normal physical examinations. For
example, the ALJ cited a medical examination in which Plaintiff “had a history of
fibromyalgia, but rheumatology records . . . showed no marked swelling of any
peripheral joints.” (T. 18.) The ALJ also cited records generally describing Plaintiff’s
gait as normal and diagnostic imaging showing mild abnormalities. (T. 19.) The ALJ
appears to conclude, based on her own interpretation of the evidence, Plaintiff’s
limitations could not be due to her fibromyalgia because of her normal physical
examinations. However, this is a fundamental misunderstanding of fibromyalgia.
“Persons afflicted with fibromyalgia may experience severe and unremitting
musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by stiffness and fatigue due to sleep disturbances,
yet have normal physical examinations, e.g., full range of motion, no joint swelling,
normal muscle strength and normal neurological reactions. Thus, lack of positive,
objective clinical findings does not rule out the presence of fibromyalgia, but may,
instead, serve to confirm its diagnosis.” Campbell v. Colvin, No. 5:13-CV-0451, 2015
WL 73763, at *5 (citing Preston v. Secretary of Health & Human Servs., 854 F.2d 815,
818 (6th Cir.1988)).
To be sure, rejecting a treating source’s opinion regarding the functional
limitations of a fibromyalgia plaintiff based only on a perceived lack of objective
evidence, or requiring medical evidence beyond that needed for a diagnosis, can be
legal error. However, the opinion of a treating physician on the nature or severity of a
13
plaintiff’s impairments is binding only if it is supported by medical evidence and not
contradicted by substantial evidence in the record. Burgess v. Astrue, 537 F.3d 117,
128 (2d Cir. 2008); Selian v. Astrue, 708 F.3d 409, 418 (2d Cir. 2013).
Here, it appears from the ALJ’s terse analysis of the record, that she improperly
rejected the treating source opinions based on a perceived lack of objective evidence
supporting Plaintiff’s diagnosis and limitations due to her fibromyalgia. Indeed, although
the ALJ determined at step two that Plaintiff’s fibromyalgia was a severe impairment, in
her step four analysis she makes only one reference to Plaintiff’s fibromyalgia, stating
she “had a history of fibromyalgia, but rheumatology record . . . showed no marked
swelling of any peripheral joints.” (T. 18, referring to T. 456.) However, notations from
Dr. Oven’s office indicated Plaintiff was receiving continuous treatment for her
fibromyalgia and nowhere in the treatment notation cited by the ALJ did it indicate
Plaintiff had a “history” of fibromyalgia. (T. 456-457.) Otherwise, the ALJ’s discussion
of Plaintiff’s treating sources referred only Plaintiff’s impairments of bursitis, lumbar
radiculopathy, brain injury, and lumbar/cervical impairments. (T. 17.) Although the ALJ
determined Plaintiff’s fibromyalgia was a severe impairment at step two, she appears to
improperly discount a current, or continuous, diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on a lack
of swelling in her step four analysis. Therefore, the ALJ failed to account for Plaintiff’s
fibromyalgia in assessing the opinions of her treating sources.
Overall, the ALJ erred in her analysis of the treating source opinions because
she improperly discounted the opinions based on “infrequent” treatment which was not
supported by the record, because the opinions were based (in part) on impairments she
14
deemed non-severe, and because she failed to properly account for Plaintiff’s
fibromyalgia.
Second, the ALJ’s RFC determination fails because it is not supported by
substantial evidence in the record. The ALJ stated that the objective medical evidence
in the record supported her RFC determination. (T. 18.) The ALJ proceeded to list
evidence, mostly consisting of “normal” and “mild” findings, which the ALJ deemed,
without further clarification, equated with the ability to perform sedentary work. The ALJ
specifically cited to treatment notations, diagnostic imaging and testing, neurological
records, physical therapy notations, and Plaintiff’s apparent ability to care for her young
grandchildren. (T. 18-19.)
As outlined herein, the Second Circuit held that there are some circumstances in
which an ALJ may make an RFC determination without a specific medical opinion;
however, the RFC assessment will be “sufficient only when the record is clear and
contains some useful assessment of [plaintiff’s] limitations from a medical source.”
Morales v. Colvin, No. 3:16-CV-0003, 2017 WL 462626, at *3 (D. Conn. Feb. 3, 2017).
Here, the record alone did not contain sufficient information from which the ALJ could
support her RFC determination. Further, the ALJ’s analysis of the objective medical
evidence which she asserts supported an RFC for sedentary work, was insufficient.
The ALJ’s listing of medical examinations and medical test results, without more,
fails to indicate how the evidence supported the ability to perform the exertional and
non-exertional requirements of sedentary work. See Wilson v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec.,
No. 1:16-CV-77, 2017 WL 1194229, at *4 (N.D.N.Y. Mar. 30, 2017) (“although
the ALJ outlines the medical evidence in the record, it is unclear how the medical
15
evidence he discusses supports an ability to perform the functions required for
performance of light work”).
Moreover, the ALJ found Plaintiff’s statements concerning the intensity,
persistence, and limiting effect of her symptoms “not fully credible.” (T. 19.) However,
the ALJ’s discussion failed to include a determination of whether Plaintiff’s medically
determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to produce the pain or other
symptoms alleged as required under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(a), 416.929(a). In
discussing Plaintiff’s assertions, the ALJ states that Plaintiff’s “allegations are
contradicted by the paucity of abnormal clinical findings associated with a severe
psychological disorder, the mild abnormalities present in diagnostic images of her
cervical and lumbar spine, the normal EMG/nerve conduction study of her lower
extremities, and her broad range of daily living.” (T. 19.) Overall, the ALJ appears to
conclude that the medical evidence failed to establish medical impairments which could
produce Plaintiff’s alleged symptoms. Of note, the ALJ’s discussion once again ignores
Plaintiff’s diagnosis, treatment, and limitations due to fibromyalgia. When a plaintiff
alleges pain that exceeds the objectively verifiable evidence, the ALJ must consider
several evaluative factors, including daily activities, medication, and causes of the pain,
in order to determine the extent to which the pain affects the claimant's functional
capabilities. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3)(i)-(iv); 416.929(c)(3)(i)-(iv).
Here, the ALJ solely relied on Plaintiff’s custody of three young grandchildren in
determining Plaintiff’s testimony was not credible. (T. 19.) Plaintiff testified, as did
others, that although she had custody of her grandchildren she could not care for them
on her own and relied on substantial help from friends. (T. 319-320, 321-322.) The ALJ
16
summarily dismissed this testimony concluding that “[j]ust because [Plaintiff] requests
the help or accepts it does not mean that it is required.” (T. 18.) The ALJ’s conclusion
is at best speculative.
In light of the above, the ALJ’s conclusion that Plaintiff could perform sedentary
work was not supported by substantial evidence in the record. Remand is appropriate
so that the ALJ may properly weigh the medical opinions of Plaintiff’s treating sources
and clarify her basis for her assessment of the evidence in formulating Plaintiff’s RFC.
B. Plaintiff’s Remaining Arguments
As stated herein, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in finding that her
concussion/post-concussion impairment was non-severe. (Dkt. No. 9 at 13-16 [Pl.’s
Mem. of Law].) Plaintiff further argues that the ALJ failed to assess the effects of
Plaintiff’s cognitive/psychiatric impairments on her ability to maintain a regular schedule,
attendance, concentration, and work pace. (Id. at 19-21.) Lastly, Plaintiff argues the
AC failed to consider the medical source statement completed by Christopher Yanusas,
Ph.D. (Id. at 21-22.)
Plaintiff’s remaining arguments focus primarily on her cognitive abilities. This
Court need not specifically address Plaintiff’s remaining arguments because this matter
is already being remanded for a proper evaluation of Plaintiff’s treating source opinions
and RFC determination. Plaintiff submitted a medical source statement to the AC from
Dr. Yanusus, who treated Plaintiff for her concussion/post-concussion syndrome. (T.
814-815.) On remand the ALJ will have before her Dr. Yanusus’s statement and
therefore the ALJ may review and give Dr. Yanusus’s statement the weight she deems
appropriate.
17
ACCORDINGLY, it is
ORDERED that Plaintiff’s motion for judgment on the pleadings (Dkt. No. 9) is
GRANTED; and it is further
ORDERED that Defendant’s motion for judgment on the pleadings (Dkt. No. 10)
is DENIED; and it is further
ORDERED that this matter is REMANDED to Defendant, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §
405(g), for further proceedings consistent with this Decision and Order.
Dated:
July 17, 2017
18
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