Tennant v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 14

MEMORANDUM-DECISION & ORDER: the Court finds that as to the arguments raised by Plaintiff on appeal, the ALJ did not commit any legal errors and his findings are supported by substantial evidence in the record, therefore it is ordered that the Acting Commissioners decision denying disability benefits is AFFIRMED and the # 1 Complaint - Social Security Appeal is hereby DISMISSED. Signed by Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on 5/10/2017. (jmb)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
PEGGY JEAN TENNANT,
Plaintiff,
-v-

Civ. No. 6:16-CV-360
(DJS)1

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.

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OF COUNSEL:

LAW OFFICES OF STEVEN R. DOLSON
Attorney for Plaintiff
126 North Salina Street, Suite 3B
Syracuse, New York 13202

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APPEARANCES:

STEVEN R. DOLSON, ESQ.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Attorney for Defendant
Office of Regional General Counsel
Region II
26 Federal Plaza – Room 3904
New York, New York 10278

MICHELLE L. CHRIST, ESQ.

DANIEL J. STEWART
United States Magistrate Judge
MEMORANDUM-DECISION and ORDER
In this action, Plaintiff Peggy Jean Tennant moves, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), for
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review of a decision by the Acting Commissioner of Social Security denying her application for
Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”).2

Based upon the following discussion, the Acting

Commissioner’s decision denying Social Security benefits is affirmed.

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Upon the Plaintiff’s consent, the United States’s general consent, and in accordance with this District’s
General Order 18, this matter has been referred to the undersigned to exercise full jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §
636(c) and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 73. See Dkt. No. 5 & General Order 18.
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This case has proceeded in accordance with General Order 18, which sets forth the procedures to be followed
when appealing a denial of Social Security benefits. Both parties have filed Briefs, though oral argument was not heard.
Dkt. Nos. 9, Pl.’s Br., & 13, Def.’s Br.

I. BACKGROUND
Tennant, born on November 28, 1971, filed an application for DIB on April 24, 2013,
claiming an inability to work as of March 20, 2012, due to a variety of ailments, including bipolar
disorder, depression, and anxiety. Dkt. No. 8, Admin. Transcript [hereinafter “Tr.”] at pp. 64, 65,
66, 120-23, & 137. Tennant graduated high school and her past work includes insurance agent,
secretary, and a benefits clerk. Id. at pp. 48 & 141.
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Tennant’s disability application was denied on initial review. Id. at pp. 64 & 65-74. On June
10, 2014, a Hearing was held before Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) Roxanne Fuller wherein
testimony was procured from Tennant, who was accompanied by an attorney, and Jeannie Deal, a
vocational expert (“VE”). Id. at pp. 45-63. On September 5, 2014, ALJ Fuller issued an
unfavorable decision finding that Tennant was not disabled. Id. at pp. 8-25. On February 26, 2016,
the Appeals Council concluded there was no basis to review the ALJ’s decision, thus rendering the

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ALJ’s decision the final determination of the Acting Commissioner. Id. at pp. 1–6. Exhausting all
of her options for review through the Social Security Administration’s tribunals, Plaintiff now brings
this appeal.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Standard of Review
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Under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), the proper standard of review for this Court is not to employ a de
novo review, but rather to discern whether substantial evidence supports the Commissioner’s
findings and that the correct legal standards have been applied. See Rivera v. Sullivan, 923 F.2d
964, 967 (2d Cir. 1991); Urtz v. Callahan, 965 F. Supp. 324, 325–26 (N.D.N.Y. 1997) (citing, inter
alia, Johnson v. Bowen, 817 F.2d 983, 985 (2d Cir. 1987)). Succinctly defined, substantial evidence

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is “more than a mere scintilla” of evidence scattered throughout the administrative record; rather,
it is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”
Consol. Edison Co. of New York v. N.L.R.B., 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938); see also Williams ex. rel.
Williams v. Bowen, 859 F.2d 255, 258 (2d Cir. 1988). “To determine on appeal whether an
[Administrative Law Judge’s] findings are supported by substantial evidence, a reviewing court
considers the whole record, examining the evidence from both sides, because an analysis of the
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substantiality of the evidence must also include that which detracts from its weight.” Williams ex.
rel. Williams v. Bowen, 859 F.2d at 258.
The ALJ must set forth the crucial factors supporting the decision with sufficient specificity.
Ferraris v. Heckler, 728 F.2d 582, 587 (2d Cir. 1984). Where the ALJ’s findings are supported by
substantial evidence, the court may not interject its interpretation of the administrative record.
Williams ex rel. Williams v. Bowen, 859 F.2d at 258; 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). However, where the

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weight of the evidence does not meet the requirement for substantial evidence or a reasonable basis
for doubt exists as to whether correct legal principles were applied, the ALJ’s decision may not be
affirmed. Johnson v. Bowen, 817 F.2d at 986.
B. Determination of Disability
To be considered disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act, a plaintiff must
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establish an “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has
lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” 42 U.S.C. §
423(d)(1)(A). Furthermore, the claimant’s physical or mental impairments must be of such severity
as to prevent engagement in any kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national

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economy. Id. at § 423(d)(2)(A).
In determining whether a claimant is disabled, the Commissioner follows a five-step analysis
set forth in the Social Security Administration Regulations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. At Step One,
the Commissioner “considers whether the claimant is currently engaged in gainful activity.” Berry
v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 464, 467 (2d Cir. 1982). If the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful
activity, he or she is not disabled and the inquiry ends. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b). If the claimant is
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not engaged in substantial gainful activity, the Commissioner proceeds to Step Two and assesses
whether the claimant suffers from a severe impairment that significantly limits his or her physical
or mental ability to do basic work activities. Id. at § 404.1520(c). If the claimant suffers from a
severe impairment, the Commissioner considers at Step Three whether such impairment(s) meets
or equals an impairment listed in Appendix 1, in Part 404, Subpart P of the Regulations. Id. at §
404.1520(d). The Commissioner makes this assessment without considering vocational factors such

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as age, education, and work experience. Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d at 467. Where the claimant
has such an impairment the inquiry ceases as he or she is presumed to be disabled and unable to
perform substantial gainful activity. Id. If the claimant’s impairment(s) does not meet or equal the
listed impairments, the Commissioner proceeds to Step Four and considers whether the claimant has
the residual functional capacity (“RFC”)3 to perform his or her past relevant work despite the
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existence of severe impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e). If the claimant cannot perform his or
her past work, then at Step Five, the Commissioner considers whether the claimant can perform any
other work available in the national economy. Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d at 467; 20 C.F.R. §

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“Residual functional capacity” is defined by the Regulations as follows: “Your impairment(s), and any related
symptoms, such as pain, may cause physical and mental limitations that affect what you can do in a work setting. Your
residual functional capacity is what you can still do despite your limitations.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a).

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404.1520(f).
Initially, the burden of proof lies with the claimant to show that his or her impairment(s)
prevents a return to previous employment (Steps One through Four). Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d
at 467. If the claimant meets that burden, the burden then shifts to the Commissioner at Step Five
to establish, with specific reference to medical evidence, that the claimant’s physical and/or mental
impairment(s) are not of such severity as to prevent him or her from performing work that is
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available within the national economy. Id.; 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A); see also White v. Sec’y of
Health and Human Servs., 910 F.2d 64, 65 (2d Cir. 1990). In making this showing at Step Five, the
claimant’s RFC must be considered along with other vocational factors such as age, education, past
work experience, and transferability of skills. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(f); see also New York v.
Sullivan, 906 F.2d 910, 913 (2d Cir. 1990).
C. ALJ Fuller’s Findings

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As noted above, Tennant and VE Deal testified at the ALJ Hearing. Tr. at pp. 45-63. In
addition to such testimony, the ALJ had Tennant’s medical records consisting of treatment reports
and opinions from various treating and/or consulting physicians. Id. at pp. 149-72 & 184-398.
ALJ Fuller noted initially that, for DIB purposes, Tennant met the insured status
requirements of the Social Security Act through December 31, 2016.4 Id. at pp. 11 & 13. Using the
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five-step disability evaluation, ALJ Fuller found that: (1) Tennant had not engaged in any substantial
gainful activity since March 20, 2012, the alleged onset disability date; (2) she has severe medically
determinable impairments, namely bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, but all of her physical

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In order to qualify for DIB, Tennant’s disability must have commenced at a time when she met the insured
status requirements as provided by the Social Security Act. 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(a)(1)(A) & (c)(1); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.130
& 404.315(a).

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impairments are not considered to be severe; (3) her severe impairments do not meet nor medically
equal any impairment listed in Appendix 1, Subpart P of Social Security Regulation No. 4; (4) she
retains the RFC to perform the full range of work at all exertional levels with certain limitations to
accommodate her various non-exertional limitations, and, as such, she could not return to any of her
prior work; but, (5) considering her age, education, work experience, RFC, VE testimony, and using
the Medical-Vocational Guidelines as a framework, Tennant could perform work available in the
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national economy and was therefore not disabled. Id. at pp. 13-22.
D. Plaintiff’s Contentions
Plaintiff’s primary argument on appeal is that in rendering her RFC, the ALJ did not apply
the correct legal standards in assessing the opinion evidence in the Record, most notably, the
assessment submitted by Plaintiff’s Treating Physician, Richard Brown, M.D. See generally Pl.’s
Br.

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As noted above, the Commissioner assesses a claimant’s RFC as a basis for determining the
particular types of work the claimant may be able to do despite the existence of physical and/or
mental impairments. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a); 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, App. 2, §
200.00(c). In qualifying work in the national economy, the Regulations classify and define jobs
according to their physical exertion requirements as sedentary, light, medium, heavy, and very
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heavy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567. In determining RFC, the ALJ can consider a variety of factors
including a treating physician’s or examining physician’s observations of limitations, the plaintiff’s
subjective allegations of pain, physical and mental abilities, as well as the limiting effects of all
impairments even those not deemed severe. Id. at § 404.1545(a).
When assessing Tennant’s RFC, ALJ Fuller reviewed the medical record and opinion

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evidence and determined that Tennant had the
residual functional capacity to perform a full range of work at all exertional levels
but with the following nonexertional limitations: occasional operating a motor
vehicle; occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts; occasional exposure to
unprotected heights; able to perform simple, routine, repetitive tasks; able to work
in a low stress job, defined as having no satisfaction of specific production quotas;
no assembly line pace work; no interaction with the public; only occasional
superficial interaction with coworkers and supervisors.
Tr. at p. 16.
In rendering this RFC, the ALJ found that Plaintiff’s allegations concerning the intensity,
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persistence, and limiting effects of her symptoms were less than fully credible and gave little weight
to her Hearing testimony. Id. at p. 19. In support of this finding, the ALJ noted that recent treatment
notes were relatively unremarkable and there was no significant deterioration of her symptoms. Id.
Furthermore, the ALJ noted that much of Tennant’s symptoms were attributable to external stressors
relating to family stressors and dealing with her Father’s death, and as such, may not be

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representative of her overall functioning. Id. Nevertheless, accommodations were made in the RFC
to account for certain non-exertional limitations, as noted above, such as limiting Tennant to simple,
routine, and repetitive tasks in a low-stress environment, and having only occasional, superficial
interaction with co-workers and supervisors, with no interaction with the public. Id.
With regard to the opinion evidence in the record, the ALJ gave partial weight to the Mental

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Residual Functional Capacity provided on September 5, 2013, by State Agency Psychiatric
Consultant J. Straussner, Ph.D. (id. at p. 20 (referencing id. at pp. 65-74)); little weight to the
assessment rendered by State Agency Psychological Consultant Jacqueline Santoro, Ph.D. (id. at p.
18-19 (referencing id. at pp. 338-42)); and little weight to the Mental Residual Functional Capacity
statement rendered by Dr. Brown (id. at pp. 19-20 (referencing id. at pp. 352-56)).
In her Brief, Plaintiff primarily disputes the weight attributed to the assessment rendered by
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Dr. Brown, whom Plaintiff regularly treated with, and thus the Court will focus attention to the
treatment and assessments provided by Dr. Brown. See Pl.’s Br. at pp. 5-7.
Under the Regulations, a treating physician’s opinion as to the nature and severity of a
claimant’s impairment is entitled to “controlling weight” when it “is well-supported by medically
acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with other substantial
evidence in [the] case record.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2); see also Rosa v. Callahan, 168 F.3d 72,
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78-79 (2d Cir. 1999).5 The treating physician doctrine recognizes that a claimant’s treating sources,
which in most cases are medical professionals, are more apt to “provide a detailed, longitudinal
picture of [the patient’s] medical impairment(s) and may bring a unique perspective to the medical
findings” as opposed to an evaluation of a one-time non-examining, non-treating physician. 20
C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2); see Schisler v. Sullivan, 3 F.3d 563, 568 (2d Cir. 1993). Such opinions are
not controlling, however, if contradicted by other substantial evidence in the record, including the

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opinions of other medical experts. Halloran v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d 28, 32 (2d Cir. 2004); Veino v.
Barnhart, 312 F.3d 578, 588 (2d Cir. 2002). Where conflicts arise in the medical evidence,
resolution of such is properly entrusted to the Commissioner. Veino v. Barnhart, 312 F.3d at 588
(citing Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 399 (1971)).
In deciding what weight, if any, an ALJ should accord to medical opinions, he or she may
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consider a variety of factors including “[t]he duration of a patient-physician relationship, the
reasoning accompanying the opinion, the opinion’s consistency with other evidence, and the
physician’s specialization or lack thereof[.]” See Schisler v. Sullivan, 3 F.3d at 568 (discussing 20

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A “treating physician” is the claimant’s “own physician, osteopath or psychologist (including outpatient clinic
and health maintenance organization) who has provided the individual with medical treatment or evaluation, and who
has or had an ongoing treatment and physician-patient relationship with the individual.” Jones v. Apfel, 66 F. Supp. 2d
518, 524-25 (S.D.N.Y. 1999) (quoting Schisler v. Bowen, 851 F.2d 43, 46 (2d Cir. 1988)).

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C.F.R. §§ 404.1527 & 416.927). An ALJ may not “arbitrarily substitute his own judgment for
competent medical opinion.” McBrayer v. Sec’y of Health and Human Servs., 712 F.2d 795, 799
(2d Cir. 1983); see also Rosa v. Callahan, 168 F.3d at 79. The ALJ must properly state the reasons
for giving less than controlling weight to a treating physician’s opinion. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2);
Halloran v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d at 32. Failure to apply the appropriate legal standards for
considering a treating physician’s opinion is a proper basis for reversal and remand, as is the failure
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to provide reasons for rejection of a treating physician’s opinion. Johnson v. Bowen, 817 F.2d 983,
985-86 (2d Cir. 1987); see also Barnett v. Apfel, 13 F. Supp. 2d 312, 316-17 (N.D.N.Y. 1998).
As noted by ALJ Fuller, Plaintiff received virtually all of her treatment through Bassett
Healthcare, and Dr. Brown provided most of her care, beginning in February 2005, for concerns
regarding anxiety and depression. For approximately five months thereafter, Plaintiff was seen by
Dr. Brown on a monthly basis. From there, however, the treatment became more sporadic, occurring

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roughly every two months, though at times there were months without treatment, and there are no
treatment records between May 3, 2007 and March 19, 2012, the day prior to Plaintiff’s alleged
onset disability date. See Tr. at pp. 187-203. On March 19, 2012, Plaintiff was seen by James A.
Martin, RPA-C, at Bassett Healthcare for complaints of increased panic attacks dating back one
week which had gotten worse, having three or more per day. Id. at pp. 275-79. She was then seen
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by Dr. Brown on March 29, 2012, complaining of a mixture of panic attacks and anxiety, which had
been increased in the work setting. Id. at pp. 205-07. Upon examination, Dr. Brown noted that
Tennant appeared her stated age with fair insight. He observed that she was “moderately
distressed”, “obviously anxious”, and “distractible”, and determined that she was unable to work in
her present condition. Id. at p. 206. He diagnosed Plaintiff with bipolar disorder type II and anxiety

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disorder with panic. Id. He assessed her Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 45-50,6
adjusted her medication, and determined that she could not return to work until May 1 “because of
the timeframe and the depth of her symptoms.” Id. Plaintiff returned to RPA Martin on March 30,
who noted that her panic attacks had “much improved” and that she appeared to be oriented and
“much calmer.” Id. at p. 272.
Tennant returned to Dr. Brown on April 18, 2012.7 During that visit, she was counseled
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regarding the stress she experienced in dealing with her Father’s recent diagnosis of ALS and her
Father-in-Law’s recent diagnosis with a “significant illness.” Id. at p. 209. Tennant continued to
see Dr. Brown once-to-twice a month through August 2012, id. at pp. 209-17, at which point
treatment became more sporadic due to Tennant missing appointments, id. at pp. 221-223 & 314.
Throughout this period, Dr. Brown continued to push Plaintiff’s disability period back while she
dealt with family stressors. See id. at p. 205-07 (disability period set to May 1, 2012), 209

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(disability period pushed back to May 25, 2012), 213 (disability extended to July 8, 2012), 215
(target return to part-time work set for July 16, 2012), & 217 (target return to work set for September
1, 2012). During this period of time, Plaintiff appeared to improve in dealing with her grief and
coping with her Father’s illness and the expectations imposed upon her by him. Id. at pp. 211, 215,
& 217.
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On November 6, 2012, Plaintiff returned to Dr. Brown, having last saw him on July 19, 2012.
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The Global Assessment of Functioning (“GAF”) is a scale promulgated by the American Psychiatric
Association to assist “in tracking the clinical progress of individuals [with psychological problems] in global terms.”
DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS 32-34 (American Psychiatric Association, 4th Ed. Text
Revision 2000). The scale considers psychological, social, and occupational functioning on a hypothetical continuum
of mental health. A GAF of 41 to 50 means that an individual has serious symptoms or any serious impairment in social,
occupational, or school functioning. Id.
7
In several appointments with Dr. Brown, Plaintiff indicates that she is also being treated by David Flynn,
however, there are no treatment records establishing such care.

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Id. at p. 221. She reported the passing of her Father-in-Law and an estrangement with her Father.
Id. Her disability had expired and she had no plans to go back to work as she felt she could not
focus. Id. On examination, her speech was fluent and goal directed and her level of insight was fair
with an “obvious grieving and a stress because of the chronic issues with her family.” Id. Plaintiff
reported that her husband remains supportive and they planned to move in with her Mother-in-Law.
Id. On February 1, 2013, Plaintiff returned to Dr. Brown reporting dealing with multiple stressors
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around issues with her Father; his advancing ALS remained an “obvious ongoing stress.” Id. at p.
223. Plaintiff reported tolerating her medications well, and, despite the stress, Plaintiff relayed that
she is considering returning to work. Id.
After missing several visits, Tennant again returned to see Dr. Brown on May 21, 2013. Id.
at p. 314. Plaintiff reported a number of external stressors, primarily due to her Father’s decline
with ALS. Plaintiff reported limitations with “out-of-home function” due to increased anxiety. Id.

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Plaintiff had a hysterectomy scheduled that same week and Dr. Brown discussed the role of physical
activity following her recuperation from that surgery. Id.
On June 6, 2013, Dr. Brown completed a Mental Residual Functional Capacity
Questionnaire. Id. at pp. 352-56. Based upon his treatment of Tennant, Dr. Brown diagnosed
Plaintiff with panic disorder with agoraphobia and bipolar disorder. Id. at p. 352. He noted that she
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had fair response to treatment with continued anxiety, social isolation, and sleep impairment, and
he assigned a GAF score of 60.8 Id. Dr. Brown indicated that Tennant’s signs and symptoms

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This score is an improvement from the 45-50 GAF score Dr. Brown assessed in 2012. See supra note 6. A
GAF of between 51 and 60 indicates moderate symptoms (i.e., flat affect and circumstantial speech, occasional panic
attacks) or moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning (i.e., few friends, conflicts with peers or coworkers). DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS 32-34 (American Psychiatric Association,
4th Ed. Text Revision 2000)

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included: anhedonia or pervasive loss of interest in almost all activities; decreased energy; mood
disturbance; persistent disturbance of mood or affect; apprehensive expectation; emotional
withdrawal or isolation; sleep disturbance; and recurrent severe panic attacks manifested by a
sudden unpredictable onset of intense apprehension, fear, terror, and sense of impending doom
occurring on the average of at least once a week. Id. at p. 353.
In assessing Tennant’s ability to do work-related activities, Dr. Brown determined that due
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to her anxiety, which impairs concentration, interpersonal interactions, and independent functioning,
Tennant was “seriously limited” in her ability to maintain attention for two-hour segments; maintain
regular attendance and be punctual within customary, usually strict tolerance; and deal with normal
work stress. Id. at p. 354. He also determined that Tennant was “seriously limited” in her ability
to work in coordination with, or proximity to, others without being unduly distracted; complete a
normal workday and workweek without interruptions from psychologically based symptoms; and

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perform at a consistent pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods. Id. Dr.
Brown further assessed that Tennant was “unlimited” in her ability to understand, remember, and
carry out very short and simple instructions; make simple work-related decisions; ask simple
questions or request assistance; get along with co-workers or peers without unduly distracting them
or exhibiting behavioral extremes; respond appropriately to changes in a routine work setting; and
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be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions. Id. Also, due to her anxiety and
depression, which impairs concentration and memory, Dr. Brown opined that Tennant was seriously
limited in her ability to understand, remember, and carry out detailed instructions; and interact
appropriately with the general public. Id. at p. 355. Lastly, Dr. Brown opined that because of her
impairments, Tennant would be absent from work more than four days per month and that she could

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not engage in full-time competitive employment on a sustained basis. Id. at p. 356.
In addition to the above, Judge Farrell reviewed Tennant’s testimony during the Hearing and
compared it to her statements to the SSA regarding her daily activities. Id. at p. 19. For example,
Plaintiff testified during the Hearing that she had no hobbies or interests and needs help with most
daily activities. Id. at pp. 52-53. She also testified that her medication helps her “greatly” though
fatigue is a side effect. Id. at p. 55. In her report to the SSA regarding her daily activities, Plaintiff
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indicated that she dresses, bathes, and grooms herself; cooks and prepares food; performs general
cleaning and laundry; driving short distances; and shopping with help. Id. at pp. 151-54.
In reviewing the evidence of record, the ALJ recounted the long treatment history provided
by Dr. Brown to Plaintiff. Id. at pp. 17-18. He then stated two separate reasons for according little
weight to Dr. Brown’s assessments. First, the terminology utilized in the assessment, such as
“seriously limited” or “unlimited” did not have equivalence in “Social Security language” and was

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therefore “too vague to receive much weight.” Id. at p. 20. Plaintiff challenges the ALJ’s reasoning
by asserting that the definitions of these terms are included within the assessment. Pl.’s Br. at p. 6.
According to the form provided by Dr. Brown, “[s]eriously limited means ability to function in this
area is seriously limited and would frequently be less than satisfactory in any work setting.” Tr. at
p. 354. This definition does little to overcome the ALJ’s criticism, namely that there is no
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equivalent to Social Security terminology, thus rendering the assessment vague. Furthermore, as
noted by the Defendant, standardized forms, such as that filled out by Dr. Brown, are “only
marginally useful.” Halloran v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d at 31 n.2; see also Klodzinski v. Astrue, 274 F.
App’x 72, at *1 (2d Cir. Apr. 23, 2008) (citing Halloran and noting that the Circuit has “previously
criticized” such standardized forms as “only marginally useful”).

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The second reason cited by the ALJ for giving little weight to Dr. Brown’s assessments is
that the treatment history did not reflect such severe limitations as to keep Plaintiff out of work more
than once a week. To support this contention, the ALJ cited to more recent treatment notes which
showed unremarkable mental status examinations. Id. (citing id. at pp. 392-98). For example, in
a visit on April 8, 2014, Plaintiff reported increased depression following the passing of her Father.
Id. at p. 392. Upon examination, Dr. Brown noted logical thought process; intact insight; and
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grossly normal judgment. Id. at p. 394. Nevertheless, the ALJ notes that the RFC assessment
includes limitations that reflect Plaintiff’s “actual abilities”, some of which are indicated correctly
by Dr. Brown, such as the ability to understand, remember, and carry out simple, unskilled work.
Id. at p. 20. Plaintiff also contends that Dr. Brown’s finding that Plaintiff would be absent from
work for more than four days per month is supported by the assessment of Dr. Santaro, a consultive
examiner, who indicated that Plaintiff would have a marked limitation in maintaining a schedule.

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Pl.’s Br. at p. 6. While consistency with other opinions in the record may be a basis for buttressing
an opinion, in this case, the ALJ similarly gave little weight to that aspect of Dr. Santoro’s opinion
because “nothing on file supports ‘marked’ limitations in maintaining a regular schedule.” Tr. at
p. 20. Instead, the ALJ gave partial weight to the Mental Residual Functional Capacity provided
on September 5, 2013, by State Agency Psychiatric Consultant J. Straussner, Ph.D., who opined that
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Dr. Santoro’s opinion was “an overestimate of the severity of [Tennant’s] restrictions/limitations
and based only on a snapshot of [her] functioning.” Id. at pp. 72-73. Dr. Straussner’s opinion that
Tennant was able to respond to supervision while performing work involving simple tasks was
accommodated by the ALJ in the RFC with the additional limitation the Tennant have no contact
with the public. Id. at pp.20 & 72.

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The ALJ is entitled to weigh the evidence before him and determine and accept findings that
are consistent with the evidence in the record. It was therefore not an error for the ALJ to accept
only those portions of the opinion evidence that were consistent with the evidence in the record.
Notably the Regulations allow the ALJ to give less weight to medical opinions if it is not supported
by medically acceptable clinic clinical laboratory diagnostic techniques and is inconsistent with
other substantial evidence in the record, such as the case here. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2); see also
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Monroe v. Comm’r of Soc. Security, __ F. App’x __, 2017 WL 213363 (2d Cir. Jan. 18, 2017)
(giving deference to the ALJ’s rejection of a treating physician’s opinion where the physician’s
opinion was contrary to his own treatment notes and noting that the ALJ properly explained his
reasons for rejecting the opinion); cf. Gavazzi v. Berryhill, __ F. App’x __, 2017 WL 1400456 (2d
Cir. Apr. 19, 2017) (remanding the case to the SSA where the ALJ failed to explain his reasons for
rejecting parts of the treating physician’s opinion and simply stated that there was no clinical

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evidence to support the opinion and that parts of the opinion were not supported by the treatment
notes). Accordingly I find that the ALJ correctly assessed the medical opinions contained in the
record and applied the correct legal principles in rendering his RFC assessment.
III. CONCLUSION
In light of the above, I find that as to the arguments raised by Plaintiff on appeal, the ALJ
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did not commit any legal errors and his findings are supported by substantial evidence in the record.
As such, it is hereby
ORDERED, that the Acting-Commissioner’s decision denying disability benefits is
AFFIRMED; and it is further
ORDERED, that the Clerk of the Court serve a copy of this Memorandum-Decision and

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Order upon the parties to this action.
SO ORDERED.
Date: May 10, 2017
Albany, New York

D
J
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