Barker v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
18
DECISION AND ORDER granting in part and denying in part Barker's MOTION for judgment on the pleadings, Docket Item 12 , and denying the Commissioner's MOTION for judgment on the pleadings, Docket Item 15 . The decision of the Commissioner is VACATED, and the matter is REMANDED for further administrative proceedings consistent with this decision. Signed by Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo on 11/01/19. (CEH)-CLERK TO FOLLOW UP-
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
ELIZABETH ANN BARKER,
Plaintiff,
v.
18-CV-228
DECISION AND ORDER
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY,
Defendant.
On February 12, 2018, the plaintiff, Elizabeth Ann Barker, brought this action
under the Social Security Act ("the Act"). She seeks review of the determination by the
Commissioner of Social Security ("Commissioner") that she was not disabled. Docket
Item 1. On December 13, 2018, Barker moved for judgment on the pleadings, Docket
Item 12; on February 11, 2019, the Commissioner responded and cross-moved for
judgment on the pleadings, Docket Item 15; and on March 4, 2019, Barker replied,
Docket Item 16.
For the reasons stated below, this Court grants Barker’s motion in part and
denies the Commissioner’s cross-motion.
BACKGROUND
I.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On August 1, 2013, Barker applied for both Social Security Disability Insurance
(“SSDI”) benefits as an adult child with a disability and Supplemental Security Income
(“SSI”) benefits. 1 Docket Item 8 at 169-78. She claimed that she had been disabled
since January 1, 2012, due to bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”),
depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”), and dyslexia. Id. at 190.
On December 2, 2013, Barker received notice that her application was denied
because she was not disabled under the Act. Id. at 101-08. She requested a hearing
before an administrative law judge ("ALJ"), id. at 109, which was held via video
conference on June 20, 2016, id. at 53-78. The ALJ then issued a decision on August
24, 2016, confirming the finding that Barker was not disabled. Id. at 33-47. Barker
appealed the ALJ’s decision, but her appeal was denied, and the decision then became
final. Id. at 5.
II.
RELEVANT MEDICAL EVIDENCE
The following summarizes the medical evidence most relevant to Barker’s
objection. Barker was examined by a number of different providers but eight—an
evaluator at Chautauqua County Department of Social Services; Lynn M. Dunham,
M.D.; professionals at WCA Hospital; Kristina Luna, Psy. D.; professionals at Lakeshore
Hospital; Michael P. Santa Maria, Ph.D.; Caillean McMahon-Tronetti, D.O.; and
1
One category of persons eligible for SSDI benefits includes any adult with a
disability who also is the qualified “child . . . of an individual entitled to old-age or
disability insurance benefits, or of an individual who dies a fully or currently insured
individual,” and whose disability began before she turned 22 years old. 42 U.S.C. §
402(d)(1)(B)(ii); 20 C.F.R. § 404.350(a)(5). SSI benefits, on the other hand, are paid to
a person with a disability who also demonstrates financial need. 42 U.S.C. § 1382(a).
A qualified individual may receive both SSDI and SSI benefits, and the Social Security
Administration uses the same process to determine whether an adult child is eligible for
SSDI benefits that it uses to determine whether an adult is eligible for SSI benefits.
See, e.g., 20 CFR § 404.1520(a)(2); Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-41 (1987).
2
professionals at Niagara County Mental Health—are most significant to the claims
before this Court.
A.
Chautauqua County Department of Social Services
The Chautauqua County Department of Social Services (“DSS”) determined that
Barker was eligible for exemption from temporary assistance work activities effective
August 27, 2013. The notification form explained that “according to medical evidence,”
Barker “is unable to work due to a medical issue.” Docket Item 8 at 289. DSS attached
a Psychological and Intellectual Assessment to the exemption notice, see id. at 289-92,
diagnosing Barker with an unspecified mood disorder, PTSD, cannabis dependence,
intermittent explosive disorder, and possible bipolar disorder. 2 The evaluator opined
that Barker was “moderately limited” in the areas of “performing complex tasks
independently,” “maintaining attention and concentration for rote tasks,” “attending to a
routine and maintaining a schedule,” and “low stress and simple tasks.” Id.
B.
Lynn M. Dunham, M.D.
On June 5, 2012, Lynn M. Dunham, M.D., a pediatrician, evaluated Barker.
According to Dr. Dunham’s notes, Barker had recently been involved in a bike-racing
accident that resulted in her being taken to the emergency room and “diagnosed with a
concussion.” Id. at 562. Dr. Dunham recommended that Barker treat her ongoing pain
with Motrin and massage therapy. Id. at 563.
2
Because the final two pages of the assessment are not included in the record,
see id., this Court does not know the name, and cannot determine the medical
qualifications, of the evaluator.
3
C.
WCA Hospital
On December 5, 2012, Barker was evaluated by professionals at the Outpatient
Mental Health Department at WCA Hospital. Local law enforcement officers had taken
Barker to the hospital on December 2, 2012, for a voluntary crisis evaluation after she
refused to return home at the end of a school field trip. Id. at 345. Craig Scott,
L.C.S.W., diagnosed Barker with an adjustment disorder “with mixed disturbance of
emotions and conduct,” oppositional defiant disorder, and sleep disturbance. He noted
that while Barker “admit[ted] to [suicidal] threats,” she “denie[d] any intent.” Id.
On April 8, 2009, Sanjay Gupta, M.D., a psychiatrist, evaluated Barker. He
diagnosed conduct disorder and recommended additional testing in the areas of
attention, concentration, and learning ability. Id. at 344. Dr. Gupta also recommended
testing to determine whether Barker had residual PTSD symptoms associated with her
reported history of abuse. Id. Dr. Gupta again evaluated Barker on May 8, 2009, and
confirmed the diagnosis of conduct disorder. Id. at 347.
On November 26, 2012, Barker was admitted to the WCA Hospital Inpatient
Mental Health Department after she again threatened to commit suicide. Id. at 348.
Monir A. Chaudhry, M.D., a psychiatrist, diagnosed Barker with an unspecified
depressive disorder and recommended that Barker begin counseling to “master coping
skills, anger management techniques and relapse prevention strategies.” Id.
On March 1, 2013, local law enforcement took Barker back to WCA Hospital for a
crisis evaluation after she threatened to harm an individual who allegedly had abused
her as a child. Id. at 435. James Campbell, M.D., an emergency medicine physician,
and Shahnawaz Meer, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist, completed the
evaluation. Id. at 435-42. During the evaluation, Barker said that she “had no thoughts
4
of wanting to harm [the individual]” and was released. Id. at 439. Dr. Meer
recommended counseling. Id.
On July 12, 2013, local law enforcement again took Barker to WCA Hospital for a
crisis evaluation after Barker allegedly wrote a note threatening to commit suicide. Id. at
313. Barker wrote on a patient intake form that she was “[b]rain dead” and “[couldn’t]
understand most things,” id. at 296, and she told hospital staff that she had “significant
memory def[i]cits as a result of [a bike-racing] accident,” id. at 320. When asked about
the suicide note, Barker “denie[d] any suicidal ideation.” Id. Stacey Grimes, R.N.,
diagnosed Barker with adjustment disorder and recommended outpatient treatment. Id.
at 319. Following this evaluation, Barker received counseling from Mr. Scott twice a
month until at least October 2014. Id. at 378, 465. She continued to be seen by Dr.
Meer until at least May 2014. Id. at 464.
On October 8, 2013, Barker was voluntarily admitted to WCA Hospital’s Mental
Health Clinic. Id. at 294. The record does not include information regarding the reason
for this visit.
On February 14, 2014, Dr. Meer completed a court-ordered psychiatric
evaluation of Barker. According to Dr. Meer’s evaluation, Barker had threatened her
boyfriend with a knife. Id. at 414. Dr. Meer noted that Barker “report[ed] that she [had]
nightmares almost every other night” and consequently “avoid[ed] going to sleep.” Id. at
414. He diagnosed Barker with bipolar disorder and PTSD resulting from various
traumatic episodes in her life, and he prescribed an antipsychotic, Seroquel, and an
antidepressant, Celexa. Id. at 416.
5
D.
Kristina Luna, Psy. D.
On November 21, 2013, Kristina Luna, Psy. D., completed a consultative
psychological evaluation of Barker. Dr. Luna noted that Barker reported “a head injury
after [bike rac]ing” and that she had been “Mercy Flighted to [Erie County Medical
Center (“ECMC”)] and diagnosed with a mild concussion.” Id. at 355. Dr. Luna noted
that Barker’s attention and concentration were “[m]ildly impaired due to anxiety and
nervousness.” Id. at 357. She also noted that Barker’s recent and remote memory
skills were “[m]ildly impaired due to emotional distress secondary to anxiety and
depression.” Id. Dr. Luna opined that Barker “ha[d] no limitations in her ability to
maintain a regular schedule and relate adequately with others”; was “mildly limited in
her ability to follow and understand simple directions and instructions, perform simple
tasks independently, and learn new tasks”; was “moderately limited in her ability to
maintain attention and concentration [and to] perform complex tasks independently”;
and would “need supervision [to] make appropriate decisions . . . and appropriately deal
with stress.” Id. at 358. Dr. Luna explained that Barker’s “[d]ifficulties [were] caused by
distractibility and substance abuse,” as well as “psychiatric problems . . . [that] may
significantly interfere with [her] ability to function on a daily basis.” Id. Dr. Luna
diagnosed Barker with major depressive disorder, moderate; panic disorder without
agoraphobia; PTSD; cannabis dependence; and cocaine abuse in early remission. Id.
She recommended that Barker continue psychological and psychiatric treatment. Id. at
359.
6
E.
Lakeshore Hospital
On May 10, 2014, Barker was admitted to Lakeshore Hospital for depression and
anxiety. Id. at 445. Barker was nine weeks pregnant and “dealing with a number of
traumatic issues.” Id. at 445. Barker reported that “[s]he had been doing well with
Seroquel but [stopped] once she got pregnant.” Id. at 445. Kyle Wiktor, N.P.,
diagnosed Barker with an unspecified depressive disorder and marijuana dependence.
Id. at 446.
F.
Michael P. Santa Maria, Ph.D.
On October 21, 2015, and December 8, 2015, Michael P. Santa Maria, Ph.D., a
neuropsychologist, evaluated Barker. Dr. Santa Maria noted that while Barker “stated
she believe[d] she was taken from the scene of the bike accident [to ECMC,] staff at
ECMC informed [him] that there [was] no record of Ms. Barker having been there in
2012.” Id. at 574. Dr. Santa Maria administered an extensive battery of psychocognitive tests, see id. at 576-77, but the record does not include the complete results
or Dr. Santa Maria’s assessment of those results.
G.
Caillean McMahon-Tronetti, D.O.
On April 9, 2015, Caillean McMahon-Tronetti, D.O., a psychiatrist, evaluated
Barker, who had recently been charged with violating an order of protection. Id. at 675.
Dr. McMahon-Tronetti noted Barker’s prior diagnoses of “bipolar disorder depressed
type, [PTSD], anxiety disorder, [attention deficit disorder], and dyslexia,” but opined that
her reported prior medications of Wellbutrin and Seroquel “[were] inconsistent with
the[se] diagnos[es].” Id. at 675. Dr. McMahon-Tronetti noted that “[Barker was]
attempting to get social security disability” and opined that “this may [have] influence[ed]
7
the diagnos[es] she presented.” Id. at 675. Dr. McMahon-Tronetti evaluated Barker
again on January 1, 2016, and diagnosed an unspecified depressive disorder and an
unspecified learning disability. Id. at 674.
H.
Niagara County Mental Health
From July 2015 through January 2016, while residing in Madonna House under
order of a Jamestown, N.Y., treatment court, see id. at 721, Barker received individual
psychotherapy with Laura Haseley, L.M.S.W., and medication management from Sarah
Conboy, P.M.H.N.P. Intake notes document a history of “significant childhood trauma.”
Id. at 695-96. Ms. Conboy prescribed a mood stabilizer, Trileptal, and an antipsychotic,
Seroquel. Id. at 708.
III.
THE ALJ’S DECISION
In denying Barker’s application, the ALJ evaluated Barker’s claim under the
Social Security Administration’s five-step evaluation process, which applies to both SSI
claimants who are 18 years of age or older and SSDI claimants who are 18 years of age
or older and claim a disability that began before attaining age 22. See 20 C.F.R. §
404.350(a)(5); see also §§ 404.1520(a)(2) (concerning SSDI); 416.920(a)(2)
(concerning SSI). At the first step, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant is
currently engaged in substantial gainful employment. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i);
416.920(a)(4)(i). If so, the claimant is not disabled. Id. If not, the ALJ proceeds to step
two. §§ 404.1520(a)(4); 416.920(a)(4).
At step two, the ALJ decides whether the claimant is suffering from any severe
impairments. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); 416.920(a)(4)(i). If there are no severe
8
impairments, the claimant is not disabled. Id. If there are any severe impairments, the
ALJ proceeds to step three. §§ 404.1520(a)(4); 416.920(a)(4).
At step three, the ALJ determines whether any severe impairment or impairments
meet or equal an impairment listed in the regulations. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii);
416.920(a)(4)(iii). If the claimant’s severe impairment or impairments meet or equal one
listed in the regulations, the claimant is disabled. Id. But if the ALJ finds that none of
the severe impairments meet or equal any in the regulations, the ALJ proceeds to step
four. §§ 404.1520(a)(4); 416.920(a)(4).
As part of step four, the ALJ first determines the claimant’s residual functional
capacity (“RFC”). See §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv); 404.1520(d)-(e); 416.920(a)(4)(iv);
416.920(d)-(e). The RFC is a holistic assessment of the claimant—addressing both
severe and nonsevere medical impairments—that evaluates whether the claimant can
perform past relevant work or other work in the national economy. See §§ 404.1545;
416.945
After determining the claimant's RFC, the ALJ completes step four.
§§ 404.1520(e); 416.920(e). If the claimant can perform past relevant work, he or she is
not disabled and the analysis ends. §§ 404.1520(f); 416.920(f). But if the claimant
cannot, the ALJ proceeds to step five. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv); 404.1520(f);
416.920(a)(4)(iv); 416.920(f).
In the fifth and final step, the Commissioner must present evidence showing that
the claimant is not disabled because the claimant is physically and mentally capable of
adjusting to an alternative job. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 n.5 (1987);
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), (g); 416.920(a)(4)(v), (g). More specifically, the
9
Commissioner bears the burden of proving that the claimant "retains a residual
functional capacity to perform alternative substantial gainful work which exists in the
national economy." Rosa v. Callahan, 168 F.3d 72, 77 (2d Cir. 1999).
In this case, the ALJ began by finding that Barker was not yet 22 on her alleged
onset date, January 1, 2012, and then began the five-step process. Docket Item 8 at
38. At step one, the ALJ determined that Barker had not engaged in “substantial gainful
activity” since the alleged onset date. Id. At step two, the ALJ found that Barker had
the following severe impairments: “affective disorder; anxiety disorder; learning
disability; and substance addiction disorder.” Id. At step three, the ALJ determined that
Barker “[did] not have an impairment or combination of impairments that [met] or
medically [equaled] the severity of one of the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404,
Subpart P, Appendix 1.” Id. at 39.
At step four, the ALJ found that Barker had the RFC to perform “a full range of
work at all exertional levels but with the following nonexertional limitations: [she] can
perform simple tasks and instructions; [she requires] occasional contact with coworkers, supervisors and the public; and [she] can tolerate occasional changes in
routine.” Id. at 40. The ALJ explained:
The medical evidence shows a history of anxiety disorder, learning
disability, and substance addiction disorder, which limits the claimant to
some extent. However, the claimant’s alleged severity and limiting effects
from the impairments are not wholly supported by the medical evidence and
tend to diminish the persuasiveness of the alleged limitations. She is
inconsistent with medical treatment and medications. Her mood reportedly
improved with placement at Madonna House and treatment. She reported
the treatment was beneficial, despite her sporadic attendance.
Id. at 43. In reaching this conclusion, the ALJ assigned “considerable weight” to the
opinion of Dr. Luna and “significant weight” to the opinion of Dr. McMahon-Tronetti. Id.
10
at 44. The ALJ assigned “little weight” to the opinion of the Chautauqua County DSS
evaluator because Barker “was just beginning treatment . . . and [her] limitations did not
remain for 12 months,” and the ALJ assigned “no particular weight” to the opinion of Dr.
Santa Maria because “[his] report [was] incomplete.” Id. at 44-45. The ALJ also noted
that “[a]lthough the medical evidence and the claimant’s testimony indicate a history of
substance abuse, the claimant’s testimony indicates she is no longer using and/or
abusing substances. As a result, drug addiction and alcoholism are not contributing
factors material to the determination of disability.” Id. at 45.
Finally, at step five, the ALJ determined that, in light of Barker’s “age, education,
work experience, and [RFC], there [were] jobs that exist[ed] in significant numbers in the
national economy that [she could] perform.” Id. at 45. Specifically, the ALJ credited the
vocational expert’s opinion that Barker could find and perform work as a janitor,
housekeeper, or dishwasher. Id. at 46.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
“The scope of review of a disability determination . . . involves two levels of
inquiry.” Johnson v. Bowen, 817 F.2d 983, 985 (2d Cir. 1987). The court “must first
decide whether [the Commissioner] applied the correct legal principles in making the
determination.” Id. This includes ensuring “that the claimant has had a full hearing
under the . . . regulations and in accordance with the beneficent purposes of the Social
Security Act.” Moran v. Astrue, 569 F.3d 108, 112 (2d Cir. 2009) (quoting Cruz v.
Sullivan, 912 F.2d 8, 11 (2d Cir. 1990)). Then, the court “decide[s] whether the
determination is supported by ‘substantial evidence.’” Johnson, 817 F.2d at 985
(quoting 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)). “Substantial evidence” means “more than a mere scintilla.
11
It means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
support a conclusion.” Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971) (quoting
Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938)). “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 correct legal principles.” Johnson, 817 F.2d at 986.
DISCUSSION
I.
ALLEGATIONS
Barker argues that the ALJ erred in two ways. First, she argues that the ALJ
failed to fulfill her duty to develop the record. Docket Item 13-1 at 9-13. Second, she
argues that the ALJ failed to adequately explain why she rejected portions of a medical
source opinion in determining Barker’s RFC. Docket Item 13-1 at 13-18.
This Court agrees with Barker that because the ALJ failed to adequately develop
a complete medical history, Barker was denied “a full hearing under the . . . regulations.”
See Moran, 569 F.3d at 112 (quoting Cruz, 912 F.2d at 11). The Court therefore
remands the matter so that the ALJ can further develop the record and reconsider
Barker’s claims in light of the expanded record. Because Barker’s remaining objection
concerns the same mental impairments as to which the ALJ must further develop the
record and then reconsider, the Court does not address that argument at this time.
12
II.
ANALYSIS
“Because a hearing on disability benefits is a non-adversarial proceeding, the
ALJ generally has an affirmative obligation to develop the administrative record.” Perez
v. Chater, 77 F.3d 41, 47 (2d Cir. 1996) (citing Echevarria v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 686 F.2d 751, 755 (2d Cir. 1982)); see also Pratts v. Chater, 94 F.3d 34, 37 (2d
Cir. 1996) (same); 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5)(B) (requiring that the Commissioner, before
rendering any eligibility determination, “make every reasonable effort to obtain from the
individual's treating physician (or other treating health care provider) all medical
evidence, including diagnostic tests, necessary in order to properly make such
determination”). Thus, “where there are deficiencies in the record, an ALJ is under an
affirmative obligation to develop a claimant's medical history ‘even when the claimant is
represented by counsel or . . . by a paralegal.’” Rosa, 168 F.3d at 79 (quoting Perez, 77
F.3d at 47). On the other hand, “where there are no obvious gaps in the administrative
record, and where the ALJ already possesses a ‘complete medical history,’ the ALJ is
under no obligation to seek additional information in advance of rejecting a benefits
claim.’” Id. at 79 n.5 (quoting Perez, 77 F.3d at 48).
The Social Security Administration’s own regulations reflect this duty, stating that
“[b]efore we make a determination that you are not disabled, we will develop your
complete medical history . . . [and] will make every reasonable effort to help you get
medical reports from your own medical sources when you give us permission to request
the reports.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512(d)(1). The regulations further explain that “every
reasonable effort” means that “we will make an initial request for evidence from your
medical source or entity that maintains your medical source's evidence.” Id. at
13
§ 404.1512(d)(1)(i). If the evidence is not received, “we will make one follow-up request
to obtain the medical evidence necessary to make a determination.” Id.
Here, the ALJ failed to make “every reasonable effort” to fill an “obvious gap[ ]” in
the record. In October and December 2015, Dr. Santa Maria administered an extensive
battery of psycho-cognitive tests, see Docket Item 8 at 576-77, but only a portion—what
exact portion is unclear—of Dr. Santa Maria’s report was included in the record.
Significantly, the record does not include Barker’s complete results on these tests or Dr.
Santa Maria’s assessment of those results. See Sweeting v. Colvin, No. 12-CV-917
(DNH/CFH), 2013 WL 5652501, at *4 (N.D.N.Y. Oct. 15, 2013) (“To obtain from a
treating physician nothing more than charts and laboratory test results is to undermine
the distinctive quality of the treating physician that makes his evidence so much more
reliable than that of an examining physician who sees the claimant once and who
performs the same tests and studies as the treating physician.” (quoting Peed v.
Sullivan, 778 F. Supp. 1241, 1246 (E.D.N.Y. 1991)). What is more, this was apparently
the most recent psychological evaluation at the time of the hearing.
Indeed, the ALJ explicitly acknowledged that Dr. Santa Maria’s “report [was]
incomplete.” Docket Item 8 at 45. But then, instead of obtaining the complete report or
at least contacting Dr. Santa Maria to get more information, the ALJ simply “accord[ed]
no particular weight to the incomplete report.” Id. The ALJ’s failure to make any effort
to obtain the complete evaluation from Dr. Santa Maria requires remand for further
development of the record.
Similarly, the ALJ failed to make a “reasonable effort” to obtain a complete copy
of the medical evaluation accompanying Chautauqua County DSS’s 2013 work
14
exemption notification. Significantly, the portion of the evaluation included in the record
does not indicate the identity or qualifications of the evaluator, leaving open the
question of whether it was composed by an “acceptable medical source,” and therefore
perhaps entitled to controlling weight. See Genier v. Astrue, 298 F. App'x 105, 108 (2d
Cir. 2008) (“[O]nly ‘acceptable medical sources' can be considered treating sources . . .
whose medical opinions may be entitled to controlling weight. ‘Acceptable medical
sources’ are further defined (by regulation) as licensed physicians, psychologists,
optometrists, podiatrists, and qualified speech-language pathologists.” (citing 20 C.F.R.
§ 416.913(a) and SSR 06-03P, 2006 WL 2329939 (Aug. 9, 2009)).
Without information identifying the DSS evaluator, this Court cannot determine
whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision to assign only “little weight” to
that opinion. Id. at 44; see also Aung Winn v. Colvin, 541 Fed. Appx. 67, 70 (2d Cir.
2013) (summary order) (explaining that, in weighing the evidence, the ALJ must make
specific findings and “conduct a distinct analysis that would permit adequate review on
appeal” (quoting Kohler v. Astrue, 546 F.3d 260, 267 (2d Cir. 2008))). Furthermore,
because the DSS evaluator opined that Barker was “moderately limited” in the areas of
“performing complex tasks independently,” “maintaining attention and concentration for
rote tasks,” “attending to a routine and maintaining a schedule,” and “low stress and
simple tasks,” see Docket Item 8 at 292, the ALJ’s procedural error was to Barker’s
detriment and accordingly requires remand. On remand, the ALJ should take
reasonable steps to obtain the complete Chautauqua County DSS medical evaluation.
Barker also argues that the ALJ failed to adequately explain why she rejected
portions of Dr. Luna’s opinion in determining Barker’s RFC. See Docket Item 13-1 at
15
13-18. According to Barker, the ALJ was required to explain why she disregarded those
portions of Dr. Luna’s opinion pertaining to the areas of making appropriate decisions,
appropriately dealing with stress, and need for supervision, given that the ALJ
elsewhere accorded “considerable weight” to Dr. Luna’s opinion.
Because the Court has determined that remand is appropriate to further develop
the record, it declines at this time to evaluate Barker’s second objection. See Bonet ex
rel. T.B. v. Colvin, No. 1:13-CV-924, 2015 WL 729707, at *7 (N.D.N.Y. Feb. 18, 2015).
(“Given the need to apply the proper legal standard, the Court will decline at this time to
consider whether substantial evidence exists to support the findings the ALJ made.”).
On remand, the ALJ should reassess Barker’s RFC in light of the complete record.
Should she “choose[ ] to adopt only portions of a medical opinion”—whether Dr. Luna’s
or that of any other medical source—the ALJ “must explain [her] decision to reject the
remaining portions.” Raymer v. Colvin, 14-CV-6009P, 2015 WL 5032669 at *6
(W.D.N.Y. Aug, 25, 2015) (citing Younes v. Colvin, 14-CV-170 (DNH/ESH), 2015 WL
1524417, at *8 (N.D.N.Y. Apr. 2, 2015)). Similarly, “[b]ecause stress is ‘highly
individualized,’” the ALJ must “make specific findings about the nature of [Barker’s]
stress, the circumstances that trigger it, and how those factors affect [her] ability to
work.” Stadler v. Barnhart, 464 F.Supp.2d 183, 189 (W.D.N.Y. 2006) (citing SSR 85-15,
1985 WL 56857 (Jan. 1, 1985); Welch v. Chater, 923 F. Supp. 17, 21 (W.D.N.Y. 1996)).
CONCLUSION
For the reasons stated above, the Commissioner's motion for judgment on the
pleadings, Docket Item 15, is DENIED, and Barker’s motion for judgment on the
pleadings, Docket Item 12, is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. The decision of
16
the Commissioner is VACATED, and the matter is REMANDED for further
administrative proceedings consistent with this decision.
SO ORDERED.
Dated:
November 1, 2019
Buffalo, New York
s/ Lawrence J. Vilardo
LAWRENCE J. VILARDO
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
17
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?