Huyck v. Colvin
Filing
18
DECISION & ORDER After careful review of the entire record, this Court finds that the Commissioner's denial of SSI/DIB was based on substantial evidence and was not erroneous as a matter of law. Accordingly, the ALJ's decision is affirmed. For the reasons stated above, the Commissioner's motion for judgment on the pleadings 14 is granted. Huyck's motion for judgment on the pleadings 10 is denied, and Huyck's complaint 1 is dismissed with prejudice. Signed by Hon. Marian W. Payson on 7/11/2017. (KAH)-CLERK TO FOLLOW UP-
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
_______________________________________
JAN HUYCK,
DECISION & ORDER
Plaintiff,
16-CV-6331P
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,1
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.
_______________________________________
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Plaintiff Jan Huyck (“Huyck”) brings this action pursuant to Section 205(g) of the
Social Security Act (the “Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking judicial review of a final decision of
the Commissioner of Social Security (the “Commissioner”) denying her applications for
Supplemental Security Income Benefits and Disability Insurance Benefits (“SSI/DIB”).
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), the parties have consented to the disposition of this case by a
United States magistrate judge. (Docket # 7).
Currently before the Court are the parties’ motions for judgment on the pleadings
pursuant to Rule 12(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (Docket ## 10, 14). For the
reasons set forth below, this Court finds that the decision of the Commissioner is supported by
substantial evidence in the record and complies with applicable legal standards. Accordingly,
the Commissioner’s motion for judgment on the pleadings is granted, and Huyck’s motion for
judgment on the pleadings is denied.
1
On January 23, 2017, after this appeal was filed, Nancy A. Berryhill became Acting Commissioner of
Social Security.
BACKGROUND
I.
Procedural Background
Huyck protectively filed for SSI/DIB on February 15, 2013, alleging disability
beginning on December 31, 2009, due to pain and limited mobility in both knees, obesity,
borderline diabetes, breathing problems, depression, fits of rage, back pain, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, dizziness, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (“GERD”). (Tr. 151-58, 166,
171).2 On May 13, 2013, the Social Security Administration denied Huyck’s claim for benefits,
finding that she was not disabled. (Tr. 91-92). Huyck requested and was granted a hearing
before Administrative Law Jennifer Gale Smith (the “ALJ”). (Tr. 99, 119-24). The ALJ
conducted a hearing on September 30, 2014. (Tr. 42-70). In a decision dated January 30, 2015,
the ALJ found that Huyck was not disabled and was not entitled to benefits. (Tr. 19-38).
On April 25, 2016, the Appeals Council denied Huyck’s request for review of the
ALJ’s decision. (Tr. 2-5). Huyck commenced this action on May 23, 2016, seeking review of
the Commissioner’s decision. (Docket # 1).
II.
Relevant Medical Evidence3
The record suggests that Huyck did not receive any medical treatment for several
years prior to her applications for benefits. (Tr. 168). According to Huyck, although she
suffered from several ailments, she had been unable to afford treatment. (Tr. 177). In
connection with her applications, Huyck explained that she had recently applied for Medicaid.
(Id.).
2
The administrative transcript shall be referred to as “Tr. __.”
3
Those portions of the treatment records that are relevant to this decision are recounted herein.
2
On March 29, 2013, imaging of Huyck’s lumbar spine was conducted at the
request of her primary care physician, Subodh Debnath (“Debnath”), MD, due to Huyck’s
complaints of chronic low back pain. (Tr. 240). The imaging demonstrated mild L5-S1 bilateral
facet arthrosis with no notable disc space narrowing. (Id.). The SI joints demonstrated mild
degeneration. (Id.). The radiologist assessed intact vertebra, spondylosis and recommended an
MRI if disc herniation was a concern. (Id.).
On April 5, 2013, Huyck attended an appointment with Kenneth Wrigley
(“Wrigley”), PA, at Fingerlakes Orthopedics. (Tr. 291-93). Huyck indicated that she had been
experiencing bilateral knee pain for several years and had not had recent imaging of her knees.
(Id.). She rated her pain as five on a ten-point scale. (Id.). Huyck reported that she was unable
to take NSAIDS due to her GERD and that she took Tylenol with little relief. (Id.). She
indicated that she experienced diffuse pain in both knees, with worse pain in her right knee.
(Id.). According to Huyck, she had difficulty navigating stairs and experienced some swelling in
her knees. (Id.). Upon examination of her right knee, Wrigley noted small effusion, diffuse pain
to palpation, quad strength of four out of five, no instability or thigh or groin pain with hip
rotation, and a negative anterior drawer sign. (Id.). Examination of the left knee indicated
similar results, although her quad strength was only three out of five. (Id.).
Imaging of her right knee demonstrated mild medial joint line narrowing and mild
arthritis. (Id.). Imaging of her left knee was essentially normal. (Id.). Wrigley assessed
bilateral knee pain with right mild degenerative joint disease. (Id.). He recommended that
Huyck participate in physical therapy for strengthening and noted that Huyck was unable to take
NSAIDS and unwilling to receive a cortisone injection. (Id.). He instructed her to return in six
weeks. (Id.). Treatment notes from physical therapy indicated that Huyck was seen for an initial
3
evaluation and attended two subsequent sessions. (Tr. 304). Following her session on April 18,
2013, Huyck did not return for further therapy and was discontinued from the program. (Id.).
On April 10, 2013, Huyck was examined by state consultant Frank Norsky
(“Norsky”), MD. (Tr. 250-55). She reported that her chief complaint was chronic pain in both
knee joints, especially in her right knee. (Id.). Huyck indicated that her pain was aggravated by
weight-bearing activities, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs. (Id.). She reported
that she was only able to walk approximately one block at a time and could stand in one position
for no more than thirty minutes. (Id.). According to Huyck, she needed to rest halfway up a
flight of stairs. (Id.). Huyck also reported suffering from hypertension, anxiety, depression,
obesity, and GERD. (Id.).
Upon examination, Huyck presented in no acute distress. (Id.). She had normal
range of motion in her upper extremities and normal hand grip bilaterally. (Id.). Huyck was
morbidly obese, but did not display any deformity of the lumbar spine, and her range of motion
in her lumbar spine was normal. (Id.). Norsky observed tenderness to palpation in both knees,
but Huyck’s knees exhibited no heat or palpable intraarticular effusion, and her range of motion
was normal. (Id.). Norsky also noted significant cyanosis of Huyck’s feet, and palpation of her
dorsalis pedis artery did not reveal any pulsation. (Id.).
Norsky assessed that Huyck suffered from morbid obesity, chronic knee pain due
to osteoarthritis and obesity, mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a history of
anxiety and depression. (Id.). According to Norsky, Huyck’s prognosis for gainful physical
employment was poor unless she underwent bariatric surgery and successfully lost weight. (Id.).
On May 17, 2013, Huyck returned for a follow-up appointment with Wrigley.
(Tr. 294-96). She reported continued pain in her knees and that she had attended physical
4
therapy, which had increased her pain. (Id.). According to Huyck, heat also increased her pain,
and she continued to perform a home exercise program. (Id.).
Upon examination, Wrigley apparently observed no range of motion in Huyck’s
knees, with greater pain in the right knee. (Id.). Huyck’s quad strength was five out of five, and
she was able to ambulate without a limp. (Id.). Wrigley assessed bilateral knee pain and mild
degenerative joint disease in the right knee. (Id.). He opined that Huyck benefited from physical
therapy and a home exercise program and noted that she continued to refuse cortisone injections
for her right knee. (Id.). Wrigley did not believe an MRI was indicated and advised her to
follow up as necessary. (Id.).
On June 17, 2013, Huyck attended her first appointment with Sean Stryker
(“Stryker”), MD, at Orchard Family Health Care. (Tr. 326-27). She complained of ongoing
severe knee pain bilaterally. (Id.). Huyck indicated that she believed that she suffered from
rheumatoid arthritis and that her previous physician would not treat her knee pain unless she had
bariatric surgery to address her obesity. (Id.). Stryker assessed that Huyck suffered from
bilateral knee pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, morbid obesity, tobacco dependence, hypertension,
hyperlipidemia, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. (Id.). He ordered comprehensive bloodwork.
(Id.).
On August 1, 2013, Huyck returned for another appointment with Stryker.
(Tr. 328-29). She did not complain of any pain, but reported experiencing anxiety. (Id.).
Stryker assessed generalized anxiety and recommended that she continue her current treatment
regimen. (Id.).
On July 23, 2014, Huyck returned for an appointment with Janet Martin
(“Martin”), NP, at Fingerlakes Orthopedics. (Tr. 306-07). Huyck presented with ongoing knee
5
pain, but reported some improvement with the use of a brace on her right knee. (Id.). She also
reported that her primary care physician had ordered an MRI, but she was waiting to find out
whether her insurance would cover it. (Id.). During the appointment, Huyck was fully
weight-bearing, but reported instability, difficulty driving, increased effusion, and inability to
bend. (Id.).
Huyck reported that her pain was moderate and had increased over the last ten
years. (Id.). Her medical history was negative for osteoarthritis and gout. (Id.). According to
Huyck, she wore a knee sleeve and experienced right ankle pain when driving. (Id.). She
reported difficulty rising from a seated position and indicated that she had purchased a raised
toilet seat for her home. (Id.). Huyck reported that she could not take NSAIDS due to GERD
and had a prescription for Tramadol, but had not yet taken any. (Id.). Huyck indicated that
physical therapy had aggravated her pain, but she was not interested in a cortisone injection.
(Id.).
Upon examination, Martin noted tenderness of the right knee to palpation of the
medial joint line. (Id.). Imaging demonstrated maintained joint space and no patella-femoral
arthritis. (Id.). Martin assessed knee pain due to internal derangement of the right knee. (Id.).
She recommended cortisone injections, NSAIDS, and physical therapy, but Huyck declined
those treatments. (Id.). On October 14, 2014, Martin declined the ALJ’s request that she
complete a medical source statement relating to Huyck. (Tr. 310-18). According to Martin, she
had only treated Huyck on one occasion and Huyck had refused the recommended treatments of
physical therapy and injections. (Id.).
Huyck apparently began receiving treatment from Albert Devlin (“Devlin”), DO,
in February 2014. (Tr. 283). Although Devlin’s treatment records are not part of the record, he
6
submitted two medical source statements opining on Huyck’s physical limitations, and the record
suggests that he referred Huyck for mental health treatment relating to her anxiety and
depression. (Tr. 283-89, 319-25, 332).
In an opinion dated September 11, 2014, Devlin indicated that he had been
treating Huyck for approximately seven months. (Tr. 283-89). Devlin apparently observed that
Huyck suffered from decreased range of motion in her back and right lower extremity and that
she walked with a limp. (Id.). He apparently reviewed MRIs of her right knee and assessed that
she suffered from internal derangement. (Id.). He also appears to have viewed an MRI of her
lumbar spine. (Id.).
Devlin opined that Huyck was able to lift up to twenty pounds occasionally, but
was unable to carry any weight. (Id.). According to Devlin, Huyck could sit, stand, and walk for
approximately fifteen minutes at a time and could stand and walk for approximately fifteen
minutes over the course of a workday. (Id.). He also believed that she was capable of sitting for
up to three hours per day. (Id.). Devlin opined that Huyck required a cane to ambulate and
could walk only approximately fifty steps without the use of her cane. (Id.). He did not believe
that she could use her free hand to carry any small objects when ambulating with her cane. (Id.).
According to Devlin, Huyck did not suffer from reaching or handling limitations
in her left hand, but was unable to reach overhead or push and pull with her right hand. (Id.).
Additionally, he opined that she was unable to operate foot controls with her right foot, but could
frequently operate controls with her left foot. (Id.). Devlin opined that due to neck and right
knee ailments, Huyck was unable to climb stairs, ramps, ladders or scaffolds, balance, stoop,
kneel, crouch, or crawl. (Id.). He also opined that Huyck should avoid certain environmental
conditions, including unprotected heights, moving mechanical parts, operating motor vehicles,
7
humidity, wetness, dust, odors, fumes, and pulmonary irritants. (Id.). Devlin indicated that
Huyck was able to shop, travel alone, and sort, handle and use paper files, but was unable to use
public transportation, walk a block at a reasonable pace, climb steps at a reasonable pace, prepare
simple meals, or care for her own personal hygiene. (Id.). In a report dated October 23, 2014,
Devlin assessed the same limitations. (Tr. 319-25).
III.
Non-Medical Evidence
In her applications for benefits, Huyck reported that she was born in 1969.
(Tr. 166). According to Huyck, she completed the ninth grade and had previously worked as a
cashier, assistant manager of a retail store, a caretaker, and a customer service representative.
(Tr. 173). Huyck reported that she lived with her family, and spent the majority of her day in
bed reading, watching television, and using the internet. (Tr. 178-79).
Huyck reported that she generally was able to care for her personal needs, but had
difficulty reaching her feet and used an extended toilet seat. (Tr. 180). She was able to prepare
simple meals daily and could perform household chores, including laundry, dishes, dusting, and
sweeping. (Tr. 180-81). Huyck reported that she was able to drive herself, although she
sometimes experienced sharp pain moving her foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal.
(Tr. 181-82). She was able to shop approximately twice a month for about two hours at a time.
(Tr. 182). Huyck reported difficulty lifting, standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, and squatting,
but reported no difficulty reaching or using her hands. (Tr. 183-84). She reported that she used
a cane to assist her to get up from a seated position. (Tr. 185).
During the administrative hearing, Huyck testified that she was forty-five years
old, had completed the eighth grade, and was able to read and write “very well.” (Tr. 51). She
8
testified that she had previous work experience as an aide for an individual with a mental
impairment and in various retail jobs. (Tr. 51-52). Huyck testified that she had also been
employed at a call center, but her employment ended when the company closed. (Tr. 55).
According to Huyck, her responsibilities included answering phones, placing orders, and
addressing customer complaints. (Tr. 57).
Huyck testified that the reason that she was unable to work was her chronic right
knee pain. (Tr. 54-55, 58). According to Huyck, she had refused to take any narcotic pain
medication and had been advised by her physician that the impairment was not severe enough to
warrant surgical intervention. (Id.). Huyck testified that she believed that she would be able to
return to work at a call center, despite her knee impairment, at least on a part-time basis.
(Tr. 56-58). Huyck also testified that she suffered from some back problems due to her weight.
(Tr. 58).
Huyck explained that she refused to take any narcotic pain medication because
she feared addiction and refused a cortisone injection because she was not confident that it would
be effective and was apprehensive of the procedure. (Tr. 61). Instead, she took Tylenol or
Ibuprofen to help manage her pain and used a knee brace. (Id.). According to Huyck, she also
alleviated her pain by lying down and placing a pillow between her knees or icing them for
relief. (Tr. 60). She estimated that she was able to sit for about thirty minutes before needing to
change positions and was able to stand for about fifteen minutes at a time with the use of her
cane. (Tr. 61-62). Huyck testified that she no longer drove due to knee pain, but was still able to
go grocery shopping. (Tr. 63).
Huyck testified that she spent the majority of her day in bed, but sometimes got
up to use the restroom or to visit with company. (Tr. 64-65). Huyck explained that she lived
9
with her son, who cared for her, and had a friend who assisted her with laundry. (Tr. 59, 64).
Huyck testified that her bedroom was on the first floor of the house so that she would not have to
navigate the stairs. (Tr. 65).
A vocational expert, Robert Baker (“Baker”), also testified during the hearing.
(Tr. 65-69). The ALJ first asked Baker to characterize Huyck’s previous employment. (Tr. 66).
According to Baker, Huyck had previously been employed as a personal care aide and a
telephone order clerk. (Id.).
The ALJ then asked Baker whether a person would be able to perform any of
Huyck’s previous jobs if she were of the same age, had the same education and vocational
profile, and could perform low stress work at the sedentary exertional level, but would need to
adjust positions every thirty minutes and should avoid concentrated exposures to environmental
extremes, could only occasionally climb ramps and stairs, stoop or balance, and was unable to
climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds, kneel, crouch, or crawl. (Tr. 67). Baker testified that such an
individual would be unable to perform Huyck’s previous positions, but would be able to perform
other jobs that existed in the national economy, including positions of addresser, callout operator,
and document preparer/microfilming. (Tr. 67-68). According to Baker, an individual who used
a cane would be able to perform those positions because the positions were sedentary and
“would not require much moving at the stations.” (Tr. 68).
DISCUSSION
I.
Standard of Review
This Court’s scope of review is limited to whether the Commissioner’s
determination is supported by substantial evidence in the record and whether the Commissioner
10
applied the correct legal standards. See Butts v. Barnhart, 388 F.3d 377, 384 (2d Cir. 2004)
(“[i]n reviewing a final decision of the Commissioner, a district court must determine whether
the correct legal standards were applied and whether substantial evidence supports the
decision”), reh’g granted in part and denied in part, 416 F.3d 101 (2d Cir. 2005); see also
Schaal v. Apfel, 134 F.3d 496, 501 (2d Cir. 1998) (“it is not our function to determine de novo
whether plaintiff is disabled[;] . . . [r]ather, we must determine whether the Commissioner’s
conclusions are supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole or are based on an
erroneous legal standard”) (internal citation and quotation omitted). Pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
§ 405(g), a district court reviewing the Commissioner’s determination to deny disability benefits
is directed to accept the Commissioner’s findings of fact unless they are not supported by
“substantial evidence.” See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (“[t]he findings of the Commissioner . . . as to
any fact, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive”). Substantial evidence is
defined as “more than a mere scintilla. 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) (internal quotation omitted).
To determine whether substantial evidence exists in the record, the court must
consider the record as a whole, examining the evidence submitted by both sides, “because an
analysis of the substantiality of the evidence must also include that which detracts from its
weight.” Williams ex rel Williams v. Bowen, 859 F.2d 255, 258 (2d Cir. 1988). To the extent
they are supported by substantial evidence, the Commissioner’s findings of fact must be
sustained “even where substantial evidence may support the claimant’s position and despite the
fact that the [c]ourt, had it heard the evidence de novo, might have found otherwise.” Matejka v.
11
Barnhart, 386 F. Supp. 2d 198, 204 (W.D.N.Y. 2005) (citing Rutherford v. Schweiker, 685 F.2d
60, 62 (2d Cir. 1982), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 1212 (1983)).
A person is disabled for the purposes of SSI and disability benefits if he or she is
unable “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) & 1382c(a)(3)(A). In assessing whether a claimant is disabled, the ALJ must
employ a five-step sequential analysis. See Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 464, 467 (2d Cir. 1982)
(per curiam). The five steps are:
(1)
whether the claimant is currently engaged in substantial
gainful activity;
(2)
if not, whether the claimant has any “severe impairment”
that “significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental
ability to do basic work activities”;
(3)
if so, whether any of the claimant’s severe impairments
meets or equals one of the impairments listed in Appendix
1 of Subpart P of Part 404 of the relevant regulations;
(4)
if not, whether despite the claimant’s severe impairments,
the claimant retains the residual functional capacity to
perform his past work; and
(5)
if not, whether the claimant retains the residual functional
capacity to perform any other work that exists in significant
numbers in the national economy.
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v) & 416.920(a)(4)(i)-(v); Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d at 467.
“The claimant bears the burden of proving his or her case at steps one through four[;] . . . [a]t
step five the burden shifts to the Commissioner to ‘show there is other gainful work in the
national economy [which] the claimant could perform.’” Butts v. Barnhart, 388 F.3d at 383
(quoting Balsamo v. Chater, 142 F.3d 75, 80 (2d Cir. 1998)).
12
A.
The ALJ’s Decision
In her decision, the ALJ followed the required five-step analysis for evaluating
disability claims. (Tr. 22-34). Under step one of the process, the ALJ found that Huyck had not
engaged in substantial gainful activity since December 31, 2009, the alleged onset date. (Tr. 24).
At step two, the ALJ concluded that Huyck had the severe impairments of degenerative joint
disease of the right knee, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (“COPD”), obesity, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. (Tr. 25). The
ALJ found Huyck’s other impairments, including cervicalgia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia,
hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, leukocytosis, GERD, dysmetabolic syndrome,
constipation, endometriosis, status post hysterectomy and cholecystectomy, chest pain, sinusitis,
bronchitis, tobacco use disorder, and smoking cessation, were not severe. (Id.). At step three,
the ALJ determined that Huyck did not have an impairment (or combination of impairments) that
met or medically equaled one of the listed impairments. (Tr. 25-28). With respect to Huyck’s
mental impairments, the ALJ found that Huyck suffered from moderate difficulties in
maintaining concentration, persistence or pace, and mild difficulties in social functioning and in
performing activities of daily living. (Tr. 27). The ALJ concluded that Huyck had the Residual
Functional Capacity (“RFC”) to perform sedentary work, including lifting and carrying ten
pounds occasionally and less than ten pounds frequently, standing and/or walking up to two
hours per day, and sitting for up to six hours per day. (Tr. 28-31). The ALJ concluded that
Huyck should be permitted to change positions every thirty minutes and could occasionally
balance, stoop, and climb ramps and stairs, but would be unable to kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb
ladders, ropes or scaffolds. (Id.). According to the ALJ, Huyck should be limited to low-stress
work environments entailing only occasional changes in the work setting and only occasional
13
judgment and decision-making. (Id.). She also should avoid exposure to environmental irritants.
(Id.). At steps four and five, the ALJ determined that Huyck could not perform her prior work,
but that other jobs existed in the national and regional economy that Huyck could perform,
including the positions of addresser, call-out operator, and document preparer/microfilming.
(Tr. 31-33). Accordingly, the ALJ found that Huyck was not disabled. (Id.).
B.
Huyck’s Contentions
Huyck contends that the ALJ’s determination that she was not disabled is not
supported by substantial evidence and is the product of legal error. (Docket # 10-1). First,
Huyck maintains that the ALJ’s physical RFC assessment is flawed because it was not based
upon a medical opinion of Huyck’s functional limitations. (Id. at 7-12). Second, Huyck
maintains that the ALJ failed to account for her obesity in formulating the RFC. (Id. at 12-13).
Third, Huyck contends that the ALJ improperly weighed the medical opinions of evidence. (Id.
at 13-16). Finally, Huyck maintains that the ALJ’s step five determination is not supported
because it was based upon a flawed RFC analysis. (Id. at 16).
II.
Analysis
A.
Physical RFC Assessment
I turn first to Huyck’s contention that the ALJ’s RFC assessment was flawed.
(Docket # 10-1 at 7-12). An individual’s RFC is her “maximum remaining ability to do
sustained work activities in an ordinary work setting on a continuing basis.” Melville v. Apfel,
198 F.3d 45, 52 (2d Cir. 1999) (quoting SSR 96–8p, 1996 WL 374184, *2 (1996)). In making an
RFC assessment, the ALJ should consider “a claimant’s physical abilities, mental abilities,
symptomology, including pain and other limitations which could interfere with work activities
14
on a regular and continuing basis.” Pardee v. Astrue, 631 F. Supp. 2d 200, 221 (N.D.N.Y. 2009)
(citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a)). “To determine RFC, the ALJ must consider all the relevant
evidence, including medical opinions and facts, physical and mental abilities, non-severe
impairments, and [p]laintiff’s subjective evidence of symptoms.” Stanton v. Astrue, 2009 WL
1940539, *9 (N.D.N.Y. 2009) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(b)-(e)), aff’d, 370 F. App’x 231 (2d
Cir. 2010).
Huyck contends that the ALJ erred in determining the weight to be accorded to
Devlin’s and Norsky’s opinions. (Docket # 10-1 at 13-16). Generally, a treating physician’s
opinion is entitled to “controlling weight” when 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); see also Gunter v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec., 361 F. App’x 197, 199 (2d Cir. 2010) (“the ALJ [must] give controlling weight to the
opinion of the treating physician so long as it is consistent with the other substantial evidence”).
“An ALJ who refuses to accord controlling weight to the medical opinion of a treating physician
must consider various ‘factors’ to determine how much weight to give to the opinion.” Halloran
v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d 28, 32 (2d Cir. 2004). The ALJ must consider:
(1)
the frequency of examination and length, nature, and extent
of the treatment relationship,
(2)
the evidence in support of the physician’s opinion,
(3)
the consistency of the opinion with the record as a whole,
(4)
whether the opinion is from a specialist, and
(5)
whatever other factors tend to support or contradict the
opinion.
15
Gunter v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 361 F. App’x at 199. The regulations also direct that the ALJ
should “give good reasons in [her] notice of determination or decision for the weight [she]
give[s] [claimant’s] treating source’s opinion.” Halloran v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d at 32 (alterations
in original) (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2)). “Even if the above-listed factors have not
established that the treating physician’s opinion should be given controlling weight, it is still
entitled to deference, and should not be disregarded.” Salisbury v. Astrue, 2008 WL 5110992, *4
(W.D.N.Y. 2008). The same factors should be used to determine the weight to give to a
consultative physician’s opinion. Tomasello v. Astrue, 2011 WL 2516505, *3 (W.D.N.Y. 2011).
“However, if the treating physician’s relationship to the claimant is more favorable in terms of
the length, nature and extent of the relationship, then the treating physician’s opinion will be
given more weight than that of the consultative examining physician.” See id.
I conclude that the ALJ provided “good reasons” for her decision to assign limited
weight to Devlin’s and Norsky’s opinions. In her decision, the ALJ accorded Devlin’s opinions
“very little weight” because they were not supported by treatment notes,4 were inconsistent with
the overall medical evidence, including Huyck’s history of conservative treatment, were
rendered after Devlin had treated Huyck for only seven months, were inconsistent with Huyck’s
reported activities of daily living, were unsupported by explanation or clinical findings, and were
inconsistent with Huyck’s own testimony that she would be able to engage in part-time sedentary
work. (Tr. 31).
4
Because Devlin’s treatment notes are apparently not contained in the administrative record, it is
impossible to determine whether Devlin’s opinions would have been supported or unsupported by those notes. See
Welsh v. Colvin, 2016 WL 836081, *11 (W.D.N.Y. 2016) (“the ALJ’s decision suggests that he discounted or did
not credit the information in [the treating counselor’s] letter because her treatment notes were not contained in the
record[;] . . . [this was] not [a] permissible reason[] to discount the information supplied by [the treating counselor],
particularly without first contacting [the counselor] or attempting to obtain her treatment records”). Nevertheless, as
discussed in detail, the ALJ provided several other good reasons for discounting Devlin’s opinions. See Garcia v.
Colvin, 2015 WL 1280620, *6 (W.D.N.Y. 2015) (“the salient question is whether the additional reason[s] provided
by the ALJ constitute[] a sufficient basis upon which to discount [the] opinion”).
16
Specifically, the ALJ noted that the significant physical limitations assessed by
Devlin were inconsistent with Huyck’s overall treatment history, which included minimal and
fairly conservative treatment. (Id.). As the record demonstrates, Huyck received sporadic
treatment for her physical impairments and declined several conservative treatment options,
including physical therapy and injections. Additionally, the ALJ properly recognized that Huyck
and Devlin had not established a substantial treating relationship, as Devlin had been treating
Huyck for only approximately seven months. (Id.).
Further, the ALJ noted that many of the limitations assessed by Devlin were
contradicted by other evidence in the record, particularly Huyck’s own statements concerning
her ability to perform activities of daily living. As the ALJ noted, according to Devlin, Huyck
was unable to reach overhead with her right arm, push or pull with her right arm, stoop, kneel,
crouch, crawl, use public transportation, prepare simple meals, or care for her personal hygiene.
(Tr. 283-89). Yet, Huyck reported to one of the consulting physicians that she was able to
independently dress, bathe, prepare meals, complete general cleaning and laundry chores, engage
in heavier lifting with assistance, shop independently, drive, and use public transportation.
(Tr. 247). Similarly, Devlin assessed that Huyck suffered from significant upper extremity
limitations, including limitations on her ability to reach overhead, push, or pull. (Tr. 283-89).
As recognized by the ALJ, however, Devlin did not identify any impairment causing such
limitations, and the assessed limitations were inconsistent with Huyck’s own reports that she did
not suffer from reaching or handling limitations. (Tr. 31, 65, 184). Finally, the ALJ recognized
that the extreme limitations assessed by Devlin were inconsistent with Huyck’s own testimony
that she could perform a sedentary job on a part-time basis. (Tr. 31).
17
Huyck maintains that these inconsistencies do not justify discounting Devlin’s
opinions because they are irrelevant to Huyck’s ability to perform sedentary work, particularly
her ability to perform the sitting, standing, carrying, balancing, and climbing requirements of
such work. (Docket # 10-1 at 14). I disagree. As an initial matter, many of the limitations
assessed by Devlin are inconsistent with Huyck’s own testimony that she could perform the
requirements of sedentary work, at least on a part-time basis. In any event, the facial
inconsistencies between several limitations assessed by Devlin and Huyck’s own statements
concerning her ability to perform those same functions is a proper basis upon which to discount
Devlin’s opinion as a whole.
Any suggestion by Huyck that the ALJ was not permitted to consider her daily
activities in formulating her RFC (id. at 14-15) is incorrect. See Durante v. Colvin, 2014 WL
4843684, *2 (D. Conn. 2014) (ALJ properly discussed plaintiff’s activities of daily living when
formulating RFC; “[w]hile that court’s admonition as to the ill wisdom of relying thoughtlessly
on evidence of a claimant’s ability to manage activities of daily living . . . for the purpose of
discrediting evidence of more serious-seeming RFC restrictions in the work context is
well-taken, the ALJ does not appear to have erred in this way here”); Prue v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec., 2014 WL 37669, *10 (D. Vt. 2014) (“[i]t was proper for the ALJ to consider [plaintiff’s]
daily activities in determining her RFC”); Bonville v. Colvin, 2013 WL 3745882, *5 (N.D.N.Y.
2013) (“[c]ontrary to [plaintiff’s] arguments, the ALJ properly considered her activities of daily
living . . . , as well as [plaintiff’s] testimony that she could work part-time, and evidence that she
declared that she was ready, willing, and able to work during the time period for which she
claims disability benefits”); DiMartino v. Astrue, 2009 WL 1652167, *3 (W.D.N.Y. 2009)
18
(“[t]he ALJ also properly considered [p]laintiff’s daily activities – including his part-time
employment – in . . . determining his RFC”).
I reach a similar conclusion with respect to Norsky’s opinion. In her decision, the
ALJ gave “reduced weight” to Norsky’s opinion that Huyck had a poor prognosis for gainful
physical employment on the grounds that it did not provide a function-by-function assessment of
Huyck’s capabilities and because it was not consistent with the conservative treatment she
received for her physical impairments. (Tr. 31). Huyck maintains that the ALJ should not have
discounted the opinion on these grounds without first recontacting Norsky. (Docket # 10-1 at
15). I do not agree that the ALJ was obligated to do so. As recognized by the ALJ, Norsky’s
statement concerning Huyck’s ability to work was wholly conclusory and amounted to a
determination reserved for the Commissioner. As such, it was not entitled to significant weight.
See Osbelt v. Colvin, 2015 WL 344541, *3 (W.D.N.Y. 2015) (physician’s letter “which
concluded that ‘[claimant] is unable to work in any significant capacity given ongoing emotional
and physical limitations’ . . . [did] not specify the nature of such limitations, or describe how
they would render plaintiff incapable of work,” and thus constituted a “conclusory opinion
concerning the ultimate issue of disability, [a] matter [that] is unquestionably reserved for the
Commissioner”) (internal quotation omitted); Wilferth v. Colvin, 49 F. Supp. 3d 359, 363
(W.D.N.Y. 2014) (“[the doctor’s] opinion . . . does not specify any particular limitation on
plaintiff’s capacity: it is no more than a conclusory opinion on the ultimate issue of disability,
which is unquestionably a matter reserved to the Commissioner”) (internal quotation omitted);
Thompson v. Colvin, 2014 WL 7140575, *9 (D. Vt. 2014) (doctor’s opinion that claimant was
currently unable to work was not entitled to weight; “the opinions are conclusory and do not list
any practical functional consequences of [claimant’s] mental impairments, stating merely that
19
‘complications with anxiety, PTSD[,] and agoraphobia’ have caused her to be unable to work”);
Emery v. Astrue, 2012 WL 4892635, *6 (D. Vt. 2012) (“the ALJ was not obligated to afford
significant weight to [the doctor’s] conclusory opinion that [claimant’s] impairments limited ‘her
ability to hold a full-time job’”).
The ALJ carefully reviewed Huyck’s longitudinal medical record and explained at
length her determination that the significant limitations assessed by Devlin and Norsky were not
supported by the objective findings documented in the record or Huyck’s own statements
regarding her abilities. Accordingly, I conclude that the ALJ did not violate the treating
physician rule by according “reduced” or “very little” weight to the opinions for the reasons she
explained. See Harrington v. Colvin, 2015 WL 790756, *16 (W.D.N.Y. 2015) (ALJ properly
discounted treating physician opinion where it assessed limitations that were inconsistent with
findings contained in the treatment records and with admissions claimant had made concerning
his activities of daily living); Wilferth v. Colvin, 49 F. Supp. 3d at 362 (ALJ properly weighed
treating physician opinion and “adequately explained her reasons for declining to grant
controlling weight to his conclusion” where opinion was “inconsistent with other opinions in the
record, as well as statements made by the plaintiff himself, and none of the objective test records
. . . indicate[d] a level of disability greater than that reflected in the plaintiff’s RFC, as
determined by the ALJ”); Gladle v. Astrue, 2008 WL 4411655, *5 (N.D.N.Y. 2008) (ALJ
properly discounted opinion of treating physician where it was inconsistent with treatment
records and objective findings of the consultative examiner).
Huyck argues that the ALJ’s rejection of Devlin’s and Norsky’s opinions, even if
appropriate, resulted in an RFC determination unsupported by any medical opinion of record.
(Docket ## 10-1 at 7-12; 17 at 1-4). Huyck reasons that because the ALJ did not rely upon any
20
medical opinion containing a functional assessment of her work-related capabilities, her RFC is
not based upon substantial evidence. (Id.). I disagree.
“It is well established in the Second Circuit that an ALJ is under an obligation to
develop the administrative record fully, to ensure that there are no inconsistencies in the record
that require further inquiry, and to obtain the reports of treating physicians and elicit the
appropriate testimony during the proceeding.” Martello v. Astrue, 2013 WL 1337311, *3
(W.D.N.Y. 2013). Given the non-adversarial nature of a Social Security hearing, “[t]he duty of
the ALJ, unlike that of a judge at trial, is to ‘investigate and develop the facts and develop the
arguments both for and against the granting of benefits.’” Vincent v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 651
F.3d 299, 305 (2d Cir. 2011) (quoting Butts, 388 F.3d at 386). Although the Commissioner has a
general duty to develop the record, it is ultimately “the plaintiff’s burden to furnish . . . medical
and other evidence of disability.” Threatt v. Colvin, 2016 WL 1103864, *4 (W.D.N.Y. 2016).
Despite a general duty to develop the record, including obtaining medical
opinions of the claimant’s functional capabilities, the “regulatory language provides ample
flexibility for the ALJ to consider a broad array of evidence as ‘medical opinions.’” Rouse v.
Colvin, 2015 WL 7431403, *5 (W.D.N.Y. 2015) (quoting Sickles v. Colvin, 2014 WL 795978,
*4 (N.D.N.Y. 2014)). In any event, “it is not per se error for an ALJ to make the RFC
determination absent a medical opinion.” Lewis v. Colvin, 2014 WL 6609637, *6 (W.D.N.Y.
2014) (citing Tankisi v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 521 F. App’x 29 (2d Cir. 2013)). This is
particularly true where the medical evidence shows relatively minor physical impairments, such
that the ALJ “permissibly can render a common sense judgment about functional capacity even
without a physician’s assessment.” Id. (quotations omitted). The salient question is whether the
21
record “contains sufficient evidence from which an ALJ can assess the [plaintiff’s RFC].” Id.
(quoting Tankisi v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 521 F. App’x at 34).
Having carefully reviewed the administrative record, I conclude that there is no
gap, the ALJ properly formulated Huyck’s RFC based upon a comprehensive review of the
record, and her determination is supported by substantial evidence in the record. Huyck’s
medical records, imaging results, and her own statements regarding her capabilities demonstrate
that the ALJ permissibly formulated Huyck’s RFC to account for the impairments supported by
the record without the assistance of a medical opinion.
Huyck testified unequivocally that the only physical impediment to her ability to
work is her knee pain. (Tr. 54-55, 58). Although she claims that she has been disabled due to
her knee impairment since December 31, 2009, the record suggests that she sought or received
little treatment until early 2013, shortly after she applied for benefits.5 Huyck alleges that she
was unable to afford treatment; however, even after she obtained Medicaid assistance, her
treatment was sporadic and conservative, and the objective findings were relatively mild.
Further, despite her complaints of debilitating knee pain, Huyck refused the conservative
treatment recommended by her treating providers, including physical therapy and cortisone
injections.
None of her treating physicians recommended further treatment, nor did they
believe that surgical intervention was indicated. Her physical examinations generally
demonstrated minimal objective findings, and imaging of her knees demonstrated normal results
on the left and, at most, mild degeneration on the right. (Tr. 250-55, 291-96, 306-07). Indeed,
when asked to complete a medical source statement, one of the nurse practitioners at Fingerlakes
5
Additionally, the record demonstrates that Huyck continued to work after 2009, albeit not at a substantial
gainful level. (Tr. 24-25).
22
Orthopedics declined to do so, citing Huyck’s infrequent treatment and refusal to engage in
recommended treatment options. (Tr. 310-17).
Huyck’s testimony during the administrative hearing about extremely limited
activities of daily living is contradicted by other record evidence. In connection with her
applications for benefits, for example, Huyck indicated that she was able to prepare simple
meals, shop independently for approximately two hours at a time, drive, and perform household
chores, including laundry, dishes, dusting, and sweeping. (Tr. 180-82). Similarly, during an
April 5, 2013, consultative examination, Huyck told the examining physician that she was able to
care for her personal hygiene, prepare meals, shop independently, drive, and complete general
cleaning and laundry as needed, with assistance for heavy lifting. (Tr. 247). Her ability to
engage in such activities certainly suggests that Huyck’s physical limitations are not as
debilitating as she alleges.
Huyck’s own testimony supports the RFC assessed by the ALJ. According to
Huyck, the sole impediment to her ability to work was her ongoing knee pain. (Tr. 54-55, 58).
The ALJ accounted for limitations relating to her ongoing knee pain by limiting her to sedentary
work that permitted her to shift positions every thirty minutes and use her cane and that would
not require her to kneel, crouch, crawl or climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds. (Tr. 28). Huyck
testified that she had previously worked full-time at a telephone call center and that she had
stopped working there because the company had closed. (Tr. 55-56, 58). Huyck testified that
she would be able to perform the requirements of that job, despite her knee pain, although
perhaps not on a full-time basis. (Id.). The RFC assessment is also supported by the testimony
of the vocational expert, who testified that each of the identified jobs required minimal
movement at the work station. (Tr. 68).
23
In sum, the record contained Huyck’s medical treatment records and testing
results and, with the exception of treatment notes from Devlin, there are no apparent gaps in
those records. A comprehensive review of the record demonstrates that Huyck suffered from a
relatively narrow medical impairment and correspondingly narrow functional impairments,
which limited to her ability to engage in activities requiring certain postural positions and
prolonged standing or walking, particularly without an assistive device. With respect to these
limitations, the record further suggests that Huyck’s abilities would improve if she availed
herself of available conservative treatments, which she chose to reject.
In any event, these limitations were expressly accounted for by the ALJ in her
RFC assessment. The medical evidence and Huyck’s own testimony concerning her activities of
daily living do not suggest any additional limitations. Under such circumstances, I conclude that
the ALJ was permitted to formulate an RFC without a medical opinion that directly assessed
Huyck’s ability to complete work-related functions. See Crouse v. Colvin, 2017 WL 975973, *6
(N.D.N.Y. 2017) (ALJ did not err by rejecting all medical opinions of record and assessing
plaintiff’s RFC based upon the medical record where the medical evidence demonstrated
relatively minor physical impairment); Countryman v. Colvin, 2016 WL 4082730, *13
(W.D.N.Y. 2016) (ALJ was permitted to make common sense judgment regarding plaintiff’s
reaching limitation despite absence of medical opinion assessing that limitation where record
showed relatively minor impairment and where “lack of . . . evidence in the record support[ed] a
more restrictive limitation”); Lay v. Colvin, 2016 WL 3355436, *7 (W.D.N.Y. 2016) (ALJ was
permitted to consider medical records and use common sense judgment to arrive “at a reasonable
conclusion regarding [p]laintiff’s RFC, as permitted by the [r]egulations”); Crook v. Colvin,
2016 WL 593567, *7 (D. Or. 2016) (ALJ did not err in failing to order vision evaluation where
24
treatment notes reflected that plaintiff’s visual acuity was 20/50 and she had difficulty seeing
fine print and conducting tasks requiring stereo vision and where the ALJ accounted for those
limitations in his RFC); Rouse v. Colvin, 2015 WL 7431403 at *6 (no “per se error” where
record did not contain “recent medical opinion that specifies [p]laintiff’s specific functional
abilities, or evidence that an RFC report was requested” where “RFC determination was based
on substantial evidence because the record contained ample evidence for the ALJ to make a
finding on disability”); Lewis v. Colvin, 2014 WL 6609637 at *6 (“[i]n light of the record
evidence, the relatively minor physical impairments at issue, and the absence of physician/patient
relationships, this [c]ourt concludes it was permissible for the ALJ to make an RFC
determination without a treating source’s opinion”); Schade v. Colvin, 2014 WL 4204946, *23
(E.D. Mo. 2014) (ALJ did not err by failing to order consultative examination to assess
plaintiff’s mental capabilities where plaintiff did not include allegations of depression or anxiety
in her application and did not testify to any mental impairments that limited her ability to work);
Gillard v. Colvin, 2013 WL 954909, *3 (N.D.N.Y. 2013) (ALJ did not err in failing to order
consultative psychological exam where plaintiff sought sporadic treatment for mental health
issues and did not identify any limitations caused by depression in application or hearing
testimony); Brown v. Astrue, 2013 WL 310292, *3 (N.D.N.Y. 2013) (ALJ permissibly rendered
common sense judgment regarding plaintiff’s ability to lift and carry despite absence of medical
source statement opining as to weight plaintiff could manage where record demonstrated
relatively minor physical impairment and ALJ’s determination was supported by medical
evidence of record); Bianco v. Astrue, 2012 WL 441147, *11 (E.D. Mo. 2012) (ALJ did not err
by failing to obtain medical opinion assessing plaintiff’s functional capacity; “[w]ith respect to
plaintiff’s obesity and alleged depression, plaintiff and his physicians have not identified
25
additional functional limitations attributable to either condition[, and] [u]nder these
circumstances, the ALJ was not required to obtain additional consultative examinations”); Taylor
v. Astrue, 2012 WL 294532, *7 (D. Md. 2012) (ALJ adequately accounted for plaintiff’s visual
limitations caused by cataracts where visual acuity tests demonstrated corrected vision between
20/50 and 20/70 and ALJ “incorporated a specific visual acuity limitation reflecting these results
into his RFC”).
B.
Consideration of Obesity
Huyck also maintains that remand is warranted because the ALJ failed to
adequately consider the effects of her obesity as required by Social Security Ruling 02-1p.
(Docket # 10-1 at 12-13). According to Huyck, the ALJ’s boilerplate recitation of language
concerning obesity within the decision is insufficient to demonstrate that her obesity was
considered in connection with the formulation of her RFC. (Id.).
Social Security Rule 02-1p instructs an ALJ “to consider the effects of obesity not
only under the listings but also when assessing a claim at others steps of the sequential
evaluation process, including when assessing an individual’s residual functional capacity.” SSR
02-1p, 2000 WL 628049, *1 (2000). In her decision, the ALJ explicitly considered Huyck’s
obesity at steps two and three. At step two, she found that plaintiff had a severe impairment due
to her obesity. (Tr. 25). At step three, the ALJ noted that there is no specific medical listing
regarding obesity, but acknowledged her duty to “fully consider[] obesity in the context of the
overall evidence in making this decision.” (Tr. 26). In reviewing the medical record in
connection with her RFC assessment, the ALJ recognized that Norsky had indicated that
Huyck’s “chronic knee pain is aggravated by obesity.” (Tr. 29).
26
Although the ALJ did not further explicitly discuss Huyck’s weight during the
RFC analysis, her assessment involved a comprehensive review of the medical records and
Huyck’s own statements concerning her ability to engage in physical activities, despite her
chronic knee pain and weight. Thus, the ALJ’s assessment of Huyck’s functional limitations
necessarily incorporated the effects of her obesity, particularly as they impacted or aggravated
her knee impairment. On this record, I conclude that the ALJ’s assessment adequately accounted
for Huyck’s obesity. See Wilson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2014 WL 4826757, *10 (N.D.N.Y.
2014) (“[t]he fact that an item of evidence is not discussed does not necessarily mean it was not
considered[;] [c]ircuit law does not require [ALJs] to single out obesity for discussion in all
cases . . . [, and] “when an ALJ’s decision adopts the physical limitations suggested by reviewing
doctors after examining the claimant, the claimant’s obesity is understood to have been factored
into their decision”); Rivera v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 728 F. Supp. 2d 297, 331 (S.D.N.Y. 2010)
(ALJ adequately accounted for plaintiff’s obesity where he explicitly discussed obesity at steps
two and three and his comprehensive analysis necessarily incorporated limiting effects of
obesity, “primarily as they were intertwined with the effects of his other conditions”).
Huyck also appears to suggest that the medical records demonstrated that
“continued treatment of the knees would not be warranted until [Huyck] first lost weight.”
(Docket # 10-1 at 13). Her suggestion mischaracterizes the record. Although Huyck reported to
Stryker that her previous physician “would not do anything for her until she had bariatric
surgery” (Tr. 326), there is no objective evidence in the record to support this statement. Rather,
the record overwhelmingly demonstrates that Huyck was offered a range of treatment options for
her ongoing knee pain, including narcotic medication, physical therapy and cortisone injections.
27
C.
Step Five Assessment
I turn last to Huyck’s argument that the ALJ erred in relying on the vocational
expert because the hypothetical posed to the expert was based upon a flawed RFC assessment.
(Docket # 10-1 at 16). Because substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s RFC determination,
Huyck’s contention fails. See Diakogiannis v. Astrue, 975 F. Supp. 2d 299, 319 (W.D.N.Y.
2013) (citing Wavercak v. Astrue, 420 F. App’x 91, 95 (2d Cir. 2011) (“[b]ecause we have
already concluded that substantial record evidence supports the RFC finding, we necessarily
reject [plaintiff’s] vocational expert challenge”)).
CONCLUSION
After careful review of the entire record, this Court finds that the Commissioner’s
denial of SSI/DIB was based on substantial evidence and was not erroneous as a matter of law.
Accordingly, the ALJ’s decision is affirmed. For the reasons stated above, the Commissioner’s
motion for judgment on the pleadings (Docket # 14) is GRANTED. Huyck’s motion for
judgment on the pleadings (Docket # 10) is DENIED, and Huyck’s complaint (Docket # 1) is
dismissed with prejudice.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Marian W. Payson
MARIAN W. PAYSON
United States Magistrate Judge
Dated: Rochester, New York
July 11, 2017
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