Jamian v. Colvin
Filing
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ORDER granting 16 Motion for Summary Judgment; denying 18 Motion for Summary Judgment and this case is REMANDED for further proceedings. Signed by Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell on 12/8/2017. (brl)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
CHARLOTTE DIVISION
3:16cv719
LYNN MARIE JAMIAN,
Plaintiff,
v.
NANCY A. BERRYHILL,
Acting Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.
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ORDER
This matter is before the Court on the parties’ cross motions for summary judgment (# 16,
18). Plaintiff brought this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) to obtain judicial review of the
final decision by the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”) denying her claim for
disability benefits. The issues have been fully briefed, and the matter is now ripe for ruling.
Following a review of the record, the parties’ briefs, and the relevant legal authority, the Court
grants Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment and denies the Commissioner’s motion for
summary judgment.
I.
Procedural History
On August 1, 2012, plaintiff protectively-filed applications for a period of disability,
disability insurance benefits, and supplemental security income. (Transcript of Administrative
Record (“T.”) 18.) Plaintiff alleged a disability onset date of November 13, 2010. (T. 18.) The
Social Security Administration denied Plaintiff’s claims initially on October 18, 2012. (T. 18.)
The claims were denied upon reconsideration on August 27, 2013. (T. 18.) On October 10, 2013,
Plaintiff filed a written request for a hearing. (T. 18.)
On February 4, 2015, a disability hearing was held before an Administrative Law Judge
(“ALJ”), in Charlotte, North Carolina. (T. 18.) The ALJ issued a decision finding that Plaintiff
was not disabled from November 13, 2010, through the date of his decision, April 16, 2015. (T.
18-30.) Plaintiff requested review of the ALJ’s decision. (T. 8-10.) The Appeals Council denied
Plaintiff’s request for review. (T. 8.) On October 17, 2016, Plaintiff filed the instant action seeking
review of the Commissioner’s decision. (# 1)
II.
Standard for Determining Disability
An individual is disabled for purposes of receiving disability payments 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); accord
Mastro v. Apfel, 270 F.3d 171, 176 (4th Cir. 2001). The Commissioner undertakes a five-step
inquiry to determine whether a claimant is disabled. Johnson v. Barnhart, 434 F.3d 650, 653 (4th
Cir. 2005) (per curiam). Under the five-step sequential evaluation, the Commissioner must
consider each of the following, in sequence: (1) whether the claimant has engaged in substantial
gainful employment; (2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment; (3) whether the claimant’s
impairment is sufficiently severe to meet or exceed the severity of one or more of the listing of
impairments contained in Appendix I of 20 C.F.R. Part 404, subpart P; (4) whether the claimant
can perform his or her past relevant work; and (5) whether the claimant is able to perform any
other work considering his or her age, education, and residual functional capacity. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520, 416.920; Mastro, 270 F.3d at 177; Johnson, 434 F.3d at 653 n.1.
At the first two steps of the sequential evaluation, the burden is on the claimant to make
the requisite showing. Monroe v. Colvin, 826 F.3d 176, 179 (4th Cir. 2016). If a claimant fails to
satisfy his or her burden at either of these first two steps, the ALJ will determine that the claimant
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is not disabled and the process comes to an end. Mascio v. Colvin, 780 F.3d 632, 634-35 (4th Cir.
2015).
The burden remains on the claimant at step three to demonstrate that the claimant’s
impairments satisfy a listed impairment and, thereby, establish disability. Monroe, 826 F.3d at
179.
If the claimant fails to satisfy his or her burden at step three, however, then the ALJ must
still determine the claimant’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”). Mascio, 780 F.3d at 635.
After determining the claimant’s RFC, the ALJ proceeds to step four in order to determine whether
the claimant can perform his or her past relevant work. Id. The burden is on the claimant to
demonstrate that he or she is unable to perform past work. Monroe, 826 F.3d at 180. If the ALJ
determines that a claimant is not cable of performing past work, then the ALJ proceeds to step
five. Mascio, 780 F.3d at 635.
At step five, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant can perform other work. Id.
The burden rests with the Commissioner at step five to prove by a preponderance of the evidence
that the claimant is capable of performing other work that exists in significant numbers in the
national economy, taking into account the claimant’s RFC, age, education, and work experience.
Id.; Monroe, 826 F.3d at 180. Typically, the Commissioner satisfies her burden at step five through
the use of the testimony of a vocational expert (“VE”), who offers testimony in response to a
hypothetical question from the ALJ that incorporates the claimant’s limitations. Mascio, 780 F.3d
at 635; Monroe, 826 F.3d at 180. If the Commissioner satisfies her burden at step five, then the
ALJ will find that the claimant is not disabled and deny the application for disability benefits.
Mascio, 780 F.3d at 635; Monroe, 826 F.3d at 180.
III.
The ALJ’s Decision
In his April 16, 2015, decision, the ALJ found that Plaintiff was not disabled under Sections
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216(i), 233(d), and 1614(a)(3)(4) of the Social Security Act. (T. 29.) The ALJ made the following
specific findings:
(1)
The claimant meets the insured status requirements of the Social Security
Act through September 30, 2015.
(2)
The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since
November 13, 2010, the alleged onset date (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1571 et seq.,
and 416.971 et seq.).
(3)
The claimant has the following severe impairments: scoliosis status post
shattered knee cap, headaches, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), depression, and panic disorder (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c),
416.920(c)).
(4)
The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of impairments
that meets or medically equals the severity of one of the listed
impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526, 416.920(d), 416.925, and 416.926).
(5)
The claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform less than a
full range of light work as defined by 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1567(b),
416.967(b). The claimant can lift and carry 20 pounds occasionally and
ten pounds frequently; stand and/or walk for six hours in an eight-hour
workday; sit for six hours in an eight-hour work; frequently climb ramps
and stairs; never climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; frequently balance,
stoop, knee, and crouch; and occasionally crawl. The claimant must avoid
concentrated exposure to fumes, odors, dust, and gases. The claimant
must receive one to two step job instructions.
(6)
The claimant is unable to perform any past relevant work (20 C.F.R. §§
404.1565, 416.965).
(7)
The claimant was born on February 20, 1962 and was 48 years old, which
is defined as a younger individual age 18-49, on the alleged disability
onset date. The claimant subsequently changed age category to closely
approaching advanced age. (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1563, 416.963).
(8)
The claimant has at least a high school education and is able to
communicate in English (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1564, 416.964).
(9)
Transferability of job skills is not material to the determination of
disability because using the Medical-Vocational Rules as a framework
supports a finding that the claimant is “not disabled,” whether or not the
claimant has transferable job skills (See SSR 82-41 and 20 C.F.R. Part
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404, Subpart P, Appendix 2).
(10)
Considering the claimant’s age, education, work experience, and residual
functional capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the
national economy that the claimant can perform (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1569,
404.1569(a), 416.969, 416.969(a)).
(11)
The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social
Security Act, from November 13, 2010, through April 16, 2015 (20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(g), 416.920(g)).
(T. 21-29.)
IV.
Standard of Review
Title 42, United States Code, Section 405(g) provides that a plaintiff may file an action in
federal court seeking judicial review of the Commissioner’s denial of social security benefits.
Hines v. Barnhart, 453 F.3d 559, 561 (4th Cir. 2006). The scope of judicial review is limited in
that the district court “must uphold the factual findings of the Secretary if they are supported by
substantial evidence and were reached through application of the correct legal standard.” Craig v.
Chater, 76 F.3d 585, 589 (4th Cir. 1996); accord Monroe, 826 F.3d at 186. “Substantial evidence
is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”
Craig, 76 F.3d at 589 (internal quotation marks omitted). It is more than a scintilla but less than a
preponderance of evidence. Id.
When a federal district court reviews the Commissioner’s decision, it does not “re-weigh
conflicting evidence, make credibility determinations, or substitute [its] judgment for that of the
Secretary.” Id. Accordingly, the issue before the Court is not whether Plaintiff is disabled but,
rather, whether the Commissioner’s decision that he or she is not disabled is supported by
substantial evidence in the record, and whether the ALJ reached his decision based on the correct
application of the law. Id.
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V.
Analysis1
In her second assignment of error, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred by assigning great
weight to the opinions offered by the State agency non-examining psychologists while affording
much less weight to the two consultative psychologists. Pl.’s Mem. Law (# 16-1) at 9-12.
The record, as it relates to Plaintiff’s mental examinations, reveals the following: On
September 27, 2012, Plaintiff received a comprehensive clinical psychological evaluation from
Graham A. Hunter Ph.D. (T. 459-62.) At that time, Plaintiff reported experiencing panic attacks
in public places. (T. 459.) Plaintiff also reported that she participated in no social activities and
has difficulty being in public or in the company of other people. (T. 460.)
Plaintiff explained that over the course of two years, she had experienced signs associated
with depression, such as less interest in activities that she previously enjoyed, decreased interest
in sexual activity, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, and frequent tearfulness. (T. 460.) Plaintiff also
explained that she has “extreme difficulty” with leaving the house and has been unable to function
in the workplace since about 2010. (T. 460.) Plaintiff noted that she had previously been
involuntarily committed following an attempt to commit suicide. (T. 460.) Plaintiff further noted
that she had been treated for depression and anxiety in the past. (T. 460.)
Dr. Hunter described Plaintiff’s affect as tearful and noted that she was tearful throughout
most of her interview. (T. 461.) Dr. Hunter diagnosed Plaintiff with major depressive disorder,
moderate; panic disorder with agoraphobia; and alcohol dependence. (T. 462.) Dr. Hunter
determined that Plaintiff’s global assessment of functioning (“GAF”)2 was 45.3 (T. 462.) Dr.
1
Rather than separately set forth the facts in this case, the Court has incorporated the relevant facts into its legal
analysis.
2
GAF scores, ranging from 0 to 100, rate social, occupational, and psychological functioning of adults. Helms v.
Berryhill, No. 3:16CV189, 2017 WL 3038154, at *6 (E.D. Va. June 30, 2017).
3
A GAF score of 41 to 50, as in this case, means that the individual has serious symptoms or any serious
impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning. Gilliam v. Berryhill, No. 2:16cv00009, 2017 WL
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Hunter found that Plaintiff had a “limited ability” to relate to others, including potential coworkers
and supervisors because she was frequently tearful and avoids public settings. (T. 462.) Dr. Hunter
opined that Plaintiff was “unlikely” capable of tolerating the stress and pressure associated with
day-to-day work. (T. 462-63.)
The ALJ gave “little weight” to Dr. Hunter’s opinion on the basis that it was inconsistent
with Plaintiff’s ability to live with a roommate and regularly communicate with friends and family
over the phone. (T. 26.) “Great weight” was given to Dr. Hunter’s opinion that Plaintiff could
understand, retain, and follow instructions and is able to sustain attention and perform simple
repetitive tasks. (T. 26.) Dr. Hunter’s opinion that Plaintiff had a GAF score of 45 was given
“little weight” because the ALJ noted that GAF scores only reflect mental status on the day of the
score and do not give an overall picture of a claimant’s longitudinal mental health. (T. 26.)
On August 22, 2013, Plaintiff was evaluated by Karen H. Crane, PsyD. (T. 490-94.) At
the time of her evaluation, Plaintiff reported suffering from anxiety and depression for “a long
time.” (T. 490.) Plaintiff also reported suffering from panic attacks “quite a lot.” (T. 490.)
Plaintiff said that she felt sad and down on most days. (T. 490.) Plaintiff explained that she feels
“very” anxious around people and rarely leaves the house. (T. 490.) Plaintiff admitted that she
took a shot of vodka in order to get out of the house for her evaluation. (T. 490.) Plaintiff reported
that her anxiety had been at the current level for two years. (T. 490.) Plaintiff also reported she
had no contact with her adult children and admitted she does not really deal with others. (T. 491.)
Plaintiff explained that she last worked in the beginning of 2010. (T. 491.)
Dr. Crane determined that Plaintiff’s mood was depressed and anxious, even though
Plaintiff denied suicidal and homicidal ideation/plan/intent. (T. 491-92.) Dr. Crane diagnosed
1613163, at 3 n.6 (W.D. Va. May 1, 2017).
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Plaintiff with panic disorder and agoraphobia, major depressive disorder, and rule out alcohol
abuse. (T. 493.) Dr. Crane determined that Plaintiff could understand, retain, and follow simple
instructions. (T. 493.) Plaintiff could also sustain attention to perform simple and repetitive tasks.
(T. 493.) Dr. Crane opined Plaintiff has “[s]ignificant problems” with social interaction, which
would interfere with her ability to relate to coworkers and supervisors. (T. 493.) Dr. Crane further
opined Plaintiff’s coping ability appears limited, and this would negatively impact her ability to
handle work-related stresses. (T. 493.)
The ALJ gave “some weight” to Dr. Crane’s opinion. (T. 26.) Dr. Crane’s opinion that
Plaintiff can understand, retain, follow simple instructions, and sustain attention to perform simple
and repetitive tasks was given “great weight.” (T. 26.) The ALJ gave “little weight” to Dr. Crane’s
opinion that Plaintiff has significant problems with social interaction that would interfere with her
ability to relate to coworkers and supervisors, and Plaintiff has a limited ability to handle workrelated stresses. (T. 26.) The ALJ concluded that these findings were inconsistent with Plaintiff’s
ability to live with a roommate and regularly communicate over the phone with friends and family.
(T. 26.)
On October 9, 2012, Nancy Lloyd, Ph.D., a State agency medical professional conducted
a psychological assessment by way of a record review. (T. 78-92, 93-107.) On August 27, 2013,
Ben Williams, Ph.D., made a psychological assessment by way of record review. (T. 110-128,
129-146.) Both mental health professionals concluded that Plaintiff could remember simple
instructions and work procedures. (T. 27, 142.) The ALJ gave the opinions offered by both
professionals “great weight.” (T. 27.)
The Regulations provide as follows with respect to the Social Security Administration’s
criteria for evaluating opinion evidence:
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Evidence that you submit or that we obtain may contain medical opinions. Medical
opinions are statements from physicians and psychologists or other acceptable
medical sources that reflect judgments about the nature and severity of your
impairment(s), including your symptoms, diagnosis and prognosis, what you can
still do despite your impairment(s), and your physical or mental restrictions.
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(a)(2), 416.927(a)(2). The Regulations direct that the ALJ must analyze
and weigh the evidence of record with the following factors taken into consideration: (1) length
of treatment relationship and frequency of evaluation, (2) nature and extent of the treatment
relationship, (3) supportability, (4) consistency, (5) specialization, and (6) various other factors.
20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2)-(6), 416.927(c)(2)-(6); see Cohen v. Berryhill, ___ F. Supp. 3d ___ ,
2017 WL 3641611, at *2 (D.S.C. Aug. 23, 2017). As a general rule, more weight is given to a
medical professional who examines a claimant, as opposed to a non-examining source. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 1527(c)(1), 416.927(c)(1); see Patterson v. Colvin, No. 5:12-CV-063-RLV-DCK, 2013 WL
3035792, at *4 (W.D.N.C. June 17, 2013).
At the outset, the Court notes that Plaintiff has not cited and the Court is not aware of any
mental health treating source opinions for consideration.4 Moreover, as Plaintiff argues, it is
evident that the ALJ gave the greatest weight to the opinions offered by the State agency record
reviewing medical professionals, despite the fact that Plaintiff had two consultative evaluations.
In her brief, the Commissioner argues that “[i]n appropriate circumstances, the opinions of
State agency consultants may be entitled to greater weight than the opinions of treating sources.”
Def.’s Mem. Supp. (#19) at 15. The Court agrees with the Commissioner, but concludes that this
is not one of those “appropriate circumstances.” In this case, the opinions offered by the State
agency record reviewing professionals were used to undercut both consultative examiners who
met with and evaluated Plaintiff. As outlined above, the opinions offered by the consultative
4
The Commissioner explains there was no medical opinion from a treating psychiatrist before the ALJ, and that this
information was actually before the Appeals Council. Def.’s Mem. Supp. (# 19) at 16.
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examiners were similarly severe. For example, with respect to limitations imposed by Plaintiff’s
mental health conditions, both Drs. Hunter and Crane opined that Plaintiff suffers with panic
disorder with agoraphobia.5 (T. 461, 492.) Dr. Hunter concluded that Plaintiff had a “limited
ability” to relate to others (T. 461), and Dr. Crane concluded that Plaintiff had “[s]ignificant
problems” with social interaction. (T. 492). In the face of this compelling evidence, the ALJ
found that Plaintiff could live with a roommate and communicated by phone with family and
friends. (T. 25.) The ALJ’s rationales are flimsy, at best.
In sum, the rationales given for discounting the opinions offered by Drs. Crane and Hunter
are legally insufficient, and the ALJ’s evaluation of the medical opinion evidence fails to comply
with the Regulations. Therefore, remand is warranted.6
VI.
Conclusion
In light of the foregoing, Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment (# 16) is GRANTED,
and this case is REMANDED for further proceedings. The Commissioner’s motion for summary
judgment (# 18) is DENIED.
Signed: December 8, 2017
Agoraphobia is characterized by the “intense, irrational fear of open spaces, characterized by marked fear of
venturing out alone or of being in public places where escape would be difficult or help might be unavailable.”
Adkins v. Astrue, No. 3:10CV60, 2010 WL 5825428, at *5 n.7 (E.D. Va. Sept. 28, 2010) (citation omitted).
6
Plaintiff raises two assignments of error. See Pl.’s Mem. Law (# 16-1). Because Plaintiff has established that she
is entitled to remand on the second assignment of error, the Court need not address the first.
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