Fitzenreiter v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
Filing
18
Memorandum Opinion and Order affirming Commissioner's decision. Magistrate Judge James R. Knepp, II on 1/10/18. (A,P)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
WESTERN DIVISION
DAVID N. FITZENREITER,
Case No. 3:16 CV 2442
Plaintiff,
v.
Magistrate Judge James R. Knepp, II
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
INTRODUCTION
Plaintiff David Fitzenreiter (“Plaintiff”) filed a Complaint against the Commissioner of
Social Security (“Commissioner”) seeking judicial review of the Commissioner’s decision to deny
disability insurance benefits (“DIB”) and supplemental security income (“SSI”). (Doc. 1). The
district court has jurisdiction under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1383(c) and 405(g). The parties consented to the
undersigned’s exercise of jurisdiction in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Civil Rule 73.
(Doc. 15). For the reasons stated below, the undersigned affirms the decision of the Commissioner.
PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Plaintiff protectively filed for DIB and SSI in September 2013, alleging a disability onset
date of August 31, 2008. (Tr. 236-46). His claims were denied initially and upon reconsideration.
(Tr. 88-153; 156-84). Plaintiff then requested a hearing before an administrative law judge
(“ALJ”). (Tr. 185). Plaintiff (represented by counsel), and a vocational expert (“VE”) testified at
a hearing before the ALJ on August 18, 2015. (Tr. 33-87). On October 7, 2015, the ALJ found
Plaintiff not disabled in a written decision. (Tr. 11-26). The Appeals Council denied Plaintiff’s
request for review, making the hearing decision the final decision of the Commissioner. (Tr. 1-5);
see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.955, 404.981, 416.1455, 416.1481. Plaintiff timely filed the instant action on
October 5, 2016. (Doc. 1).
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Personal Background and Testimony
Plaintiff was born in May 1961, making him 47 years old at his alleged onset date. (Tr. 88).
He had a high-school education (GED) and past work as a forklift operator, material handler,
pressing machine operator, and food packer. (Tr. 24, 39-45, 78).
In an October 2013 function report, Plaintiff explained he was limited in his ability to work
because, among other things: “I don’t understand instruction [sic] sometimes and get anxious and
depressed. I forget thing [sic] more.” (Tr. 302). He reported activities of caring for pets, yard work,
laundry, preparing meals, grocery shopping, and chatting online. (Tr. 303-06). Plaintiff reported
he had trouble getting along “sometimes with sibling [sic] and neighbor [sic] who gossip. And
game player [sic] at work” and that he was “more anti-social” and did not go out. (Tr. 307). He
also indicated he could pay attention for ten to fifteen minutes, but had difficulty following
instructions because “[s]ometimes it gets confusing, can’t remember as well as I used to.” Id. In
response to a question about how he got along with authority figures, he responded: “very well,
bosses most of the time but not always”, and he indicated he had never been fired or laid off for
not getting along with people. (Tr. 308).
At the August 2015 hearing before the ALJ, Plaintiff testified he lived alone in a home
owned by his mother. (Tr. 37). Plaintiff testified he believed he could not work due to anxiety and
depression. (Tr. 45-46). He explained what had changed since 2008 to the present affecting his
ability to work was:
I’ve just had a lot of eye opening experiences. I’ve gone over things in my past. I
found out things that were done to me that I never knew by people recently and it
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has kind of been on my mind a lot. I try to keep busy so I don’t think about it, but
it really hurts a lot to think about some of the things that I found out that were done
to me.
***
What’s different is that I’m seeing things in a whole new light. I don’t see things
the way I used to see things before. I have a more negative outlook on life and
everything.
***
I fear about people and the games and stuff. I don’t want to be part of all that, but
it just seems to be a normal thing everywhere I go. Either that or I’m imagining it.
I might be imagining it.
(Tr. 69-71). He also testified he could not work: “Because I just have a hard time concentrating.
Concentrating on the job. Being in one place for too long. . . . I don’t know, I just don’t feel
comfortable with it anymore.” (Tr. 73).
Plaintiff testified he saw his psychiatrist, Dr. Williams, every twelve weeks, but
“[s]ometimes it’s less than that” and saw a therapist weekly or biweekly. (Tr. 50-51). Plaintiff had
been under the care of the Stress Center since 1989 (for panic attacks), and had been seeing Dr.
Williams specifically for fifteen years. (Tr. 64).
Plaintiff testified he had memory problems, “forgetting things more often and not
remembering stuff and losing things”, but did not need reminders to take his medication. (Tr. 5354). With regard to concentration, Plaintiff said he tended “to drift off and think about other things
that [he’s] not supposed to be - - shouldn’t be - - [he had] a hard time focusing on what [he] should
be doing.” (Tr. 54). These concentration problems went “all the way back to grade school.” Id.
Plaintiff testified he had trouble understanding instructions in past jobs, and had always
had trouble making decisions. (Tr. 55, 67). He also had trouble getting along with other people.
(Tr. 56) (“And a lot of it just comes from my own frustrations because I can’t seem to figure out
what is wanted from them. And it’s not necessarily their fault, it’s just the frustration leads to - “). Plaintiff said he “[s]ometimes” had trouble with supervisors “when they take credit for
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something [he] did” and “[s]ometimes” had trouble with coworkers “when they don’t pull their
fair share.” (Tr. 65). He also sometimes felt like coworkers were out to get him, and had previously
left a job because of high anxiety. (Tr. 67). He explained he had left a prior job because: “People
play head games. People try to get your job. People sabotage things so you get in trouble to get
your job. You go to personnel and nothing is done.” (Tr. 44-45). He testified he felt like he was
“always a little paranoid and watching over [his] back” and had “a hard time concentrating and . .
. a hard time understanding what someone wants from [him].” (Tr. 46).
Plaintiff also testified to anger issues, but anger management had been helpful. (Tr. 71-72).
Plaintiff had “always had issues with [his] brothers and sisters”, which he attributed to the
age difference between them. (Tr. 66). He said he had one friend, and that he “always seemed to
be comfortable with having just one friend. . . . I just felt like I’ve never needed more than that.”
Id.
Plaintiff testified he had a nervous breakdown in 1989, for which he was hospitalized
overnight. (Tr. 56, 73). He still had anxiety attacks “once in awhile”, but “not as severe as what
they were back in 1989”. (Tr. 57). He could usually recover from them in “fifteen minutes or so”.
Id.
Plaintiff testified he checked on his mother daily, and helped her with household chores
like laundry and meal preparation. (Tr. 58). He also performed chores at his own house, though
not as much as he thought he should: “Dusting I don’t like and I don’t sweep as often as I should.
I just mopped the kitchen floor, so I got that done. Dishes are never ending and I will never catch
up with that in my life. I’m just not - - I have a problem keeping up with that.” (Tr. 59). Plaintiff
also cared for birds and fish. (Tr. 60).
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Plaintiff testified he grocery shopped twice per month, and it took him approximately an
hour. (Tr. 59-60). He would go early in the morning to avoid crowds. (Tr. 60); see also Tr. 73 (“I
like to shop in peace and if a lot of people are around and stuff it tends to make me nervous. It
always did.”).
Relevant Medical Evidence1
The record reflects (as Plaintiff testified to) a long history of mental health treatment. The
Transcript contains records from Plaintiff’s treating physician, George Williams, M.D., of Fulton
County Health Center, starting in January 2008. See Tr. 460.
The record contains two treatment notes from Dr. Williams in 2008 (prior to Plaintiff’s
alleged onset date). (Tr. 459-60). At both visits, Dr. Williams noted “[m]ood and mental status
overall were fairly good”. Id. In January 2008, Plaintiff reported he had been working full-time for
five months, and felt “his mood has been relatively stable.” (Tr. 460). In July, Plaintiff was still
working, and was “[a]ble to keep up with responsibilities within his own home as well as his
parents.” (Tr. 459). At both visits, Dr. Williams assessed “[p]anic disorder, stable”, and continued
Plaintiff on his current medication of Cymbalta. (Tr. 459-60).
The record contains three treatment notes from Dr. Williams in 2009. (Tr. 456-58). In
February, Plaintiff did not have a job, but was looking. (Tr. 458). He was “staying active online
with some contacts”. Id. In July, Plaintiff reported he was “still struggling from his previous job”.
(Tr. 456). He described interpersonal problems that led to his departure (“he ended up having to
leave there because it was becoming extraordinarily more difficult in light of the fact that there
1. Plaintiff’s brief challenges only the ALJ’s determination regarding his mental impairments. See
Doc. 12. Plaintiff has waived argument on issues not raised in his opening brief. Kennedy v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 87 F. App’x 464, 466 (6th Cir. 2003). As such, the undersigned only
summarizes the mental health records here.
5
was an ongoing perception from many of the employees that the patient was ‘a narc.’”). Id. In
October, Plaintiff was still job-searching, and was “preoccupied with taking care of his parents.”
(Tr. 457). Plaintiff’s “[m]ood and mental status” was “fairly good” (Tr. 457-58), or “about the
same” (Tr. 456). In 2009, Plaintiff reported his medication was “helpful” (Tr. 458), and made his
mood “fairly stable” (Tr. 457). At each visit, Dr. Williams again assessed “[p]anic disorder,
stable”, and continued Plaintiff on Cymbalta. (Tr. 456-58).
Plaintiff again saw Dr. Williams three times in 2010. (Tr. 453-55). In April, Plaintiff was
looking for work, but “feeling as though the odds are stacked against him” and continuing “to have
some issues with feeling as though there are others in the community that have less than a positive
orientation towards him.” (Tr. 455). Dr. Williams observed that Plaintiff “seems to have some
degree of suspicion regarding others within the community which may or may not be public
knowledge issues.” Id. In September, Plaintiff was still looking for work, having some difficulty
sleeping, and Dr. Williams noted “his mood has been up and down although for the most part not
to any significant extreme.” (Tr. 454). Dr. Williams added a trial of Saphris at bedtime to address
sleep, “as well as some of the suspicious thoughts that he has had over time.” Id. In December,
Plaintiff expressed frustration over physical medical issues. (Tr. 453). He had not been taking the
Saphris, but his sleep had been “good”. Id. At the 2010 visits, Plaintiff’s mood and mental status
were “about the same” (Tr. 455), “fair” (Tr. 454), and “fairly good” (Tr. 453). In April and
December, Dr. Williams assessed “[p]anic disorder, stable”, (Tr. 453, 455) and in September, he
assessed “[p]anic disorder” (Tr. 454). Plaintiff continued to take Cymbalta. (Tr. 453-55).
In 2011, Plaintiff again saw Dr. Williams three times. (Tr. 450-52). In April, Plaintiff
reported he had been “fairly good from a mood point of view”. (Tr. 452). In July, Plaintiff reported
he had filed for bankruptcy, and had started a new job. (Tr. 451). In October, Plaintiff reported he
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had left the job due to erratic hours, and “he could not handle that physically”, but was looking for
another job. (Tr. 450). “From a mood point of view, he [was] pleased that he [was] doing okay.”
During this time, Plaintiff’s mood and mental status were “fairly good” (Tr. 450, 452), and “fairly
stable” (Tr. 451). In April and October, Dr. Williams assessed dysthymic disorder, and panic
disorder (without agoraphobia). (Tr. 450, 452).2 In April, he explicitly noted they were “[b]oth
stable.” (Tr. 452). Dr. Williams continued the Cymbalta prescription, which Plaintiff reported to
be helpful (Tr. 450-52), and provided more Saphris samples (Tr. 451-52).
Plaintiff saw Dr. Williams four times in 2012. (Tr. 446-49). In April, Plaintiff reported he
had worked in December 2011, but it ended because “they did not have enough work to keep on
the temporary employees”. (Tr. 449). Plaintiff was hopeful that he would be hired back, and
reported he “continues to do what he can . . . to help out his parents and keep up with the property.”
Id. He reported no panic attacks, no significant symptoms of depression, and believed his mood to
be “manageable/good.” Id. In July, Plaintiff reported “not much has changed overall”, and
described some physical health issues. (Tr. 448). Dr. Williams noted “[o]therwise, he remains
active” and that he was scheduled to return to work the following week. Id. In September, Plaintiff
was working part-time, and hopeful for a full-time job. (Tr. 447). He reported things were “largely
unchanged” and “going okay.” Id. In December, Plaintiff was “okay . . . from a mood point of
view”, but frustrated with his inability to obtain and maintain employment. (Tr. 446). He
“believe[d] that . . . people that he knows that have intentionally undermined his credibility with
others which has put his employment opportunities at risk” and he was “thinking about applying
for disability even.” (Tr. 446). During this time, Plaintiff’s mood and mental status were “good”
(Tr. 449), “fairly good” (Tr. 446, 448), and “fair/good” (Tr. 447). Dr. Williams continued to assess
2. The “assessment” portion of the July 2011 treatment note is blank. (Tr. 451).
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panic disorder, without agoraphobia, and dysthymia. (Tr. 446-49). He specifically noted Plaintiff’s
dysthymia to be stable at each visit id., and in September noted “[b]oth stable” (Tr. 447). Dr.
Williams continued to prescribe Cymbalta. (Tr. 446-49).
Plaintiff also saw Dr. Williams four times in 2013. (Tr. 442-45, 495-96).3 In March,
Plaintiff reported “not much has changed overall”, he was looking for work, and had been
“occupying himself with tending to the needs of his elderly parents.” (Tr. 445). In May, Plaintiff
reported “overall he has been doing fairly well”, was supporting his parents, and was still jobsearching. (Tr. 444).4 In August, Dr. Williams noted Plaintiff had anxiety with restlessness but
depression was not clinically an issue. (Tr. 442).5 Plaintiff himself reported mild anxiety, moderate
depressed mood, and moderate stressors due to work, family, and financial issues. Id. Dr. Williams
noted Plaintiff had “some ideas of reference, although [he could] not say [it] breaches into
psychosis”. Id. His attitude was “cooperative yet somewhat irritable”, his attention was “good”,
his speech “clear”, insight “fair”, judgment “appropriate”, thought process “logical, with some
ideas of reference”, and thought content “appropriate to topic.” Id. Dr. Williams noted Plaintiff’s
“mood/condition” was “fairly stable over time, no obvious changes relative to previous visit.” (Tr.
443). In November, Dr. Williams noted Plaintiff had “ongoing anxiety and distress related to
family dynamics.” (Tr. 495). Plaintiff’s father had died six days prior, and Plaintiff thought his
siblings were “joined in an approach to try to undermine his role within the family.” Id. Plaintiff
also reported a domestic violence restraining order against him as a result of an argument with his
3. There are also duplicates of some of these records. See Tr. 493-94, 499-500, 567-70.
4. A handwritten treatment note completed by Dr. Williams indicates a long-term goal of
“maintain[ing] current level of functioning”; Plaintiff had a “significant” response to treatment and
he should continue treatment. (Tr. 578).
5. The records become more detailed starting in August 2013, seemingly due to a change in the
format of the office treatment notes.
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siblings, “even though he did not touch anyone.” Id. Plaintiff was “trying to do what he can to be
supportive” of his mother. Id. During this time, Plaintiff’s mood and mental status were “good”
(Tr. 445), “fairly good” (Tr. 444), euthymic, and “fairly stable” (Tr. 442-43), and “fairly stable
despite the recent psychosocial stressors” (in November 2011) (Tr. 495). Dr. Williams continued
to assess panic disorder, without agoraphobia, and dysthymia, noting them to be “stable” (Tr. 44445), and “fairly stable” (Tr. 443). Dr. Williams continued to prescribe Cymbalta (Tr. 442-45, 49596), which Plaintiff described as helpful (Tr. 444-45, 495).
Plaintiff also began counseling in October 2013, undergoing an assessment with Julia
Rossow, LSW. (Tr. 471-85).6 Plaintiff reported struggling with family problems, and his father’s
illness. (Tr. 471). Plaintiff believed his siblings had contacted his physicians to “stick their noses
in when they don’t belong”. Id. He wanted to “learn to set boundaries”, “obtain inner spiritual
peace”, and “work through how to deal with death”. Id. Plaintiff reported his support system
consisted of his pastor and his parents, but he lacked social or peer support. Id. He reported he
“watch[ed] church live”, “listen[ed] to soft music” and enjoyed gardening. Id. Plaintiff was
unemployed (Tr. 471); when he had a job his attendance was normal, performance was good, but
he would “worry constantly about who is going to play me next” (Tr. 472). On mental status
examination, Ms. Rossow noted: well-groomed appearance; average demeanor, eye-contact,
activity, and speech; moderate persecutory delusions; logical and tangential thought process;
euthymic mood; full affect; cooperative behavior; and mildly impaired attention and concentration.
(Tr. 481). Ms. Rossow noted Plaintiff needed to develop symptom management, employment, and
social support skills. (Tr. 476). In support, she explained Plaintiff had “[i]nvasive thoughts”,
“delusions that people have ulterior motives and they ‘play’ him”, and that Plaintiff was “unable
6. There is also a duplicate copy of this record. See Tr. 512-25.
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to work due to paranoid beliefs that co-workers pretend to be friends and get close to him and then
‘play’ him.” Id.; see also Tr. 477. Ms. Rossow diagnosed panic disorder without agoraphobia and
dysthymic disorder, and noted to rule out paranoid personality disorder and delusional disorder,
persecutory type. (Tr. 478). She recommended Plaintiff continue treatment with his primary care
provider and psychiatrist for pharmacological management and referred him to outpatient mental
health therapy. Id.
Plaintiff continued counseling with Ms. Rossow through the rest of 2013. (Tr. 526-37).
Throughout this time period, Ms. Rossow never indicated Plaintiff’s mood or affect was “notable”.
(Tr. 526, 528, 530, 532, 534). During these sessions, Plaintiff reported he was pursuing disability,
and discussed his father’s illness and death, and issues with his family. (Tr. 526-37). Plaintiff
reported his “feelings that he is naïve and people are ‘out to get him’”. (Tr. 526).
Plaintiff continued to see both Dr. Williams and Ms. Rossow in 2014. See Tr. 491-927,
559-66 (Dr. Williams); Tr. 539-43; 638-718 (Ms. Rossow).
In February, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Williams attending anger management classes after
being convicted of disorderly conduct related to a family dispute. (Tr. 491). He found the anger
management classes helpful. Id. In April, Plaintiff reported concerns about his mother’s health,
and problems with his siblings continued. (Tr. 563). In July, Plaintiff reported he “continue[d] to
believe that his 3 siblings are conspiring against him and their mother”, and thought his siblings
had “bugged” his phone. (Tr. 561). Dr. Williams noted Plaintiff “does have some fairly well
developed and persistent beliefs with a persecutory theme although not so unusual as to
characterize them as delusional without evidence to support this to be the case. A more likely
consideration would be paranoid personality traits/disorder.” (Tr. 561-62). In October, Plaintiff
7. This record is duplicated multiple times. See Tr. 503-04; 565-66.
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again reported fears that his siblings were conspiring against him. (Tr. 559). Throughout 2014, Dr.
Williams noted Plaintiffs mood remained consistent, and was euthymic or stable. (Tr. 491, 559,
561, 563). Dr. Williams continued to diagnose panic disorder without agoraphobia and dysthymic
disorder, and continued Plaintiff’s Cymbalta prescription. (Tr. 491, 559, 561-62, 563-64).
Plaintiff attended counseling sessions with Ms. Rossow throughout 2014. See Tr. 539-43,
638-718. In these visits, he discussed anger and anxiety triggers; family dynamics, including
anxiety surrounding his mother’s health; and paranoia regarding his siblings’ perceived actions, as
well as coping skills to address these issues. Id. At each visit except one, Ms. Rossow checked a
box indicating there was “[n]o significant change [in Plaintiff’s condition] from last visit” and did
not check the boxes indicating anything notable about Plaintiff’s mood/affect, thought
process/orientation, or behavior/functioning. (Tr. 539, 542, 641, 643, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654, 657,
659, 661, 663, 665, 667, 669, 671, 673, 675, 677, 679, 681, 684, 686, 688, 690, 693, 696, 698,
700, 702, 704, 706, 708, 711, 713, 717). At a December 2014, visit, Ms. Rossow checked a box
indicating Plaintiff’s “mood/affect” was notable, indicated Plaintiff reported increased anxiety and
restlessness, and discussed coping skills. (Tr. 715).
Plaintiff continued to see both Dr. Williams and Ms. Rossow in 2015. See Tr. 555-58, 772,
774 (Dr. Williams); Tr. 719-54 (Ms. Rossow).
In January, Plaintiff reported frustration to Dr. Williams over “the lack of family
cohesiveness and possibility that they may be attempting to limit him from gaining access to his
guns”, which were taken away after the domestic violence charge. (Tr. 557). In July, Dr. Williams
noted Plaintiff “states he has continued to do well overall relative to his last appt.” (Tr. 555). He
reported counseling to be “helpful in general (not just with anger management)”. Id. In July,
Plaintiff again reported “not much has changed”. (Tr. 772). He expressed frustration with “what
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he views as overly intrusive behavior from his sister” and worried about what might happen if his
mother died and his sister gained control of the estate, as he was somewhat financially dependent
on his mother. Id. In October, Plaintiff again stated he had “been managing okay” since his last
appointment. (Tr. 774). He again expressed “some unresolved issues regarding trust with his
siblings”, but his mother had been “supportive emotionally and financially”. Id. In January, May,
and July, Dr. Williams continued his prior assessments of panic disorder without agoraphobia and
dysthymic disorder. (Tr. 555, 557, 772). In October, he added “[m]ajor depression, recurrent –
stable.” (Tr. 774). Throughout 2015, Plaintiff’s mood was stable and euthymic, with no evidence
of psychosis or delusional thought process. See Tr. 557; 555 (“[t]hought process reality based”);
772 (“mood appears euthymic. No real change in mental state relative to his previous appt.”); 774
(“Thought process reasonable, no evidence of rank paranoia or any delusional content.”). Dr.
Williams continued Plaintiff on Cymbalta, which he found helpful. (Tr. 555-58, 772, 774).
Plaintiff’s 2015 counseling sessions with Ms. Rossow continued to address anger, anxiety,
and coping skills; they also continued to address Plaintiff’s family dynamic issues and beliefs that
his siblings were out to get him. See Tr. 719-54. At each visit, Ms. Rossow checked a box
indicating there was “[n]o significant change [in Plaintiff’s condition] from last visit” and did not
check the boxes indicating anything notable about Plaintiff’s mood/affect, thought
process/orientation, or behavior/functioning. (Tr. 719, 721, 723, 725, 727, 730, 732, 734, 737, 739,
742, 745, 747, 749, 751, 753).
Plaintiff saw Dr. Williams again in January 2016 (after the ALJ’s decision). (Tr. 775).
Plaintiff reported worries about his mother’s health, and “admit[ted] that assisting with his mother
and her care needs and multiple doctor [appointments] has been wearing on him.” Id. Dr. Williams
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noted Plaintiff’s medication to be helpful, and continued prior diagnoses: “[d]ysthymia, [p]anic
do, [m]ajor depression recurrent-stable.” Id.
Opinion Evidence
Treating Providers
In October 2013, Dr. Williams completed a “Medical Source Statement of Ability to do
Work-Related Activities (Mental)”. (Tr. 461-63).8 He opined Plaintiff had: mild limitation in the
ability to understand, remember, and carry out simple instructions; moderate limitation in the
ability to make judgments on simple work-related decisions; and marked limitation in the ability
to understand, remember, and carry out complex instructions, as well as to make judgments on
complex work-related decisions9. (Tr. 461). For findings in support, Dr. Williams wrote:
“multiyear history of working with patient to treat his depression and anxiety”. Id. Dr. Williams
also opined Plaintiff had moderate limitation in the ability to interact appropriately with the public;
but marked limitation in the ability to interact appropriately with supervisors or coworkers; and
marked to extreme limitation in responding appropriately to usual work situations and to changes
in a routine work setting. (Tr. 462). In support, Dr. Williams wrote: “multiple employment failures
due to concerns about thoughts, plans and observed behaviors of coworkers and supervisors that
provoke extreme anxiety in patient” and “multiple previous accounts of job failure by patient over
the years”. Id. Dr. Williams noted Plaintiff’s judgment was impaired, in that Plaintiff “over
8. The form defines a “mild” limitation as: “a slight limitation in this area, but the individual can
generally function well”; a “moderate” limitation as “more than a slight limitation in this area but
the individual is still able to function satisfactorily; a “marked” limitation as a “serious limitation
in this area . . . [with] a substantial loss in the ability to effectively function; and an “extreme”
limitation as a “major limitation in this area . . . [with] no useful ability to function in this area.”
(Tr. 461).
9. For this final category (making judgments on complex work-related decisions), Dr. Williams
checked both the “marked” and “extreme” boxes, and made an indication between the two. (Tr.
461).
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interprets intentions of others in a threatening way.” Id. Dr. Williams opined Plaintiff’s symptoms
had been present since 1993. Id.
In November 2013, Ms. Rossow completed a “Daily Activities Questionnaire”. (Tr. 46667). Ms. Rossow noted Plaintiff lived alone in a home owned by his parents, and had no barriers
to independent living. (Tr. 467). He got along well with his parents, but was estranged from his
siblings, and “avoids contact with neighbors because of gossip.” Id. He saw his parents daily, his
siblings at family functions, and talked daily with friends. Id. Ms. Rossow noted Plaintiff “reported
he gets along well [with coworkers and supervisors] until they start playing games or gossip about
him”. Id. He had been disciplined at work in the past “for exchange of words” and “was told to
take 2-3 weeks off to deal with stress.” Id. Ms. Rossow noted Plaintiff had “poor tolerance for
stress, experiences frequent headaches and perceives persecution.” Id. She opined Plaintiff’s
ability to prepare food was “limited by income” but “should improve now that he has food stamps.”
(Tr. 466). He had no impairment in the ability to perform household chores, drive or take public
transportation, and banking and bill paying. Id. He “could improve” his personal hygiene. Id. She
opined Plaintiff regularly kept his appointments, complied with treatment goals, actively
participated in treatment, and was working to improve coping skills. Id.
In September 2014, Dr. Williams wrote a letter regarding Plaintiff’s condition:
Mr. Fitzenreiter has been a patient of mine for many years at Fulton County Health
center, receiving treatment for chronic mental illness which puts him at a significant
disadvantage in terms of being able to obtain and maintain employment. He has
substantial and longstanding issues with trust, even with family members. His
social anxiety causes such disruption in his life that he barely even leaves home
unless he absolutely has to. Additionally, he suffers from panic disorder and chronic
low grade depressed mood over the course of many years known as dysthymia.
It is my opinion beyond reasonable doubt that despite optimum treatment, he
maintains a sufficient burden of social disability that it precludes him from being
able to engage in meaningful employment in the service of addressing his day to
day financial responsibilities.
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(Tr. 552).
State Agency Reviewers
In November 2013, state agency reviewing physician Denise Rabold, Ph.D., MA, CCC,
SLP, reviewed Plaintiff’s records on behalf of the state agency. (Tr. 93-98; 107-13). She concluded
Plaintiff had mild restriction in activities of daily living, moderate difficulties in social functioning,
and moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace. (Tr. 93). She
concluded Plaintiff could: 1) understand and recall simple concrete 1-2 step instructions, but may
need occasional repetition; 2) perform simple concrete 1-2 step tasks immediately without the
demands of fast pace or high production rates and would need limited interaction/involvement
with others; 3) interact infrequently and superficially with others and would do best with a small
familiar group; and would 4) need a predictable static work environment where changes can be
easily explained. (Tr. 97-98; 111-13).
In March 2014, state agency physician Karla Voyten, Ph.D. reviewed Plaintiff’s records
on behalf of the state agency and affirmed Dr. Rabold’s conclusions. (Tr. 125-32).
VE Testimony
A VE also appeared and testified before the ALJ. (Tr. 77-86). When the ALJ asked the VE
to assume a hypothetical individual limited in the way ultimately found in Plaintiff’s residual
functional capacity (“RFC”), the VE testified such an individual could perform jobs of order
picker, counter supply worker, or laundry worker. (Tr. 79-84).
ALJ Decision
In her written decision, the ALJ found Plaintiff met the insured status requirements of the
Social Security Act through June 30, 2014, and had not engaged in substantial gainful activity
since the alleged onset date. (Tr. 13). She found Plaintiff had severe impairments of panic disorder
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without agoraphobia, dysthymic disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, and left shoulder arthritis; but
these impairments did not meet or medically equal a listed impairment either singly or in
combination. (Tr. 13-15). The ALJ then concluded Plaintiff had the following mental RFC:
The claimant can understand, remember and carry out simple, routine and repetitive
tasks but not at a production rate pace (e.g., assembly line work). He can
understand, remember and carry out simple work-related decisions. Changes
should be well explained and introduced slowly. The claimant also needs goal and
plans outlined. He can frequently interact with supervisors. He can interact with
coworkers and the public superficially meaning the ability to greet people, refer
coworkers/public to other coworkers regarding customers’ demands or requests,
answer questions about time of day and give directions to the bathroom. Superficial
interaction would not involve the claimant dealing directly with demands or
problems of the coworker or customer.
(Tr. 17).10 The ALJ then concluded Plaintiff could not perform any past relevant work (Tr. 24),
but there were other jobs existing in significant numbers in the national economy that he could
perform (Tr. 25). Therefore, the ALJ concluded Plaintiff had not been under a disability from his
alleged onset date through the date of the ALJ’s decision. (Tr. 26).
STANDARD OF REVIEW
In reviewing the denial of Social Security benefits, the Court “must affirm the
Commissioner’s conclusions absent a determination that the Commissioner has failed to apply the
correct legal standards or has made findings of fact unsupported by substantial evidence in the
record.” Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127 F.3d 525, 528 (6th Cir. 1997). “Substantial evidence
is more than a scintilla of evidence but less than a preponderance and is such relevant evidence as
a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Besaw v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 966 F.2d 1028, 1030 (6th Cir. 1992). The Commissioner’s findings “as to any fact
if supported by substantial evidence shall be conclusive.” McClanahan v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
10. The RFC also included physical restrictions which are not at issue here. See Tr. 17.
16
474 F.3d 830, 833 (6th Cir. 2006) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)). Even if substantial evidence or
indeed a preponderance of the evidence supports a claimant’s position, the court cannot overturn
“so long as substantial evidence also supports the conclusion reached by the ALJ.” Jones v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 336 F.3d 469, 477 (6th Cir. 2003).
STANDARD FOR DISABILITY
Eligibility for benefits is predicated on the existence of a disability. 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(a),
1382(a). “Disability” is defined as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by
reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to
result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less
than 12 months.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1505(a) & 416.905(a); see also 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A).
The Commissioner follows a five-step evaluation process—found at 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520 and
416.920—to determine if a claimant is disabled:
1.
Was claimant engaged in a substantial gainful activity?
2.
Did claimant have a medically determinable impairment, or a combination
of impairments, that is “severe,” which is defined as one which substantially
limits an individual’s ability to perform basic work activities?
3.
Does the severe impairment meet one of the listed impairments?
4.
What is claimant’s residual functional capacity and can claimant perform
past relevant work?
5.
Can claimant do any other work considering his residual functional
capacity, age, education, and work experience?
Under this five-step sequential analysis, the claimant has the burden of proof in Steps One
through Four. Walters, 127 F.3d at 529. The burden shifts to the Commissioner at Step Five to
establish whether the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform available work in
the national economy. Id. The ALJ considers the claimant’s residual functional capacity, age,
17
education, and past work experience to determine if the claimant could perform other work. Id.
Only if a claimant satisfies each element of the analysis, including inability to do other work, and
meets the duration requirements, is he determined to be disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b)-(f) &
416.920(b)-(f); see also Walters, 127 F.3d at 529.
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff alleges the ALJ erred in two ways: 1) by not finding he met Listings 12.04 and
12.06; and 2) by violating the treating physician rule with respect to Dr. Williams’s opinions. The
Commissioner responds that the ALJ’s decision comports with the law, and is supported by
substantial evidence in both regards. For the reasons discussed below, the undersigned affirms the
decision of the Commissioner.
Listing Analysis
Plaintiff contends the ALJ erred in finding he did not meet the criteria for Listings 12.04
(Affective Disorders) and 12.06 (Anxiety Disorders) because, he alleges, he meets the “paragraph
A” criteria of the listings, and the record evidence shows marked restriction in at least two areas
as required by “paragraph B” of both listings. The Commissioner responds that the ALJ’s
determination is supported by substantial evidence that Plaintiff did not have such marked
restrictions.
If a claimant meets or equals the requirements of a listed impairment, then the claimant is
considered disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920(d); 404.1520(d). In order to determine whether a
claimant’s impairment meets a listing, the ALJ may consider all evidence in a claimant’s record.
See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(3); 404.1526(c). A claimant’s impairment must meet every element
of a Listing before the Commissioner may conclude that he is disabled at Step Three of the
sequential evaluation process. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920; Duncan v. Sec’y of Health &
18
Human Servs., 801 F.2d 847, 855 (6th Cir. 1986). The claimant has the burden to prove all the
elements are satisfied. King v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 742 F.2d 968, 974 (6th Cir. 1984).
Moreover, “[t]he burden of providing a . . . record . . . complete and detailed enough to enable the
Secretary to make a disability determination rests with the claimant.” Landsaw v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., 803 F.2d 211, 214 (6th Cir. 1986). It is not sufficient to come close to meeting
the conditions of a Listing. See, e.g., Dorton v. Heckler, 789 F.2d 363, 367 (6th Cir. 1989)
(Commissioner’s decision affirmed where medical evidence “almost establishes a disability”
under Listing).
The relevant Listings provide:
12.04 Affective Disorders: Characterized by a disturbance of mood,
accompanied by a full or partial manic or depressive syndrome. Mood refers to a
prolonged emotion that colors the whole psychic life; it generally involves either
depression or elation.
The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in
both A and B are satisfied, or when the requirements in C are satisfied.
A. Medically documented persistence, either continuous or intermittent, of one of
the following:
1. Depressive syndrome characterized by at least four of the following:
a. Anhedonia or pervasive loss of interest in almost all activities; or
b. Appetite disturbance with change in weight; or
c. Sleep disturbance; or
d. Psychomotor agitation or retardation; or
e. Decreased energy; or
f. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness; or
g. Difficulty concentrating or thinking; or
h. Thoughts of suicide; or
i. Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoid thinking; or
2. Manic syndrome characterized by at least three of the following:
a. Hyperactivity; or
b. Pressure of speech; or
c. Flight of ideas; or
d. Inflated self-esteem; or
e. Decreased need for sleep; or
f. Easy distractibility; or
19
g. Involvement in activities that have a high probability of painful
consequences which are not recognized; or
h. Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking; or
3. Bipolar syndrome with a history of episodic periods manifested by the
full symptomatic picture of both manic and depressive syndromes (and
currently characterized by either or both syndromes);
AND
B. Resulting in at least two of the following:
1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or
2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or
3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace;
or
4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;
***
12.06 Anxiety Related Disorders: In these disorders anxiety is either the
predominant disturbance or it is experienced if the individual attempts to master
symptoms; for example, confronting the dreaded object or situation in a phobic
disorder or resisting the obsessions or compulsions in obsessive compulsive
disorders.
The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in
both A and B are satisfied, or when the requirements in both A and C are
satisfied.
A. Medically documented findings of at least one of the following:
1. Generalized persistent anxiety accompanied by three out of four of the
following signs or symptoms:
a. Motor tension; or
b. Autonomic hyperactivity; or
c. Apprehensive expectation; or
d. Vigilance and scanning;
or
2. A persistent irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation
which results in a compelling desire to avoid the dreaded object, activity,
or situation; or
3. Recurrent severe panic attacks manifested by a sudden unpredictable
onset of intense apprehension, fear, terror and sense of impending doom
occurring on the average of at least once a week; or
4. Recurrent obsessions or compulsions which are a source of marked
distress; or
5. Recurrent and intrusive recollections of a traumatic experience, which
are a source of marked distress;
AND
20
B. Resulting in at least two of the following:
1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or
2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or
3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace;
or
4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration.
20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App’x 1, §§ 12.04, 12.06.11
Thus, to meet the requirements of Listing 12.04 and Listing 12.06, a claimant must meet
the requirements listed in both paragraphs A and B of each Listing, and the “paragraph B” criteria
are the same.12 The ALJ concluded at Step Two that Plaintiff had severe impairments of panic
disorder without agoraphobia and dysthymic disorder. (Tr. 13). At Step Three, she concluded
Plaintiff did not meet “paragraph B” criteria, and thus did not satisfy the Listings. (Tr. 15-16).
After careful review of the record, the undersigned finds the ALJ’s decision supported by
substantial evidence as detailed below.
Activities of Daily Living
Regarding activities of daily living, the regulations provide:
Activities of daily living include adaptive activities such as cleaning, shopping,
cooking, taking public transportation, paying bills, maintaining a residence, caring
appropriately for your grooming and hygiene, using telephones and directories, and
using a post office. In the context of your overall situation, we assess the quality of
these activities by their independence, appropriateness, effectiveness, and
sustainability. We will determine the extent to which you are capable of initiating
and participating in activities independent of supervision or direction.
20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App’x 1, § 12.00.
11. The mental disorder listings were subsequently amended, effective in January 2017. See Soc.
Sec. Admin., Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders, 81 F.R. 66138-01, 2016
WL 5341732 (Sept. 26, 2016) (effective Jan. 17, 2017). Because the ALJ’s decision in October
2015 is prior to the amendment, the undersigned references the prior version of the Listings herein.
12. Alternatively, the claimant may meet the Listing by satisfying the criteria is Paragraph C. See
20 C.F.R. Pt.404, Subpt. P, App’x 1, §§ 12.04, 12.06. The undersigned does not address Paragraph
C here because Plaintiff does not take issue with the ALJ’s finding in this regard.
21
The ALJ found Plaintiff had mild limitations in activities of daily living (the first
of the “paragraph B” criteria), explaining:
In October 2013, the claimant’s therapist Julia Rossow, MSW, noted that while he
could improve his personal hygiene, he had no problem in performing household
chores, taking public transportation or bill paying (Ex. 5F/3). The claimant testified
that he visited his mother, cooked her light meals, and drove her to appointments.
He was able to care for his tomato plants, go grocery shopping and live
independently. While the claimant had motivation issues to take care of his daily
personal hygiene, his ability to perform a wide range of daily activities shows that
he has mild restrictions in activities of daily living.
(Tr. 16). Substantial evidence supports this finding. As the ALJ pointed out, Plaintiff’s treating
counselor opined he had no difficulty with household chores, driving or taking public
transportation, or managing finances. (Tr. 466). Additionally, the ALJ pointed to Plaintiff
testimony about his ability to perform daily activities. See Tr. 58-60. A review of the record as a
whole shows Plaintiff was generally able to take care of his own needs, and independently
performed a range of daily activities without assistance. See, e.g., Tr. 302-09 (2013 function report
noting Plaintiff lived alone, and performed activities such as shopping, preparing meals, feeding
and caring for pets, yard work, laundry, and caring for personal hygiene—but noting he did not
always wear clean clothes or wash his hair); Tr. 449 (April 2012 treatment note that Plaintiff
“continues to do what he can . . . to help out his parents and keep up with the property”); Tr. 46667 (Ms. Rossow’s October 2013 opinion that Plaintiff was able to prepare food, do household
chores, drive/take public transportation, and manage finances, but “could improve person[al]
hygiene”).
The undersigned notes that while Plaintiff points to some contrary evidence (primarily
consisting of Plaintiff’s testimony about difficulties with other people) (Doc. 12, at 11; Doc. 17,
at 2-3), substantial evidence also supports the decision of the ALJ, and it is not this court’s role to
re-weigh that evidence. See Reynolds v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 424 F. App’x 411, 414 (6th Cir.
22
2011) (“This court reviews the entire administrative record, but does not reconsider facts, re-weigh
the evidence, resolve conflicts in the evidence, decide questions of credibility, or substitute its
judgment for that of the ALJ.”). Notably, the ALJ did not find Plaintiff had no limitation in his
area, but rather found mild limitation, acknowledging Plaintiff’s hygiene issues. (Tr. 16).
Substantial evidence therefore supports the ALJ’s finding in this domain.
Social Functioning
Regarding social functioning, the regulations provide:
Social functioning refers to your capacity to interact independently, appropriately,
effectively, and on a sustained basis with other individuals. Social functioning
includes the ability to get along with others, such as family members, friends,
neighbors, grocery clerks, landlords, or bus drivers. You may demonstrate impaired
social functioning by, for example, a history of altercations, evictions, firings, fear
of strangers, avoidance of interpersonal relationships, or social isolation. You may
exhibit strength in social functioning by such things as your ability to initiate social
contacts with others, communicate clearly with others, or interact and actively
participate in group activities. We also need to consider cooperative behaviors,
consideration for others, awareness of others’ feelings, and social maturity. Social
functioning in work situations may involve interactions with the public, responding
appropriately to persons in authority (e.g., supervisors), or cooperative behaviors
involving coworkers.
20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, § 12.00.
The ALJ concluded Plaintiff had moderate difficulties in social functioning (the second
of the “paragraph B” criteria), explaining:
While the claimant had a somewhat irritable attitude, he was cooperative at
numerous medical visits (Ex. 3F/4, 8F/10; 12F/23). He also had a history of feeling
like people in his community had a less than positive orientation towards him and
treated him poorly (Ex. 3F/17-18). While the claimant had a good relationship with
his mother and had two friends whom he spoke with daily, he was estranged from
his siblings and avoided contact with his neighbors (Ex. 5F/4). The claimant’s
limited social interactions outside of his mother and two friends demonstrate that
he has moderate difficulties in maintaining social functioning.
(Tr. 16). Substantial evidence supports this finding. As the ALJ noted, Plaintiff was often noted to
be cooperative at medical visits with various providers, suggesting he had no difficulty interacting
23
with them. See Tr. 442 (August 2013 note from Dr. Williams that Plaintiff’s attitude was
“cooperative yet somewhat irritable as well”); Tr. 519 (October 2013 note from Ms. Rossow that
“Client was cooperative with diagnostic assessment process and agreeable to follow treatment
recommendations”.); Tr. 601 (August 2014 treatment note from Dr. Krueger noting Plaintiff was
“Alert, Oriented, Cooperative”); see e.g., Green v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2016 WL 3230675, at *12
(N.D. Ohio) (finding supported an ALJ’s opinion that Plaintiff was not markedly limited in social
functioning, in part due to “the fact that [the claimant] has interacted appropriately with all medical
providers”).
The ALJ also acknowledged that Plaintiff did have social functioning limitations, citing
his estrangement from his siblings, limited social interactions, and feelings about how he was
viewed by community members. See Tr. 456 (July 2009 treatment note from Dr. Williams
describing interpersonal difficulties at work, and Plaintiff’s report that “he ended up having to
leave there because it was becoming extraordinarily more difficult in light of the fact that there
was an ongoing perception from many of the employees that the patient was ‘a narc’.”); Tr. 455
(April 2010 treatment note from Dr. Williams noting Plaintiff “continues to have some issues with
feeling as though there are others within the community that have less than a positive orientation
towards him” and “[t]he patient seems to have some degree of suspicion regarding others within
the community which may or may not be public knowledge issues”); Tr. 467 (October 2013
questionnaire from Ms. Rossow noting Plaintiff got along well with his parents, was estranged
from his siblings, and avoided contact with neighbors “because of gossip”). Additionally, Plaintiff
himself reported he got along with supervisors “very well . . . most of the time but not always.”
(Tr. 308).
24
The ALJ here balanced this with other evidence in the record—that Plaintiff had friends,
and interacted appropriately with medical providers—and concluded Plaintiff was limited in this
regard, but not to a marked degree.13 See Tr. 16. Based on this record, the undersigned finds
substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s conclusion that Plaintiff has no more than moderate
impairment in social functioning. See, e.g., Vanarnam v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2014 WL 1328272,
at *19 (E.D. Mich.) (finding substantial evidence supported ALJ’s finding of moderate restrictions
in social functioning where: (1) medical source statements described the plaintiff as “polite and
cooperative”, “pleasant”, and “calm and affable”; (2) the plaintiff lived with his wife and children
during the time before his date last insured; and (3) anger at work was the result of “pressure to
work rather than being attributable to any clinical impairment”).
As with the prior limitation, Plaintiff’s objection consists primarily of pointing to evidence
in the record to support greater restrictions. (Doc. 12, at 11; Doc. 17, at 3-4). Additionally, Plaintiff
points to the marked difficulties opined by Dr. Williams in this category. Id. (citing Tr. 461-62).
However, as discussed below, the ALJ provided good reasons for partially discounting Dr.
Williams’s opinion.14 And, for the same reasons as discussed above, it is not this Court’s role to
13. A “moderate limitation”, is not defined by agency regulations, but is generally defined as not
precluding an activity. See Cantrell v. McMahon, 227 F. App’x 321, 322 (5th Cir. 2007)
(upholding the definition of “moderate” as “there are some moderate limitations, but the person
can still perform the task satisfactorily”); Ziggas v. Colvin, 2014 WL 1814019, at *6 (S.D. Ohio)
(“[C]ourts generally agree that although the Social Security regulations do not define a ‘moderate
limitation,’ it is commonly defined on agency form ‘as meaning that the individual is still able to
function satisfactorily.’”) (quoting Lacroix v. Barnhart, 465 F.3d 881, 888 (8th Cir. 2006)).
The regulations do, however, define a “marked” limitation as “more than moderate but less
than extreme” and one that “interfere[s] seriously with your ability to function independently,
appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis.” 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, § 12.00C.
14. Plaintiff argues it was error for the ALJ not to discuss Dr. Williams’s opinion regarding marked
limitations at Step Three. However, 1) Plaintiff points to no authority requiring an ALJ to do so;
and 2) when the ALJ’s decision is considered as a whole—including the detailed Step Three
analysis, and the fact that the ALJ discussed Dr. Williams’s treatment records therein, and records
25
re-weigh the evidence, so long as the ALJ’s conclusion is supported by substantial evidence. See
Reynolds, 424 F. App’x at 414; Jones, 336 F.3d at 477. The ALJ’s conclusion was supported by
substantial evidence in the record.
Concentration, Persistence, or Pace
Regarding concentration, persistence, or pace, the regulations provide:
Concentration, persistence, or pace refers to the ability to sustain focused attention
and concentration sufficiently long to permit the timely and appropriate completion
of tasks commonly found in work settings. Limitations in concentration,
persistence, or pace are best observed in work settings, but may also be reflected
by limitations in other settings. In addition, major limitations in this area can often
be assessed through clinical examination or psychological testing. Wherever
possible, however, a mental status examination or psychological test data should be
supplemented by other available evidence.
20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App’x 1, § 12.00.
The ALJ found Plaintiff had moderate difficulties with concentration, persistence, or
pace, explaining:
In August 2013, the claimant had good attention (Ex. 3F/4). However, in October
2013, Ms. Rossow explained that the claimant’s persecutory thoughts and beliefs
negatively affected his judgment, insight and attention and concentration as he
thought too much about what games others were playing with him (Ex. 5F/14, 18).
The claimant’s problems understanding instructions and intrusive thoughts, but
demonstrated good attention shows that he has moderate difficulties in maintaining
concentration, persistence or pace (Ex. 7E/8, Hearing Testimony).
(Tr. 16). Substantial evidence supports this finding. As the ALJ cited, Plaintiff was noted to have
good attention by Dr. Williams in August 2013. (Tr. 442). The ALJ also acknowledged Plaintiff’s
persecutory thoughts, as evidenced by the record, and his testimony. See Tr. 477 (Ms. Rossow’s
October 2013 assessment note that Plaintiff was “unable to work due to invasive thoughts,
and opinion in the RFC analysis—the Court finds no error in the ALJ’s Step Three analysis by
virtue of the fact that Dr. Williams’s opinion was not specifically mentioned there.
26
delusions of paranoia that people ‘play’ him and are gossiping about him”); Tr. 44-46, 67, 69-71
(hearing testimony).
Moreover, although there are additional records supporting Plaintiff’s paranoia and
persecutory thoughts, in the record, see, e.g., Tr. 454-55, 442, 476-77, 526, there are also notations
to the contrary, see, e.g., Tr. 442 (August 2013 note from Dr. Williams that Plaintiff had “some
ideas of reference, although [he could] not say [it] breaches into psychosis” and that Plaintiff’s
thought content was “logical, with some ideas of reference”); Tr. 561-62 (July 2014 note from Dr.
Williams that Plaintiff had “some fairly well developed and persistent beliefs with a persecutory
theme although not so unusual as to characterize them as delusional”); Tr. 555 (May 2015 note
that Plaintiff’s “[t]hought process [was] reality based”); Tr. 774 (“Thought process reasonable, no
evidence of rank paranoia or any delusional content.”). There are also substantial notations
throughout the record of normal, or near-normal mental status examinations, and a relatively stable
mental condition. See generally Tr. 442-45, 446-60, 491-92, 495-96, 526-37, 539-43, 555-66, 638754, 772, 774.
Additionally, Plaintiff’s own function report and testimony suggest that he had some
limitations related to concentration, persistence, or pace, but not to a marked degree. See Tr. 302
(“I don’t understand instruction[s] sometimes and get anxious and depressed. I forget thing[s]
more.”); Tr. 307 (October 2013 function report stating Plaintiff thought he could pay attention for
10-15 minutes, and has difficulty with written and spoken instructions (“[s]ometimes it gets
confusing, can’t remember as well as I used to” and “[n]ot well can’t figure out exactly what the
[sic] mean sometimes”); Tr. 53-54 (testimony that he forgot and lost things, but did not need
reminders to take his medication, and that he tended “to drift off and think about other things that
27
[he’s] not supposed to be - - shouldn’t be - - [he had] a hard time focusing on what [he] should be
doing.”).
Again, as with social functioning, Plaintiff points to Dr. Williams’s opinion that he was
more impaired in this regard. See Doc. 12, at 11-12 (citing Tr. 461-62). And again, the undersigned
notes that, as discussed below, the ALJ provided good reasons for finding Plaintiff less limited
than Dr. Williams’s opinion suggested.
Overall, Plaintiff’s objections to the ALJ’s Listing analysis consist primarily of pointing to
other evidence in the record, and rely heavily on his own testimony and self-report. See Doc. 12,
at 11-12; Doc. 17, at 2-5. However, as discussed above, there is substantial contradictory evidence
in the record to support the ALJ’s decision. Moreover, it is worth reiterating that even if substantial
evidence or indeed a preponderance of the evidence supports Plaintiff’s position, the Court cannot
overturn “so long as substantial evidence also supports the conclusion reached by the ALJ.” Jones,
336 F.3d at 477. The Court finds such evidence here to support the ALJ’s finding of no “marked”
restrictions in activities of daily living, social functioning, or with concentration, persistence and
pace.15 Therefore, the “paragraph B” criteria of the applicable listings was not met.16 As such, the
15. Plaintiff does not challenge the ALJ’s determination that he had not suffered repeated episodes
of decompensation (Tr. 16), the final “paragraph B” criterion.
16. Plaintiff argues the ALJ somehow erred in failing to explicitly address whether he met the
“paragraph A” criteria of the Listing. See Doc. 17, at 2, 5. This was not error, however, because
the ALJ found Plaintiff could not satisfy the “paragraph B” criteria, and both must be satisfied for
a claimant to equal a listing. See Bowman v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 683 F. App’x 367, 372 (6th Cir.
2017) (“As a preliminary matter, Bowman offers no argument that she suffers from the paragraph
A symptoms for each of the three listings, nor did the ALJ address this issue. But even assuming
she can meet paragraph A for each listing, she lacks the requisite impairment-related limitations
in each listing’s paragraph B.”) Because the undersigned finds the Commissioner’s decision that
Plaintiff did not satisfy the “paragraph B” criteria supported by substantial evidence, it is
unnecessary to to address Plaintiff’s arguments about the “paragraph A” criteria.
28
Court finds no error in the ALJ’s Step Three analysis concluding Plaintiff’s mental impairments
do not meet the requirements of Listings 12.04 or 12.06.
Treating Physician – Dr. Williams
Plaintiff secondly argues the ALJ erred in her analysis of the opinions of Plaintiff’s treating
physician—Dr. Williams. The Commissioner responds that the ALJ complied with the applicable
regulations and provided the required good reasons for partially discounting Dr. Williams’s
opinion.
Generally, the medical opinions of treating physicians are afforded greater deference than
those of non-treating physicians. Rogers v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 242 (6th Cir. 2007);
see also SSR 96-2p, 1996 WL 374188. “Because treating physicians are ‘the medical professionals
most able to provide a detailed, longitudinal picture of [a plaintiff’s] medical impairment(s) and
may bring a unique perspective to the medical evidence that cannot be obtained from the objective
medical findings alone,’ their opinions are generally accorded more weight than those of nontreating physicians.” Rogers, 486 F.3d at 242 (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(d)(2)).
A treating physician’s opinion is given “controlling weight” if it is supported by: 1)
medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques; and 2) is not inconsistent with
other substantial evidence in the case record. Wilson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 378 F.3d 541, 544
(6th Cir. 2004). The requirement to give controlling weight to a treating source is presumptive; if
the ALJ decides not to do so, he must provide evidentiary support for such a finding. Id. at 546;
Gayheart v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 710 F.3d 365, 376-77 (6th Cir. 2013). When the physician’s
medical opinion is not granted controlling weight, the ALJ must give “good reasons” for the weight
given to the opinion. Rogers, 486 F.3d at 242 (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(d)(2)). “Good reasons”
are reasons “sufficiently specific to make clear to any subsequent reviewers the weight given to
29
the treating physician’s opinion and the reasons for that weight.” Wilson, 378 F.3d at 544. The
Sixth Circuit has held it sufficient if an ALJ’s opinion “indirectly attacks both the supportability
of [the treating physician’s] opinions and the consistency of those opinions with the rest of the
record evidence. Nelson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 195 F. App’x 462, 470 (6th Cir. 2006); see also
Brock v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 368 F. App’x 622, 625 (6th Cir. 2010).
The ALJ summarized Dr. Williams’s October 2013 assessment, and stated he gave it
“partial weight” because it was partially “inconsistent and more limiting than what can be
supported by the claimant’s overall mental health treatment record” (Tr. 22). Were this all the ALJ
had said, the undersigned might have reversed for further explanation, see, e.g., Friend v. Comm’r
of Soc. Sec., 375 F. App’x 543, 552 (6th Cir. 2010) (“Put simply, it is not enough to dismiss a
treating physician’s opinion as ‘incompatible’ with other evidence of record; there must be some
effort to identify the specific discrepancies and to explain why it is the treating physician’s
conclusion that gets the short end of the stick.”); but it was not. Prior to this statement the ALJ had
thoroughly summarized Plaintiff’s testimony (Tr. 18), and the mental health evidence—including
much from Dr. Williams (Tr. 19). Following this statement assigning partial weight to Dr.
Williams’s opinion, the ALJ then again summarized his findings regarding Plaintiff’s limitations,
explaining how they supported his RFC finding, which was less limiting than Dr. Williams’s
opinion:
As stated earlier, the claimant’s ability to perform a wide range of daily activities
shows that he has mild restrictions in activities of daily living. His continued
persecutory thoughts, tangential thought process, but good attention and logical
thought process shows he has moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration,
persistence or pace. His limited daily social interactions and persecutory thoughts,
but ability to maintain friendships and be cooperative with medical professionals
with whom he has contact shows he has moderate difficulties in maintaining social
functioning, Besides his alleged 1989 inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, there
was no evidence that the claimant had any repeated episodes of decompensation,
each of extended duration.
30
The claimant continued to have persecutory beliefs that family members and
coworkers were plotting against him in some way that caused him to over-think his
interactions with others. He also experienced tangential thought processes and
difficulties understanding instructions without them being explained in detail.
However, he demonstrated a normal attention span, logical thought content and
stabilized mood with treatment. Those combined symptoms would limit him to
understanding, remembering and carrying out simple, routine and repetitive tasks,
but not at a production rate pace and simple work related decisions, as he does not
possess the mental capacity to handle complex or novel assignments or decision
making due to the combined effects of his panic disorder and dysthymic disorder.
His history of feeling like coworkers were playing games with him and difficulties
following instructions would require that workplace changes be explained and
introduced slowly, and goals and plans be outlined as to not exacerbate his anxiety
levels (Ex. 5F/4, 13-14; 6F/6; 8F/9, 17; 11F/3, 9; 13F/38, 67, 102).
The claimant’s documented history of having difficulties getting along with
coworkers and family members due to paranoid feelings of being plotting [sic]
against, but demonstrated ability to be cooperative during medical visits and
maintain friendships show that he could frequently interact with supervisors as he
had not demonstrated consistent problems dealing with bosses or supervisors (Ex.
7E/9; 3F/4; 12F/23). However, his persecutory and distrustful view of others,
frustration when dealing with coworkers, and history of requiring anger
management would require that he only superficially interact with coworkers and
the public as the claimant’s mental health record showed that he had interpersonal
conflict when required to deal with others directly and not in passing due to his
paranoid and intrusive thoughts. Therefore, he could greet people, refer
coworkers/public to other coworkers regarding customers’ demands or requests,
answer questions about time of day and give directions to the bathroom.
(Tr. 23). In so doing, the ALJ implicitly addressed both the consistency and supportability of Dr.
Williams’s opinion. Nelson, 195 F. App’x at 470-71.
As another court explained, “[t]he ALJ’s discussion of the medical evidence was not
merely a rote recitation of Plaintiff’s longitudinal history; rather the ALJ analyzed the medical
evidence and explained how it supported his ultimate RFC determination.” Daniels v. Comm’r of
Soc. Sec., 2014 WL 1304940, *12 (N.D. Ohio). The same is true here. In both analysis preceding
and analysis following the ALJ’s assignment of weight to Dr. Williams’s 2013 opinion, the ALJ
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explained her weighing and analysis of the evidence—including Dr. Williams’s treatment notes—
and why that evidence showed Plaintiff was less limited than Dr. Williams opined. See Tr. 18-24.
And the ALJ’s reasoning is supported by substantial evidence in the record. The ALJ
incorporated Dr. Williams’s opinion that Plaintiff could not understand, remember or carry out
complex work-related decisions, and therefore limited Plaintiff in the RFC to simple, routine, and
repetitive tasks that were not at production-rate pace. (Tr. 17). The ALJ discounted Dr. Williams’s
findings of marked restrictions in the ability to interact with supervisors and coworkers, and ability
to respond to work situations. The ALJ acknowledged Plaintiff’s persecutory thoughts regarding
his siblings and coworkers (Tr. 22-23), upon which Dr. Williams based his marked restrictions
regarding social interaction (Tr. 462) but contrasted this with records indicating Plaintiff had good
attention, logical thought process, and ability to maintain interaction with friends and physicians
(Tr. 23); see also Tr. 19-20.
This is supported by the evidence cited, and other evidence in the record. The record
supports that Plaintiff’s condition was regularly reported to be stable, and his mental status
examinations relatively unremarkable. See generally Tr. 442-45, 446-60, 491-92, 495-96, 526-37,
539-43, 555-66, 638-754, 772, 774. The ALJ also, elsewhere in her opinion, noted Plaintiff’s
overall conservative course of treatment. See Tr. 20 (“yet, his mental health treatment records show
that he was stable . . . Overall, this conservative course of treatment is inconsistent with a level of
severity that would preclude the claimant from sustaining any work activity.”) (citations to Dr.
Williams’s records omitted). Notably, the ALJ accounted for significant social and attention
restrictions within the RFC. See Tr. 17.
Moreover, although Plaintiff contends the ALJ failed to consider the length of Plaintiff’s
treatment with Dr. Williams, a review of her decision indicates otherwise. See Tr. 16
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(acknowledging Plaintiff’s testimony that he was hospitalized for mental issues in 1989); Tr. 19
(“[T]he claimant had a long history of being treated for anxiety with Dr. Williams.”); see also
generally Tr. 16-23 (citing and summarizing many of Dr. Williams’s treatment notes).
Next, the ALJ explained she gave “little weight” to Dr. Williams’s September 2014 letter,
as it was “inconsistent with the overall evidence of record” and because “a disability determination
is reserved to the Commissioner pursuant to 20 CFR 404.1527(d)(1) and [the] opinion[] w[as]
vague and did not provide a function by function analysis of the claimant’s alleged limitations.”
(Tr. 23). The ALJ is correct that determinations on the ultimate question of disability are reserved
to the Commissioner. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(e)(1); 416.927(e)(1); Bass v. McMahon, 499 F.3d
506, 511 (6th Cir. 2007); see also SSR 96-5p, 1996 WL 374183, *2 (“[T]reating source opinions
on issues reserved to the Commissioner are never entitled to controlling weight or special
significance.”). Plaintiff correctly points out that a treating physician’s opinion, even on the
question of disability, can still be considered, even if it cannot be given controlling weight.
However, the ALJ did so here. (Tr. 23). After stating this opinion was entitled to “little weight”,
the ALJ again summarized her finding regarding the consistency with the overall record. Id. The
ALJ also noted the opinion was “vague.” See White v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 572 F.3d 272, 286
(6th Cir. 2009) (“Conclusory statements for physicians are properly discounted by ALJs.”). And,
for the same reasons as noted above, the ALJ’s conclusion that Dr. Williams’s letter was
“inconsistent with the overall evidence of record” is supported by substantial evidence, and
provides the required good reasons for discounting it.17
17. Further, earlier in her decision, the ALJ contrasted the content of letter with later records:
In September 2014, Dr. Williams stated that the claimant had substantial and
longstanding issues with trust even with family members. He barely left his home
unless he had to and had a panic disorder and a chronic low-grade depressed mood
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The undersigned finds the ALJ thus provided “good reasons”, that is reasons “sufficiently
specific to make clear to any subsequent reviewers the weight given to the treating physician’s
opinion and the reasons for that weight.” Wilson, 378 F.3d at 544. The ALJ therefore did not err
in applying the treating physician rule—having considered the consistency, supportability, and
length of the treating relationship—and her decision is supported by substantial evidence.
CONCLUSION
Following review of the arguments presented, the record, and the applicable law, the
undersigned finds the Commissioner’s decision denying DIB and SSI supported by substantial
evidence and therefore affirms that decision.
s/James R. Knepp II
United States Magistrate Judge
over the course of many years (Ex. 10F). However, by May 2015, the claimant
reported that he was continuing to do well as his counseling sessions for anger
management had helped him. He also believed his medications were helpful. Dr.
Williams observed that the claimant’s overall appearance was good, his mood was
euthymic and his thought processes were reality based.
(Tr. 19).
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