Dillard v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
16
Opinion and Order. Signed by Judge James L. Graham on 10/1/2018. (ds)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION
DAVID BRANCH DILLARD,
Plaintiff,
Civil Action 2:17-cv-781
Judge James L. Graham
Magistrate Judge Elizabeth P. Deavers
v.
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.
OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff, David Branch Dillard (“Plaintiff”), brings this action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
for review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”)
denying his application for social security disability insurance and supplemental security
benefits. This matter is before the Court on Plaintiff’s Statement of Errors (ECF No. 10), the
Commissioner’s Memorandum in Opposition (ECF No. 15), and the administrative record
(ECF No. 8). For the reasons that follow, the Court OVERRULES Plaintiff=s Statement of
Errors and AFFIRMS the Commissioner’s decision.
I.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff protectively filed his application for both Title II Social Security Benefits and
Title XVI Supplemental Security disability benefits on July 9, 2013, alleging that he has been
disabled since September 10, 2010. On March 4, 2016, following initial administrative denials
of Plaintiff’s applications, a hearing was held before Administrative Law Judge Robert
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Schwartz (the “ALJ”). (R. at 31-56.) At the hearing, Plaintiff, represented by counsel,
appeared and testified. (Id. at 39-49.) Vocational Expert Chrisann Schiro-Geist (the “VE”),
also testified at the administrative hearing. (Id. at 49-56.)
On May 20, 2016, the ALJ issued a decision finding that Plaintiff was not disabled within
the meaning of the Social Security Act. (Id. at 10-25.) The ALJ noted that Plaintiff met the
insured status requirements through June 30, 2013. (Id. at 12.) At step one of the sequential
evaluation process,1 the ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantially gainful activity
since September 10, 2010, the alleged onset date. (Id.) The ALJ found that Plaintiff has the
severe impairments of left knee degenerative joint disease, cervical and lumbar spine
degenerative disc disease, an affective disorder, a cognitive disorder, and a history of
polysubstance abuse. (Id.) The ALJ also noted that Plaintiff has a history of asthma or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease and headaches, which he found to be nonsevere impairments. (Id.
1
Social Security Regulations require ALJs to resolve a disability claim through a fivestep sequential evaluation of the evidence. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). Although a
dispositive finding at any step terminates the ALJ’s review, see Colvin v. Barnhart, 475 F.3d
727, 730 (6th Cir. 2007), if fully considered, the sequential review considers and answers five
questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Is the claimant engaged in substantial gainful activity?
Does the claimant suffer from one or more severe impairments?
Do the claimant’s severe impairments, alone or in combination, meet or
equal the criteria of an impairment set forth in the Commissioner’s Listing of
Impairments, 20 C.F.R. Subpart P, Appendix 1?
Considering the claimant's residual functional capacity, can the claimant
perform his or her past relevant work?
Considering the claimant’s age, education, past work experience, and residual
functional capacity, can the claimant perform other work available in the national
economy?
See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4); see also Hensley v. Astrue, 573 F.3d 263, 264 (6th Cir. 2009);
Foster v. Halter, 279 F.3d 348, 354 (6th Cir. 2001).
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at 13.) The ALJ determined that Plaintiff did not have an impairment or combination of
impairments that met or medically equaled one of the listed impairments described in 20 C.F.R.
Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. (Id. at 14.) After step three of the sequential process, the ALJ
set forth Plaintiff’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”) as follows:
After careful consideration of the entire record, the [ALJ] finds that the [Plaintiff]
has the residual functional capacity to perform medium work as defined in 20 CFR
404.1567(c) and 416.967 subject to the following limitations. He can climb
ladders, ropes, and/or scaffolds, stoop, crouch, and/or crawl no more than
frequently. He is limited to performing simple, routine, repetitive tasks on a
sustained basis with only routine breaks, and any work must not require more than
ordinary and routine changes in work setting or duties. He would do best in a a
socially restricted setting; considering this, any work should not require more than
occasional contact and no interaction with the general public and any work should
not require close, sustained interaction with others including supervisors or
coworkers.
(Id. at 16-17.)
Relying on the VE’s testimony, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not capable of
performing his past relevant work. The ALJ also recognized that Plaintiff was a younger
individual at 49 years old at the time of the hearing with a high school education. The ALJ
ultimately determined that, considering his age, education, work experience and his RFC,
Plaintiff was capable of performing other work that exists in significant numbers in the national
economy. He therefore concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act.
(Id. at 23-24.)
The Appeals Council denied Plaintiff’s request for review, making the ALJ’s decision the
final decision of the Commissioner. Plaintiff timely filed this action for judicial review.
II.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
When reviewing a case under the Social Security Act, the Court “must affirm the
Commissioner’s decision if it ‘is supported by substantial evidence and was made pursuant to
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proper legal standards.’” Rabbers v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 582 F.3d 647, 651 (6th Cir. 2009)
(quoting Rogers v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007)); see also 42 U.S.C. §
405(g) (“[t]he findings of the Commissioner of Social Security as to any fact, if supported by
substantial evidence, shall be conclusive . . . .”). Under this standard, “substantial evidence is
defined as ‘more than a scintilla of evidence but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant
evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Rogers, 486
F.3d at 241 (quoting Cutlip v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994)).
Although the substantial evidence standard is deferential, it is not trivial. The Court must
“‘take into account whatever in the record fairly detracts from [the] weight’” of the
Commissioner’s decision. TNS, Inc. v. NLRB, 296 F.3d 384, 395 (6th Cir. 2002) (quoting
Universal Camera Corp. v. NLRB, 340 U.S. 474, 487 (1951)), cert. denied sub. nom. Paper,
Allied-Indus., Chem.& Energy Workers Int’l Union v. TNS, Inc. 537 U.S. 1106 (2003).
Nevertheless, “if substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, this Court defers to that
finding ‘even if there is substantial evidence in the record that would have supported an
opposite conclusion.’” Blakley v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 581 F.3d 399, 406 (quoting Key v.
Callahan, 109 F.3d 270, 273 (6th Cir. 1997)). Finally, even if the ALJ’s decision meets the
substantial evidence standard, “a decision of the Commissioner will not be upheld where the
SSA fails to follow its own regulations and where that error prejudices a claimant on the merits
or deprives the claimant of a substantial right.” Bowen v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 478 F.3d 742,
746 (6th Cir. 2007).
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III.
ANALYSIS
In his Statement of Errors, Plaintiff raises one compound issue. Specifically, Plaintiff
contends that the ALJ improperly evaluated the medical opinions of record solely with regard to
his mental limitations, and as a result his RFC was not supported by substantial evidence. The
Court disagrees.
The ALJ must consider all medical opinions that he or she receives in evaluating a
claimant’s case. 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(c); see also SSR 96–8p 1996 WL 374184, at *7 (July 2,
1996) (“The RFC assessment must always consider and address medical source opinions.”). The
applicable regulations define medical opinions as “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
impairment(s), and your physical or mental restrictions.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(a)(2).
Regardless of the source of a medical opinion, in weighing the opinion, the ALJ must
apply the factors set forth in 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(c), including the examining and treatment
relationship, supportability of the opinion, consistency of the opinion with the record as a
whole, and the specialization of the source. In addition, the regulations provide that the ALJ
must explain the weight assigned to the opinions of the medical sources:
Unless a treating source’s opinion is given controlling weight, the administrative
law judge must explain in the decision the weight given to the opinions of a State
agency medical or psychological consultant or other program physician,
psychologist, or other medical specialist, as the administrative law judge must do
for any opinions from treating sources, nontreating sources, and other
nonexamining sources who do not work for us.
20 C.F.R. § 416.927(e)(2)(ii). Where an ALJ’s opinion satisfies the goal of § 416.927 and is
otherwise supported by substantial evidence, the failure to explicitly provide the weight assigned
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is harmless. See, e.g., Pasco v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 137 F. App’x 828, 839 (6th Cir. 2005)
(harmless error where the ALJ failed to mention or weigh the report of consultative neurologist
who only evaluated plaintiff once and was not a treating source); Dykes v. Barnhart, 112 F. App’x
463, 467–69 (6th Cir. 2004) (failure to discuss or weigh opinion of consultative examiner was
harmless error).
In the instant case, Plaintiff did not have a treating physician or psychologist’s opinion
regarding his mental limitations. The record instead contains four mental-health source opinions:
the opinion of Regina McKinney, Psy.D., an examining consultative psychologist to whom
Plaintiff was referred by the agency in February 2011 (R. at 528-34); the opinion of Christopher
C. Ward, Ph.D., a second examining psychologist to who evaluated Plaintiff on September 3, 2013,
at the behest of the State agency (R. at 377-83); the opinion of Robyn Hoffman, Ph.D., a State
agency non-examining psychologist (R. at 67-69, 71-73); and the opinion of Kristen Haskins,
Psy.D., a second State agency non-examining psychologist. (R. at 123-25, 127-29).
The ALJ assigned little weight to Dr. McKinney’s and Dr. Ward’s opinions. (R. at 21-22.)
The ALJ assigned limited weight to the opinions of Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Haskins. (R. at 22.)
Plaintiff contends that the ALJ gave “short shrift” to these mental health professionals’ opinions
and, in essence, relied on his own lay interpretation of the record to discredit the four opinions. A
close review of the ALJ’s decision reveals, however, that he amply described the opinion evidence
related to Plaintiff’s mental-health limitations and properly discounted their value in arriving at
his RFC.
The ALJ was not required to fully credit the opinions of the consultative examining and
state agency reviewing psychologists merely because they were the only consultative exams and
opinions regarding Plaintiff’s mental functioning in the record. The ALJ assigned weight to the
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opinions after considering the necessary factors, including evidence in support of the opinion and
consistency with the record as a whole as required by 20 C.F.R. § 416.927. Here, the ALJ
thoroughly explained why he discounted each opinion and his decision is supported by
substantial evidence.
A. Dr. McKinney
On February 23, 2011, Dr. McKinney examined Plaintiff in relation to a prior application for
social security benefits. (R. at 529.) With questioning during the examination, Plaintiff
indicated that he had been constantly depressed, and his symptoms had worsened in the previous
two years. He alluded to anhedonia, withdrawal, reduced attention and concentration, and
excessive worrying. (Id.) Plaintiff complained of constant pain in his back and neck. Although
Plaintiff appeared to be in pain during the evaluation, Dr. McKinney noted that he may have
slightly exaggerated his difficulties. (Id.) She also noted that Plaintiff’s motivation was
variable. (R. at 531.) Dr. McKinney questioned Plaintiff about his alcohol consumption, noting
he had received multiple convictions for driving under the influence and spent time in the
penitentiary for “growing pot.” She indicated that Plaintiff was vague in his responses and may
have been minimizing his alcohol use. (R. at 530, 532.)
Dr. McKinney opined that Plaintiff may have some difficulty relating adequately to
others in completing simple, repetitive tasks; would not likely have significant difficulty
understanding or retaining simple instructions but his pace may be slowed by depressive
symptomatology; his attention and concentration skills were not strong during the evaluation and
may deteriorate over extended time periods, slowing his performance in completing simple,
repetitive tasks; stress associated with work activity could result in increased worrying and
decreased attention and concentration skills, but could also result in such increased depressive
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symptomatology as crying, withdrawal, and slowed work performance. (R. at 533.) Dr.
McKinney assigned a GAF score of 55. (R. at 533.)
The ALJ gave “little weight” to consultative examining psychologist Dr. McKinney. In
particular, the ALJ discounted Dr. McKinney’s opinion that Plaintiff might have some difficulty
completing even simple repetitive tasks. The ALJ found that Dr. McKinney’s opinion was not
supported by the evidence of the record as a whole. The ALJ properly discounted Dr.
McKinney’s opinions for this reason. As the record shows, Dr. McKinney’s opinion was
inconsistent with information offered by the medical consultative examiners and Plaintiff’s
treating physicians. For instance, during his neurologist’s examination, Plaintiff was able to
complete three-step commands without difficulty and did not have difficulty following simple
instructions during his medical consultative examination. (R. at 368-73.) Because it was
inconsistent with the record as a whole, the ALJ properly discounted Dr. McKinney’s opinions
with regard to Plaintiff’s limitations caused by mental impairments. See 20 C.F.R. §
404.1527(c)(4) (“Generally, the more consistent an opinion is with the record as a whole, the
more weight we will give to that opinion”); cf. Blakley, 581 F.3d at 406 (quoting SSR 96 2p,
1996 WL 374188, at *2 (July 2, 1996)) (“I]t is an error to give an opinion controlling weight
simply because it is the opinion of a treating source if . . . it is inconsistent the with other
substantial evidence in the case record.”).
B. Dr. Ward
Dr. Ward examined Plaintiff on September 3, 2013. Plaintiff reported that he had
physical problems with his back and neck associated with degenerative discs. He also described
headaches and memory problems associated with a head trauma he sustained when he hit by
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local police two years earlier for which he spent several days in the hospital. (R. at 378.)
Plaintiff indicated that he had no history of treatment with mental health providers. (R. at 379.)
Dr. Ward recorded that Plaintiff arrived late for the evaluation, was dirty and disheveled,
had difficulty ambulating and was unsteady when he walked. (Id.) Dr. Ward noted that Plaintiff
did not appear to exaggerate or minimize his difficulties. Plaintiff’s speech was within normal
limits, although he regularly wandered off task but was generally able to be redirected.
Language skills were adequate although questions were repeated due to focus problems. (Id.)
Plaintiff presented as depressed and unfocused and his affect was flat. (R. at 380.) Plaintiff
endorsed symptoms of depression over the past year including poor quality mood, anhedonia,
fatigue, low energy, limited motivation, concentration problems and social withdrawal. (Id.)
Dr. Ward noted that Plaintiff’s remote recall was limited for life details, but he was able
to complete six digits forward and four digits backward, but not consecutively. His arithmetic
reasoning abilities were adequate for basic multiplication and division, but his abstract reasoning
abilities were below average. (R. at 380.) Dr. Ward indicated that Plaintiff’s level of
intelligence appeared to fall within the average range, “but his presentation and history were
suggestive of cognitive impairment. Further testing would be necessary to determine this.” (Id.)
Dr. Ward opined that Plaintiff’s abstract reasoning skills were below average which may
lead to difficulty understanding instructions; his memory skills are below average based on his
examination which may lead to difficulty remembering instructions; he had difficulty completing
serial 7s but effectively completed a serial 3s task which suggest some difficulty with attention
and focus; and he presented with attention and concentration problems which Dr. Ward noted
may affect Plaintiff’s ability to adequately engage in work environments including difficulty
completing tasks in a timely manner. (R. at 381-82). Dr. Ward also noted that Plaintiff
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presented as depressed and unfocused during the evaluation which may affect level of
engagement with coworkers and supervisors; described impacts of mental health problems on
work, which may lead to emotional instability when presented with critical supervisory feedback
and difficulty developing and maintaining appropriate co-worker relationships; described
depressive symptoms that may compromise ability to respond to work pressures and lead to
increased emotional instability and withdrawal; and presented with limited cognitive ability to
adapt to work pressures and would have difficulty responding to changes in work environments.
(R. at 382). Dr. Ward assigned Plaintiff a Global Assessment of Functioning (“GAF”) score of
49, which is indicative serious functional limitations. (R. at 381.)
The ALJ weighed and gave “little weight” to the opinions of consultative examining
psychologist Dr. Ward. This determination is supported by substantial evidence. The Court
notes that the ALJ fully articulated his explanation for discounting Dr. Ward’s opinion. The ALJ
first acknowledged that Dr. Ward was the most recent consultative examining psychologist,
consistent with the regulatory scheme. See 20 C.F.R. § § 404.1527(c)(5) (physician’s
specialization); § 404.1527(c) (the length, nature, and extent of treatment relationship). The ALJ
discounted Dr. Ward’s opinions because they were vague in that he was not specific as to what
difficulties Plaintiff would have performing functions and because they were inconsistent with
Plaintiff’s treatment history. (R. at 21.)
With regard to Plaintiff’s treatment history, the ALJ noted generally that it had been
conservative and not consistent with the degree of limitation he has alleged. For example, the
ALJ noted contradictions in Plaintiff’s treating history and his medical consultative
examinations. Specifically, the ALJ indicated that Plaintiff’s treatment history is not consistent
with debilitating mental impairment. (R. at 19-20.) The ALJ pointed to evidence in which
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Plaintiff’s treatment providers questioned or expressed concerns about Plaintiff’s effort and
complaints during his physical examinations. Indeed, some of Plaintiff’s medical providers had
noted limitations in Plaintiff’s effort which the ALJ concluded “casts some doubt on his effort at
the psychological consultative examinations.” (R. at 19.) These are proper bases from which the
ALJ reasonably discounted the weight he afforded to Dr. Ward’s opinion. See Rudd v. Comm’r
of Soc. Sec., 531 F. App’x, 719, 727 (6th Cir. 2013) (minimal or lack of treatment is valid reason
to discount severity); Despins v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 257 F. App’x 923, 931 (6th Cir. 2007)
(“The ALJ properly considered as relevant the fact that [the claimant’s] medical records did not
indicate that [claimant] received significant treatment . . . during the relevant time period.”);
Lester v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 596 F. App’x 387, 389 (6th Cir. 2015) (concluding that ALJ
reasonably discounted a doctor’s opined limitations where, among other things, the claimant was
receiving conservative treatment)
The ALJ also properly discounted Dr. Ward’s opinion because it was vague. The ALJ
noted that Dr. Ward opined that Plaintiff “might” have difficulty understanding instructions,
completing tasks in a timely manner, responding appropriately to coworkers and supervisors, and
adapting to work pressures. (R. at 21.) The ALJ emphasized that Dr. Ward’s opinion was vague
because he was not specific as to the particular difficulties Plaintiff would have in those areas.
The ALJ therefore reduced the weight assigned to his opinion. (Id.) The ALJ was within his
province to do so. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(3) (“The more a medical source presents
relevant evidence to support an opinion, particularly medical signs and laboratory findings, the
more weight we will give that opinion. The better an explanation a source provides for an
opinion, the more weight we will give that opinion.”). Despite his assessment that Dr. Ward’s
opinion that Plaintiff might have difficulties, the ALJ nevertheless found that Plaintiff had some
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limitations that would restrict him to simple, routine, repetitive tasks with no more than ordinary
or routine changes and a socially restricted setting. (R. at 17.) The Court concludes that the
ALJ reasonably evaluated Dr. Ward’s opinion. His decision in this regard is supported by
substantial evidence.
C. Drs. Hoffman and Haskins
Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Haskins reviewed the record and completed Mental Residual
Functional Capacity (“MRFC”) assessments in April 2013 and November 2013, respectively.
(R. at 71-73, 110-12.) Both doctors opined that Plaintiff could understand and remember simple
one to two-step instructions; concentrate to perform simple and repetitive tasks in an
environment that did not require a fast pace or high production quotas; would do best in an
environment that did not involve interacting with the general public; required no more than
infrequent/superficial interactions with coworkers and supervisors; and changes should be
infrequent and easily explained or demonstrated. (Id.)
The ALJ gave limited weight to the state agency reviewing psychologists. (R. at 22.) This
assessment, too, is supported by substantial evidence. As the ALJ noted, Drs. Hoffman and
Haskins gave great weight to the consultative examining psychologist despite noting that there
were inconsistencies in Plaintiff’s presentations. (R. at 22.) The ALJ acknowledged evidence of
Plaintiff’s mental impairment in the record. (Id.) He nevertheless discounted these opinions
based on “signs of poor or inconsistent effort during physical examinations and the lack of more
than minimal evaluation or treatment for mental or cognitive impairment.” (Id.)
The ALJ found that Drs. Hoffman and Haskins “placed too much weight on the one-time
psychological evaluations.” (Id.) Plaintiff argues that the ALJ “disparaged” the state agency
reviewing psychologists’ opinions by making this determination. He faults the ALJ for
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considering Plaintiff’s inconsistent effort during his physical examination and questions how
physical examinations could be relevant to his mental impairments and the opinions related
thereto. The ALJ, however, did not err by reviewing the entire record in determining Plaintiff’s
RFC. An ALJ must consider the record as a whole and all medical opinions that he or she
receives in evaluating a claimant’s case. 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(c); see also SSR 96–8p 1996 WL
374184, at *7 (July 2, 1996) (“The RFC assessment must always consider and address medical
source opinions.”); Hill v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 560 F. App’x 547, 551 (6th Cir. 2014)
(recognizing that the ALJ’s decision should be read as a whole).2
The ALJ reasonably discounted the opinions of consultative examining psychologists and
the state agency reviewing psychologists. The record reflects that the ALJ did not, as Plaintiff
contends, “short shrift” the appropriate factors in evaluating the medical-source opinions. The
ALJ thoroughly reviewed the evidence and determined that inconsistencies in the record
detracted from giving full weight to the opinions. These inconsistencies include contradictions
and variations in Plaintiff’s physical examinations and treatment history. The ALJ’s decision is
supported by substantial evidence.
Plaintiff did not have a mental health treatment history with any mental health providers.
Thus, the ALJ turned to other evidence in assessing Plaintiff’s limitations related to his mental
impairments. The ALJ considered Plaintiff’s treatment records which indicated that Plaintiff did
2
Plaintiff also challenges the ALJ’s decision to recount the fact that Plaintiff did not
mention his assault during his psychological exam with Dr. McKinney as a reason to discount
the state agency reviewing psychologists’ opinions. (Pl’s Stmt. of Errors, at p. 11.) Yet, Plaintiff
fails to provide a reason why this observation by the ALJ constitutes reversible error. To the
contrary—the ALJ made note of this omission in highlighting the inconsistencies in Plaintiff’s
evaluations.
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not take any recommended-prescribed medication for his mental-health symptoms. (R. at 20.)
The ALJ noted that Plaintiff complained of depression and difficulty with concentration to his
primary care provider. Plaintiff, however, declined treatment with medication because he
purportedly felt it made him more depressed. (R. at 516.) The ALJ also noted that Plaintiff
indicated in 2008 that he was afraid of side effects from prescribed medication Cymbalta. Yet,
several years later when Plaintiff again tried Cymbalta, he stopped taking it quickly even though
his primary care physician observed that he appeared to be doing better when taking the
medication. (R. at 543 (noting that “he appeared to be doing better, maintaining better eye
contact, spoke more positively about planning to do things with his son.”)) The ALJ also
considered that Plaintiff’s neurologist noted that Plaintiff did not want to take a pill for
depression despite his symptoms. (R. at 371.) The ALJ properly evaluated the fact that Plaintiff
failed to follow prescribed treatment. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1530(b), 416.930(b) (“If you do not
follow the prescribed treatment without good reason, we will not find you disabled.”); Morris v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 1:11-CV-154, 2012 WL 4953118, at *7 (W.D. Mich. Oct. 17, 2012).
As the ALJ noted, treatment records from Plaintiff’s primary care physicians and
neurologist were inconsistent with the opinions regarding his mental functioning. (R. at 20,
citing 368, 371, 373, 516, 539.) This conclusion finds substantial support in the record. For
instance, Plaintiff’s treating neurologist indicated showed that Plaintiff’s attention was adequate
to follow three-step commands and that he scored twenty-six out of thirty on a mini mental status
exam. Although Plaintiff wandered off task during the psychological examination with Dr.
Ward, Plaintiff had conversational speech within normal limits and normal articulation of speech
during his neurological appointments. (R. at 368, 373 and 379.). Other medical professionals
noted that, while Plaintiff protested that he was unable to do so, he was able to walk on his heels
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and toes without difficulty and had no trouble getting up from the floor after clumsily falling,
despite stating he could not do so easily. (R. at 389.) Finally, the ALJ was not required to
discuss and cite every single piece of evidence. Kornecky v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 167 F. App’x
496, 508 (6th Cir. 2006 ) (“While it might be ideal for an ALJ to articulate his reasons for
crediting or discrediting each . . . opinion, it is well settled that an ALJ can consider all the
evidence without directly addressing in his written decision every piece of evidence submitted by
a party.”) (internal citations and quotations omitted). Thus, the ALJ reasonably considered
Plaintiff’s treatment history, in addition to other reasons, in evaluating the opinions regarding his
mental impairments.
IV.
DISPOSITION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court concludes that the ALJ properly applied the
regulations in evaluating and discounting the opinions of examining psychologists Dr. Ward and
Dr. McKinney, and the state agency reviewing psychologists Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Haskins.
Thus, substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s evaluation of the opinions regarding Plaintiff’s
mental functioning. From a review of the record as a whole, the Court finds that substantial
evidence supports the ALJ’s decision denying benefits. Accordingly, the Court OVERRULES
Plaintiff’s Statement of Errors and AFFIRMS the Commissioner of Social Security’s decision.
The Clerk is DIRECTED to enter judgment in favor of Defendant.
IT IS SO ORDERD.
Date: October 1, 2018
____s/ James L. Graham_____________
JAMES L. GRAHAM
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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