Lockett v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 16

ORDER THAT: (1) THE ALJ'S NON-DISABILITY FINDING IS SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, AND AFFIRMED; AND (2) THIS CASE IS CLOSED. Signed by Judge Timothy S. Black on 11/5/2014. (mr1)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
WESTERN DIVISION
ERNEST LOCKETT,
Plaintiff,
vs.
COMMISSIONER OF
SOCIAL SECURITY,
Defendant.

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Case No. 3:13-cv-303
Judge Timothy S. Black

ORDER THAT: (1) THE ALJ’S NON-DISABILITY FINDING IS SUPPORTED
BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, AND AFFIRMED;
AND (2) THIS CASE IS CLOSED
This is a Social Security disability benefits appeal. At issue is whether the
administrative law judge (“ALJ”) erred in finding the Plaintiff “not disabled” and
therefore not entitled to supplemental security income (“SSI”). (See Administrative
Transcript (“PageID”) (PageID 47-57) (ALJ’s decision)).
I.
On May 28, 2009, Plaintiff applied for SSI, alleging that he had been unable to
work since January 1, 1996 due to bipolar disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder. (PageID 47, 223-25). Plaintiff’s applications were denied initially and upon
reconsideration. (PageID 93-100). Plaintiff filed a timely request for a hearing. (PageID
101-115).
On February 28, 2012, a hearing was held in Dayton, Ohio before an ALJ.
(PageID 68). Plaintiff attended the hearing via video. (PageID 68). Plaintiff was

represented by an attorney. (Id.) An impartial vocational expert also appeared and
testified at the hearing. (PageID 68, 213).
In a written decision dated March 15, 2012, the ALJ denied Plaintiff’s claim for
benefits. (PageID 44-57). Following a timely filed request for review, the Appeals
Council declined to review the ALJ’s decision, making that decision the final
administrative disposition of Plaintiff’s claim. (PageID 33-43).
Plaintiff is 24 years old and obtained his GED. (PageID 49, 51, 55). Plaintiff does
not have any past relevant work experience. 1 (PageID 55).
The ALJ’s “Findings,” which represent the rationale of her decision, were as
follows:
1. The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since May 28,
2009, the application date (20 CFR 416.971 et seq.).
2. The claimant has the following severe impairments: bipolar disorder NOS;
alcohol dependence; a history of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and
malingering (20 CFR 416.920(c)).
3. The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of impairments that
meets or medically equals the severity of one of the listed impairments in 20
CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 CFR 416.920(d), 416.925 and
416.926).
4. After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned finds that the
claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform a full range of work at
all exertional levels, including heavy/very heavy work. Giving the claimant
the full benefit of doubt with regard to his allegations and subjective
complaints, it is found that he is limited to simple, routine and repetitive tasks.
He is further limited to low stress work, which in this case is defined as a
Past relevant work experience is defined as work that the claimant has “done within the last 15
years, [that] lasted long enough for [the claimant] to learn to do it, and was substantial gainful
activity.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.965(a).
1

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relatively static work environment with only occasional changes in the work
setting, which can be explained. He should not be expected to perform
production rate or pace work. He is restricted to jobs that would require no
more than occasional interaction with co-workers and the public.
5. The claimant has no past relevant work (20 CFR 416.965).
6. The claimant was born on November 30, 1988 and was 20 years old, which is
defined as a younger individual age 18-49, on the date the application was filed
(20 CFR 416.963).
7. The claimant has a high school education and is able to communicate in
English (20 CFR 416.964).
8. Transferability of job skills is not an issue because the claimant does not have
past relevant work (20 CFR 416.968).
9. Considering the claimant’s age, education, work experience, and residual
functional capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the
national economy that the claimant can perform (20 CFR 416.969 and
416.969(a)).
10. The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social Security
Act since May 28, 2009, the date the application was filed (20 CFR
416.920(g)).
(PageID 50-56).
In sum, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not under a disability as defined by
the Social Security Regulations, and was therefore not entitled to SSI. (PageID 57).
On appeal, Plaintiff argues that: (1) the ALJ failed to adequately consider the
comprehensive evidence regarding his failed attempts at vocational training;
(2) the ALJ erred in failing to request IQ testing and subsequently denying disability
under Listing 12.05; and (3) the assigned RFC is not supported by substantial evidence in

3

that it omits several well evidenced limitations occasioned by his impairments. The
Court will address each error in turn.
II.
The Court’s inquiry on appeal is to determine whether the ALJ’s non-disability
finding is supported by substantial evidence. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Substantial evidence is
“such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a
conclusion.” Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971). In performing this
review, the Court considers the record as a whole. Hephner v. Mathews, 574 F.2d 359,
362 (6th Cir. 1978). If substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s denial of benefits, that
finding must be affirmed, even if substantial evidence also exists in the record upon
which the ALJ could have found plaintiff disabled. As the Sixth Circuit has explained:
The Commissioner’s findings are not subject to reversal
merely because substantial evidence exists in the record to
support a different conclusion. The substantial evidence
standard presupposes that there is a “zone of choice” within
which the Commissioner may proceed without interference
from the courts. If the Commissioner’s decision is
supported by substantial evidence, a reviewing court must
affirm.
Felisky v. Bowen, 35 F.3d 1027, 1035 (6th Cir. 1994).
The claimant bears the ultimate burden to prove by sufficient evidence that he is
entitled to disability benefits. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512(a). That is, he must present
sufficient evidence to show that, during the relevant time period, he suffered an

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impairment, or combination of impairments, expected to last at least twelve months, that
left him unable to perform any job in the national economy. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A).
A.
The record reflects that:
1. Claimant’s testimony and background
Plaintiff did not graduate from high school (where he was in special education
courses), but did obtain his GED. (PageID 51, 73). At the time of his administrative
hearing, Plaintiff had been incarcerated for approximately one year due to an aggravated
robbery conviction. (PageID 73). He was expected to be released in May 2014. (PageID
49).
Prior to his incarceration, Plaintiff was receiving job training through a disability
assistance program hosted by Goodwill Easter Seals. (PageID 74). While in this
training, Plaintiff’s supervisor or job coach helped him keep track of the timing of his
breaks. (PageID 78). Plaintiff made mistakes and his job coach helped him fix them, but
sometimes this caused Plaintiff to “get into it” with the job coach because Plaintiff
thought he was completing tasks properly. (PageID 79). Plaintiff got in trouble during
meetings at Goodwill for saying inappropriate things. (Id.) Plaintiff was ultimately
terminated from this program for not keeping a proper count of the parts he was
assembling. (PageID 77-78).
At the hearing, Plaintiff explained that his depressed intellectual functioning had
significantly impacted his independence. Despite being 23 years old, Plaintiff testified
5

that he has never had a driver’s license. (PageID 73). He can read, but only a “little bit.”
(Id.) He relied on a caseworker to help him secure public benefits, get a phone, and set
him up with Goodwill. (PageID 80). His caseworker also set up his utilities, secured him
housing, and helps him pay his bills. (PageID 81). His mother or father takes him to the
grocery store and helps him keep track of his money and pick what food to buy. (PageID
80-81). He has trouble counting change and relies upon the honesty of the cashier or help
from his parents. (PageID 81). Plaintiff believes that without the help of his parents and
caseworkers, he probably could not make it on his own and would “mess [things] up.”
(PaegID 82).
2. Non-medical evidence
The record reflects that Plaintiff was a special education student in the Dayton
Public Schools with an Individualized Education Program (“IEP”). (PageID 239-66,
287-94). Testing performed when Plaintiff was 14 revealed intelligence scores consistent
with borderline ability. (PageID 242). Similarly, adaptive testing at that time revealed
“severe delays in all areas.” (PageID 243). Plaintiff had significant difficulty in
academic and social functioning while at school. (PageID 243-52). Despite having the
chronological age of an eighth or ninth grader, Plaintiff was ultimately determined to be
functioning at a second to third grade level. (PageID 244). He was diagnosed with a
cognitive delay. (PageID 256).

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In April 2009, Plaintiff underwent job training related to his cognitive disabilities
through Capabilities Inc. 2 (PageID 268). Plaintiff arrived over an hour and a half early
to his second meeting with his job coach. (Id.) When it was time for his first actual
workplace assessment, which involved stocking at Gabriel Brothers while being
observed and instructed by his job coach, Plaintiff forgot the time he was supposed to
arrive and needed to be reminded. (Id.) While at Gabriel Brothers, Plaintiff’s job coach
noted that Plaintiff was “quite slow” in placing price stickers on items and seemed not to
realize that it made a difference how the sticker was oriented or placed. (PageID 269).
Plaintiff was talkative, but “often hard to understand.” (Id.) The job coach also noted
that Plaintiff kept misplacing his box cutter. (Id.)
On the second day of job observation, Plaintiff was 14 minutes late and, shortly
after he arrived, his job coach found him resting in the break room. (PageID 269). The
job coach noted that Plaintiff continued to be difficult to understand, often speaking about
random things unrelated to the present context. (Id.) The job coach also observed that
Plaintiff “needs someone to tell him what time specifically he is to return [from breaks]
as he has a hard time comprehending time.” (Id.)
On the third day, Plaintiff continued to have trouble learning where to place
pricing stickers on merchandise. (PageID 270). He had been moved to stocking shoes
and found the job “too hard.” (Id.) He began requesting additional breaks and

Capabilities is an organization that provides job training and placement services for Ohioans
with disabilities.

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reassignment. (Id.) The next business day, Plaintiff showed up at the job site even
though he was not scheduled to work. (PageID 270-71). He went straight to the break
room and slept there for two hours before being confronted by management. (Id.) The
manager of the job site had to call Plaintiff’s job coach to resolve the situation. (Id.)
Following his April workplace observations, Plaintiff’s job coach concluded that Plaintiff
has weaknesses in the areas of work speed, understandable communication, motivation,
attendance, punctuality, and remembering instructions. (Id.)
Plaintiff underwent a second round of job observation and training at Capabilities
in May 2009. (PageID 272). Plaintiff arrived late to multiple appointments and did not
attend others. (Id.) When present, Plaintiff’s hair and dress were noted to be in disarray.
(Id.) Plaintiff also failed to follow through with contacting Capabilities as instructed and
services were ultimately terminated. (Id.)
On May 28, 2009, Plaintiff presented at a local Social Security office to file his
Title XVI application. (PageID 274-77). The employee who assisted Plaintiff described
him as follows:
[Claimant] looked somewhat disheveled. Clothes looked like they had
been slept in. He had a horrible odor. His breath smelled as though he
hadn’t brushed his teeth. He mumbled and it was difficult getting an
answer from him. He would ramble about things immaterial to his claim.
(PageID 276).
Plaintiff was similarly noted to be “disheveled and unkempt” by another Social
Security employee at a face-to-face meeting on August 17, 2009. (PageID 304-06).
8

From June 2010 through June 2011, Plaintiff received vocational rehabilitation
services through a Goodwill Easter Seals program. (PageID 330-59). Plaintiff’s initial
mental health services assessment for the program was performed on June 4, 2010.
(PageID 355-59). During the assessment, Plaintiff was noted to hurry through testing,
making many errors. (PageID 356). Reading testing placed Plaintiff at second grade
level. (Id.) However, an examining neuropsychologist diagnosed Plaintiff with
malingering. (PageID 55). In terms of life skills, Plaintiff reported needing assistance
with transportation, handling money, meal planning, reading, writing, and maintaining
relationships. (PageID 357). He explained that he cannot prepare a meal, use appliances
in his home, write a check, pay his own bills, or buy groceries. (Id.) Plaintiff expressed
an interest in finding a job, but the assessor believed he would need additional support
and testing to realize that ambition. (PageID 357-58). More specifically, the assessor
opined that Plaintiff would need a work evaluation to more specifically gauge his skills,
life skills education, and possibly a job coach or other workplace accommodations. (Id.)
Following his initial evaluation, Plaintiff underwent 10 days of skills assessments
at Goodwill Industries in late June of 2010. (PageID 352-54). Problems arose within the
first week. Plaintiff was noted to work with “disregard for the [workplace] safety
precautions.” (PageID 352). His communications with his supervisors and coworkers
were also confusing and difficult to understand, accentuated by “comments that did not
make sense.” (Id.) Additionally, Plaintiff displayed “inappropriate behavior”

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during work group meetings during his first week of assessments. (PageID 353). During
his second week of workplace assessments, he continued to struggle. (Id.) Plaintiff’s
attempts to communicate with other workers were confusing and he continued to be
inappropriate and disruptive during meetings. (Id.) He also failed to follow instructions
regarding appropriate workplace attire. (Id.)
Plaintiff continued to undergo work training and observation through Goodwill
Easter Seals through his incarceration in May 2011. (PageID 348-51). At times, Plaintiff
was observed to be disheveled, not shaven, and wearing dirty clothes. (PageID 346, 34850). Plaintiff had difficulty following instructions with a tendency to work carelessly,
requiring direct supervision and regular prompting. (PageID 348, 350). Plaintiff forgot
instructions from one day to the next. (PageID 348). He was also tardy or late coming
back from breaks on several occasions. (PageID 349-50). He missed appointments with
his job coach without calling to reschedule. (PageID 345). When taken by his coach to
job sites to file applications, Plaintiff had difficulty being professional in both his
behaviors and attire. (PageID 343, 346).
3. Medical evidence
From 2004 through 2008, Plaintiff received mental health treatment from Dr.
Mahajan. (PageID 465-526). Dr. Mahajan diagnosed Plaintiff with bipolar disorder and
prescribed him medications. (PageID 505, 515, 526). Plaintiff was noted to exhibit
problems with aggression and maintaining attention. (PageID 466, 489, 502-04, 507,

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510, 513, 516-17, 522, 524). Plaintiff’s behavior became so out of control that security
was called to his school on at least one occasion. (PageID 523). He was noted to talk to
himself, sometimes cursing. (PageID 520). His mood was also irregular. (PageID 47374, 484, 486, 489, 91-92, 524). Dr. Mahajan’s progress notes indicate that Plaintiff’s
compliance with his medications ranged from “low/noncompliant” to “partially
complaint.” (PageID 50). His GAF scores ranged from 65-70, indicative of only mild
symptoms, mild impairment in functioning, or both. 3 (Id.)
On July 12, 2009, Plaintiff was psychologically examined by state agency
consultant Dr. Flexman. (PageID 370). Plaintiff explained to Dr. Flexman that he was in
learning disability classes as a child and had multiple suspensions for behavior problems.
(PageID 371). Dr. Flexman observed that Plaintiff’s facial expressions were consistent
with anxiety. (Id.) He was fidgety and maintained eye contact only 20% of the time.
(PageID 371-72). Dr. Flexman’s diagnoses included ADHD, malingering, and borderline
intellectual functioning. (PageID 373). Ultimately, Dr. Flexman opined that Plaintiff has
at least moderate limitations in his ability to sustain attention, to interact appropriately
with others, to respond to changes, and to respond appropriately to work pressures in a
normal work setting. (PageID 373-74).

The Global Assessment of Functioning (“GAF”) is a numeric scale (1 through 100) used by
mental health clinicians and physicians to rate subjectively the social, occupational, and
psychological functioning of adults. A GAF score of 61-70 indicates some mild symptoms or
some difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning, but generally functioning pretty
well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships.
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On July, 20, 2009, another consultant, Dr. Williams, reviewed the evidence.
(PageID 376-92). She diagnosed Plaintiff with borderline intellectual functioning and
ADHD noting “moderate” limitations in all major functional areas. (PageID 381-90).
Dr. Williams was of the opinion that Plaintiff’s educational and vocational difficulties
were a product of “limited vocational motivation.” (PageID 378). Dr. Williams largely
deferred to Dr. Flexman and concluded that Plaintiff retained the capacity for “simple
work tasks, routines, social exchanges, and adjustments.” (Id.) Dr. Williams provided no
more specific explanation as to Plaintiff’s limitations. (Id.)
On September 21, 2009, Plaintiff underwent a psychiatric evaluation at Day-Mont
West. (PageID 398-406). Plaintiff reported that he had few friends and struggled with
developmental issues as a child. (PageID 399). He reported that he tried to get jobs in
the past, however, he was always ultimately fired. (PageID 400). Plaintiff explained that
he felt very depressed and overwhelmed by emotion. (PageID 402). His mood was
observed to be depressed and anxious. (PageID 406). Day-Mont West’s diagnoses
included bipolar disorder, bereavement, and alcohol dependence. (PageID 405). He was
assigned a GAF score of 50. 4 (Page 406).
Plaintiff underwent a similar evaluation at Samaritan Behavioral Health on
October 2, 2009. (PageID 417-20). His mood was angry and he presented with limited
judgment and insight. (Id.) He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD. (Id.)
He was again assigned a GAF score of 50. (PageID 412).
A GAF score of 41-50 indicates serious symptoms or any serious impairment in social,
occupational, or school functioning.
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On November 19, 2009, Plaintiff’s file was reviewed by another state agency
consultant, Dr. Dietz. (PageID 434-52). Dr. Dietz was not comfortable with Dr.
Williams’ analysis, so he drafted a new report rather than an affirmation. (PageID 434).
His diagnoses included ADHD, borderline intellectual functioning, alcohol dependence,
and bipolar disorder. (PageID 435-44). He concluded that plaintiff has moderate
limitations in the areas of social functioning and maintaining concentration, persistence,
or pace. (PageID 445). Ultimately, Dr. Dietz believed it was hard to determine
Plaintiff’s credibility. (PageID 452). He deferred to Dr. Flexman’s opinion “in the
absence of any other opinions.” (Id.) Dr. Dietz believed that Plaintiff is capable of
completing simple repetitive tasks without strict production standards or schedules in an
environment involving no more than superficial interaction with others. (Id.)
On April 7, 2010, Plaintiff’s counselors at the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
completed a questionnaire regarding his mental health limitations. (PageID 548). They
noted that Plaintiff has difficulties relating to authorities and tends to become frustrated
and anxious when under stress. (Id.) The counselors further explained that Plaintiff
needs to work on managing stress and relating effectively to people supervising him.
(Id.)
Following his evaluation in September of 2009, Plaintiff began receiving regular
psychiatric care through Day-Mont West, which continued through his incarceration in
2011. (PageID 550-663). Plaintiff reported symptoms during treatment including
paranoia, mood swings, persecutory delusions, feeling overwhelmed in response to daily
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stressors, depression, and anger. (PageID 550, 554, 568, 587, 594, 596-99, 605-08, 61115, 618). He was noted to exhibit tangential speech patterns requiring redirection.
(PageID 572, 618). He was often observed to be agitated or intense during appointments,
with other observations including rapid speech and/or avoidant eye contact. (PageID
594, 596-99, 605-08, 611-17). His diagnoses remained bipolar disorder, alcohol abuse,
and ADHD. (PageID 603, 662). Notes from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and
Correction reveal that Plaintiff continued to receive his medications while incarcerated.
(PageID 664-702). His principal diagnosis at the prison was a schizoaffective disorder,
bipolar type. (PageID 684).
4. The vocational expert’s testimony
Vocational expert Eric Pruitt testified that Plaintiff has no past relevant work for
Social Security purposes. (PageID 83-84). When posed a hypothetical largely mirroring
the assigned residual functional capacity, Mr. Pruitt testified that such a worker could
perform substantial numbers of other jobs in the national economy. (PageID 84). The
ALJ subsequently explored other limitations more specifically tailored to Plaintiff’s
capabilities as follows:
ALJ: I want you to consider this added limitation where the individual would
require close supervision where an individual would check this individual’s
work at least once-an hour. So would that impact the jobs you identified or
any other jobs?
VE:

Well, initially through what I would call the initial training period I don’t
think it would be an issue, but if this behavior continued on a long-term
basis I don’t think that an employer would retain an employee that
needed that much close supervision.
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(PageID 85).
Mr. Pruit went on to explain that the supervision described in the ALJ’s question
above is actually less than that which would be typically provided by a job coach.
(PageID 85). If a person required the services of a job coach, he “would not be capable
of competitive employment.” (PageID 86). Mr. Pruit also opined that only 6 to 12
absences per calendar year would be tolerated at the jobs he identified. (Id.) Further,
even an employee working in a position with only occasional contact with others would
be expected consistently to exhibit socially appropriate behavior. (PageID 87).
6. The ALJ’s decision
The ALJ determined that Plaintiff has not engaged in substantial, gainful activity
since his application date. 5 (PageID 48). She found that Plaintiff suffers from the severe
impairments of bipolar disorder, alcohol dependence, a history of ADHD, and
malingering. (PageID 50-52). However, she held that none of these impairments, singly
or in combination, meet or equal the severity of any of the Commissioner’s listed
impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. (PageID 52-53).
The ALJ’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”) finding reads: 6

The ALJ’s decision references the relevant period as beginning on Plaintiff’s application date
rather than the alleged onset date, because Social Security benefits under Title XVI only become
payable upon the filing of an application and, as a result, specific medical evidence of an exact
onset date need not generally be obtained prior to the application. (PageID 50).
5

“Residual functional capacity” is defined as the most a claimant can still do despite his or her
limitations. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a).
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After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned finds that
the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform a full range of
work at all exertional levels, including heavy/very heavy work. Giving the
claimant the full benefit of the doubt with regard to his allegations and
subjective complaints, it is found that he is limited to simple, routine and
repetitive tasks. He is further limited to low stress work, which in this
case is defined as a relatively static work environment with only
occasional changes in the work setting, which can be explained. He
should not be expected to perform production rate or pace work. He is
restricted to jobs that would require no more than occasional interaction
with co-workers and the public.
(PageID 53).
In reaching this RFC finding, the ALJ denied Plaintiff’s requests for IQ testing as
“unnecessary.” 7 (PageID 53). Additionally, she determined that Plaintiff’s is
“independent in [his] activities of daily living,” performing a wide variety of activities on
a regular basis. (PageID 54). The ALJ also surmised that the record’s evidence makes it
“clear” that Plaintiff “is attempting to appear more impaired than he actually is.”
(PageID 55). Ultimately, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff is capable of performing a
significant number of jobs in the national economy. (PageID 55-56).
B.
First, Plaintiff maintains that the ALJ failed to adequately consider the
comprehensive evidence regarding his failed attempts at vocational training.

Plaintiff’s representative requested that the ALJ refer Plaintiff to IQ testing both at the
administrative hearing and in a memorandum submitted prior to the hearing. (PageID 60, 32627).
7

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Specifically, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed to consider the observations of
staff regarding his behavior during vocational training. (PageID 268-73). 8 However,
Plaintiff does not explain how these observations support his claim. Instead, he only
cited to his attorney’s assertion at the hearing that the inappropriate jokes, rushed work,
and lack of attention the staff documented reflect disabling cognitive problems and not—
as the state-agency doctors concluded—a lack of motivation to work. (PageID 70-71).
An ALJ does not need to address every piece of evidence in the written decision.
Kornecky v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 167 F. App’x 496, 508 (6th Cir. 2006). Here, the ALJ
reasonably declined to address the specific notes from the vocational staff because the
ALJ relied on the state-agency doctors, who both opined without contradiction, that the
staff’s observations showed that Plaintiff retained the capability to work. (PageID 53,
378, 451). Specifically, in July 2009, state-agency psychologist Dr. Williams
acknowledged that the vocational evidence showed Plaintiff’s capabilities to do simple
repetitive tasks despite limited learning and social skills. (PageID 378). In November
2009, state agency psychologist Dr. Dietz concluded that the notes showed that Plaintiff’s
problems with work speed, remembering instructions, and speaking, did not preclude
“higher capabilities” when he applied himself. (PageID 451). In fact, the notes indicate
that from April through May 2009, a staff member observed Plaintiff handle a task well
The Court notes that at Plaintiff’s BVR Comprehensive Assessment, the examiner found that
Plaintiff “demonstrated a number of strengths.” (PageID 546). Among other things “[h]e was
alert and oriented with intact recent, remote, and immediate memory skills. He presented as
pleasant, friendly, cooperative, and eager to please . . . He demonstrated the willingness to
attempt all assigned tasks. He appeared attentive and was able to remain on task and follow
multiple directions.” (Id.)
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and increase speed (PageID 269-70), and concluded that Plaintiff could stay on task, be
courteous and patient, get to work, and refrain from distracting others. (PageID 271). 9
Although the staff member noted difficulty with remembering instructions, he or she also
noted that Plaintiff “lacks motivation to work.” (Id.)
In June 2011, staff members reported that Plaintiff’s participation in the program
was disrupted because he stole objects and failed to follow time-keeping policies.
(PageID 330). Otherwise, their notes mostly revealed Plaintiff’s capabilities to complete
tasks and interact appropriately with coworkers. For example, in April 2011 a supervisor
reported that Plaintiff “was doing well,” had limited his buffoonery, and was “focused”
on a job at an outlet center (PageID 334); in February 2011 Plaintiff demonstrated good
teamwork (PageID 340); in October 2010 he demonstrated improvements following
instructions (PageID 349); in September 2010 he had a productive day (PageID 351); and
in July 2010 he applied instructions and demonstrated a clear understanding of his duties.
(PageID 352-53).
Overall, the ALJ reasonably concluded that the vocational notes did not contradict
consultative psychological examiner Dr. Jerry Flexman’s July 2009 suggestion that
Plaintiff’s propensity to malinger and exert poor effort most hindered his ability to work.
(PageID 54, 373).

Plaintiff argues that the vast majority of vocational evidence post-dates the reviews of Drs.
Williams and Deitz. Nonetheless, upon review of the entirety of the vocational experts, this
Court finds that the opinions of Drs. Williams and Deitz are still supported by substantial
evidence.
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C.
Next, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in failing to request IQ testing and
subsequently denying disability under Listing 12.05. 10
Plaintiff relies on the fact that a teacher asserted that he functioned at a secondgrade level when he was 14 and that school psychologist Elizabeth Walthour concluded
that Plaintiff’s general intelligence was below 60% of his peers. However, the fact that
Plaintiff’s general intelligence was below 60% of his peers is not persuasive. In fact, if
anything, it demonstrates that Plaintiff’s intelligence was only slightly below average.
The ALJ has discretion to determine whether to supplement the record. Ferguson
v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 628 F.3d 269, 275 (6th Cir. 2010). Plaintiff can overcome that
deference if he had introduced objective evidence establishing a need to further develop
the record. Osburn v. Apfel, No. 98-1784, 1999 U.S. App. LEXIS 16220, at *7-8 (6th
Cir. 1999). Here, however, all of the medical evaluators concluded that Plaintiff has
borderline intelligence. (PageID 51, 53). Dr. Walthour reported that Plaintiff’s June
2003 IQ test, taken when he was 14, confirmed a 1998 exam showing that Plaintiff had
borderline intelligence. (PageID 53, 242-43). Similarly, Dr. Flexman’s testing revealed

“12.05 Intellectual disability: intellectual disability refers to significantly sub-average general
intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive functioning initially manifested during the
developmental period; i.e., the evidence demonstrates or supports onset of the impairment
before age 22. The required level of severity of this disorder is met when the requirements in A,
B, C, or D are satisfied…
C. A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60-70 and a physical or other mental
impairment imposing an additional and significant work-related limitation of
function…”
10

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borderline intellection. (PageID 373). Additionally, Plaintiff’s most recent school
records, from September 2005, show that he read at a seventh-grade level. (PageID 51,
287, 294). Accordingly, it was reasonable for the ALJ to refuse further testing. 11
D.
Finally, Plaintiff alleges that the assigned RFC is not supported by substantial
evidence because it omits several well evidenced limitations occasioned by his
impairments.
Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that the ALJ erred in failing to include restrictions
regarding his ability to interact with supervisors. However, there is not significant
evidence that Plaintiff had issues with supervisors. Dr. Flexman noted that Plaintiff’s
work history showed only moderate problems interacting with supervisors. (PageID 37374). The opinions of state-agency Drs. Williams and Dietz did not include specific
restrictions regarding interactions with supervisors, they simply checked boxes
suggesting problems interacting with supervisors in the assessment’s “Summary
Conclusions” section, which constitutes a worksheet and not a medical opinion. (PageID
Moreover, in order to satisfy Section 12.05(c), in addition to a valid IQ score, Plaintiff would
also need to show significant deficits in adaptive functioning. Deficits in adaptive functioning
are “manifested by difficulties in performing activities of daily living, maintaining social
relationships, or maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace.” 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P.,
App. 1 Section 12.00(c)(4). Here, Plaintiff told Dr. Flexman that he could handle his own daily
activities; use public transportation; clean his home; prepare food; cut the grass; play pool, video
games, and basketball; dance and date; do models; interact with friends, parents, siblings, and
relatives; baby-sit his cousins; and handle his own finances. (PageID 371). Accordingly,
regardless of Plaintiff’s IQ score, the record evidence does not support a finding that Plaintiff has
significant deficits in adaptive functioning. See, e.g., Hayes v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 357 F.
App’x 672, 675 (6th Cir. 2009) (claimant does not show deficits in adaptive functioning because
she cooks, does laundry and shops, manages her finances, and takes public transportation).
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376-78, 449-51). While there was some negative feedback from the vocational training
staff, they also noted positive feedback from supervisors and expressly commented on
Plaintiff’s ability to work well with others. (PageID 340, 349, 351, 352-53).
Moreover, there is evidence of malingering. In 2009, Plaintiff reported that his
mother had recently died in an accident and he had to identify her body. (PageID 55).
However, in a letter dated August 1, 2011, Plaintiff’s attorney reported having recently
spoken with his mother. (Id.) The evidence supports a finding that Plaintiff was
attempting to appear more impaired than he actually is, a sentiment also expressed by Dr.
Flexman. (PageID 373)
The Court’s duty on appeal is not to re-weigh the evidence, but to determine
whether the decision below is supported by substantial evidence. Raisor v. Schweiker,
540 F. Supp. 686 (S.D. Ohio 1982). Substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s finding that
Plaintiff could perform a full-range of work with limitations as noted. (See PageID 53).
The issue is not whether the record could support a finding of disability, but rather
whether the ALJ’s decision is supported by substantial evidence. Casey v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., 987 F.2d 1230, 1233 (6th Cir. 1993).
III.
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff’s assignments of error are unavailing. The
ALJ’s decision is supported by substantial evidence and is affirmed.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT the decision of the Commissioner, that
Ernest Lockett was not entitled to supplemental security income is found SUPPORTED
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BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, and AFFIRMED. The Clerk shall enter judgment
accordingly, whereupon this case is CLOSED in this Court.
Date: 11/5/14

s/ Timothy S. Black
Timothy S. Black
United States District Judge

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