Harrold v. Social Security Administration

Filing 21

OPINION AND ORDER by Magistrate Judge Paul J Cleary affirming the Commissioner's decision (sdc, Dpty Clk)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA

DONA MARIE HARROLD,

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Plaintiff,
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Acting Commissioner of the
Social Security Administration,
Defendant.

Case No. 15-CV-616-PJC

OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff, Dona Marie Harrold (“Harrold”), seeks judicial review of the decision of the
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (“Commissioner”) denying her application
for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income under Titles II and XVI of the
Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 401 et seq. For the reasons discussed below, the
Commissioner’s decision is AFFIRMED.
Social Security Law and Standard of Review
Disability under the Social Security Act is defined as the “inability to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment.” 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). A claimant is disabled under the Act only if his
“physical or mental impairment or impairments are of such severity that he is not only unable to
do his previous work but cannot, considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in
any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy.” 42 U.S.C. §
423(d)(2)(A). Social Security regulations implement a five-step sequential process to evaluate a

disability claim. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.1 See also Wall v. Astrue, 561 F.3d 1048, 1052 (10th
Cir. 2009) (detailing steps). “If a determination can be made at any of the steps that a claimant is
or is not disabled, evaluation under a subsequent step is not necessary.” Lax, 489 F.3d 1080,
1084 (10th Cir. 2007) (citation and quotation omitted).
Judicial review of the Commissioner’s determination is limited in scope to two inquiries:
first, whether the decision was supported by substantial evidence; and, second, whether the
correct legal standards were applied. Hamlin v. Barnhart, 365 F.3d 1208, 1214 (10th Cir. 2004).
“Substantial evidence is such evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
support a conclusion. It requires more than a scintilla, but less than a preponderance.” Wall, 561
F.3d at 1052 (quotation and citation omitted). Although the court will not reweigh the evidence,
the court will “meticulously examine the record as a whole, including anything that may
undercut or detract from the ALJ’s findings in order to determine if the substantiality test has
been met.” Id.

Step One requires the claimant to establish that she is not engaged in substantial gainful
activity, as defined by 20 C.F.R. § 404.1510. Step Two requires that the claimant establish that
she has a medically severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limit her
ability to do basic work activities. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). If the claimant is engaged in
substantial gainful activity (Step One) or if the claimant’s impairment is not medically severe
(Step Two), disability benefits are denied. At Step Three, the claimant’s impairment is
compared with certain impairments listed in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App.1 (“Listings”). A
claimant suffering from a listed impairment or impairments “medically equivalent” to a listed
impairment is determined to be disabled without further inquiry. If not, the evaluation proceeds
to Step Four, where the claimant must establish that she does not retain the residual functional
capacity (“RFC”) to perform his past relevant work. If the claimant’s Step Four burden is met,
the burden shifts to the Commissioner to establish at Step Five that work exists in significant
numbers in the national economy which the claimant, taking into account her age, education,
work experience, and RFC, can perform. See Lax v. Astrue, 489 F.3d 1080, 1084 (10th Cir.
2007). Disability benefits are denied if the Commissioner shows that the impairment which
precluded the performance of past relevant work does not preclude alternative work. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1520.
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Background
Harrold was forty years old on the alleged date of onset of disability and forty-four on the
date of the Commissioner’s final decision. [R. 1, R. 252 (Ex. 1D)]. She has a high school
education and one year of college. [R.107]. She has previous experience as a build specialist at a
pipeline manufacturing company, convenience store manager, master inspector at a television
station and salesperson at a radio station. [R. 282 (Ex. 2E)]. In her application, she claimed to be
unable to work as a result of severe migraines, bipolar disorder, anxiety, lower back problems and
fibromyalgia. [R. 281(Ex. 2E)].
The ALJ’s Decision
In his decision, the ALJ found that Harrold met the insured status requirements of the
Social Security Act through June 30, 2016, and, at Step One, that she had not engaged in any
substantial gainful activity since June 11, 2012, the alleged onset date. [R. 89]. He found at Step
Two that Harrold had severe impairments of bipolar I disorder, mixed with psychotic features;
panic disorder with agoraphobia; mild degenerative changes of both knees; C4-C5 disc bilobed
herniation with cord contact; mild degenerative cervical changes; and mild to moderate diffuse
degenerative changes to the thoracic spine. Id. At Step Three, he found that the impairments did
not meet or medically equal any listing. [R. 90]. He concluded that Harrold the following
residual functional capacity (“RFC”):
[T]he claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform “light” and “sedentary”
work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b). She could occasionally
lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds and could frequently lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds.
She could stand and/or walk for up to six hours in an eight-hour workday. She could sit
for up to six hours in an eight-hour workday. She could use her hands for hand controls
and her feet for foot controls. She has no postural limitation and no vision limits. She
has no environmental limitations. She could understand, remember and carry out
simple tasks. She could relate to others on a superficial work basis. She could adapt
appropriately to a work situation. She could not work with the general public. She has
mild to moderate to occasional chronic pain of sufficient severity so as to be noticeable,
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yet is able to remain attentive and responsive in a work setting. She takes medications
but is able to remain reasonably alert to perform required functions in the work setting.
[R. 91].
At Step Four, the ALJ determined that Harrold was unable to perform any past relevant
work. [R. 94]. At Step Five, he found that, considering Harrold’s age, education, work
experience and residual functional capacity, there were jobs existing in significant numbers in
the national economy that she could perform, including laundry sorter, light unskilled work with
an SVP of 2, DOT #361.687-014, with 12,000 such jobs in Region 6 and 177,000 such jobs in
the national economy; mail room clerk, light unskilled work with an SVP of 2, DOT #209.687026, with 16,000 such jobs in Region 6 and 205,000 such jobs in the national economy;
assembler, light unskilled work with an SVP of 2, DOT #706.684-022, with 13,000 such jobs in
Region 6 and 180,000 such jobs in the national economy; clerical mailer, sedentary unskilled
work with an SVP of 2, DOT #209.587-010, with 10,500 such jobs in Region 6 and 125,000
such jobs in the national economy; assembler, sedentary unskilled work with an SVP of 2, DOT
#726.685-066, with 7,000 such jobs in Region 6 and 93,000 such jobs in the national economy;
and surveillance monitor, sedentary unskilled work with an SVP of 2, DOT #379.367-010, with
4,000 such jobs in Region 6 and 72,000 such jobs in the national economy. [R. 95].
Accordingly, the ALJ found that Harrold had not been under a disability from June 11,
2012, through the date of the decision. [R. 96].
Plaintiff’s Allegations
On appeal, Harrold asserts that the ALJ failed to properly consider (1) the medical source
opinions; (2) plaintiff’s credibility; and (3) the entire record.

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Analysis
1. Medical Source Opinions
Harrold asserts the ALJ improperly rejected the opinion of Robert Blasdel, a counselor at
Grand Lake Mental Health Center (“GLMH)”). Blasdel completed and signed a Medical Source
Opinion dated January 13, 2014. [R. 619-620 (Ex. 8F)]. The statement was also signed by John
Mallgren, D.O., but Harrold concedes Dr. Mallgren never treated her. [Dkt.#14 at 5]. Blasdel
opined that Harrold would not be able to perform fifty percent of the time or more in all aspects
related to attention and concentration2 and in three out of four aspects of social interaction.3
The ALJ gave the form “little or no weight.” [R. 94]. In support of this conclusion, he
observed that (1) the terms and definitions on the attorney-provided form did not comport with the
criteria set out in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520a(c)(4) and 416.920a(c)(4); (2) the form assigned
numerical percentages to define severity, but such definitional percentages are not found in the
regulations; (3) the form was “not calculated to produce a fair assessment from the source;” (4)
“It is unclear who completed the form but it appears a counselor rather than a treating physician
completed the form;” (5) “[t]he physician who signed the form has never treated claimant;” and
(6) the form “is not supported by the treatment notes of [GLMH].” [R. 93-94].
The reasons listed by the ALJ are all legally-permissible bases for rejecting the Medical
Source Opinion. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(1)-(2), (4), (6) (listing factors that are considered in
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These aspects were the ability to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods in
order to perform simple tasks; the ability to maintain attention and concentration for extended
periods in order to perform detailed tasks; the ability to adhere to a schedule and maintain regular
attendance; the ability to work close to others without being distracted; the ability to perform at a
consistent pace without an unreasonable number or length of rest periods; and the ability to
handle normal work stress. [R. 619 (Ex. 8F)].
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These aspects were the ability to interact appropriately with the public; the ability to accept
instructions and criticism from supervisors; the ability to work with others without causing
distractions; and the ability to maintain socially appropriate behavior and basic standards of
neatness and cleanliness. [R. 620 (Ex. 8F)].
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weighing medical opinions, including the examining and treatment relationship, the consistency of
the opinion with the record as a whole, and the extent to which an acceptable medical source is
familiar with information in the claimant’s case record); SSR 06-3p, 2006 WL 2329939, at *5
(“The fact that a medical opinion is from an ‘acceptable medical source’ is a factor that may
justify giving that opinion greater weight than an opinion from a medical source who is not an
“acceptable medical source” because . . . “acceptable medical sources” “are the most qualified
health care professionals.”); Keyes-Zachary v. Astrue, 695 F.3d 1156, 1164 (10th Cir. 2012) (in
the case of a nonacceptable medical source, the ALJ’s decision is sufficient if it “permits us to
‘follow the adjudicator’s reasoning.’” (citing SSR 06-03p, 2006 WL 2329939, at *6); ( 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1227(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”);
Chapo v. Astrue, 682 F.3d 1285, 1289 (10th Cir. 2012) (ALJ properly gave no weight to a
conclusory form which lacked any functional findings); Bainbridge v. Colvin, 618 Fed. Appx.
384, 390 (10th Cir. 2015) (unpublished) (ALJ reasonably concluded treating physician’s own
medical records did not support his opinion that plaintiff was disabled).
Harrold also contends the ALJ failed to assign a weight to the report of consultative
examiner Denise LaGrand, Psy.D., or to address the consultant’s statement that while plaintiff’s
ability to attend and process low-level tasks was adequate, “she is unlikely at this time to be able
to work without significant interference from psychological symptoms, primarily anxiety.” [R.
569 (Ex. 5F)]. However, the RFC formulated by the ALJ—i.e., that plaintiff could understand,
remember, and carry out simple tasks, relate to others on a superficial work basis, and adapt
appropriately to a work situation, but could not work with the general public—is consistent with
Dr. LaGrand’s findings, and adequately addresses the potential for interference from

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psychological symptoms. See Keyes-Zachary v. Astrue, 695 F.3d 1156, 1165 (10th Cir. 2012)
(any error in failing to specify the weight given psychologist’s opinion was harmless where
specific limitations he assigned were not inconsistent with the limitations the ALJ placed in
plaintiff’s RFC).
Next, Harrold complains that the ALJ failed to discuss the state agency consulting
psychologists’ opinions. She concedes, though, that the state psychologists’ MRFC conclusions
were consistent with the RFC formulated by the ALJ. [R. 139 (Ex. 3A); R. 170 (Ex. 7A)].
Accordingly, the ALJ’s failure to discuss the state agency opinions is harmless error. See Mays v.
Colvin, 739 F.3d 569, 578-79 (10th Cir. 2014) (ALJ’s failure to weigh a medical opinion involves
harmless error if there is no inconsistency between the opinion and the ALJ’s assessment of
residual functional capacity).
Finally, she contends the state agency psychologist’s statement that “claimant remains
mentally capable of understanding and carrying out instructions and assignments in a structured
setting, in an appropriate time frame” means she is only capable of working in “sheltered
employment.” [Dkt. #14 at 7] (emphasis added). But she admits that “[s]heltered employment is
employment provided for handicapped individuals in a protected environment under an
institutional program.” Id. SSR 83-33, 1983 WL 31255, at *7. Harrold is not a handicapped
individual. Moreover, the psychologist’s reference to a “structured setting” was adequately
addressed by the MRFC, which restricted her to “simple and some complex tasks” and relating to
others only on a superficial basis.
2. Credibility Analysis
The ALJ concluded that Harrold’s medically determinable impairments could reasonably
be expected to cause the alleged symptoms, but “the claimant’s statements concerning the

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intensity, persistence and limiting effects of these symptoms are not entirely credible for the
reasons explained in this decision.” [R. 92].
Harrold contends the only specific reason the ALJ gave in support of his credibility
assessment was that she had extended periods of time without any medical care. [Dkt. #14 at 8].
However, the ALJ also found that the claimant’s testimony regarding her impairments was out of
proportion to the objective medical evidence; that it was inconsistent with the record as a whole;
and that while she might experience some degree of pain or discomfort at times of heavy
overexertion, even moderate levels of pain are not, in and of itself, incompatible with the
performance of certain levels of sustained work activity. [R. 93-94].
The ALJ’s discussed, inter alia, the following evidence supporting his assessment:


Consulting physician Ashley Gourd, M.D., who examined Harrold on May 17, 2013,
found she had no respiratory wheezes, rhonchi or rales; her heart rate and rhythm was
regular; she moved all extremities well; she was able to pick up and manipulate small
objects without difficulty; and fine tactile manipulation of objects was normal. She had
decreased range of motion of lumbar and cervical spine and positive tenderness and spasm
in the lower lumbar was noted. Strength was graded at 4/5 in all extremities; neurological
findings were normal; gait was stable and steady without use of assistive devices, just at a
slow speed. She was able to rise from a seated position without difficulty. Dr. Gourd
assessed Harrold as having chronic neck and low back pain with decreased ROM and pain
in cervical and lumbar spine and observed that she moved above stiffly but independently.
Harrold was on multiple medications for management of her symptoms but stated
breakthrough pain is present. [R. 93, R. 573-574 (Ex. 6F)].



Harrold presented at the Jane Phillips emergency room on January 3, 2014, complaining of
chest pain. Examination revealed normal range of motion, normal strength, no tenderness
and no deformity. Harrold had no abnormal cardiovascular findings and was released to
home with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal chest pain and GERD. [R. 93, r. 636 (Ex. 11F)].



MRI of Harrold’ cervical spine dated March 18, 2014, revealed impression of C4-C-5 disc
bilobed herniation with cord intact; MRI of the cervical spine revealed impression of mild
degenerative changes; X-ray of the thoracic spine revealed mild to moderate diffuse
degenerative changes to the thoracic spine. [R. 93, R. 709-710 (Ex. 13F), R. 717 (Ex.
14F)].

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

On follow up visit to her cardiologist, Harrold reported some dizziness but indicated she
had been doing better on current medications of Lopressor and Enalipril. [R. 93, R. 790
(Ex. 16F)].
Support in the medical record is among the various factors properly considered in making

a credibility determination. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529, 416.929. In his decision, the ALJ discussed
the portions of the records he believed contradict Harrold’s subjective statements, thus satisfying
his duty to support her credibility finding with substantial evidence. Furthermore, it is not the
diagnosis of a condition, but the functional consequences of the condition that form the basis of a
disability determination. See e.g. Coleman v. Chater, 58 F.3d 577, 579 (10th Cir. 1995) (the mere
presence of alcoholism is not necessarily disabling, the impairment must render the claimant
unable to engage in any substantial gainful employment); Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th
Cir. 1988) (the mere diagnosis of arthritis says nothing about the severity of the condition);
Madrid v. Astrue, 243 Fed.Appx. 387, 392 (10th Cir. 2007) (unpublished) (diagnosis of a
condition does not establish disability, the question is whether an impairment significantly limits
the ability to work); Scull v. Apfel, 221 F.3d 1352 (10th Cir. 2000) (unpublished), 2000 WL
1028250 *1 (disability determinations turn on the functional consequences, not the cause of a
claimant’s condition).
The ALJ’s decision is supported by substantial evidence, and the court “may neither
reweigh the evidence nor substitute [its] discretion for that of the Commissioner.” Hamlin, 365
F.3d at 1214 (quotation omitted).

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3. Consideration of Record

Harrold contends the ALJ ignored most of the evidence relating to her mental impairments.
However, the ALJ stated that he considered the entire record [R. 91]. The court’s “general
practice . . . is to take a lower tribunal at its word when it declares that it has considered a matter.”

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Hackett v. Barnhart, 395 F.3d 1168, 1173 (10th Cir. 2005). Moreover, the ALJ is not required to
“discuss every piece of evidence.” Wall, 561 F.3d at 1067 (citing Frantz v. Astrue, 509 F.3d 1299,
1303 (10th Cir. 2007). “On the contrary, [the court] will generally find the ALJ’s decision
adequate if it discusses the ‘uncontroverted evidence’ the ALJ chooses to rely upon and any
‘significantly probative evidence’ the ALJ decides to reject.” Id.
In his decision, the ALJ acknowledged generally that Harrold received medication
management and therapy sessions at GLMH and—as previously noted—discussed at length the
Medical Source Opinion signed by Dr. Mallgren and Mr. Blasdel. [R. 93-94]. His observations
that Dr. Mallgren had never treated Harrold and that the form was not supported by the treatment
notes from GLMH further support his statement that he had considered the entire record. [R. 94].
Therefore, the Court rejects Harrold’s argument that the ALJ failed to consider most of the
evidence relating to her mental impairments.
Conclusion
The Court finds that the ALJ evaluated the record in accordance with the legal standards
established by the Commissioner and the courts and further that there is substantial evidence in the
record to support the ALJ’s decision. Accordingly, the decision of the Commissioner finding
Harrold is not disabled is hereby AFFIRMED.
ENTERED this 16th day of February, 2017.

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