Lee-Yong v. Commissioner Social Security Administration
Filing
17
Opinion and Order - The Commissioner's decision that Plaintiff was not disabled is AFFIRMED. Signed on 8/2/2022 by Judge Michael H. Simon. (mja)
Case 1:21-cv-01083-SI
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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON
JADELYNNE L.1,
Plaintiff,
Case No. 1:21-cv-1083-SI
OPINION AND ORDER
v.
KILOLO KIJAKAZI, Acting
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.
John E. Haapala, Jr., 401 E. 10th Avenue, Suite 240, Eugene, OR 97401. Of Attorneys
for Plaintiff.
Natalie K. Wight, United States Attorney, and Renata Gowie, Civil Division Chief,
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, 1000 SW Third Avenue, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97204;
and Erin F. Highland, Special Assistant United States Attorney, OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL,
Social Security Administration, 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2900 M/S 221A, Seattle, WA 98104.
Of Attorneys for Defendant.
Michael H. Simon, District Judge.
Plaintiff Jadelynne L. seeks judicial review of the final decision of the Commissioner of
the Social Security Administration (Commissioner) denying her application for Disability
1
In the interest of privacy, this Opinion and Order uses only the first name and the initial
of the last name of the non-governmental party in this case. When applicable, this Opinion and
Order also uses the same designation for a non-governmental party’s immediate family member.
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Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Social Security Insurance (SSI) under the Social Security Act
(Act). For the reasons below, the Court affirms the decision of the administrative law judge
(ALJ).
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The district court must affirm the Commissioner’s decision if it is based on the proper
legal standards and the findings are supported by substantial evidence. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); see
also Hammock v. Bowen, 879 F.2d 498, 501 (9th Cir. 1989). “Substantial evidence” means
“more than a mere scintilla but less than a preponderance.” Bray v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.
Admin., 554 F.3d 1219, 1222 (9th Cir. 2009) (quoting Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1039
(9th Cir. 1995)). It means “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate
to support a conclusion.” Id. (quoting Andrews, 53 F.3d at 1039).
When the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, the Court must
uphold the Commissioner’s conclusion. Burch v. Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676, 679 (9th Cir. 2005).
Variable interpretations of the evidence are insignificant if the Commissioner’s interpretation is a
rational reading of the record, and this Court may not substitute its judgment for that of the
Commissioner. See Batson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 359 F.3d 1190, 1193, 1196 (9th
Cir. 2004). “[A] reviewing court must consider the entire record as a whole and may not affirm
simply by isolating a specific quantum of supporting evidence.” Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625,
630 (9th Cir. 2007) (quoting Robbins v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 882 (9th Cir. 2006)
(quotation marks omitted)). A reviewing court, however, may not affirm the Commissioner on a
ground upon which the Commissioner did not rely. Id.; see also Bray, 554 F.3d at 1226.
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BACKGROUND
A. Plaintiff’s Application
Plaintiff was born on July 2, 1969, and was 49 years old on the alleged disability onset
date, November 1, 2018. AR 67. Plaintiff has a Graduate Equivalency Degree and most recently
worked as a home care aide. AR 92, 112. Plaintiff applied for DIB and SSI on January 30, 2019.
AR 204, 208. Plaintiff’s DIB and SSI claims were denied on April 10, 2019, and again on
July 23, 2019, upon reconsideration following an independent review by a physician and
disability examiner. AR 20, 131, 148, 155, 159. Plaintiff requested a hearing before an ALJ.
AR 162, 181. The hearing was held by telephone on September 3, 2020. AR 40-66. On
September 29, 2020, the ALJ issued a decision denying Plaintiff’s claim for benefits. AR 17. On
November 20, 2020, Plaintiff requested review of the ALJ’s decision. AR 292-93. The Appeals
Council denied Plaintiff’s request for review on June 2, 2021, making the ALJ’s decision the
final decision of the Commissioner. AR 1. Plaintiff seeks judicial review of the ALJ’s final
decision.
B. The Sequential Analysis
A claimant is disabled if he or she is unable to “engage in any substantial gainful activity
by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which . . . has lasted or
can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” 42 U.S.C.
§ 423(d)(1)(A). “Social Security Regulations set out a five-step sequential process for
determining whether an applicant is disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act.”
Keyser v. Comm’r Soc. Sec. Admin., 648 F.3d 721, 724 (9th Cir. 2011); see also 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520, 416.920; Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140 (1987). Each step is potentially
dispositive. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4). The five-step sequential process asks
the following series of questions:
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1.
Is the claimant performing “substantial gainful activity?” Id.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). This activity is work involving
significant mental or physical duties done or intended to be done for pay
or profit. Id. §§ 404.1510, 416.910. If the claimant is performing such
work, she is not disabled within the meaning of the Act. Id.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). If the claimant is not performing
substantial gainful activity, the analysis proceeds to step two.
2.
Is the claimant’s impairment “severe” under the Commissioner’s
regulations? Id. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impairment or
combination of impairments is “severe” if it significantly limits the
claimant’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. Id.
§§ 404.1521(a), 416.921(a). Unless expected to result in death, this
impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period
of at least 12 months. Id. §§ 404.1509, 416.909. If the claimant does not
have a severe impairment, the analysis ends. Id. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii),
416.920(a)(4)(ii). If the claimant has a severe impairment, the analysis
proceeds to step three.
3.
Does the claimant’s severe impairment “meet or equal” one or more of the
impairments listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1? If so,
then the claimant is disabled. Id. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(a)(4)(iii).
If the impairment does not meet or equal one or more of the listed
impairments, the analysis continues. At that point, the ALJ must evaluate
medical and other relevant evidence to assess and determine the claimant’s
“residual functional capacity” (RFC). This is an assessment of workrelated activities that the claimant may still perform on a regular and
continuing basis, despite any limitations imposed by his or her
impairments. Id. §§ 404.1520(e), 404.1545(b)-(c), 416.920(e), 416.945(b)(c). After the ALJ determines the claimant’s RFC, the analysis proceeds to
step four.
4.
Can the claimant perform his or her “past relevant work” with this RFC
assessment? If so, then the claimant is not disabled. Id.
§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(a)(4)(iv). If the claimant cannot perform
his or her past relevant work, the analysis proceeds to step five.
5.
Considering the claimant’s RFC and age, education, and work experience,
is the claimant able to make an adjustment to other work that exists in
significant numbers in the national economy? If so, then the claimant is
not disabled. Id. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v), 404.1560(c),
416.960(c). If the claimant cannot perform such work, he or she is
disabled. Id.
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See also Bustamante v. Massanari, 262 F.3d 949, 954 (9th Cir. 2001).
The claimant bears the burden of proof at steps one through four. Id. at 953; see also
Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1098 (9th Cir. 1999); Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 140-41. The
Commissioner bears the burden of proof at step five. Tackett, 180 F.3d at 1100. At step five, the
Commissioner must show that the claimant can perform other work that exists in significant
numbers in the national economy, “taking into consideration the claimant’s residual functional
capacity, age, education, and work experience.” Id.; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1566, 416.966
(describing “work which exists in the national economy”). If the Commissioner fails to meet this
burden, the claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v). If, however,
the Commissioner proves that the claimant is able to perform other work existing in significant
numbers in the national economy, the claimant is not disabled. Bustamante, 262 F.3d at 953-54;
Tackett, 180 F.3d at 1099.
C. The ALJ’s Decision
As an initial matter for Plaintiff’s DIB claim, the ALJ found that Plaintiff met the insured
status requirements of the Social Security Act through December 31, 2023. AR 23. At step one,
the ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in any substantial gainful activity after the alleged
disability onset date. Id. At step two, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff has the following severe
medically determinable impairments: “osteoarthritis of the knee, degenerative disc disease,
obesity, depression, personality disorder, and substance addiction.” Id. At step three, the ALJ
found that Plaintiff does not have an impairment that meets or medically equals one of the listed
impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. Id.
The ALJ next determined Plaintiff’s RFC, concluding that she could perform:
[L]ight work as defined in 20 [C.F.R. §§] 404.1567(b)[,]
416.967(b) except she can sit, stand, and walk for [six] hours each
in an [eight]-hour workday. She can never climb ladders, ropes, or
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scaffolds. She can do all other postural activities occasionally. She
is limited to occasional pushing and pulling with her right, lower
extremity. She must avoid concentrated exposure to extreme cold.
She is able to understand simple, routine tasks in [two]-hour
increments. She can work superficially and occasionally with the
general public. She can work in the same room with coworkers but
can have no coordination of work activity.
AR 25. Based on these limitations, at step four the ALJ found that Plaintiff cannot perform her
previous work as a nurse assistant, house cleaner, administrative clerk, or dump truck driver.
AR 30. At step five, the ALJ considered Plaintiff’s age, education, work experience, and RFC,
the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, and vocational expert testimony to find that Plaintiff could
perform the requirements of three occupations: routing clerk; order filler; and inspector, hand
packager. AR 31. As a result, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff is “not disabled.” AR 32.
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in considering Plaintiff’s symptom testimony and the
medical opinion evidence from Dr. Ashley Bryson, MD, and Ms. Ardath McDermott, Licensed
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Master of Science, Occupational Therapist, Registered
(MS-OTR/L).2 The Court addresses each argument in turn.
A. Plaintiff’s Symptom Testimony
Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ improperly discounted Plaintiff’s symptom testimony about
physical pain and mental health concerns. A claimant “may make statements about the intensity,
persistence, and limiting effects of his or her symptoms.” SSR 16-3p, 2017 WL 5180304, at *6
2
Plaintiff also asserts that the ALJ improperly discounted medical opinion evidence from
Drs. Holly Petaja and Janis Lewis. Plaintiff, however, failed to argue these issues in her opening
brief, and thus the issues are waived. See Greenwood v. F.A.A., 28 F.3d 971, 977 (9th Cir. 1994)
(“We review only issues which are argued specifically and distinctly in a party’s opening brief”).
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(Oct. 25, 2017).3 There is a two-step process for evaluating a claimant’s testimony about the
severity and limiting effect of the claimant’s symptoms. Vasquez v. Astrue, 572 F.3d 586, 591
(9th Cir. 2009). “First, the ALJ must determine whether the claimant has presented objective
medical evidence of an underlying impairment ‘which could reasonably be expected to produce
the pain or other symptoms alleged.’” Lingenfelter v. Astrue, 504 F.3d 1028, 1036 (9th
Cir. 2007) (quoting Bunnell v. Sullivan, 947 F.2d 341, 344 (9th Cir. 1991) (en banc)). When
doing so, “the claimant need not show that her impairment could reasonably be expected to cause
the severity of the symptom she has alleged; she need only show that it could reasonably have
caused some degree of the symptom.” Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1282 (9th Cir. 1996).
“Second, if the claimant meets this first test, and there is no evidence of malingering, ‘the
ALJ can reject the claimant’s testimony about the severity of her symptoms only by offering
specific, clear and convincing reasons for doing so.’” Lingenfelter, 504 F.3d at 1036 (quoting
Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1281). It is “not sufficient for the ALJ to make only general findings; he must
state which pain testimony is not credible and what evidence suggests the complaints are not
credible.” Dodrill v. Shalala, 12 F.3d 915, 918 (9th Cir. 1993). Those reasons must be
“sufficiently specific to permit the reviewing court to conclude that the ALJ did not arbitrarily
discredit the claimant’s testimony.” Orteza v. Shalala, 50 F.3d 748, 750 (9th Cir. 1995) (citing
Bunnell, 947 F.2d at 345-46). The reasons and examples the ALJ provides must “constitute
examples of a broader development to satisfy the applicable ‘clear and convincing’ standard.”
Garrison v. Colvin, 759 F.3d 995, 1018 (9th Cir. 2014).
3
Effective March 28, 2016, Social Security Ruling (SSR) 96-7p was superseded by SSR
16-3p, which eliminates the term “credibility” from the agency’s sub-regulatory policy. SSR 163p; Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Symptoms in Disability Claims, 81 Fed. Reg. 14166 (Mar.
16, 2016). Because, however, case law references the term “credibility,” it may be used in this
Opinion and Order.
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Consideration of subjective symptom testimony “is not an examination of an individual’s
character,” and requires the ALJ to consider all of the evidence in an individual’s record when
evaluating the intensity and persistence of symptoms. SSR 16-3p, available at 2016
WL 1119029, at *1-2. The Commissioner recommends that the ALJ examine “the entire case
record, including the objective medical evidence; an individual’s statements about the intensity,
persistence, and limiting effects of symptoms; statements and other information provided by
medical sources and other persons; and any other relevant evidence in the individual’s case
record.” Id. at *4. The Commissioner further recommends assessing: (1) the claimant’s
statements made to the Commissioner, medical providers, and others regarding the claimant’s
location, frequency and duration of symptoms, the impact of the symptoms on daily living
activities, factors that precipitate and aggravate symptoms, medications and treatments used, and
other methods used to alleviate symptoms; (2) medical source opinions, statements, and medical
reports regarding the claimant’s history, treatment, responses to treatment, prior work record,
efforts to work, daily activities, and other information concerning the intensity, persistence, and
limiting effects of an individual’s symptoms; and (3) non-medical source statements, considering
how consistent those statements are with the claimant’s statements about his or her symptoms
and other evidence in the file. See id. at *6-7.
The ALJ’s decision relating to a claimant’s subjective testimony may be upheld overall
even if not all the ALJ’s reasons for discounting the claimant’s testimony are upheld. See
Batson, 359 F.3d at 1197. The ALJ may not, however, discount testimony “solely because” the
claimant’s symptom testimony “is not substantiated affirmatively by objective medical
evidence.” Robbins, 466 F.3d at 883.
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1. Physical Pain Symptoms
The ALJ discounted Plaintiff’s testimony regarding her physical limitations because the
ALJ found that Plaintiff’s symptoms improved with treatment. Plaintiff argues that this was not a
clear and convincing reason.
A claimant’s improvement with treatment is “an important indicator of the intensity and
persistence of . . . symptoms.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(3), 416.929(c)(3). For example,
“[i]mpairments that can be controlled effectively with medication are not disabling for the
purpose of determining eligibility for SSI benefits.” Warre v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 439
F.3d 1001, 1006 (9th Cir. 2006). Symptom improvement, however, must be weighed within the
context of an “overall diagnostic picture.” Holohan v. Massanari, 246 F.3d 1195, 1205 (9th
Cir. 2001). Routine, conservative treatment can be sufficient to discount a claimant’s subjective
testimony regarding the limitations caused by an impairment. Parra v. Astrue, 481 F.3d 742,
750-51 (9th Cir. 2007). Not seeking an “aggressive treatment program” permits the inference
that symptoms were not “as all-disabling” as the claimant reported. Tommasetti v. Astrue, 533
F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 2008).
The ALJ reasonably concluded that Plaintiff’s symptoms improved with treatment.
Plaintiff testified that she has chronic lower back pain with sciatica and chronic pain on the right
side of her hip. AR 51. Medical imaging from December 6, 2019, showed “[m]ild degenerative
disc disease predominantly at L3-L4 and L4-L5 . . . partial abutment of the descending right L4
nerve root . . . [and] [g]eneral disc bulge L4-L5 with superimposed small shallow disc protrusion
right paramedian aspect. Mild canal stenosis.” AR 630. The objective medical imaging supports
Plaintiff’s reasonable claim of physical pain. Lingenfelter, 504 F.3d at 1036. Plaintiff challenges
the ALJ’s lack of recognition of the nerve root impingement at L4 in her assessment of the MRI.
AR 26-27. The ALJ, however, considered the MRI, and Plaintiff’s subsequent limited treatment
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through physical therapy, over-the-counter medication as needed, and an epidural steroid
injection. Id. The ALJ also noted that Plaintiff did not complain of back pain to her treating
providers after June 2020, AR 27, and that her knee pain complaints were even more limited in
time and were not considered to be durational by her medical providers. AR 26, 29. As a result,
the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff’s physical impairments improved with treatment.
Plaintiff’s improvement with treatment is a clear and convincing reason for discounting
Plaintiff’s testimony. The ALJ’s conclusion is supported by the absence of Plaintiff’s additional
treatment for knee pain after a steroid injection in May 2019; the opinions of Plaintiff’s treating
providers demonstrating that Plaintiff’s knee improved with treatment; the lack of additional
treatment for back pain following a general practitioner’s visit in June 2020; and reports of
improvement in range of motion and strength. Lingenfelter, 504 F.3d at 1036. Weighing
Plaintiff’s symptom improvement within the “context of the overall diagnostic picture,” the
ALJ’s conclusion was reasonable. Holohan, 246 F.3d at 1205.
Plaintiff contends that objective medical evidence demonstrates that her symptoms have
not improved with treatment. Plaintiff cites the medical opinion and treatment notes of
Dr. Bryson, opining that Plaintiff has “chronic lumbar pain with right-sided sciatica.” AR 651.
The ALJ cited other medical evidence in the record, including Plaintiff’s physical therapy
records and her June 2020 medical evaluation where Plaintiff was “in no distress, had a normal
gait, was able to stand without difficulty, and was able to participate in an exercise program.”
AR 27 (citing AR 645). The ALJ also discounted Dr. Bryson’s opinion, discussed further below,
because it was not supported by Dr. Bryson’s examination finding that Plaintiff had a fair range
of motion and strength. AR 29-30. At best, Plaintiff provides an alternate reasonable reading of
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the record. That is unavailing because the ALJ’s interpretation is rational and therefore must be
upheld. Burch, 400 F.3d at 679; Batson, 359 F.3d at 1193.
2. Mental Health Symptoms
The ALJ discounted Plaintiff’s testimony regarding her mental health symptoms because
her symptoms were the result of situational stressors and because her alleged limitations were not
supported by the longitudinal objective medical record. Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in
these conclusions.
a. Situational Stressors
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in finding that Plaintiff’s mental health issues were a
result of situational stressors that improved when the situation improved. “Reports of
‘improvement’ in the context of mental health issues must be interpreted with an understanding
of the patient’s overall well-being and the nature of her symptoms and with an awareness that
improved functioning while being treated and while limiting environmental stressors does not
always mean that a claimant can function effectively in the workplace.” Garrison, 759 F.3d
at 1017 (cleaned up). “The fact that a person suffering from depression makes some
improvement does not mean that the person’s impairment no longer seriously affects his [or her]
ability to function in a workplace.” Ghanim v. Colvin, 763 F.3d 1154, 1162 (9th Cir. 2014)
(cleaned up). As the Ninth Circuit explained in Garrison,
It is error to reject a claimant’s testimony merely because
symptoms wax and wane in the course of treatment. Cycles of
improvement and debilitating symptoms are a common occurrence,
and in such circumstances it is error for an ALJ to pick out a few
isolated instances of improvement over a period of months or years
and to treat them as a basis for concluding a claimant is capable of
working.
Garrison, 759 F.3d at 1017.
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However, “Social Security disability determinations must be based on medically
determinable impairments, not situational stressors.” Lorilyn W. v. Comm’r Soc. Sec.
Admin., 2020 WL 7028475, at *5 (D. Or. Nov. 30, 2020); see also Elizabeth D. v. Kijakazi, 2022
WL 986482, at *8 (D. Or. Apr. 1, 2022) (affirming the ALJ’s decision to discount the claimant’s
subjective testimony when “counseling notes did not reflect significant or persistent increases in
symptoms or crises events, other than moderate temporary increases in symptoms associated
with situational stressors”); Brendan J. G. v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 2018 WL 3090200,
at *7 (D. Or. June 20, 2018) (concluding that when a claimant reported experiencing depression
because of issues in their personal life, “the ALJ’s finding that ‘situational stressors’ frequently
contributed to Plaintiff’s symptoms was a valid reason to discount Plaintiff’s testimony”);
Menchaca v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 2016 WL 8677320, at *7 (D. Or. Oct. 7, 2016) (finding
symptoms caused by situational stressors to be a legitimate reason for the ALJ to discount the
plaintiff’s testimony if the ALJ’s decision is a reasonable interpretation of the record). The ALJ
must also consider the situational stressors in the context of Plaintiff’s ability to engage in basic
work activities, and the “ALJ should not rely on the presence of situational stressors to downplay
the impact of a mental health crisis.” Lacie R. v. Berryhill, 2019 WL 1919168, at *6 (D. Or.
Apr. 30, 2019). Here, Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ failed to provide a clear and convincing
reason for rejecting her mental health symptom because her symptoms were not only tied to
significant stressors in her life and the ALJ improperly relied on “normal” mental health
evaluations.
Plaintiff testified that she “struggle[s] with suicidal thoughts every day,” and “struggle[s]
with self-harm in general weekly.” AR 54. Plaintiff has sought treatment for borderline
personality disorder, anxiety, and depression. AR 27. The ALJ reasonably concluded that
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Plaintiff’s mental health symptoms are tied to situational stressors. Plaintiff argues that the ALJ
erred in finding that her mental health symptoms are only a result of situational stressors because
this finding ignored Ms. McDermott’s observation that Plaintiff suffered from “extensive trauma
and instability starting in early childhood.” AR 658.
As discussed below, the ALJ properly discounted Ms. McDermott’s opinion. Further, the
ALJ discussed Plaintiff’s treatment records, and noted that Plaintiff’s mental health symptoms
often coincide with significant stressors in Plaintiff’s life: leaving her husband, who had a history
of violent abuse; her children leaving her home; and her relocation to Oregon. AR 27-28 (citing
AR 323, 491); see also AR 353. The ALJ also discussed how the majority of Plaintiff’s mental
health assessments and treatment records were otherwise normal or relatively benign. Similar to
the claimant in Elizabeth D., where counseling notes only reflected temporary increases in
symptoms in response to situational stressors, here Plaintiff’s treatment records suggest that her
symptoms temporarily worsen during periods of high stress. See Elizabeth D., 2022 WL 986482,
at *8. Viewing Plaintiff’s treatment records as a whole, the ALJ’s conclusion that Plaintiff’s
most significant mental health symptoms stem from situational stressors was rational and
supported by substantial evidence. Plaintiff’s arguments at best support that that there may be
another rational view of the record, but nonetheless the ALJ’s interpretation must be upheld. See
Burch, 400 F.3d at 679.
b. Objective Medical Record
The ALJ’s reading of Plaintiff’s objective medical record was rational and provided
additional support for discounting Plaintiff’s testimony. An ALJ may consider the lack of
corroborating objective medical evidence as a “relevant factor in determining the severity of the
claimant’s” alleged symptoms. Rollins v. Massanari, 261 F.3d 853, 857 (9th Cir. 2001). The ALJ
may not, however, “discredit the claimant’s testimony as to subjective symptoms merely because
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they are unsupported by objective evidence.” Berry v. Astrue, 622 F.3d 1228, 1234 (9th
Cir. 2010) (quoting Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 821, 834 (9th Cir. 1995)); see also Robbins, 466
F.3d at 883; 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(2), 416.929(c)(2) (noting that the Commissioner “will not
reject your statements about the intensity and persistence of your pain or other symptoms or
about the effect your symptoms have on your ability to work solely because the available
objective medical evidence does not substantiate your statements”).
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in citing “normal” mental health evaluations as a
reason to reject Plaintiff’s symptom testimony and find that she does not have significant
workplace limitations because of her mental health symptoms. The ALJ found that Plaintiff’s
symptom testimony was inconsistent with her “normal” mental health evaluations. AR 27-28
(citing AR 310, 345, 407, 409-10, 417, 419, 481, 491). The ALJ also noted that there were no
significant mental health records after June 2020, when Plaintiff was observed to be “fully
oriented with a normal mood and affect.” AR 28; see also AR 645. Plaintiff cites to other
evidence in the record that Plaintiff contends supports her interpretation of the evidence showing
that Plaintiff had greater limitations than those found by the ALJ. Ultimately, the ALJ found that
Plaintiff’s “records support the need for some limitations, [but] they do not support a finding of
complete disability.” AR 28. Although Plaintiff’s interpretation of the medical record may also
be rational, the Court must defer to the ALJ when he or she provides a rational interpretation of
the medical record. Burch, 400 F.3d at 679. The ALJ provided clear, convincing, and legitimate
reasons for discounting Plaintiff’s testimony. As a result, the ALJ did not err in discounting
Plaintiff’s mental health symptom testimony.
B. Medical Evidence
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in rejecting medical opinion evidence from Dr. Ashley
Bryson, MD, and Ms. Ardath McDermott, LCSW and MS-OTR/L. Plaintiff filed her
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applications for benefits on January 30, 2019. AR 204, 208. For claims filed on or after March
27, 2017, Federal Regulation 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c and 416.920c governs how an ALJ must
evaluate medical opinion evidence. See Revisions to Rules Regarding the Evaluation of Medical
Evidence, 82 Fed. Reg. 5844 (Jan. 18, 2017). Under these new regulations, ALJs no longer
“weigh” medical opinions, but rather determine which are most “persuasive.” 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520c(a)-(b), 416.920c(a)-(b). The new regulations eliminate the hierarchy of medical
opinions and state that the agency does not defer to any particular medical opinions, even those
from treating sources. Id.; see also Woods v. Kijakazi, 32 F.4th 785, 792 (9th Cir. 2022) (“The
revised social security regulations are clearly irreconcilable with our caselaw according special
deference to the opinions of treating and examining physicians on account of their relationship
with the claimant.”). Under the new regulations, the ALJ primarily considers the “supportability”
and “consistency” of the opinions in determining whether an opinion is persuasive. 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520c(c), 416.920c(c). Supportability is determined by whether the medical source
presents explanations and objective medical evidence to support his or her opinion. Id.
§§ 404.1520c(c)(1), 416.920c(c)(1). Consistency is determined by how consistent the opinion is
with evidence from other medical and nonmedical sources. Id. §§ 404.1520c(c)(2),
416.920c(c)(2).
An ALJ may also consider a medical source’s relationship with the claimant by looking
to factors such as the length of the treatment relationship, the frequency of the claimant’s
examinations, the purpose of the treatment relationship, the extent of the treatment relationship,
and whether there is an examining relationship. Id. §§ 404.1520c(c)(3), 416.920c(c)(3). An ALJ
is not, however, required to explain how they considered these secondary medical factors, unless
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they find that two or more medical opinions about the same issue are equally well-supported and
consistent with the record but not identical. Id. §§ 404.1520c(b)(2)-(3), 416.920c(b)(2)-(3).
The regulations require ALJs to “articulate . . . how persuasive [they] find all of the
medical opinions” and “explain how [they] considered the supportability and consistency
factors.” Id. §§ 404.1520c(b), 416.920c(b). The Court must, moreover, continue to consider
whether the ALJ’s analysis has the support of substantial evidence. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); see
also Woods, 32 F.4th at 792 (“Our requirement that ALJs provide ‘specific and legitimate
reasons’ for rejecting a treating or examining doctor’s opinion, which stems from the special
weight given to such opinions . . . is likewise incompatible with the revised regulations . . . Even
under the new regulations, an ALJ cannot reject an examining or treating doctor’s opinion as
unsupported or inconsistent without providing an explanation supported by substantial
evidence.”).
The ALJ has a duty to view the treatment records “in light of the overall diagnostic
record.” Ghanim, 763 F.3d at 1164; see also Timothy P. v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 2022
WL 2116099, at *9 (D. Or. June 13, 2022) (“[I]t remains true that ALJs may not cherry-pick
evidence in discounting a medical opinion.”). An ALJ may discount a treating provider’s opinion
when it is “based to a large extent on an applicant’s self-reports and not on clinical evidence.”
Ghanim, 763 F.3d at 1162 (quotation marks omitted).
1. Dr. Ashley Bryson, MD
Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ failed to provide substantial evidence for rejecting
Dr. Bryson’s medical opinion. The ALJ rejected Dr. Bryson’s opinion because it lacked support
and was inconsistent with Plaintiff’s imaging results and demonstrated improvement with
physical therapy. AR 29-30.
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First, the ALJ found Dr. Bryson’s opinion lacked support. Dr. Bryson concluded that in a
normal, competitive five day per week work setting, Plaintiff could sit, stand, or walk for zero
hours, and it would be medically necessary for Plaintiff not to stand or walk continuously in a
work setting. AR 653. The ALJ concluded that such limitations lacked support from medical
evaluations. Plaintiff reported back pain during her examination by Dr. Bryson on June 30, 2020,
and the record from that visit reflects that Plaintiff’s sciatica pain would be addressed at the next
visit. AR 643-44. Dr. Bryson conducted a physical evaluation during the June appointment, and
found that Plaintiff had a “normal gait, [was] able to stand without difficulty, [and was] able to
participate in [an] exercise program.” AR 645. There is no record evidence of the contemplated
follow up appointment to address Plaintiff’s sciatica pain. The next record of Plaintiff’s
treatment with Dr. Bryson is from August 31, 2020, at which time Dr. Bryson completed the
RFC functioning opinion report, opining about Plaintiff’s physical limitations. AR 651-57.
Dr. Bryson identified several precipitating factors to Plaintiff’s pain, including “sitting, standing,
reaching, bending, [and] twisting.” AR 652. Dr. Bryson’s findings, however, are unsupported by
her own physical evaluation of Plaintiff in June 2020, and Plaintiff’s other medical records. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c(c)(1), 416.920c(c)(1).
Second, the ALJ found Dr. Bryson’s opinion inconsistent with Plaintiff’s imaging results.
AR 30. On August 31, 2020, Dr. Bryson diagnosed Plaintiff with “chronic lumbar pain with
right-sided sciatica,” “chronic knee pain” in both her right and left knees, chronic shoulder pain
in her right shoulder, and “ossification [of her] left Achilles tendon.” AR 651. In supporting her
diagnosis, Dr. Bryson cited X-rays from 2019 and 2020, and an MRI from 2019 showing “disc
protrusion [and] nerve impingement at L3-4, L4-5.” AR 652. Imaging from November 29, 2019,
found “[n]ormal alignment” and “[n]o fracture” in Plaintiff’s hip, and “[m]ild multilevel
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degenerative disc disease.” AR 580. Plaintiff’s MRI from December 6, 2019, revealed “[m]ild
degenerative disc disease predominantly at L3-L4 and L4-L5,” “[m]ild central canal stenosis”
at L3, “[m]ild spinal canal stenosis” at L4-5, “general disc bulge,” and “partial abutment of the
descending right L4 nerve root.” AR 596. The ALJ found this imaging only demonstrated mild
impairments, which was inconsistent with, and did not rise to the level of extreme limitations
found in, Dr. Bryson’s diagnosis. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c(c)(2), 416.920c(c)(2).
Finally, the ALJ found Dr. Bryson’s opinion inconsistent with reports of Plaintiff’s
improvement in physical pain following physical therapy and medication. AR 29-30 (citing
AR 666-71). Although physical therapy records do not suggest that Plaintiff was not
experiencing any pain, such records do reflect overall progress, and therefore conflict with
Dr. Bryson’s finding of extreme limitations. This provided substantial evidence for the ALJ’s
conclusion. See, e.g., Nino v. Colvin, 2015 WL 3756889, at *5 (E.D. Cal. June 16, 2015)
(“District courts have held that an ALJ’s conclusion, supported by substantial evidence in the
record, that a claimant’s symptoms improved and stabilized with treatment counts as a specific
and legitimate reason to discount a doctor’s opinion.”). The ALJ did not err in rejecting
Dr. Bryson’s medical opinion evidence.
2. Ms. Ardath McDermott
As an initial matter, the standard required by the ALJ for considering Ms. McDermott’s
testimony was not clearly articulated by the parties or the ALJ. Plaintiff mentions “germane”
reasons (a nonmedical source standard) in passing, but also argues the applicability of the
“supportability” and “consistency” standards that apply only to acceptable medical sources,
citing to standards applicable only to cases filed before March 27, 2017. See ECF 13, at 16
(citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(f)(1)). The Commissioner responds to Plaintiff’s challenge to
Ms. McDermott as though she were a “medical source” under the regulations, discussing
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supportability and consistency pursuant to 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c(a)-(c) and 416.920(a)-(c). An
LCSW or MS-OTR/L is not an acceptable “medical source” under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1502(a)
and 416.902(a). Ms. McDermott, therefore, is considered a “nonmedical source” under 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1502(e) and 416.902(j). Under the new rules governing Plaintiff’s post-March 27, 2017
claim, the ALJ was “not required to articulate how [she] considered evidence from nonmedical
sources using the requirements in” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c(a)-(c) and 416.920c(a)-(c). 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520c(d), 416.920c(d). Because the Commissioner applied the standards for a medical
source to Ms. McDermott, however, the Court applies that standard and considers the
applicability of any other standard waived by the Commissioner.
The ALJ rejected Ms. McDermott’s opinion because she was unable to rate Plaintiff in
several areas while rating Plaintiff with “marked” limitations in other areas; “much” of the
opinion was simply recounting Plaintiff’s subjective statements, which were not supported by the
record evidence; the limitations opined were inconsistent with the mental status evaluations in
the record; and the limitations were inconsistent with Plaintiff’s improvement with treatment.
AR 30. Ms. McDermott diagnosed Plaintiff with persistent depressive disorder, borderline
personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. AR 658. Ms. McDermott noted that “no
laboratory or diagnostic tests [were] used” in making her diagnosis of Plaintiff, only “clinical
knowledge and judgment.” AR 660. Ms. McDermott began seeing Plaintiff less than one month
before making her diagnosis. AR 658. At the time of the opinion, Ms. McDermott reported 11
categories as “Not Ratable on Available Evidence.” AR 661-63. She reported in eight categories
that Plaintiff was “markedly” limited, and in one category that Plaintiff was “moderately”
limited. Id. For example, Ms. McDermott could not rate Plaintiff at all in understanding and
memory and could only rate Plaintiff in half of the questions in sustained concentration and
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persistence. Id. Yet, she rated Plaintiff with “marked” limitations in three, and “moderate”
limitations in one, of the four categories in concentration and persistence. Id. Ms. McDermott’s
lack of extensive time observing Plaintiff and admission that she did not have available evidence
to evaluate more than half of the categories related to Plaintiff’s functioning support the ALJ’s
finding that Ms. McDermott’s opinion lacked sufficient support.
With respect to whether Ms. McDermott’s opinion mostly recounted Plaintiff’s
subjective complaints, Ms. McDermott’s report itself is instructive. It states that no laboratory or
diagnostic tests were used. Ms. McDermott also notes her reliance on Plaintiff’s subjective
testimony by stating that Plaintiff’s deterioration or decompression in a work setting occurred
“according to her reports.” AR 664. Ms. McDermott noted that Plaintiff’s symptoms and
limitations “pre-dated” Ms. McDermott’s treatment of Plaintiff and thus she “do[es] not know
the date [they] began.” AR 665. Additionally, several of the questions to which Ms. McDermott
opined also appear on their face to be questions that Ms. McDermott would need to have relied
on Plaintiff’s subjective reports, such as Plaintiff’s ability to get along with co-workers and to
travel or use public transportation.
The ALJ also looked to Plaintiff’s many normal mental health examinations and
treatment notes describing Plaintiff’s complaints as mostly stemming from situational stressors
as inconsistent with Ms. McDermott’s evaluation of marked limitations. AR 30. This is a valid
inconsistency under the new regulations. See Woods, 32 F.4th at 793 (affirming the ALJ
discounting medical opinion “because it was inconsistent with the overall treating notes and
mental status exams in the record”).
Finally, regarding Plaintiff’s improvement with treatment, as discussed above, the
records reflect a general trend of improvement with treatment absent situational stressors.
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AR 416, 419, 432, 491-92. There also are some records discussing Plaintiff’s childhood trauma.
AR 341, 352, 363-65, 373, 389, 415, 424, 504. The ALJ’s reading of the record, however, was
rational.
The ALJ did not err in dismissing Ms. McDermott’s RFC report. Substantial evidence
supports the ALJ’s conclusion that Ms. McDermott’s opinion lacked sufficient support, was
based mostly on Plaintiff’s subject reports, and was inconsistent with her medical record and
improvement with treatment.
CONCLUSION
The Commissioner’s decision that Plaintiff was not disabled is AFFIRMED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this 2nd day of August, 2022.
/s/ Michael H. Simon
Michael H. Simon
United States District Judge
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