Babb v. Commissioner of Social Security
Filing
18
OPINION & ORDER: The Commissioner's final decision in connection with Babb's application for disability insurance benefits is Affirmed. Signed on 4/7/14 by Magistrate Judge Paul Papak. (gm)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON
TANYA MARIE BABB,
Plaintiff,
3:13-cv-00221-PK
OPINION AND ORDER
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.
PAPAK, Magistrate Judge:
Plaintiff Tanya Babb ("Babb") seeks judicial review ofthe Commissioner of Social
Security's final decision denying her application for disability insurance benefits ("DIB") under
Title II of the Social Security Act (the "Act"). This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3), and the parties have consented to adjudication by a Magistrate Judge. I
have considered the parties' briefs and all of the evidence in the administrative record. For the
reasons set forth below, the Commissioner's final decision is affirmed.
DISABILITY ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK
To establish disability within the meaning of the Act, a claimant must demonstrate an
"inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which can be expected ... to last for a continuous period of not
less than 12 months." 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). The Commissioner has established a five-step
sequential process for determining whether a claimant has made the requisite demonstration. See
Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140 (1987); see also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)( 4). At the first
four steps of the process, the burden of proof is on the claimant; only at the fifth and final step
does the burden of proof shift to the Commissioner. See Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1098
(9th Cir. 1999).
At the first step, the Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") considers the claimant's work
activity, if any. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 140; see also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i). If the ALJ
finds that the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, the claimant will be found not
disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 140; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 404.1520(b).
Otherwise, the evaluation will proceed to the second step.
At the second step, the ALJ considers the medical severity of the claimant's impairments.
See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 140-141; see also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). An impairment is
"severe" if it significantly limits the claimant's ability to perform basic work activities and is
expected to persist for a period of twelve months or longer. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see
also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c). The ability to perform basic work activities is defined as "the
abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521(b); see also Bowen, 482
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U.S. at 141. If the ALJ finds that the claimant's impairments are not severe or do not meet the
duration requirement, the claimant will be found not disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see
also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1520(c).
If the claimant's impairments are severe, the evaluation will proceed to the third step, at
which the ALJ determines whether the claimant's impairments meet or equal "one of a number of
listed impairments that the [Commissioner] acknowledges are so severe as to preclude
substantial gainful activity." Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii);
404 .1520(d). If the claimant's impairments are equivalent to one of the impairments enumerated
in 20 C.F.R. § 404, subpt. P, app. 1, the claimant will conclusively be found disabled. See
Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 404.1520(d).
If the claimant's impairments are not equivalent to one of the enumerated impairments,
the ALJ is required to assess the claimant's residual functional capacity ("RFC"), based on all the
relevant medical and other evidence in the claimant's case record. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e).
The RFC is an estimate of the claimant's capacity to perform sustained, work-related, physical
and mental activities on a regular and continuing basis, despite the limitations imposed by the
claimant's impairments. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a); see also Social Security Ruling ("SSR")
No. 96-8p, 1996 SSR LEXIS 5.
At the fourth step of the evaluation process, the ALJ considers the RFC in relation to the
claimant's past relevant work. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §
404.1520(a)(4)(iv). If, in light of the claimant's RFC, the ALJ determines that the claimant can
still perform his or her past relevant work, the claimant will be found not disabled. See Bowen,
482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 404.1520(f). In the event the claimant
3 ~OPINION AND ORDER
is no longer capable of performing his or her past relevant work, the evaluation will proceed to
the fifth and final step, at which the burden of proof is, for the first time, on the Commissioner.
At the fifth step of the evaluation process, the ALJ considers the RFC in relation to the
claimant's age, education, and work experience to determine whether the claimant can perform
any jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 142;
see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c), 404.1566. Ifthe
Commissioner meets its burden to demonstrate that the claimant is capable of performing jobs
existing in significant numbers in the national economy, the claimant is conclusively found not
to be disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 142; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v),
404.1520(g), 404.1560(c), 404.1566. A claimant will be found entitled to benefits if the
Commissioner fails to meet its burden at the fifth step. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 142; see also 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(g).
LEGAL STANDARD
A reviewing Court must affirm an Administrative Law Judge's decision if the ALJ
applied the proper legal standards and his findings are supported by substantial evidence in the
record. See 42 U.S. C.§ 405(g); see also Batson v. Comm'r, 359 F.3d 1190, 1193 (9th Cir.
2004). '"Substantial evidence' means more than a mere scintilla, but less than a preponderance;
it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable person might accept as adequate to support a
conclusion." Lingenfelter v. Astrue, 504 F.3d 1028, 1035 (9th Cir. 2007), citing Robbins v. Soc.
Sec. Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 882 (9th Cir. 2006).
The Court must review the record as a whole, "weighing both the evidence that suppmts
and the evidence that detracts from the Commissioner's conclusion." !d. The Coutt may not
substitute its judgment for that of the Commissioner. See id., citing Robbins, 466 F.3d at 882;
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see also Edlund v. Massanari, 253 F.3d 1152, 1156 (9th Cir. 2001). If the ALJ's interpretation of
the evidence is rational, it is immaterial that the evidence may be "susceptible [of] more than one
rational interpretation." Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir. 1989).
BACKGROUND
Born in July, 1975, Babb was 34 years old on the alleged onset date. Tr. 195. 1 She
protectively filed for DIB on October 1, 2009, alleging disability as of July 26, 2009 due to
neurology problems, anxiety, and allergies. Tr. 109-11, 200. After her applications were denied
initially and on reconsideration, Babb requested a hearing before an ALJ. Tr. 131-32. She
appeared before ALJ Catherine Lazarun on July 15, 2011. Tr. 42-108.
At the hearing, Babb testified that she was unable to work because she is "continually
sick" with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Tr. 58. She has problems with her left hand and is
learning to write with her right hand. Tr. 45, 58. Babb is married with children ages 18 and 12,
has a drivers' license, and told the ALJ that she completed two years of college in 2001. Tr. 4647,205. Babb last worked at Macy's as a full time cosmetics counter manager, where she used a
cash register, supervised one to three people, and lifted up to 30 pounds. Tr. 47, 199, 201. Babb
has also worked at Nordstrom, Fred Meyer, Ross, and Pier One, and was a caregiver for her
autistic niece for one year in 2009. Tr. 47-51, 55-56. She testified that she has severe intestinal
problems, with chronic abdominal pain, extreme nausea, vertigo, vomiting, and diarrhea, which
require her to be hospitalized "two to three times a month." Tr. 58, 60-61. She stated that she
has anxiety attacks once or twice a week, which can last up to two hours. Babb also testified
that, since the alleged onset date, she sleeps about two hours at a time, for about five hours a day.
1
Citations to "Tr." refer to the page(s) indicated in the official transcript of the
administrative record filed herein as Docket No. 13.
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Tr. 62. She takes Gabapentin, Zolfran, Estradiol, Diluadid, Prestiq, and Temazepam for her
impairments. Tr. 58-59.
After the hearing, ALJ Lazarun issued a decision finding Babb not disabled. Tr. 21-36.
The Appeals Council denied her subsequent request for review, making the ALJ's October 28,
2011 decision the final decision of the Commissioner. Tr. 1-6; see 20 C.F.R. § 422.210(a); see
also, e.g., Sims v. Apfel, 530 U.S. 103, 107 (2000). This action followed.
SUMMARY OF ALJ FINDINGS
At the first step of the five-step sequential evaluation process, the Administrative Law
Judge found that Babb had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date
of July 26, 2009. Tr. 26. At the second step, the ALJ found that Babb had the following severe
impairments: intussusception and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, history of anorexia and
bulimia, obesity, and an adjustment disorder with anxiety. Id. Because the combination of
impairments was deemed severe, the ALJ properly proceeded to the third step of the analysis.
At the third step, the ALJ found that none of Babb's impairments met or equaled any of
the impairments enumerated in 20 C.F.R. § 404, subpt P, app. 1. Tr. 28. The ALJ therefore
conducted an assessment ofBabb's RFC. Specifically, the ALJ found that during the relevant
adjudication period Babb could perform sedentary work with the following limitations: she has
limited ability to push and operate foot controls with her left foot; she can occasionally reach,
handle, finger, and feel with her ambidextrous left hand; she can occasionally climb, but cannot
climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; she can perform simple, routine, and complex tasks; and she
must avoid concentrated exposure to fumes, odors, dusts, gasses, poor ventilation, and hazards.
Tr. 29-30. In reaching these conclusions, the ALJ considered all of the objective medical
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evidence in the record, opinion evidence, and Babb's own statements regarding her symptoms
and limitations to the extent found credible. Tr. 26-36.
At the fomth step of the five-step process, the ALJ found that Babb was unable to
perform any of her past relevant work. Tr. 34. At step five, the ALJ determined that Babb could
perform jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy, including information
clerk and telemarketer. Tr. 34-35. Based on her step five findings, the ALJ concluded that Babb
was not disabled. !d.
ANALYSIS
Babb argues that the Commissioner erred because she (1) found her less than fully
credible; (2) improperly omitted her left limb sensory slowing from the list of impairments at
step two; (3) failed to develop the record with respect to a possible somatoform disorder; (4)
incorrectly evaluated plaintiffs symptoms; and (5) formulated an RFC based on insufficient
evidence. Because the Comt finds that the ALJ's decision was legally sound and supported by
substantial evidence, the Commissioner's decision is affirmed.
I.
The ALJ's Credibility Finding
Babb first argues that the ALJ improperly rejected her credibility. Pl.'s Br. 26. The
Ninth Circuit has developed a two-step process for evaluating the credibility of a claimant's own
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, 504 F.3d at 1036. When
doing so, the claimant "need not show that her impairment could reasonably be expected to cause
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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. Chafer, 80 F.3d 1273, 1282 (9th Cir. 1996).
Second, "if the claimant meets the 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).
The ALJ may consider objective medical evidence and the claimant's treatment history,
as well as the claimant's daily activities, work record, and observations of physicians and third
parties with personal knowledge of the claimant's functional limitations. Smolen, 80 F.3d at
1284. The Commissioner recommends assessing the claimant's daily activities; the location,
duration, frequency, and intensity of the individual's pain or other symptoms; factors that
precipitate and aggravate the symptoms; the type, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of any
medication the individual takes or has taken to alleviate pain or other symptoms; treatment, other
than medication, the individual receives or has received for relief of pain or other symptoms; and
any measures other than treatment the individual uses or has used to relieve pain or other
symptoms. See SSR 96-7p, available at 1996 WL 374186.
Fmther, the Ninth Circuit has said that an ALJ also "may consider
oo•
ordinary techniques
of credibility evaluation, such as the reputation for lying, prior inconsistent statements
concerning the symptoms
00.
other testimony by the claimant that appears less than candid [and]
8- OPINION AND ORDER
unexplained or inadequately explained failure to seek treatment or to follow a prescribed course
of treatment." Smolen, SO F.3d at 12S4. The ALJ may not, however, make a negative credibility
finding "solely because" the claimant's symptom testimony "is not substantiated affirmatively by
objective medical evidence." Robbins, 466 F.3d at SS3. If the "ALJ's credibility finding is
suppotted by substantial evidence in the record, [the Court] may not engage in second-guessing."
Thomas v. Barnhart, 27S F.3d 947, 959 (9th Cir. 2002).
Here, the ALJ rejected Babb's credibility for several reasons. Tr. 30-31. First, the ALJ
found that Babb was not forthcoming in her testimony about her college attendance. Tr. 31; see
Smolen, SO F.3d at 12S4 (the ALJ may employ ordinary techniques of credibility evaluation
when weighing a claimant's testimony). At the hearing, the ALJ thoroughly questioned Babb
about her education and activities of daily living. See Tr. 65-67. Babb's testimony indicated that
she had not received formal education within the last ten years. Tr. 6S. At one point during the
hearing, after going through a list of questions regarding her activities, the ALJ queried, "Are
there any other activities that you've been doing that I haven't mentioned?" Babb replied, "Not
that I can think of, no." !d.
In contrast with the picture of relative inactivity painted by Babb's testimony, Babb's
husband testified that she has been pursuing a Bachelor of Atts degree in Sociology since the fall
of2010, taking a full courseload of"14 or 15" credits. Tr. 31, 90. When questioned about her
income, Babb also failed to mention that she received financial aid. Tr. 31, 90. The ALJ
reasonably inferred that Babb displayed a lack of candor at the hearing; this lack of candor was a
legally sufficient reason for the ALJ to reject her testimony. Smolen, SO F.3d at 12S4.
Second, the ALJ found that Babb's fulltime college attendance conflicts with her selfrepmted limitations. In weighing a claimant's credibility, the ALJ may consider inconsistencies
9- OPINION AND ORDER
between a claimant's testimony and her activities. Thomas, 278 F.3d at 959 (upholding ALJ's
negative credibility finding where claimant "had not been a reliable historian"). Specifically,
Babb's status as a full time student contradicts her subjective symptom testimony alleging
frequent debilitating abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, panic attacks, and
left hand problems. Babb's other activities, such as independent self-care, household chores
such as dusting and laundry, yoga and pilates, international travel after the alleged disability
onset date also contradict her subjective symptom testimony. Tr. 32, 65-66. In sum, Babb's
activities of daily living are inconsistent with the nature and severity of her alleged symptoms.
This constitutes a second specific, clear and convincing reason for rejecting Babb's testimony.
Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284; Dodrill, 12 F.3d at 918; see also Thomas, 278 F.3d at 959.
Third, the ALJ considered medical evidence that Babb exaggerated her symptoms to
medical providers. The ALJ may consider the medical evidence in evaluating a claimant's
credibility. Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284. The ALJ noted that Karen Dellinger, M.D., examined
Babb in 2009 and opined on two occasions that she suspected Babb embellished her symptoms.
Tr. 32. Babb does not challenge Dr. Dellinger's findings. Dr. Dellinger's opinion provides a
third clear and convincing reason to reject Babb's credibility. Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284.
In sum, the ALJ provided specific, clear and convincing reasons supported by substantial
evidence in the record for rejecting Babb's testimony. Although Babb challenges additional
reasons the ALJ provided for her credibility finding, this Court will not disturb the ALJ' s finding
where, as here, it is supported by substantial evidence in the record. Thomas, 278 F.3d at 959,
citing Morgan v. Comm 'r, 169 F.3d 595, 600 (9th Cir. 1999).
II.
Left Limb Sensory Slowing
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Babb also argues that the ALJ erred because she failed at step two to consider her left
limb sensory slowing as a medically determinable impairment. At step two, the ALJ determines
whether the claimant's impairments are "severe" under the Commissioner's regulations. 20
C.P.R.§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). When the Commissioner resolves step two in
the claimant's favor, the claimant has the burden to show that any impairment omitted at step
two results in greater limitations than the ALJ included in the RFC assessment. Burch v.
Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676, 682-83 (9th Cir. 2005) (finding no error in the ALJ's omission of
claimant's obesity at step two because the record did not indicate that claimant's obesity
exacerbated her other impairments).
The ALJ resolved step two in plaintiffs favor. Tr. 26. The ALJ then proceeded with the
sequential analysis and considered medical evidence from George Veech, M.D. that Babb had
mildly decreased sensation on her left side. Tr. 28. She also considered Dr. Dellinger's opinion
that Babb's responses to medical testing suggested "slowing on the left somewhere between the
foot and the cmtex." Tr. 28, 647. The ALJ accordingly assessed Babb's limitations as including
limited ability to stand and walk, and a limited ability to push and operate foot controls with her
left foot. Tr. 29-30, 32. On this record, Babb has the burden to show that her left limb sensory
slowing resulted in greater limitations than the ALJ included in the RFC. Burch, 400 F.3d at
682-83.
Babb argues that reviewing physician Guthrie Turner, M.D., failed to consider Dr.
Dellinger's opinion, and that the ALJ thus erred by relying upon Dr. Turner's opinions when
formulating the RFC. Pl.'s Br. 26-27, citing Tr. 33. However, the ALJ clearly took Dr.
Dellinger's findings into account when making her ultimate determination. See Tr. 28, 32. As
noted, the ALJ incorporated limitations related to Babb's left leg problems into the RFC. Tr. 29II -OPINION AND ORDER
30, 32. Accordingly, the Comt finds no reversible error in the ALJ's omission of Babb's left.
limb sensory slowing at step two. See Burch, 400 F.3d at 682-83. To the extent that Babb offers
an alternative interpretation of Dr. Dellinger's findings, the ALJ's reasonable interpretation must
be upheld. Massachi v. Astrue, 486 F.3d 1149, 1152 (9th Cir. 2007) ("Where the evidence as a
whole can support either a grant or a denial, [the Court] may not substitute [its] judgment for the
ALJ's"); see also Burch, 400 F.3d at 680-81 (the Court "must uphold the ALJ's decision where
the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation").
III.
Failure to Develop the Record
Babb next argues that the ALJ failed to develop the record with respect to her possible
somatoform disorder. Pl.'s Br. 28. The Commissioner has a duty to assist the claimant in
developing the record. Reed v. Massanari, 270 F.3d 838, 841 (9th Cir.2001). As SSR 96-7p, n. 3
provides,
[the ALJ] must develop evidence regarding the possibility of a medically determinable
mental impairment when the record contains information to suggest that such an
impairment exists, and the individual alleges pain or other symptoms, but the medical
signs and laboratory findings do not substantiate any physical impairment(s) capable of
producing the pain or other symptoms.
Here, the ALJ expressed concern over Babb's numerous emergency department visits, lack of
physical findings to substantiate her symptoms and possible embellishment of her symptoms.
Tr. 31, 32. To investigate the possibility that Babb suffered from mental impairments, DDS
ordered a consultative psychological examination from Amanda Ragonesi, Psy. D. Tr. 443-46.
Dr. Ragonesi diagnosed Axis I adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. Tr.
446.
Babb argues that Dr. Ragonesi's repmt did not create a sufficient record ofBabb's mental
health impairments because the examination was conducted 2010, "prior to [Babb's] emergent
12- OPINION AND ORDER
gastrointestinal disorder and surgery." Pl.'s Br. 28. In support of her argument that the ALJ was
required to develop the record further, Babb notes evidence that her pain was untreatable;
numerous emergency room visits related to her GI disorder; and medical evidence that she was
exaggerating her symptoms. 2 Babb cites Rask v. Astrue, an unpublished decision from this
District, for the proposition that the ALJ had "a heightened duty to develop the record" regarding
possible somatoform disorder under these circumstances. Rask v. Astrue, 2011 WL 5546935 at
* 15 (D. Or. 2011 ). In Rask, the ALJ considered evidence from three examining doctors that the
claimant's symptoms might be the product of somatoform disorder, but nevertheless failed to
subpoena the doctors or submit additional questions to them concerning the possibility that the
claimant suffered from somatoform disorder. Id at *14. By contrast, none ofBabb's medical
providers explicitly suggest a possible somatoform disorder. 3 This is true of the physicians who
examined Babb after her "emergent gastrointestinal disorder and surgery." See Tr. 949 (letter
dated April 3, 2012 from Paul Anderson, M.D., stating that Babb "has been under the care of the
Digestive Health Center at OHSU since 8/201 0" but with no mention of a possible somatoform
disorder).
On this record, the Court must uphold the ALJ's discretionary decision not to request a
second consultative examination. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1519(a) ("[t]he decision to purchase a
consultative examination will be made on an individual case basis"). As Babb notes, Rask does
2
Babb argues that her emergency room visits could "reasonably support an undiagnosed
but well-documented symptoms [sic] ofsomatoform disorder." Id. at 29, citing SSR 96-7p (the
ALJ must develop evidence regarding the possibility of a medically determinable impairment
where the record contains information to suggest such impairment exists).
3
Babb also argues that the treatment note from Dr. Paul Anderson indicating that there
are no further treatment options for Babb's digestive health is evidence that her symptoms are
"unexplained medically." Pl.'s Br. 29. The Comt rejects this argument. Specifically, the Court
rejects the notion that there are medically explicable conditions for which there are no viable
treatment options.
13 -OPINION AND ORDER
not hold that an ALJ is required to "rule out" the possibility of somatoform disorders. Pl.'s R.
Br. 4. None of the medical professionals who examined Babb suggested that she be evaluated
for somatoform disorder. The ALJ reasonably interpreted the evidence ofBabb's abdominal
pain, frequent trips to the emergency room, and exaggerated symptoms as evidence of her poor
credibility. Because the ALJ's interpretation of the evidence is rational, it is immaterial that the
evidence may be "susceptible [ofJ more than one rational interpretation." Magallanes, 881 F.2d
at 750. The ALJ's decision not to order further psychological evaluation was not error.
IV.
Evaluation of Symptoms
Babb also challenges the ALJ's evaluation of her symptoms when formulating the RFC.
Specifically, she argues that the ALJ erred by failing to recognize her "gastrointestinal
symptoms, left limb impairments[,] and possible somatoform disorder." Pl.'s Br. 30. The ALJ is
not required to incorporate properly rejected limitations into the RFC. See Stubbs-Danielson v.
Astrue, 539 F.3d 1169, 1175-76 (9th Cir. 2008) (upholding ALJ's decision where the RFC
omitted alleged limitations that the ALJ properly rejected).
As discussed above, the ALJ did not err in failing to include Babb's left limb sensory
slowing as a medical impairment at step two, and properly incorporated Babb's left limb
restrictions into the RFC. Further, the ALJ was not required to incorporate somatoform-related
limitations into the RFC. Because the ALJ properly found Babb not credible and incorporated
all properly credited limitations in the RFC, her RFC assessment was free of legal error. StubbsDanielson, 539 F.3d at 1175-76. The ALJ's RFC assessment is therefore affirmed.
V.
Insufficient Evidence
Babb argues, finally, that the ALJ did not have enough evidence to formulate the RFC
because nonexamining medical consultants Dr. Turner and Anita Peterson, Ph.D., assessed
14 ~OPINION AND ORDER
Babb's limitations in 2009, before her ileum intussusception, chronic abdominal pain, and
gastroparesis. See Tr. 448, 450, 727. She argues that the ALJ therefore did not properly account
for Babb's gastrointestinal ("Gl") problems such as frequent trips to the emergency room for
abdominal pain; vomiting, nausea, dehydration, and diarrhea, when formulating her RFC. Pl.'s
Br. 34. For the reasons discussed below, the Court rejects this argument.
First, the record shows that Babb's abdominal pain and nausea were controlled with her
prescribed medications. See Tr. 541 (treatment note indicating pain symptoms were relieved by
Oxycodone), 773 (treatment note indicating symptoms "improved following pain and nausea
medication"). Second, abdominal pain following Babb's intussusception was consistent with her
history of abdominal pain, first reported in 2007. In a May, 2010 treatment note, for example,
Erin Schneider, M.D., stated that Babb had a "long history of abdominal pain," and that her
ongoing abdominal pain was similar to symptoms reported "3 years ago," prior to the alleged
onset date. Tr. 769.
Third, as discussed above, the ALJ found Babb not credible regarding the extent of her
GI-related limitations and symptoms. Tr. 31,45-47, 703-800. Babb's own testimony is the only
evidence of record that contradicts the medical opinions of Drs. Turner and Peterson. Because
the ALJ's credibility finding was supported by substantial evidence, and the ALJ is not required
to incorporate properly rejected limitations into the RFC, the ALJ did not err in omitting some of
Babb's alleged GI-related symptoms and limitations from her RFC. Stubbs-Danielson, 539 F.3d
at 1175-76.
Fourth, the opinions of Drs. Turner and Peterson were consistent with testimony of
Babb's husband regarding her activities of daily living. A non-examining medical consultant's
opinion constitutes substantial evidence when consistent with other independent evidence in the
15- OPINION AND ORDER
record. Tonapetyan v. Halter, 242 F.3d 1144, 1149 (9th Cir. 2001). The consultative examiners'
medical opinions thus constituted substantial evidence ofBabb's pain-related limitations. Id at
1149. In sum, there was sufficient evidence in the medical record for the ALJ evaluate Babb's
mental and physical limitations and properly conduct the RFC assessment.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the Commissioner's final decision in connection with
Babb's application for disability insurance benefits is affirmed.
Dated this 7th day of April, 2014.
)
· (2/lll----
)~ cLJ?
·.
Honorable Paul Papak
United States Magistrate Judge
16- OPINION AND ORDER
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