Nickel v. Commissioner Social Security Administration
Filing
23
OPINION AND ORDER - The findings of the Commissioner are based upon substantial evidence in the record and the correct legal standards. For these reasons, the court affirms the decision of the Commissioner. Signed on 1/10/2017 by Judge Garr M. King. (pg)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF OREGON
TYLER GENE NICKEL,
Plaintiff,
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting
Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.
Kathryn Tassinari
Mark A. Manning
Harder, Wells, Baron & Manning, P.C.
474 Willamette, Suite 200
Eugene, OR 97401
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Billy J. Williams
United States Attorney
District of Oregon
Janice E. Hebert
Assistant United States Attorney
1000 SW Third Ave., Suite 600
Portland, OR 97204-2902
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Case No. 6:15-cv-01798-KI
OPINION AND ORDER
Lisa Goldoftas
Special Assistant United States Attorney
Office of the General Counsel
Social Security Administration
701 Fifth Ave., Suite 2900 M/S 221A
Seattle, WA 98104-7075
Attorneys for Defendant
KING, Judge:
Plaintiff Tyler Gene Nickel brings this action pursuant to section 205(g) of the Social
Security Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), to obtain judicial review of a final decision of the
Commissioner denying plaintiff’s application for disability insurance benefits (“DIB”). I affirm
the decision of the Commissioner.
BACKGROUND
Nickel filed an application for DIB on March 13, 2014, alleging disability as of
September 26, 2011. The application was denied initially and upon reconsideration. After a
timely request for a hearing, Nickel, represented by counsel, appeared and testified before an
Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) on March 11, 2015.
On April 10, 2015, the ALJ issued a decision finding Nickel not disabled within the
meaning of the Act and therefore not entitled to benefits. This decision became the final decision
of the Commissioner when the Appeals Council declined to review the decision of the ALJ on
July 29, 2015.
DISABILITY ANALYSIS
The Social Security Act (the “Act”) provides for payment of disability insurance benefits
to people who have contributed to the Social Security program and who suffer from a physical or
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mental disability. 42 U.S.C. § 423(a)(1). In addition, under the Act, supplemental security
income benefits may be available to individuals who are age 65 or over, blind, or disabled, but
who do not have insured status under the Act. 42 U.S.C. § 1382(a).
The 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
cause death or to last for a continuous period of at least twelve months. 42 U.S.C.
§§ 423(d)(1)(A) and 1382c(a)(3)(A). An individual will be determined to be disabled only if his
physical or mental 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) and
1382c(a)(3)(B).
The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential evaluation process for
determining if a person is eligible for either DIB or SSI due to disability. The evaluation is
carried out by the ALJ. The claimant has the burden of proof on the first four steps. Parra v.
Astrue, 481 F.3d 742, 746 (9th Cir. 2007); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520 and 416.920. First, the ALJ
determines whether the claimant is engaged in “substantial gainful activity.” 20 C.F.R.
§§ 404.1520(b) and 416.920(b). If the claimant is engaged in such activity, disability benefits are
denied. Otherwise, the ALJ proceeds to step two and determines whether the claimant has a
medically severe impairment or combination of impairments. A severe impairment is one
“which significantly limits [the claimant’s] physical or mental ability to do basic work
activities[.]” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c). If the claimant does not have a severe
impairment or combination of impairments, disability benefits are denied.
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If the impairment is severe, the ALJ proceeds to the third step to determine whether the
impairment is equivalent to one of a number of listed impairments that the Commissioner
acknowledges are so severe as to preclude substantial gainful activity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d)
and 416.920(d). If the impairment meets or equals one of the listed impairments, the claimant is
conclusively presumed to be disabled. If the impairment is not one that is presumed to be
disabling, the ALJ proceeds to the fourth step to determine whether the impairment prevents the
claimant from performing work which the claimant performed in the past. If the claimant is able
to perform work she performed in the past, a finding of “not disabled” is made and disability
benefits are denied. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(f) and 416.920(f).
If the claimant is unable to perform work performed in the past, the ALJ proceeds to the
fifth and final step to determine if the claimant can perform other work in the national economy
in light of his age, education, and work experience. The burden shifts to the Commissioner to
show what gainful work activities are within the claimant’s capabilities. Parra, 481 F.3d at 746.
The claimant is entitled to disability benefits only if he is not able to perform other work. 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g) and 416.920(g).
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court must affirm a denial of benefits if the denial is supported by substantial
evidence and is based on correct legal standards. Molina v. Astrue, 674 F.3d 1104, 1110 (9th Cir.
2012). Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as
adequate to support a conclusion” and is more than a “mere scintilla” of the evidence but less
than a preponderance. Id. (internal quotation omitted). The court must uphold the ALJ’s
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findings if they “are supported by inferences reasonably drawn from the record[,]” even if the
evidence is susceptible to multiple rational interpretations. Id.
THE ALJ’S DECISION
The ALJ identified left shoulder axillary nerve injury from a gunshot wound with nerve
neurolysis, post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), and depression as Nickel’s severe
impairments. The ALJ found these impairments, either singly or in combination, did not meet or
medically equal the requirements of any of the impairments listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart
P, Appendix 1. The ALJ concluded Nickel retains the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to
perform less than light work. Specifically, Nickel should never crawl or climb ladders, ropes or
scaffolds. He is limited to no more than occasional reaching in any direction with his left upper
extremity. He is limited to occupations requiring no more than occasional interaction with
supervisors, co-workers and the general public. He would work best in an independent work
environment involving minimal supervision and minimal interruption. Given this RFC, the ALJ
concluded Nickel could not perform his past relevant work, but could perform other work such as
an ironer, bakery line worker, and scaling machine operator. As a result, the ALJ concluded
Nickel was not disabled.
FACTS
Nickel, at 21 years old on his alleged disability onset date, has a high school degree and
some college. He served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. His alleged onset date of
disability– September 26, 2011–is the date on which he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound
to his shoulder during a failed suicide attempt. He underwent several surgeries, continued to
perform office work for the Marine Corps, underwent a final surgery in April 2012, and was
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honorably discharged in June 2012. After Nickel complained of weakness, stiffness and pain at a
level of 2/10 in August 2012, his shoulder was assessed for physical therapy. He reported slow
movements for personal care, an inability to participate in any sports activities, and an inability to
reach above waist level without feeling symptoms. After undergoing a course of physical therapy
in August and September 2012, he was discharged with no improvement.
Nickel also established psychiatric care at the VA, with Susan Aviotti, LPC, in August
2012. He told Aviotti he was living with his girlfriend, his sister, her boyfriend, and their baby.
He could concentrate and focus for about an hour, he reported low energy, his voice was low but
articulate, motor activity was normal, and his judgment was pretty good. He reported intrusive
recollections of combat, felt detached from everyone except his girlfriend, and felt irritable and
angry. He planned to start school in the fall. Aviotti diagnosed Nickel with PTSD, Major
Depressive Disorder, and Personality Disorders.
Nickel began attending group therapy sessions in January 2013, which continued into
January 2015. He reported that anger caused him to punch a hole in the wall; he never fought
with people. He reported feeling excited about a metal detector purchase, and sharing that
activity with his girlfriend. He expressed surprise at his initial VA disability rating of 90% in
February 2013; Aviotti described Nickel as “an avid group member, not always verbally
participating a lot, but surely interested in what others say.” Tr. 494. In a one-on-one session
with Aviotti a week later, Nickel reported concerns about school and thoughts of dropping out.
He worried unemployability would take away any sense of accomplishment in his life. Aviotti
described him as a “[v]ery aware young man who seeks help with things he knows he needs help
with.” Tr. 493. He went to Disneyland with his girlfriend in March to celebrate their
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anniversary. He had fun, but the crowds made him angry. If he went again he would get a quickpass to avoid standing in lines.
Nickel referred himself to a PTSD residential rehabilitation program in April 2013, where
he sought treatment for his numbed emotions, and difficulties with anger and rage. He had
previously been prescribed Celexa, before his suicide attempt, which he did not like, and he had
subsequently “never really talked to the right people about meds, and I have been kind of
apprehensive to try any other ones.” Tr. 347. He reported not participating in any activities; he
liked to hike and camp, but he had not been doing anything lately due to lack of energy. Nickel
participated in five psycho educational classes a week for almost six weeks, daily group therapy,
weekly counseling, and leisure activities. He was on time to all scheduled activities and group
sessions and participated to the best of his ability. He reported “some” progress, but not what he
had expected. Tr. 419. He ended up leaving a little early, criticizing the program as a “joke[.]”
Tr. 421-22.
After returning home, Nickel continued his group therapy sessions. He reported that he
and his girlfriend had bought a home together and were working on improvements to obtain a
loan. Aviotti thought he looked more relaxed and less stressed. During a one-on-one in June,
Aviotti learned Nickel was having trouble containing his anger; he had broken a fishing pole
after throwing a fit the previous day. Aviotti noted that Nickel “has really grown a lot since he’s
been coming here [and] needs to recognize the positive things in his life.” Tr. 492. Nickel
missed about a month and a half of sessions while he settled into his new home; he returned on
July 2013 and spent time venting about unfair treatment of Marines. At the next several sessions,
Nickel talked about his new dog and “sounded so happy.” Tr. 491. The only problem was that
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he “says he has nothing to do. He is looking at having a lifetime of no[t] being able to work
[and] doesn’t know which way to go.” Tr. 491. He proposed to his girlfriend in August, and
they planned to go camping, he “even has a shower rigged up for the girls,” and he reported
feeling bored. Tr. 490. He fell off a small scooter in September and he went flying. He scraped
his whole arm on the side of the road.
Nickel underwent a VA compensation exam on September 18, 2013. Mical Dutson, NP,
examined Nickel’s left shoulder and arm. He diagnosed diminished sensation in the left arm and
a failed attempted nerve graft. Dutson noted moderate paresthesis and/or dysesthesias, and
moderate numbness. Nickel’s flexion and extension were normal in the elbow and wrist, but he
had muscle atrophy of two centimeters on the left side. He displayed normal deep tendon
reflexes in the biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis, but decreased sensation in the shoulder,
inner/outer forearm, hand/fingers, and ulnar distribution to long, ring, and middle fingers.
Dutson opined that the peripheral neuropathy would affect Nickel’s ability to work in that
repetitive lifting tasks, or even left shoulder and arm movements, would be unsafe and
problematic. Tr. 360.
John Gardin, Ph.D., evaluated Nickel’s PTSD and depression the same day. Dr. Gardin
commented that although Nickel was able to attend and perform well in his first community
college term, he then failed all his courses in the second term as a result of memory issues and
anxiety. Dr. Gardin opined that Nickel had total occupational and social impairment as a result
of his PTSD and depression. Dr. Gardin pointed to Nickel’s avoidance, nightmares, irritability,
and insomnia, loss of interest in life activities, hypervigilance, and emotional distancing. Nickel
reported having no friends, avoiding activities outside of the house, angry outbursts at home and
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in public, and panic attacks in public. Dr. Gardin thought Nickel would be unable to seek or
maintain employment, and that no accommodation could change his opinion since Nickel’s
attention, concentration, and memory problems were significant. Tr. 375.
The VA awarded Nickel 100% disability.
Nickel reported in his group sessions that he had started attending events with the Point
Man Ministries, and he reported planning on going hunting in late September. He expressed an
interest in becoming more active, and in reading a book, as his New Year’s resolutions. He
reported that he and his girlfriend were going to be married early so she could take advantage of
the GI bill, and he invited everyone to a restaurant to celebrate afterward.
Nickel sought care for his shoulder in October 2013. He reported not gaining any
strength the past nine months, and an inability to abduct his left arm beyond 45 degrees; his hand
seemed weak and less dextrous. Running for prolonged periods caused pain. He had some
cramping in his arm after activity. He agreed to try gabapentin, he declined occupational therapy
as he felt he was able to manage his activities of daily living, and he was referred to plastic
surgery for additional surgical options.
By January 2014, Nickel reported finding himself getting less angry and he was
successfully using anger management techniques. The next month, he sought a one-on-one with
Aviotti to discuss his anger, at his wife’s request. Later that month, he reported to the group that
he was making a laundry chute for the house. He was going shooting for fun, and he started
swimming again.
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The plastic surgeon evaluated Nickel’s arm, and noticed Nickel “relegated that arm to
little more than a holder or helper.” Tr. 464. His elbow was normal, but his wrist and fingers
were weak. The surgeon recommended a referral to the Mayo Clinic.
In the meantime, Nickel continued to attend group sessions. He was all smiles after his
marriage, and traveled to North Carolina in April 2014. He seemed depressed in May, reporting
trouble getting motivated each day. He went to the VA two days later; he had stopped the
gabapentin as it caused nightmares. His provider urged exercise, perhaps wrapping his arm in a
sling to avoid injury.
Nickel told the group in May about a three-week trip to North Carolina he took with his
wife. He realized he still needed to attend the group sessions when he had an altercation with a
homeless man on the street who was taunting his wife. He “[s]aid he is still upset with himself
but also more aware of the anger underneath.” Tr. 482.
In June, Nickel reported to the group that he was happy about a new security system, he
was in better spirits, and had a camping trip planned. The camping trip was successful, except
for mosquitos. He reported in July that he and his wife were buying a trailer and they were
excited to use a rubber raft. He sought a one-on-one appointment a week later to discuss his
angry outbursts. He continued to volunteer, plan more camping trips, and seemed less anxious.
Nickel went to the Mayo Clinic in October 2014. He was told that a nerve graft was
impossible, but that he could talk to an orthopedic surgeon. He was told that he “had
reinnervation of most of his muscles, and all of his muscles had some activation except his
infraspinatus, and that was actually good news, and that he actually had reasonable function in
the arm, and so one would not want to jeopardize that.” Tr. 517.
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When he returned, Nickel informed the group that the prognosis was not good and he
decided he would not have surgery. He was volunteering quite a bit. He and his wife were
planning a trip to Florida and a second wedding. He and his wife had also spearheaded a new
support group for veterans. He was attending church.
When Nickel returned to his care provider at the VA, he reported that the shoulder
surgery was too risky with minimal change of improvement to functioning. He felt he could now
move forward. Aviotti commented that the group had formed a pretty tight friendship.
Carolyn Billman, CADC III, completed a mental residual functional capacity form for
Nickel in January 2015. Tr. 508.
In February 2015, Nickel complained of pain in his left hand, and cramping in his thumb,
especially while lying on his left arm, or when lifting more than 10 pounds. He described slight
weakness in his hand. Tr. 551.
DISCUSSION
Nickel challenges the ALJ’s decision on the following grounds: the ALJ’s failure to
credit his testimony; the ALJ’s failure to give great weight to the VA’s disability rating; and the
ALJ’s rejection of the lay witness’ testimony.
I.
Nickel’s Credibility
Nickel testified initially that he could “perform basic motor functions, grasp bags of
groceries, what have you” now, and that he felt his PTSD was the biggest hindrance to
employment. Tr. 50. He later testified that he could not reach out at all with his left arm. Tr. 55.
He had felt nervous at school, and had signed himself into the inpatient treatment program for his
PTSD. Nickel testified that the VA paid his wife to act as his caregiver, that she took classes
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online from home, and that she did most of the cooking and chores. He could do the laundry. He
could drive to church, therapy, and the grocery store. He initially testified that he spent his time
woodworking, target practicing, and fishing, but later clarified that he had not tried woodworking
since the accident, and that he cast his fishing line with one hand and lay prone on the ground to
shoot. He described feeling unable to tolerate stress, and overreacting in a physical, selfdestructive way.
The ALJ found Nickel’s testimony not entirely credible for several reasons. First, the
ALJ pointed out Nickel testified that his left shoulder was not his primary problem, but that he
only knew and was trained for physical work which he felt he could no longer perform. Tr. 23.
In fact, his activities suggested that any numbness or gripping difficulties had not interfered with
his ability to camp, drive long distances, ride a scooter, metal detect, golf, fish, hunt, paddle a
river raft, woodwork, try stained glass work, and other activities. In any event, the ALJ
eliminated work requiring crawling or climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, as well as work with
more than occasional reaching.
Additionally, with respect to Nickel’s testimony about his anger, the ALJ noted Nickel
permitted others to live in his home (including his sister, her boyfriend, and their baby and, at
other times, Nickel’s father) without causing him discomfort. Nickel had no trouble driving to
Salem, Portland, North Bend, and other parts of Oregon, and flew to Disneyland, North Carolina,
Florida, and Minneapolis. In addition, the ALJ wondered about Nickel’s decision not to try
psychotropic medications to reduce his anxiety, panic, and depression.1
1
The Commissioner points to additional comments the ALJ made about Nickel’s work
history beyond his alleged disability onset date, the circumstances surrounding the self-inflicted
(continued...)
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When deciding whether to accept the subjective symptom testimony of a claimant, the
ALJ must perform a two-stage analysis. In the first stage, the claimant must produce objective
medical evidence of one or more impairments which could reasonably be expected to produce
some degree of symptom. Lingenfelter v. Astrue, 504 F.3d 1028, 1036 (9th Cir. 2007). The
claimant is not required to show that the impairment could reasonably be expected to cause the
severity of the symptom, but only to show that it could reasonably have caused some degree of
the symptom. In the second stage of the analysis, the ALJ must assess the credibility of the
claimant’s testimony regarding the severity of the symptoms. Id. The ALJ “must specifically
identify the testimony she or he finds not to be credible and must explain what evidence
undermines the testimony.” Holohan v. Massanari, 246 F.3d 1195, 1208 (9th Cir. 2001).
General findings are insufficient to support an adverse credibility determination and the ALJ
must rely on substantial evidence. Id. “[U]nless an ALJ makes a finding of malingering based
on affirmative evidence thereof, he or she may only find an applicant not credible by making
specific findings as to credibility and stating clear and convincing reasons for each.” Robbins v.
Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 883 (9th Cir. 2006).2
Daily activities could be relevant for one of two purposes. A claimant’s daily activities
might be so substantial such that they equate to an ability to work. Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625,
1
(...continued)
gunshot wound, and evidence of secondary gain. The ALJ did not state these factors in a way
that I would consider “specific” to his credibility analysis, and I do not consider them.
2
The Commissioner suggests the clear and convincing standard need not control the
analysis, encouraging application of the more deferential regulatory requirement for specific
reasons supported by substantial evidence. Def.’s Br. 13, n.26. The Ninth Circuit has rejected
her argument. See Burrell v. Colvin, 775 F.3d 1133 (9th Cir. 2014) (reasserting that the ALJ must
provide “specific, clear and convincing reasons” to support a credibility analysis).
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639 (9th Cir. 2007). Alternatively, the activities might be inconsistent with testimony purporting
to be limited in some way. Id. Frankly, the extent of Nickel’s activities supports the ALJ’s
conclusion. Nickel focuses on his angry outbursts, and his comfort-level with other veterans who
understood his circumstances. The ALJ noted contradictory facts–such as Nickel’s ability to
drive, travel long distances through crowded airports (notably he indicated he would return to
Disneyland despite the crowds), and offer his home to family members without any evidence of
conflict or frustration. Further, the ALJ limited Nickel to only occasional interaction with
supervisors, co-workers, and the general public, and work requiring minimal supervision and
minimal interruption. Although Nickel’s interpretation of the record is rational, the ALJ’s
reading of the record is “supported by inferences reasonably drawn from the record[.]” Molina,
674 F.3d at 1110.
Additionally, while the ALJ must proceed cautiously in questioning a claimant’s failure
to seek psychiatric treatment for a mental condition, Nguyen v. Chater, 100 F.3d 1462, 1465 (9th
Cir. 1996), here Nickel was attending group sessions, had admitted himself into a PSTD inpatient
treatment program, and recognized his anger and depression problems. Nickel points out that no
doctor prescribed such medication, at least in the later years. In March 2012, Nickel was advised
to take anxiety medications as needed and he was given a pamphlet about medications in May
2013. Tr. 208, 439. Thus the evidence demonstrates Nickel knew about the availability and
benefits of such medication and that his decision not to seek anti-depressants or other
psychotropic medications may suggest his symptoms were not severe enough to motivate him to
seek that kind of treatment. Burch v. Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676, 681 (9th Cir. 2005) (it “is powerful
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evidence regarding the extent” of the symptom if the claimant is not motivated to seek other
forms of treatment).
In sum, the ALJ did not err.
II.
The VA’s Disability Rating
The VA assigned a 100% disability rating to Nickel. A VA disability rating is entitled to
great evidentiary weight in a Social Security proceeding. McCartey v. Massanari, 298 F.3d
1072, 1076 (9th Cir. 2002). Since the VA and SSA criteria for determining disability are not
identical, an ALJ may give less weight to a VA rating decision by giving persuasive, specific,
and valid reasons for doing so that are supported by the record. Id. The ALJ rejected the VA
disability rating, stating, “[U]nfortunately, the VA has its own set of criteria for determining
disability benefits, and those criteria are different from the Social Security regulations.” Tr. 27.
This reason alone is insufficient. See McCartey, 298 F.3d at 1076 (commenting on the “marked
similarity between these two federal disability programs”).
The ALJ, however, also discussed Nickel’s lower number of anger management issues
since the VA’s decision, and questioned the VA rating based on evidence the VA did not have at
the time of the rating decision. Nickel contends he continued to have anger management issues,
but in a group session in January 2014, he himself commented he found himself “getting angry
fewer and fewer times.” Tr. 485. He also continued to register awareness about his anger
management issues. Tr. 482. The ALJ’s conclusion was based on substantial evidence in the
record. Molina, 674 F.3d at 1110 (holding substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a
reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion” and is more than a “mere
scintilla” of the evidence but less than a preponderance).
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Regarding the timing of the VA determinations, and what evidence the agency had
available, the ALJ commented that Nickel attended the inpatient treatment program “just prior to
his next C&P psychological evaluation to increase his disability rating” from the VA. Tr. 24.
There is no indication in the record as to what evidence the VA considered in issuing its
unemployability determination effective January 2014. Tr. 161-62. The VA rating decision
issued in June 2013 relied on the opinions of Dr. Gardin, Dutson, and Billman, all of which the
ALJ found unpersuasive. Instead, the ALJ relied on the State agency medical and psychological
consultants’ opinions, which in turn were based on all of the VA records, in concluding the VA’s
rating decision was not entitled to any weight.
The weight given to the opinion of a physician depends on whether the physician is a
treating physician, an examining physician, or a nonexamining physician. More weight is given
to the opinion of a treating physician because the person has a greater opportunity to know and
observe the patient as an individual. Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625, 632 (9th Cir. 2007). If a
treating or examining physician’s opinion is not contradicted by another physician, the ALJ may
only reject it for clear and convincing reasons. Id. (treating physician); Widmark v. Barnhart,
454 F.3d 1063, 1067 (9th Cir. 2006) (examining physician). Even if it is contradicted by another
physician, the ALJ may not reject the opinion without providing specific and legitimate reasons
supported by substantial evidence in the record. Orn, 495 F.3d at 632; Widmark, 454 F.3d at
1066. The opinion of a nonexamining physician, by itself, is insufficient to constitute substantial
evidence to reject the opinion of a treating or examining physician. Widmark, 454 F.3d at 1066
n.2.
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A.
Dr. Gardin
The ALJ commented that the extent of the limitations identified by Dr. Gardin in Nickel’s
evaluation were inconsistent with Nickel’s level of activity. Although Nickel disputes that his
ability to participate in group therapy for veterans and his church activities indicate he is able to
function in a work setting, the ALJ supported his finding of only moderate social difficulties as
follows, “claimant had friends that came over and played videogames. . . . In his PTSD group
therapy sessions, the claimant has reported ability to start a relationship with his current wife,
plan and arrange multiple weddings, go fishing, go camping, travel by car, travel by airplane to
Disneyland for vacation, go to the shooting range to shoot guns, eat at restaurants, attend church
weekly, among several other activities.” Tr. 19; see also Tr. 24-25 (detailing maintaining a
relationship, buying a house, helping family members, plans to marry, and intentions to obtain
100% disability rating). Dr. Gardin, to the contrary, found Nickel had such significant
symptoms–such as depression and intense anxiety–that no amount of accommodation would give
Nickel the ability to work. The ALJ’s conclusion that Dr. Gardin’s opinion–which included a
discussion of Nickel’s anxiety around others, lack of friends, and lack of motivation–was
inconsistent with other evidence in the record is a specific and legitimate reason supported by
substantial evidence in the record. Batson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 359 F.3d 1190, 1195
(9th Cir. 2004) (holding ALJ is not required to accept the opinion of a physician that is
“unsupported by the record as a whole”).
B.
Dutson and Billman
Dutson and Billman are considered among the “other sources” listed in the Social
Security regulations who are not acceptable medical sources. See 20 C.F.R. § 416.913(d)(1)-(4).
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The ALJ may reject the opinions of such sources by giving reasons that are “germane” to that
source. Turner v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 613 F.3d 1217, 1224 (9th Cir. 2010).
The ALJ gave no weight to Billman’s opinion because it was not corroborated by her
notes from the group sessions she co-organized with Aviotti. Specifically, Billman identified
marked limitations in Nickel’s ability to carry out very short and simple instructions; ability to
understand, remember and carry out detailed instructions; ability to maintain attention and
concentration for extended periods; ability to perform activities within a schedule, maintain
regular attendance and be punctual within customary tolerances; ability to sustain an ordinary
routine without special supervision; ability to complete a normal workday and workweek without
interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and to perform at a consistent pace without
an unreasonable number and length of rest periods; ability to ask simple questions or request
assistance; ability to get along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting
behavioral extremes; ability to respond appropriately to changes in the work setting; and ability
to set realistic goals or to make plans independently of others. These marked limitations were
simply not apparent in Nickel’s testimony, in the chart notes, or in Nickel’s performance during
group sessions. These are all germane reasons to weigh Billman’s opinion less than other
opinions. Britton v. Colvin, 787 F.3d 1011, 1013 (9th Cir. 2015) (holding that a germane reason
to reject nurse practitioner’s opinion was that it conflicted with claimant’s daily activities).
With respect to Dutson, the ALJ described the examination in detail, including the normal
motor strength, normal deep tendon reflexes, some left shoulder weakness, fatigue and incoordination (but no pain), and commented that Nickel had injured himself the day before the
examination when he fell off his scooter. Tr. 22. The ALJ also noted Nickel’s own testimony
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that any limitation with his left upper extremity was not his primary issue. The ALJ opined as to
Nickel’s postural limitations in creating the RFC. The ALJ adequately addressed Dutson’s
opinion.
III.
Lay Witness Testimony
Nickel’s wife, Megan Clyburn, prepared a written report describing Nickel’s activities
and behavior. In it, she wrote Nickel could not move his right shoulder or lift much with his left
arm. She said Nickel had to pick up his left arm with his right hand if he wanted to move it. She
wrote that Nickel’s PTSD caused him to be forgetful, angry, and antisocial. Nickel cooked
meals, could perform light cleaning, laundry, and shopping. He played video games, sometimes
with a visiting friend, and watched television. The ALJ found this report to be inconsistent with
the evidence.
Lay testimony about a claimant’s symptoms is competent evidence which the ALJ must
take into account unless he gives reasons for the rejection that are germane to each witness.
Stout v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 454 F.3d 1050, 1053 (9th Cir. 2006). Here, just as in his
analysis of Dr. Gardin’s opinion, and the opinions of Dutson and Billman, the ALJ properly
questioned the validity of Clyburn’s report when Nickel himself reported that his arm was not his
primary issue, and when Nickel’s high level of activity contradicted Clyburn’s observations.
Specifically, Nickel could travel, hang out with friends, ride a scooter, go to church, group
therapy, and volunteer, metal detect, golf, fish, hunt, and paddle a river raft. The ALJ gave a
germane reason to question Clyburn’s report.
PAGE 19 - OPINION AND ORDER
CONCLUSION
The findings of the Commissioner are based upon substantial evidence in the record and
the correct legal standards. For these reasons, the court affirms the decision of the
Commissioner.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this
10th
day of January, 2017.
/s/ Garr M. King
Garr M. King
United States District Judge
PAGE 20 - OPINION AND ORDER
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