ANDREWS v. ASTRUE
Filing
13
MEMORANDUM OPINION indicating that, for reasons stated more fully within, the decision of the ALJ is adequately supported by substantial evidence from the record within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Therefore, Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment 8 is denied and Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment 10 is granted. Accordingly, the decision of the Commissioner is affirmed. Appropriate Orders follow. Signed by Judge Nora Barry Fischer on 10/17/12. (jg)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
ANTHONY ANDREWS,
Plaintiff,
v.
MICHAEL J. ASTRUE,
Defendant.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Civil Action No. 12-626
Judge Nora Barry Fischer
MEMORANDUM OPINION
I.
INTRODUCTION
Anthony Andrews (“Plaintiff”) brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking
judicial review of the final determination of the Commissioner of Social Security (“Defendant”
or “Commissioner”) denying his application for disability insurance benefits (“DIB”) under Title
II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 404-434 (“Act”). The record has been developed at
the administrative level, and the parties have brought cross-motions for summary judgment. For
the following reasons, the Court finds that the decision of the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”)
is supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment
(Docket No. 8) is DENIED, and Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment (Docket No. 10) is
GRANTED.
II.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Plaintiff applied for DIB on June 18, 2009, alleging both physical and mental
impairments with a disability onset date of August 10, 2007. (R. at 122-23, 154-55).1 Following
1
Citations to ECF Nos., the Record, hereinafter, “R. at ___.”
1
the initial denial of his application on January 11, 2010 (R. at 72-76), a hearing was held before
an ALJ on February 24, 2010 at which Plaintiff and a vocational expert appeared and testified
(R. at 28-69). The ALJ issued his unfavorable decision to Plaintiff on April 27, 2011. (R. at 1223). Plaintiff filed a request for review by the Appeals Council, which was denied on March 12,
2012, thereby making the decision of the ALJ the final decision of the Commissioner. (R. at 1-4).
Having exhausted all administrative remedies, Plaintiff filed his Complaint in this Court on May
11, 2012. (Docket No. 4). On July 16, 2012, Defendant filed his Answer. (Docket No. 5).
Subsequently, Plaintiff filed his Motion for Summary Judgment with Brief in Support on August
13, 2012. (Docket Nos. 8-9). Defendant filed his cross-motion and supporting brief on
September 4, 2012. (Docket Nos. 10, 12).
III.
FACTS
A. General Background
Plaintiff was born on August 17, 1967 and was forty-three years of age at the time of his
hearing. (R. at 122). He lived in Cardele, Pennsylvania with his wife, his six-year-old son, and a
stepson who is sixteen years old. (R. at 30, 46, 144). Plaintiff is a high school graduate and
completed two years of computer training at a community college in 1989. (R. at 152, 552). His
past relevant work history consists mostly of clerical and customer service jobs. (R. at 157, 16061). Plaintiff reported that he stopped working at his last job as a material handler for Dick’s
Sporting Goods because he was injured on the job. (R. at 145).
Though Plaintiff previously had a driver’s license, he did not drive at the time of his
hearing because he had failed to renew it. (R. at 168). His daily activities mostly consisted of
watching television, using the Internet on his home computer, and cooking dinner each night,
which took him approximately one to two hours. (R. at 165-67). He reported that he was the
2
primary caregiver of his young son, who was four years old at the time Plaintiff filed for DIB.
(R. at 165). Besides completing domestic activities, sometimes Plaintiff spent his day with his
family at the mall or Walmart “walk[ing] around for awhile.” (Id.). In his self-report, Plaintiff
claimed that he could sit for, at most, 30 minutes and was able to walk up to one mile before
needing to rest for 15 minutes; however, he stated that he did not require an ambulatory device.
(R. at 170-71).
B. Medical History
In his Disability Report, Plaintiff claimed that a back injury, diabetes, and depression
limit his ability to work.2 (R. at 145). His list of medications relevant to his back condition
consisted of amitriptyline,3 “HCD,”4 Neurontin,5 and Tizanidine6 at the time of his hearing. (R.
at 151, 185). He reported that he was helped by medication, which typically takes about 30
minutes to take effect and lasts all day. (R at 173-74). He does not engage in alcohol or tobacco
use. (R. at 319).
2
In his Motion for Summary Judgment, Plaintiff challenges findings related to his back injury, but raises no
objections to the ALJ’s conclusions regarding the impact of his depression or diabetes on his ability to work.
(Docket Nos. 8-9). As to these conditions, Plaintiff testified that his diabetes was “under control,” and that his
occasional feelings of depression, for which he did not take medication, were related to being unemployed. (R. at
47-49). Thus, discussion will be limited to the facts pertaining to Plaintiff’s back condition.
3
Amitriptyline is a type of tricyclic antidepressant that “works by increasing the amounts of certain natural
substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance.” PubMed Health, Amitriptyline, available at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000666/ (last visited October 9, 2012). It also may be prescribed
for other uses, such as “post-herpetic neuralgia (the burning, stabbing pains, or aches that may last months or years
after a shingles infection).” Id.
4
HCD is an abbreviation for a type of hydrocodone, which is “available only in combination with other
ingredients,” some of which “are used to relieve moderate to severe pain.” PubMed Health, Hydrocodone, available
at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000014/ (last visited October 9, 2012). Hydrocodone “is in a
class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and in a class of medications called antitussives.” Id. It
“relieves pain by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain,” and is taken “in combination
with at least one other medication.” Id.
5
Neurontin is the brand name for gabapentin, an oral medication typically “used to help control certain types
of seizures in people who have epilepsy.” PubMed Health, Gabapentin, available at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000940/ (last visited October 9, 2012). Gabapentin “is also
sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damages in people
who have diabetes).” Id.
6
Tizanidine is “in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants” which works “by slowing action
in the brain and nervous system to allow the muscles to relax.” PubMed Health, Tizanidine, available at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000106/ (last visited October 9, 2012).
3
1. Plaintiff’s Back Injury – June 2006
Plaintiff sustained a work-related back injury on June 13, 2006 after he lifted a heavy box
while working as a material handler at the distribution center of Dick’s Sporting Goods. (R. at
42, 194). The next day, Plaintiff sought treatment at Uniontown Hospital, where he was
diagnosed with a soft tissue injury. (R. at 194). Following a referral by his primary care
physician, Dr. Andrew Stroh, an MRI of Plaintiff’s lumbar spine was taken at Frick Hospital on
August 14, 2006, which revealed small central disc bulges at L4-L5 and L5-S1. (R. at 186, 24243). Dr. Stroh treated Plaintiff with Flexeril7 and Celebrex,8 and prescribed physical therapy. (R.
at 194).
2. Evaluations by Dr. Rich Kozakiewicz, M.D. – October 2006, April 2007
Subsequently, Plaintiff filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which was
evaluated on October 9, 2006 by a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Rich
Kozakiewicz, M.D. of Pennsylvania Physical Medicine, Inc., located in Greensburg, PA. (R. at
194). Dr. Kozakiewicz reviewed the images of Plaintiff’s MRI and reported that they showed
“mild degenerative changes most notable at L5-S1.” (Id.). His impression was that Plaintiff
suffered “minimal residuals of work-related lumbosacral sprain/strain”; however, Dr.
Kozakiewicz maintained that Plaintiff was capable of full-time, full-duty employment. (R. at
195). Recommending a brief course of chiropractic care and a daily home program, Dr.
7
Flexeril is commonly known as cyclobenzaprine, which is “a muscle relaxant… used with rest, physical
therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relive pain caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.”
PubMedHealth, Cyclobenzaprine, available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHoooo699/ (last
visited October 9, 2012).
8
Celebrex is a brand name for celecoxib, which “is in a class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors” and
“works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.” PubMed Health,
Celecoxib, available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001050/ (last visited October 9, 2012). It
is typically used to treat types of arthritis, but may also be used “to relieve other types of short term pain including
pain caused by injuries, surgery and other medical or dental procedures, or medical conditions that last for a limited
time.” Id.
4
Kozakiewicz referred Plaintiff to Midtown Chiropractic for treatment by Dr. Craig Weimer, D.C.
(Id.).
On October 16, 2006, Plaintiff appeared for his first session with Dr. Weimer. (R. at 22224). He reported experiencing constant pain at an intensity level of five (5) on a pain scale of one
(1) to ten (10). (R. at 222). Dr. Weimer diagnosed Plaintiff with sacrolitis, post sprain strain, and
low back pain. (R. at 224). Throughout his physical therapy appointments that October, Plaintiff
took Flexeril and Tramadol9 in addition to anti-inflammatories, and his conditions improved with
chiropractic treatment: on October 27, 2006, Plaintiff reported that his pain had decreased to a
level of three (3) to four (4) out of ten (10) on the pain scale, and at his next appointment with
Dr. Weimer on October 30, 2006, Plaintiff reported that he was “feeling a lot better.” (Id.).
Plaintiff followed up with Dr. Kozakiewicz on October 30, 2006, who opined that
Plaintiff had “definitely” benefitted from chiropractic treatment and the home exercise routine.
(R. at 192). Dr. Kozakiewicz reported that Plaintiff experienced only minimal stiffness in the
right lumber area; his impression was that the minimal residuals of Plaintiff’s work-related injury
were “largely resolved” and that “full time full work duties continue to be medically
appropriate.” (Id.).
On November 6, 2006, Dr. Weimer noted “continued improvement” in Plaintiff’s
condition. (R. at 224). Despite Plaintiff’s reports of some increase in his back pain throughout his
other appointments in November, Dr. Weimer attributed his pain to “mild overuse exacerbation”
and did not adjust the current treatment protocol. (R. at 225). On December 4, 2006, Dr. Weimer
diagnosed Plaintiff with subluxation and mechanical back pain. (R. at 225-226). Again, on
December 8, 2006, Plaintiff reported some increase in his back pain associated with lifting and
9
Tramadol is an “opiate agonist” used “to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain,” which “works by
changing
the
way
the
body
senses
pain.”
PubMed
Health,
Tramadol,
available
at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000960/ (last visited October 9, 2012).
5
stocking tasks at work, but Dr. Weimer noted that his pain had been reduced “quite a bit”
through treatment. (R. at 226). On January 3, 2007, Plaintiff informed Dr. Weimer that he had
been using a molded back brace at work and found it to be very helpful, commenting that he had
very little pain at work. (Id.). Dr. Weimer noted that Plaintiff’s pain had improved and that his
range of motion was within normal limits. (Id.). Moreover, on January 8, 2007, Dr. Weimer
reported that Plaintiff’s complaints were “improved in comparison to the last visit” and “mild.”
(Id.). At subsequent appointments in January and February 2007, Dr. Weimer remarked that
Plaintiff’s condition had improved, and Plaintiff rated his pain as a two (2) or three (3) out of ten
(10). (R. at 227). At appointments later in February and into April 2007, Plaintiff claimed to
suffer from increased back pain, but Dr. Weimer attributed these complaints to lifting tasks at
work. (R. at 227-28).
When Plaintiff returned to see Dr. Kozakiewicz on April 9, 2007 due to “ongoing low
back pain during work activities,” Dr. Kozakiewicz nonetheless reported that Plaintiff’s physical
examination that day looked “quite good.” (R. at 191). According to Dr. Kozakiewicz, no new
injury had occurred; he opined that “[f]ull time full work duties remain medically appropriate,”
and he explicitly stated that he did not recommend further chiropractic care. (Id.).
3. Examinations by Dr. Rajesh C. Shah, M.D. – June, August, September 2007
On June 11, 2007, Dr. Rajesh C. Shah, M.D., a specialist in internal medicine, performed
a physical examination of Plaintiff at his Brownsville, PA office. (R. at 319). At this time,
Plaintiff reported that he wore a back brace at work for support and that he treated his back pain
with over-the-counter medication. (Id.). Upon examination, Dr. Shah ordered blood work after
noting tenderness over Plaintiff’s lumbosacral spine and told Plaintiff to follow up in one month.
(R. at 320).
6
On July 30, 2007, Plaintiff was admitted to the emergency room at Uniontown Hospital
because he could not open his eye, which was red and swollen. (R. at 363). Dr. Bruce E. Teich,
M.D. examined Plaintiff and diagnosed him with conjunctivitis with a corneal abrasion. (R. at
363-64). Dr. Teich excused Plaintiff from work for two days and referred him to an
ophthalmologist named Dr. Sobol, who prescribed Plaintiff eye drops and a patch for his eye. (R.
at 323, 363-64).
According to Plaintiff, after returning to work following his eye infection, he reinjured
his back while lifting a box and was subsequently absent for four weeks. (R. at 414-15).
Thereafter, Plaintiff followed up with Dr. Shah on August 13, 2007, complaining that his back
pain had increased over the past three weeks, causing him to have trouble tying his shoes and to
awaken frequently in the night with pain radiating into his legs. (R. at 323). Plaintiff reported
that he had been assigned light duty tasks at work, but still was required to lift heavy weights at
times. (Id.). Dr. Shah diagnosed Plaintiff with acute worsening of chronic low back pain and
prescribed him Medrol,10 Darvocet, and Neurontin. (R. at 324). Dr. Shah provided a written
excuse to Plaintiff’s employer indicating that Plaintiff was “to stay on light duty and not lift
anything for the next three weeks.” (Id.).
When Plaintiff followed up with Dr. Shah on August 20, 2007, he reported that his back
pain had improved since starting Neurontin, though he described it as a seven (7) out of ten (10)
on the pain scale. (R. at 321). Thereafter, Dr. Shah referred Plaintiff to physical therapy at
Redstone Rehabilitation Services in Uniontown, PA. (R. at 217-19).
10
Medrol is the brand name for methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, which “is similar to a natural hormone
produced by [the] adrenal glands” and “relieves inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, and pain) and is used to treat
certain
forms
of
arthritis…”
PubMed
Health,
Methylprednisolone
oral,
available
at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000776/ (last visited October 9, 2012).
7
Plaintiff was initially evaluated by Catherine Petrucci, a physical therapist, on August 22,
2007, at which time his movements were guarded. (R. at 218-19). Ms. Petrucci set a goal of six
weeks for Plaintiff to return to full-duty work and for his pain to be, at most, a three (3) out of
ten (10) on the pain scale. (Id.) On August 27, 2007, Plaintiff told Ms. Petrucci that he was
having trouble completing his home exercises, but she observed that he could “move more
easily” following treatment that day. (R. at 215). She recommended modifications to Plaintiff’s
lifting technique in order “to help him return to work”; however, she commented that Plaintiff’s
material handler position required particular duties, such as moving boxes of “varying weight
and shapes” within “space constraints,” that could make it difficult for him to return to “this job.”
(Id.).
When Plaintiff returned for physical therapy on August 29, 2007, he told Ms. Petrucci
that his back pain had slightly decreased and that he did not have any pain radiating down his
legs. (R. at 214). However, at his appointment the very next day, Plaintiff claimed that his pain
had increased so much that sitting for 30 minutes was difficult. (R. at 213). On September 12,
2007, Plaintiff reported a “significant increase” in his lower back pain for which he could find no
relief, but he said that his pain “varies day to day.” (R. at 208). Ms. Petrucci observed that
Plaintiff’s movements were “stiff and guarded” and that he showed a “slow cadence for
ambulation,” but his mobility appeared to have nevertheless improved. (Id.).
Plaintiff followed up with Dr. Shah on September 17, 2007, who noted: “Sometimes
[Plaintiff] feels good and sometimes he does not feel good.” (R. at 325). Dr. Shah recommended
that Plaintiff undergo another MRI, since his last one had been conducted over a year ago. (Id.).
Dr. Shah then wrote a note to Plaintiff’s employer limiting him to light duty work until he could
be examined by a back surgeon. (R. at 326).
8
4. Evaluation by Dr. Kozakiewicz – October 2007
On October 3, 2007, Dr. Kozakiewicz performed another independent medical
examination of Plaintiff, noting that he had evaluated and treated Plaintiff “on multiple
occasions.” (R. at 187). Dr. Kozakiewicz referenced his April 9, 2007 examination of Plaintiff, at
which time he found that Plaintiff was “anatomically intact” and the “only ‘finding’ on physical
exam was non-anatomical tenderness to the barest of light touch.” (R. at 187). Further, he added
that he gave Plaintiff “the benefit of the doubt” at the April examination by “not frankly stat[ing]
that [Plaintiff] was fully recovered at that juncture.” (R. at 187-88). Although Dr. Shah had been
excusing Plaintiff from work, Dr. Kozakiewicz reported that there was “no objective medical
basis for the disability that has been in place since [August 2007].” (R. at 188-89).
Dr. Kozakiewicz determined that “[Plaintiff] has fully recovered from his lumbosacral
sprain/strain,” and gave the following reasons to support his assessment: (1) Plaintiff had no
anatomically-based neuromusculoskeletal deficits; (2) Plaintiff’s physical examination records
were inconsistent and “none [were] supportive of any medical pathology”; (3) Plaintiff’s MRI
results were normal; (4) Plaintiff’s clinical presentation was “not at all consistent with any
lumbosacral nerve root dysfunction”; and (5) Plaintiff’s subjective complaints had increased
since his last evaluations, to which Dr. Kozakiewicz commented that “[t]his alone makes no
medical sense.” (R. at 188-89). Therefore, Dr. Kozakiewicz found that there was “no medical
basis” for Plaintiff’s adoption of a “disabled lifestyle,” and that “[w]ith no work-related
impairment present, there is in turn no basis for any work-related disability.” (R. at 189). Thus,
he concluded that Plaintiff was “objectively medically capable of full time gainful employment
without restrictions no later than [October 3, 2007],” and he signed an affidavit of recovery,
releasing Plaintiff back to work. (R. at 190, 235-36).
9
5. Initial Examinations by Dr. Alan J. Cappellini, D.C. and Dr. John K-S Lee, M.D.
Subsequently, Plaintiff came under the care of Dr. Alan J. Cappellini, D.C., whom his
wife “knew about,” based on an apparent referral by Dr. Shah. (R. at 245). Plaintiff’s first
appointment with Dr. Cappellini was on November 1, 2007 at the Grandview Medical Center in
Uniontown, PA, at which time he described injuring his back at work in June 2006 and again in
August 2007, reporting moderate to severe low back pain that radiated into his legs. (R. at 206).
That day, x-rays and an MRI were taken of Plaintiff’s back at Uniontown Hospital, revealing
degenerative disc disease at the L5-S1 level. (R. at 196, 305-307, 373, 573).
Thereafter, Dr. Cappellini provided Plaintiff with a note to “remain off of work,” which
read: “Due to a work related injury, [Plaintiff] is disabled from gainful employment. He is to
refrain from work and remain at reduced activity pending further notice.” (R. at 207, 233). Dr.
Cappellini reiterated that Plaintiff was to remain at reduced activity on November 8, 2007. (R. at
204). On November 15, 2007, in response to a questionnaire required by Plaintiff’s employer in
conjunction with his workers’ compensation claim, Dr. Cappellini reported that Plaintiff was
“totally incapacitated at this time” and that it was “undetermined” when he could return to work.
(R. at 230).
Subsequently, Dr. Cappellini referred Plaintiff to Dr. John K-S Lee, M.D., a Board
Certified Physiatrist, at Jefferson Pain and Rehabilitation Center. (R. at 203, 414-18). In his
written correspondence to Dr. Lee preceding Plaintiff’s visit, Dr. Cappellini opined that Plaintiff
had been “shuffled through the panel providers,” who Dr. Cappellini believed had “failed to
accurately diagnose, direct, and coordinate treatment” of Plaintiff’s condition. (R. at 229). Dr.
Cappellini diagnosed Plaintiff with “substantial loss of disc space,” “positive root irritation signs
on clinical exam,” and “a pain avoidance behavior.” (Id.). Dr. Cappellini asserted that Plaintiff’s
10
back pain stemmed from his injury at work and rendered him “disabled from his time of injury
occupational duties.” (Id.).
Plaintiff saw Dr. Lee for the first time on November 20, 2007, presenting with a
“moderate degree of muscle spasms along his mid and low back” and walking “slowly with back
guarding.” (R. at 416). Dr. Lee diagnosed Plaintiff with a lumbar sprain, sciatica,11 sacroiliitis, a
bulging disc and annular tear, and “flare ups” of pre-existing asymptomatic degenerative disc
disease at the L5-S1 level resulting from the work-related injury. (R. at 417). Dr. Lee
administered nerve block injections to Plaintiff before recommending a “functional capacity
evaluation” and “spinal function sort test” in order “to evaluate [Plaintiff’s] residual functional
motor limitation.” (Id.). Dr. Lee prescribed Plaintiff Amitriptyline, Sertraline (Zoloft),
Tizanidine, and Gabapentin (substitute for Neurontin). (R. at 202).
On November 29, 2007, Plaintiff underwent a discogram at Mon Valley Hospital, which
revealed minimal narrowing of L5-S1 disc space and endplate sclerosis, but no obvious disc
herniation. (R. at 352, 427). Plaintiff saw Dr. Cappellini the next day, presenting with pain, point
tenderness, swelling, and incomplete ranges of motion with spasm. (R. at 202). Thereafter, Dr.
Lee performed a nerve conduction test of Plaintiff’s bilateral lower extremities, which he found
to be suggestive of chronic bilateral L5-S1 lumbosacral nerve root irritation without active
denervation pattern in the leg muscles “yet.” (R. at 426). At appointments with Dr. Cappellini in
December 2007, Plaintiff was “given a patch for pain” and instructed to “remain at reduced
activity.” (R. at 200).
Plaintiff saw Dr. Cappellini on January 3, 2008, reporting increased low back pain and
swelling that had lasted for three days and was exacerbated by sitting and bending. (R. at 291).
11
Sciatica “refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg... caused by injury to or pressure on the
sciatic nerve.” PubMed Health, Sciatica, available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001706/
(last visited October 9, 2012). “Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition.” Id.
11
At this visit, Dr. Cappellini noted that Plaintiff was scheduled for a workers’ compensation
hearing on January 29, 2008. (Id.). In contrast to Plaintiff’s appointment with Dr. Cappellini on
January 3, when Plaintiff was examined by Dr. Lee on January 15, 2008, he did not report any
new complaints and remarked that treatment was helping him “to be more active.” (R. at 413).
On January 22, 2008, Dr. Cappellini wrote a medical source statement in anticipation of
Plaintiff’s workers’ compensation hearing, describing his approach as “multidisciplinary” and
opining that Plaintiff would require such ongoing care “for an indefinite period into the future.”
(R. at 285). Dr. Cappellini explicitly stated that Plaintiff was “disabled from his time of injury
occupational duties” and that, in his professional opinion, his treatment of Plaintiff was
“reasonable, necessary, and related to the work occurrence.” (Id.).
6. Evaluation by Dr. Terry Trout, M.D. – January 2008
Plaintiff’s appeal for short-term workers’ compensation benefits was denied after the
reviewing physicians determined that he was not disabled, in contrast to the opinions of Dr.
Cappellini and Dr. Lee. (R. at 298-301). First, the physicians concluded that Dr. Kozakiewiz’s
findings were “significantly different” from Dr. Cappellini’s. (R. at 299). Additionally, the
records did not support a finding that Plaintiff was unable to perform the full functions of his job.
(Id.).
In order “to provide a full and fair appeal review,” Plaintiff’s employer referred his claim
for review by Dr. Terry Trout, M.D., a Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
specialist. (Id.). Conclusively, Dr. Trout opined that Plaintiff’s back impairment was “not
supported” and that his medical records were “highly inconsistent.” (Id.). Specifically, the
diagnostic findings did not correlate with Dr. Cappellini’s report that Plaintiff suffered from
“highly limited lumbar spine motion” on November 1, 2007. (Id.). Upon review of the objective
12
medical evidence, Dr. Trout determined that Plaintiff’s MRI, x-ray, and radiography results were
“mild.” (R. at 300). He further noted that he had “made multiple attempts” to speak with Dr.
Cappellini and Dr. Shah, but was denied. (Id.). In conclusion, Dr. Trout wrote that “[d]ue to the
fact there is no supportive evidence of impairment, there is no reason to continue with any form
of restrictions.” (R. at 299).
7. Treatment by Dr. Cappellini – January-March 2008
On January 29, 2008, Dr. Cappellini noted that Plaintiff’s disability status was “present
and continuing,” and on February 7, 2008, he authored a note to Plaintiff’s employer limiting
Plaintiff to “a maximum level of light duty.” (R. at 283, 297). In his treatment notes from
February 7, Dr. Cappellini wrote that Plaintiff’s disability status was “present [and] continuing,”
that he had “[l]ow risk functional capabilities,” and that he was limited to part-time work that
was “sedentary to light duty.” (R. at 282). One week later, on February 14, 2008, Dr. Cappellini
wrote that Plaintiff’s disability status was “total and continuing.” (R. at 281). Similarly, on
March 12, 2008, Dr. Cappellini wrote that Plaintiff was “disabled from gainful employment at
this time, without restriction,” and was “to remain at reduced activity and return in one to two
weeks as needed.” (R. at 278).
However, on March 27, 2008, Dr. Cappellini wrote that Plaintiff was “feeling better [and]
mild[ly] improved,” although his disability status was still “present and continuing”; Dr.
Cappellini recommended that Plaintiff’s activity restrictions be “maintained indefinitely.” (R. at
276). Yet, on April 8, 2008, Dr. Cappellini inserted an addendum to his notes from March 27,
2008, writing: “CORRECTION TO CHIEF COMPLAINT: The patient reports intermittent
increased back pain and spasm. He reports carrying out self reliance home care measures with
some degree of success.” (Id.).
13
8. Evaluation by Dr. Thomas Kramer, M.D. – March 2008
On March 31, 2008, Dr. Thomas Kramer, M.D. performed an independent medical
evaluation of Plaintiff in his Pittsburgh office. (R. at 244). Plaintiff reported that his injuries at
work were the source of his low back pain, which he rated that day as a seven (7) to eight (8) out
of ten (10). (R. at 246). Upon examination, Dr. Kramer found that “there was absolutely no
evidence of swelling or spasm,” but that Plaintiff exhibited a “significant withdrawal reflex”
when mild palpitation was applied to his lower back, which Dr. Kramer opined was “somewhat
of an exaggerated pain response.” (R. at 247).
When Dr. Kramer observed Plaintiff’s gait pattern, he found it to be “very unusual”;
Plaintiff “walked very slowly” and had “very much difficulty” balancing when asked to walk
heel to toe. (Id.). However, Dr. Kramer reported that this “would obviously represent an
inconsistency,” given that Plaintiff had normal strength “involving his anterior tibialis12 and
gastroc soleus13 upon manual motor testing separately.” (Id.). Moreover, Dr. Kramer observed
Plaintiff from his fifth floor office window following the examination, at which time Plaintiff
demonstrated a “markedly different gait pattern, which was essentially normal.” (Id.).
After reviewing Plaintiff’s medical records, Dr. Kramer noted that Dr. Stroh’s notes from
June to September 2006 “document[ed] the absence of radicular signs and symptoms” and that
Dr. Kozakiewicz “felt there was no evidence of any objective abnormalities seen on physical
examination.” (R. at 248-49). Dr. Kramer concluded that Plaintiff had fully recovered from his
work-related injuries and that there was “clearly no objective evidence” to substantiate Plaintiff’s
12
In human anatomy, “anterior” refers to “the front surface of the body; often used to indicate the position of
one structure relative to another.” STEDMAN’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY (28th ed. 2006). “Tibialis” is a medical term
relating to the tibia, which is “the large shinbone.” Id.
13
“Soleus” is defined as a muscle “of [the] superficial posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of the leg” that
is involved in “plantar flexion of [the] foot.” STEDMAN’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY (28th ed. 2006). Its nerve supply is
generated from the tibial region. Id. “Gastroc” may be an abbreviation for “gastrocnemius,” the “superficial
m[uscle] of posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of [the] leg.” Id.
14
ongoing complaints of pain, including evidence of “ongoing spasm or swelling.” (R. at 249).
Further, Dr. Kramer pointed out that Plaintiff had not been on medication that day because his
prescriptions had run out. (R. at 246, 249-50).
In Dr. Kramer’s opinion, Plaintiff’s medical records and his examination that day pointed
to a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, which Dr. Kramer believed was age-related and had
“in no way been materially aggravated or worsened” by Plaintiff’s work-related injuries. (R. at
250). Conclusively, Dr. Kramer determined that there were “no objective abnormalities to
indicate ongoing disability” and that Plaintiff had demonstrated “exaggerated symptoms” and an
“obvious inconsistency in gait.” (Id.). Dr. Kramer signed an affidavit of recovery, releasing
Plaintiff back to his job as a material handler with “no work restrictions.” (R. at 250-51).
9. Treatment by Dr. Cappellini and Dr. Lee – April 2008-2009
On April 1, 2008, Plaintiff saw Dr. Cappellini, reporting “increased discomfort” after
“going through” his exam with Dr. Kramer the day before. (R. at 275). At his appointments with
Dr. Cappellini on April 8, April 17, May 1, and May 20, 2008, Plaintiff complained of increased
pain and soreness. (R. at 271-74). Treatment notes from May 20, 2008 also indicate that Plaintiff
furnished a copy of Dr. Kramer’s report to Dr. Cappellini, who did not comment on its contents.
(R. at 271-73).
While on June 3, 2008, Dr. Cappellini reported that Plaintiff’s condition was
“moderate[ly] improved” and that his back pain and spasms had decreased, on June 17, 2008,
Plaintiff rated his back pain as a seven (7) out of ten (10) at an appointment with Dr. Lee. (R. at
270, 408, 410). That day, Dr. Lee opined that Plaintiff was “making slow progress” with the
“current conservative management of physical therapy/nerve block/injection therapy.” (R. at
15
408). However, when Plaintiff saw Dr. Cappellini on June 19, 2008, he reported “mild low back
pain” with “no radiation to the extremities.” (R. at 269).
On July 29, 2008, Plaintiff saw Dr. Lee and again described his pain level as a seven (7)
out of ten (10). (R. at 401). At an appointment on August 7, 2008, Dr. Cappellini reported that
Plaintiff was “not improved” and Plaintiff’s “residual impairment is likely permanent.” (R. at
268). Dr. Cappellini rated Plaintiff’s prognosis as “poor” with respect to his “functional
restoration” as well as his “future care.” (Id.). On October 9, 2008, Dr. Cappellini again reported
that Plaintiff’s condition had not improved. (R at 266).
On December 4, 2008, Dr. Cappellini reported that Plaintiff was experiencing “increased
spasm,” but that Plaintiff had “reported feeling better.” (R. at 264). However, on January 20,
2009, Dr. Cappellini wrote that Plaintiff had experienced increased pain with “progressive
worsening in intensity over the past 1-2 weeks,” which onset he found to be “insidious.” (R. at
455). Thus, Dr. Cappellini wrote that Plaintiff’s disability status was “present and continuing,”
his restrictions should “remain in effect,” and his prognosis was “fair” for “conservative pain
control modulation,” but “poor” for “functional restoration.” (Id.). On April 2, 2009, Dr.
Cappellini wrote that Plaintiff had increased pain, and rated Plaintiff’s prognosis the same that he
had on January 20. (R. at 453). When Plaintiff saw Dr. Lee on April 21, 2009, he complained of
a severe spasm; however, Dr. Lee felt that Plaintiff was “making progress” with his
“conservative management” of symptoms. (R. at 389).
10. Evaluation by Dr. Michael J. Seel, M.D. – May 2009
On May 5, 2009, Plaintiff underwent an independent medical examination with an
orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Seel, M.D. (R. at 308). After examining Plaintiff, Dr. Seel
16
found that Plaintiff’s gait was “slow and shuffling, but nonantalgic,14” that Plaintiff was “able to
rise on his toes and heels and get on and off the examination table without difficulty,” and that
Plaintiff “was able to flex the lumbar spine 80 degrees sitting with legs extended.” (R. at 31213).
Dr. Seel noted “mild degenerative changes” to Plaintiff’s spine, noting that Plaintiff’s
subjective decreased range of motion of the lumbar spine was “inconsistent between the standing
position and the seated position with legs extended.” (R. at 314). Further, Dr. Seel found that
there “were no abnormal objective findings on physical examination.” (Id.). Plaintiff’s discogram
from September 19, 2008 “showed discordant pain only” which Dr. Seel concluded “effectively
ruled out” degenerative disc disease as the source of Plaintiff’s ongoing pain. (R. at 314-15). Dr.
Seel determined that Plaintiff was capable of returning to his job as a material handler
performing heavy lifting, and signed an affidavit of recovery that day. (R. at 315, 317).
11. Treatment by Dr. Cappellini and Dr. Lee – June-January 2010
Plaintiff saw Dr. Cappellini on June 4, 2009, at which time Dr. Cappellini reported that
his disability status continued. (R. at 449). After Plaintiff’s appointment on June 10, 2009, Dr.
Cappellini inserted an addendum that he had consulted with “Dr. Emmons” by phone “regarding
the reasonableness and necessity of treatment as it relates to the work injury of [Plaintiff].” (Id.).
In his June 29, 2009 statement regarding Plaintiff’s workers’ compensation claim, Dr.
Cappellini acknowledged that he “agree[d]” with the objective findings from Dr. Seel’s
examination of Plaintiff; however, Dr. Cappellini felt that Plaintiff’s diagnosis was “complicated
by underlying degenerative changes and compensatory mechanism” and that the reason
Plaintiff’s “clinical presentation does vary from time to time” is because of “periods of remission
14
“Antalgic” is a synonym for “analgesic” or “analgetic,” which are adjectives that can be used to describe
something that is “[c]haracterized by reduced response to painful stimuli.” STEDMAN’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY (28th
ed. 2006).
17
and insidious exacerbation with regards to flare ups in [Plainitff’s] overall expressive symptom
complex.” (R. at 445). In Dr. Cappellini’s opinion, Plaintiff had been “direct and forthright in his
complaints and consistent in his clinical presentation.” (Id). Dr. Cappellini concluded that
Plaintiff was “limited to the sedentary to light duty realm” and that his prognosis was “poor” for
complete functional restoration and “fair” for conservative pain control modulation. (R. at 446).
At appointments on July 16, August 27, and September 3, 2009, Dr. Cappellini reported
that Plaintiff’s disability status was “present and continuing,” restrictions remained in effect, and
the prognosis was the same as reported in the June letter. (R. at 435, 436, 444). At Plaintiff’s
appointment with Dr. Cappellini on September 17, 2009, Plaintiff complained of increased low
back pain “with difficulty arising from a prone and supine recumbent position,” but reported
“feeling better” after his treatment that day. (R. at 434). On September 24, 2009, Dr. Cappellini
inserted an addendum to his treatment notes from Plaintiff’s September 17 appointment,
reporting that he had spoken with “Dr. Bickel” from New Jersey for a utilization review
consultation regarding the “reasonableness and necessity” of Plaintiff’s “ongoing care from July
of 2009.” (Id.). Dr. Cappellini wrote that “[c]onservative management care on a supportive level
was agreed to be… reasonably necessary and appropriate for the patient’s condition.” (Id.).
On October 22, 2009, Plaintiff presented to Dr. Cappellini with increased back pain,
“discoloration about the portal plate with mild swelling,” and “mild paravertebral hypertonicity15
and slight left antalgia,” although he “reported feeling better” after his treatment that day. (R. at
480). On November 5, 2009, Plaintiff reported increased back pain again, but after his treatment
that day, his range of motion had “mild[ly] improved.” (R. at 481). Nevertheless, Dr. Cappellini
maintained that Plaintiff was “to remain at reduced activity.” (Id.). Again, on November 19,
15
“Hypertonicity” is a synonym for “hypertonia,” which is “[e]xtreme tension of the muscles or arteries.”
STEDMAN’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY (28th ed. 2006). “Paravertebral” is a term used to refer to something “[a]djacent
to the vertebra or the vertebral column.” Id.
18
2009, Plaintiff reported progressively worsening back pain; Dr. Cappellini examined Plaintiff
and determined that he had incomplete ranges of motion and spasm, and that his disability status
was still present and continuing. (R. at 482).
However, on December 3, 2009, despite Plaintiff’s complaints of increased pain, Dr.
Cappellini reported that Plaintiff was “improved and feeling better,” his spasm had decreased,
and his antalgia was “moderately improved,” though Plaintiff’s disability status was “present and
continuing.” (R. at 483).
On December 15, 2009, Dr. Lee reported that Plaintiff was “making fair progress with
current conservative management.” (R. at 571). At his January 21, 2010 appointment with Dr.
Cappellini, Plaintiff was experiencing increased low back pain and stiffness, as well as difficulty
walking and weight bearing after Dr. Lee had administered injections at his appointment the
week before. (R. at 484). Dr. Cappellini opined that Plaintiff’s disability status was present and
continuing, and it remained unchanged into 2010. (R. at 484-92).
C. Functional Capacity
On November 10, 2008, Dr. Lee completed a medical source statement for the Bureau of
Disability regarding Plaintiff’s limitations. (R. at 263). Dr. Lee reported that Plaintiff was
capable of lifting and carrying two (2) to three (3) pounds frequently, but only ten (10) pounds
occasionally. (R. at 262). In his opinion, Plaintiff could stand and walk somewhere between two
(2) to six (6) hours in an eight-hour workday and could sit for less than six (6) hours in a
workday. (Id.).
On December 22, 2009, Dr. Judith Homison performed a residual functional capacity
assessment of Plaintiff in conjunction with his DIB claim. (R. at 458). She found that Plaintiff
was capable of lifting and carrying ten (10) pounds frequently and twenty (20) pounds
19
occasionally, and that Plaintiff could stand, walk, and sit for about six (6) ours in an eight-hour
workday. (R. at 459). Although Dr. Homison reported that Plaintiff had some postural limitations
with respect to climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, Plaintiff was
otherwise unlimited in his residual functional capacity. (R. at 460-61). She determined that
Plaintiff was not significantly limited in his daily activities because he was able “to care for
young children in the home, prepare family meals, iron clothes and grocery shop,” which
“contradicts [Plaintiff’s] other statement that he cannot stand for very long.” (R. at 463).
Additionally, Plaintiff’s prescribed medications were “relatively effective in controlling his
symptoms.” (Id.). Dr. Homison concluded that, based on the evidence, Plaintiff’s statements
were “partially credible.” (R. at 464).
On January 25, 2010, Dr. Lee performed a functional capacity assessment of Plaintiff at
his office. (R. at 574). The results of a Spinal Function Sort test calculating Plaintiff’s physical
demand characteristic (“PDC”) showed that he retained the ability to perform light to medium
work. (R. at 575). Thereafter, Dr. Lee referred Plaintiff for a functional capacity evaluation at
Keystone Rehabilitation Systems in Lemont Furnace, PA, which was conducted on January 28,
2010 by Kathy Higgins, MPT. (R. at 577). After evaluating Plaintiff, Ms. Higgins reported that
he preferred to sit, but needed “to reposition or stand up after 30 minutes.” (Id.). Ms. Higgins
wrote that Plaintiff’s “vocational goal is questionable,” and that he “knows he is unable to return
to [his] prior position [as a material handler] and is unsure if he could handle a more sedentary
job.” (Id.). Upon examination, Ms. Higgins found that Plaintiff had normal curvature of his
spine. (R. at 578).
In a statement dated January 28, 2010, Dr. Lee opined that Plaintiff was capable of
sitting, standing, walking, and driving a car up to 60 minutes at once. (R. at 551). He stated that
20
Plaintiff had a “moderate degree of muscle spasms along his mid and low back” and “walked
slowly with back guarding.” (R. at 552). He referenced Plaintiff’s functional capacity evaluation
and Spinal Function Sort test, in which Plaintiff “demonstrated the ability to perform sedentary
work.” (R. at 554). However, in his January 28, 2010 statement, Dr. Lee determined that Plaintiff
“would qualify for possible light [to] medium work,” and that Plaintiff could occasionally lift or
carry up to a maximum of eighteen (18) to twenty (20) pounds, if he were “able to control his
pain without taking any medication…” (R. at 567).
However, after reviewing Dr. Seel’s May 2009 evaluation of Plaintiff, Dr. Lee “totally
disagree[d] with Dr. Seel’s disability evaluation and full recovery from work injury.” (R. at 565).
Dr. Lee added that although Dr. Seel believed that Plaintiff was capable of working in his
previous job, which required heavy lifting, the spinal function sort test from January 2010
established that Plaintiff was only capable of light to medium duty work. (R. at 566). In Dr.
Lee’s professional opinion “and within a reasonable degree of medical certainty,” Plaintiff’s
condition “was a direct result of a work related injury on [June 13, 2006] and [August 10, 2007],
based upon detailed history[,] clinical examination and other various diagnostic tests.” (R. at
567). Dr. Lee described Plaintiff’s functional prognosis as “poor,” since Plaintiff’s back
symptoms were “chronic and failed to respond with best conservative care lately.” (Id.). He
believed that Plaintiff’s condition was “permanent and has shown no significant progress over
the last 12 months.” (Id.).
Dr. Lee concluded that Plaintiff had not yet recovered from his accident and was “totally
disabled to [his] previous level of job as a material handler for Dick’s Sporting Good[s] (heavy
duty work).” (Id.). Finally, Dr. Lee added that “[a]ll diagnostic tests in order to fully evaluate
21
[Plaintiff’s] symptoms… are medically absolutely necessary and reasonable” and that “the
medical bill for this particular patient to be rendered is reasonably fair.” (R. at 568).
On February 18, 2011, Dr. Cappellini completed a medical questionnaire regarding
Plaintiff’s functional capacity, reporting that Plaintiff was capable of sitting for, at most, three
(3) hours out of an eight (8)-hour workday and standing or walking for (1) hour out of eight (8).
(R. at 546). Dr. Cappellini commented that Plaintiff relied on a back brace when standing or
walking because of pain and spasms caused by weight bearing activities. (Id.). In his opinion,
Plaintiff could not engage in postural movements. (R. at 547). Further, he stated that Plaintiff
was capable of lifting no more than ten (10) pounds occasionally. (Id.). Dr. Cappellini added that
if Plaintiff were to return to work, he would require complete freedom to rest frequently
throughout the day, and that it was necessary for Plaintiff to recline for a substantial period of
time during the day. (R. at 548).
D. Administrative Hearing
A hearing regarding Plaintiff’s application for DIB on March 29, 2011 in Morgantown,
West Virginia before ALJ Richard E. Guida. (R. at 28-69). Plaintiff appeared, accompanied by
his wife and his attorney, Gregory Kunkel, Esquire. (Id.). Larry G. Kontosh, an impartial
vocational expert, also testified.16 (Id.)
Plaintiff testified that his most recent job was as a material handler at the distribution
center of Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he worked from 2005 until 2007. (R. at 36). In this
capacity, Plaintiff performed tasks such as loading pallets for shipments to stores and driving
forklifts. (Id.). Prior to this, he worked from approximately 2004-2005 as an assistant manager
for Unity Tours, a travel agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (R. at 36-37). Additionally, he
16
Dr. Larry G. Kontosh, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical counselor with many years of experience working as a
vocational expert. (R. at 112-121).
22
has “worked a lot of temporary job services,” including as a customer service representative at a
call center and as a cell phone and pager programmer. (R. at 37-39).
It was at Plaintiff’s job as a material handler that he injured his back. (R. at 42). Plaintiff
testified that while working an overtime shift, he heard a “pop” in his back, but paid it “no mind”
until he got into bed that night and “couldn’t move.” (R. at 51). Although he got ready for work
the next morning, his wife, noticing that he was “leaning to one side,” drove him to the
emergency room at Uniontown Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a lower back sprain. (Id.).
Plaintiff testified that he obtained workers’ compensation through his job for six weeks, until he
was required to return to work. (R. at 51-52). However, soon after his return, he acquired an
infection in his left eye for which he needed to wear an eye patch; therefore, he was unable to
perform work as a material handler and was moved to the position of “sorter,” which required
him to separate boxes that had been unloaded from trucks. (R. at 52). Plaintiff testified that he
injured his back for the second time when working as a sorter after he lifted a box and, upon
attempting to move it, “heard another pop” in his lower back. (Id.). He stated that he spoke with
his employer regarding the injury and inquired as to whether there were any light duty positions
available; however, he was told there were no such positions and was “basically sent… home.”
(Id.). He admitted he had not worked anywhere since that time. (R. at 53).
The ALJ inquired as to how Plaintiff was affected by his back, to which Plaintiff
responded that he had “chronic pain,” “a lot of stiffness,” and “a lot of swelling.” (R. at 42).
Further, Plaintiff testified that his left leg “gets cold sometimes” from his thigh down to his feet,
that sometimes his left foot becomes numb, that he “can’t sit for long periods of time” and that
he “can’t walk for long periods of time.” (Id.). Plaintiff asserted that he is the primary caregiver
of his six-year-old son, but that his sixteen-year-old stepson and wife do most of the household
23
chores, such as laundry and cleaning, and that the family pays someone to cut the front lawn. (R.
at 46-47). He reported that he is able to stand for approximately 15 to 30 minutes before needing
to sit down, and that he can sit for 15 to 30 minutes before needing to stand. (R at 56-57). He
believed that he could lift 10 to 20 pounds at once. (R. at 57).
When asked to describe a “typical day,” Plaintiff testified that he normally awakens
around 7:30 a.m. to dress his six-year-old son for school before accompanying him, as well as a
six-year-old niece who is dropped off in the mornings, to the bus stop. (R. at 43, 46). Plaintiff
stated that at this point, he normally takes a shower, performs home exercises prescribed by Dr.
Lee, then stretches and applies cream to his back before dressing. (R. at 43-44). Occasionally, he
takes a nap for about fifteen minutes after returning from the bus stop. (R. at 54). Plaintiff
reported that he spends most of the day on the computer doing “research on music” in
contemplation of starting an independent record business and “looking at houses,” since he and
his wife were considering relocating to Philadelphia. (R. at 44). He explained that he keeps his
feet propped up on his computer chair for the majority of the day because he experiences tingling
in his legs. (R. at 55). At the conclusion of his computer research, Plaintiff typically watches
television, listens to music, and reads until around 3:15 p.m., when he needs to retrieve his son
from the bus stop. (Id.). After picking up his son, Plaintiff begins to prepare dinner. (Id.).
Plaintiff admitted that he cooks meals such as sautéed turkey wings, rice, and vegetables, enough
for a family of four. (R. at 45). Despite testifying that his medication causes him to sometimes
fall asleep when sitting, Plaintiff stated, “Once I’m up, I’m normally up.” (R. at 54). He reported
that he typically goes to bed around 2 a.m. each night. (Id.).
The ALJ commenced his examination of the vocational expert by asking him to classify
Plaintiff’s past work. (R. at 60). Dr. Kontosh testified that Plaintiff’s work as a material handler
24
is considered heavy work; the job at the travel agency as well as the mortgage clerk position are
both classified as sedentary; and the customer service clerk position is light. (R. at 61). Although
he could not find a classification for the pager programmer job, Dr. Kontosh suggested that it
would be considered sedentary work. (Id.).
Next, the ALJ asked the vocational expert a number of hypothetical questions. First, Dr.
Kontosh was asked to assume an individual of Plaintiff’s age, education, and work experience
able to perform work at the light exertional level and only occasional postural movements,
except that this person must never climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds. (R. at 61-62). With respect
to Plaintiff’s past relevant work, Dr. Kontosh replied that all of the positions except that of the
material handler met the conditions of the hypothetical. (R. at 62). As for other jobs available in
significant numbers in the national and regional economy, Dr. Kontosh testified that such a
person could work as a cashier/checker, a sales clerk, and a fast food worker, all of which were
light duty jobs. (Id.).
For his next hypothetical, the ALJ asked the vocational expert to assume the same
individual, but to include an additional limitation that this person is limited to “simple, routine,
and repetitive task[s] performed in a work environment free of fast-paced production
requirements involving only simple, work-related decisions, and with few, if any, workplace
changes” and “[o]nly occasional interaction with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.” (R. at
63). Here, Dr. Kontosh testified that such a person could not perform Plaintiff’s past work or the
jobs from the previous hypothetical because of the limitation on interaction with the public. (R.
at 63-64). However, he reported that there were other jobs available in the national and regional
economy at the light duty level, suggesting representative jobs of a housecleaner, garment folder,
and garment hand washer. (R. at 64).
25
For his third question, the ALJ asked Dr. Kontosh to assume “a person limited to a
sedentary exertional level, sit/stand option, occasional postural movements, except never climb
ladders, ropes, [or] scaffolds” and whether such a person could perform Plaintiff’s past work. (R.
at 64). The vocational expert stated that all of the sedentary work in the work history meets the
condition, “so long as the aggregate standing time doesn’t exceed one third of the workday.” (R.
at 65). As for jobs in the national and regional economy, Dr. Kontosh testified that such a person
could work as a receptionist and telephone solicitor, both at the sedentary level, and as a call out
operator. (Id.). Building on his last question, the ALJ asked a fourth hypothetical, assuming all of
the limitations of the third, in addition to “unskilled work, that is limited to simple, routine, and
repetitive tasks performed in a work environment free of fast-paced production requirements
involving only simple work-related decisions, and with few, if any, workplace changes” and
“[o]nly occasional interaction with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.” (R. at 65-66). The
vocational expert answered that such a person could not perform any of Plaintiff’s past relevant
work and that none of the jobs listed in the previous hypothetical could be performed because of
the restrictions on public contact, except for the call out operator; he also suggested a small parts
assembler job, which is sedentary. (R. at 66). Further, Dr. Kontosh testified that an employer
would customarily tolerate one or two instances of tardiness or absence over the course of
employment. (Id.). He reported that these jobs typically provide a break of 10 to 15 minutes in
the morning and afternoon, as well as 30 to 60 minutes for lunch. (R. at 67). An employee could
only be off task up to and including 10 percent of the time. (Id.).
Finally, the ALJ asked a fifth question in which the vocational expert was to assume a
person with all of the limitations of the previous four hypotheticals, including “an additional
limitation of exceeding tolerances for being off-task, and/or absences.” (R. at 67). Dr. Kontosh
26
testified that in this hypothetical situation, there were no jobs that such a person could perform.
(Id.). On cross-examination, Plaintiff’s attorney gave Dr. Kontosh a copy of Dr. Cappellini’s
medical source statement to review, then asked him to assume the limitations of the first four
hypothetical questions, in addition to those reported by Dr. Cappellini, and whether such a
person could perform any work. (R. at 67-68). Because Dr. Cappellini had reported Plaintiff had
an exertional capacity for five hours of work, Dr. Kontosh replied that full-time employment
would not be possible under this condition. (R. at 68).
IV.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
To be eligible for disability insurance benefits under the Act, a claimant must
demonstrate to the Commissioner that he or she cannot engage in substantial gainful activity
because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which has lasted or can be
expected to last for a continuous period of at least twelve months, or which can be expected to
result in death. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A); Brewster v. Heckler, 786 F.2d 581, 583 (3d Cir. 1986).
To determine whether a claimant has met the requirements for disability, the Commissioner must
utilize a five-step sequential analysis in reviewing the claim. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.
The Commissioner must determine: (1) whether the claimant is currently engaged in
substantial gainful activity; (2) if not, whether the claimant has a severe impairment or a
combination of impairments that is severe; (3) whether the medical evidence of the claimant's
impairment or combination of impairments meets or equals the criteria listed in 20 C.F.R., Pt.
404, Subpt. P, App’x. 1; (4) whether the claimant's impairments prevent him or her from
performing past relevant work; and (5) if the claimant is incapable of performing his past
relevant work, whether he can perform any other work which exists in the national economy. 20
C.F.R. § 404.1520(a) (4); see Barnhart v. Thomas, 540 U.S. 20, 24-25 (2003). If the claimant is
27
determined to be unable to resume past relevant work, the burden shifts to the Commissioner at
Step Five to prove that, given the claimant’s mental or physical limitations, age, education, and
work experience, he is able to perform substantial gainful activity in jobs available in the
national economy. Doak v. Heckler, 790 F.2d 26 (3d Cir. 1986).
Judicial review of the Commissioner’s final decisions on disability claims is provided by
statute and is plenary as to all legal issues. 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) 17, 1383(c)(3)18; Schaudeck v.
Comm’r Soc. Sec., 181 F.3d 429, 431 (3d Cir. 1999). Section 405(g) permits a district court to
review the transcripts and records upon which a determination of the Commissioner is based; the
court will review the record as a whole. See 5 U.S.C. § 706. The district court must then
determine whether substantial evidence existed in the record to support the Commissioner’s
findings of fact. Burns v. Barnhart, 312 F.3d 113, 118 (3d Cir. 2002). Substantial evidence is
defined as “more than a mere scintilla. It means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind
might accept as adequate” to support a conclusion. Ventura v. Shalala, 55 F.3d 900, 901 (3d
Cir.1995) (quoting Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971)). If the Commissioner’s
findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence, they are conclusive. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g);
Richardson, 402 U.S. at 390.
When considering a case, a district court cannot conduct a de novo review, nor re-weigh
the evidence of record; the court can only judge the propriety of the decision in reference to the
grounds invoked by the Commissioner when the decision was rendered. Mussi v. Astrue, 744
F.Supp.2d 390 (W.D. Pa. 2010); Palmer v. Apfel, 995 F.Supp. 549, 552 (E.D. Pa. 1998); S.E.C.
17
Section 405(g) provides in pertinent part: “Any individual, after any final decision of the [Commissioner]
made after a hearing to which he was a party, irrespective of the amount in controversy, may obtain a review of such
decision by a civil action… brought in the district court of the United States for the judicial district in which the
plaintiff resides, or has his principal place of business.” 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
18
Section 1383(c)(3) provides in pertinent part: “The final determination of the Commissioner of Social
Security after a hearing under paragraph (1) shall be subject to judicial review as provided in section 405(g) of this
title to the same extent as the Commissioner’s final determinations under section 405 of this title.” 42 U.S.C. §
1383(c)(3).
28
v. Chenery Corp., 332 U.S. 194, 196-97 (1947). The court will not affirm a determination by
substituting what it considers to be a proper basis. Chenery, 332 U.S. at 196-97. Further, “even
where this court acting de novo might have reached a different conclusion… so long as the
agency’s factfinding is supported by substantial evidence, reviewing courts lack power to reverse
either those findings or the reasonable regulatory interpretations that an agency manifests in the
course of making such findings.” Monsour Medical Center v. Heckler, 806 F.2d 1185, 1191 (3d
Cir. 1986); see Poulos v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 474 F.3d 88 (2007).
V.
DISCUSSION
In his April 27, 2011 decision, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not disabled from
the time of August 10, 2007, Plaintiff’s alleged onset date, through June 30, 2009, the date
Plaintiff last met the insured status requirements of the Act. (R. at 15).
Plaintiff satisfied Step One of the determination because he had not worked from August
10, 2007 through June 30, 2009 (20 C.F.R. § 404.1571, et seq.). (R. at 17). At Step Two, the ALJ
found that Plaintiff’s degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and diabetes mellitus were
medically determinable severe impairments, but that Plaintiff’s depression was non-severe
because it did not cause more than minimal limitations in his ability to perform basic mental
work activities (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c)). (Id.). At Step Three, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff
did not have an impairment or combination of impairments that medically equaled or exceeded
one of the listed impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(d), 404.1525, and 404.1526). (R. at 18).
Subsequently, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity
for light work as defined in 20 C.F.R. § 416.967(b), except that Plaintiff “could not climb
ladders, ropes, or scaffolds and could only perform other postural movements occasionally.” (R.
29
at 19). After considering “all symptoms and the extent to which these symptoms can reasonably
be accepted as consistent with the objective medical evidence and other evidence,” in accordance
with 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529, SSR 96-04p, and SSR 96-07p, as well as opinion evidence under 20
C.F.R. § 404.1527 and SSRs 96-02p, 96-05p, 96-06p, and 06-03p, the ALJ found that Plaintiff’s
medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to cause Plaintiff’s alleged
symptoms, but that Plaintiff was not fully credible with respect to the intensity, persistence, and
limiting effects of these symptoms. (Id.). The ALJ’s residual functional capacity assessment was
supported by the objective studies, Plaintiff’s activities of daily living, and the opinions of Dr.
Kramer and Dr. Seel. (R. at 22). Whereas the opinions of Dr. Lee and Dr. Cappellini were
inconsistent and based largely on Plaintiff’s subjective complaints, entitling them to little weight,
the ALJ credited the “reasoned assessments” of Dr. Kramer and Dr. Seel with substantial weight
because their findings were consistent with the objective evidence, which “fail to demonstrate a
condition of the degree of severity” claimed by Plaintiff, particularly in light of the fact that
Plaintiff engaged in “significant daily activities.” (R. at 20-22). Therefore, the ALJ determined
that Plaintiff was capable of performing light work activities, subject to the postural limitations
indicated. (R. at 22). Finally, because the vocational expert testified that a person with Plaintiff’s
limitations would be able to perform his past relevant work as a customer service clerk, the ALJ
concluded that Plaintiff was capable of working in this position, which would not require him to
engage in the work-related activities precluded by the residual functional capacity assessment.
(R. at 23).
Plaintiff presents two arguments in support of his Motion for Summary Judgment.
(Docket No. 9). First, Plaintiff claims that the ALJ “erred in failing to accord controlling weight
to the opinions of [Plaintiff’s] treating physician and chiropractor.” (Id. at 10). Coupled with this
30
allegation is Plaintiff’s second contention that “[t]he ALJ’s credibility determinations are not
supported by substantial evidence” because the ALJ “accorded little weight to the opinions of
Dr. Lee, a treating physician” and “likewise erred in minimizing [Plaintiff’s] complaints of pain
based on the fact that he cares for his young son and is able to cook meals.” (Id. at 13-14).
Defendant responds that “[t]he ALJ correctly evaluated the opinions of Plaintiff’s treating
medical providers under the regulations” and “articulated legally sufficient reasons to support his
evaluation of the medical opinion evidence.” (Docket No. 12 at 12). Moreover, Defendant
maintains that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s finding that “Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints were not totally credible.” (Id. at 17).
Because the issues of weight and credibility are inextricably related, the Court will first
address Plaintiff’s arguments pertaining to the weight given to the medical opinions, then move
to a discussion of the ALJ’s credibility determination with respect to Plaintiff himself.
A. Medical Opinion Evidence
According to Plaintiff, “it is clear that the ALJ failed to properly evaluate the opinions of
Dr. Cappellini and Dr. Lee,” Plaintiff’s treating medical providers. (Docket No. 9 at 10).
However, the Court finds that substantial evidence adequately supports the ALJ’s decision to
assign “little weight” to these opinions for the following reasons. (See R. at 22).
As a threshold matter, only the opinions of “acceptable medical sources” are entitled to
controlling weight under the regulations. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(d) and 404.927(d). The
regulations make plain the distinction between “acceptable medical sources” and “other sources”
whose opinions cannot establish the existence of a medically determinable impairment. See 20
C.F.R. §§ 404,1513, 416.913; SSR 06-03p.19 In contrast to licensed physicians, chiropractors are
19
Though Plaintiff claims that the ALJ “failed to even acknowledge SSR 06-03p in his decision” (Docket No.
9 at 13), the ALJ clearly articulates that he “considered opinion evidence in accordance with the requirements of…
31
not “acceptable medical sources.” Id.; Hartranft v. Apfel, 181 F.3d 358, 361 (3d Cir. 1999).
While “DIB eligibility cannot rest upon the opinion of a chiropractor,” an ALJ “can consider a
chiropractor’s opinion, along with all of the other evidence that a claimant may present insofar as
it is deemed relevant to assessing a claimant’s disability.” Hartranft, 181 F.3d at 361-62
(emphasis not added). Therefore, it is instantly clear that Dr. Cappellini’s opinion was not
entitled to controlling weight, though the ALJ may have used it as additional evidence in
evaluating the limitations caused by Plaintiff’s impairment. See SSR 06-03p at *2 (only
“acceptable medical sources” can establish the existence of a medically determinable
impairment; “[h]owever, information from ‘other sources’ may be based on special knowledge
of the individual and may provide insight into the severity of the impairment and how it affects
the individual’s ability to function.”).
Despite acknowledging that Dr. Cappellini is not an acceptable medical source, Plaintiff
attempts to assert that his opinion was entitled to substantial weight. (Docket No. 9 at 12).
However, Plaintiff’s allegations in this vein, including that the ALJ engaged in a “wholesale
rejection” of and “summarily dismiss[ed]” Dr. Cappellini’s opinion “without merit,” are, as
arguments themselves, without merit. (See id.). On the contrary, the ALJ concluded that although
Dr. Cappellini is “not an acceptable medical source” whose opinion “is naturally less persuasive
than the assessments of orthopedic specialists such as Dr. Kramer and Dr. Se[e]l,” Plaintiff’s
“numerous” visits to Dr. Cappellini for chiropractic treatment were “appropriate” and factors that
weighed “favorably” on Plaintiff’s credibility. (R. at 20, 22). Further, the ALJ’s decision does
not “ignore” Dr. Cappellini’s opinion, “improperly” or otherwise. (See Docket No. 9 at 13).
SSRs [including] 06-[0]3p.” (R. at 19). Further, Plaintiff’s observation regarding the ALJ’s reference to Dr.
Cappellini as “Mr. Cappellini” fails to inform the Court’s analysis since the ALJ appropriately considered Dr.
Cappellini’s opinion and substantial evidence supports his determination.
32
Instead, the ALJ engages in a detailed analysis of why he chose to discredit Dr. Cappellini, as
discussed. (R. at 22).
In support of his proffered argument that it was error to not credit the opinions of Dr.
Cappellini and Dr. Lee with “controlling weight,” Plaintiff relies on a so-called “well-settled”
principle of disability determinations “that the ALJ is required to afford the opinions of treating
physicians with great weight...” (Docket No. 9 at 11 (ostensibly citing Morales v. Apfel, 225 F.3d
310, 317 (3d Cir. 2000))). Initially, Dr. Cappellini is not a physician. As stated, he is a nonacceptable medical source. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1513, 404.1527(d), 404.927(d), and 416.913;
SSR 06-03p. As to Dr. Lee, who is considered a treating physician under the regulations,
Plaintiff blunders in his attempt to frame the weight analysis pronounced by Morales as a
requirement, much less a “well-settled” one.
Instead, Morales echoes “[a] cardinal principle,” which is “that the ALJ accord treating
physicians’ reports great weight, especially when their opinions reflect expert judgment based on
a continuing observation of the patient’s condition over a prolonged period of time.” Becker v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 403 F.App’x 679, 686 (3d Cir. 2010) (quoting Morales, 225 F.3d at
317). The language employed by the Court of Appeals in describing this “guiding” principle
demonstrates that it is not absolute; indeed, the Court elucidates that where medical opinions
conflict, “the ALJ may choose whom to credit.” Becker at 686 (quoting Morales, 225 F.3d at
317). Although an ALJ “cannot reject evidence for no reason or for the wrong reason,” Plummer
v. Apfel, 186 F.3d 422, 429 (3d Cir. 1999), when presented with conflicting medical opinions
“the ALJ is not only entitled but required to choose between them,” Cotter v. Harris, 642 F.2d
700, 705 (3d Cir. 1981). Further, pursuant to the regulations, controlling weight should only be
placed on a treating physician’s opinion when it is well supported and consistent with the other
33
medical evidence in the record. 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(d)(2); see Johnson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
398 F.App’x 727, 735 (3d Cir. 2010). “Otherwise, the opinion should be given weight
proportional to the medical evidence presented by the treating physician to support the opinion.”
Johnson at 735-36 (ALJ did not err in affording “no probative weight” to treating physician’s
opinion where it was not supported by medical findings and was inconsistent with recent
objective evidence).
Here, the ALJ was faced with conflicting evidence regarding Plaintiff’s back impairment
and the limitations stemming therefrom. Specifically, neither the objective evidence nor any of
the examining physicians’ opinions comported with the findings of Dr. Lee and Dr. Cappellini or
Plaintiff’s subjective complaints regarding pain. (R. at 19-22). Accordingly, the ALJ properly
proceeded to weigh the conflicting evidence. See Johnson at 735-736. The Court agrees with
Defendant that the ALJ appropriately weighed the conflicting evidence, given that “[t]he record
contained ample evidence that contradicted the disability opinions of Drs. Cappellini and Lee,”
(Docket No. 12 at 14), and found that the opinions of Dr. Kramer and Dr. Seel were persuasive
and consistent with the medical evidence thus entitling them to substantial weight.
Although the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was not limited to the debilitating extent
opined by Dr. Lee and Dr. Cappellini and noted that the examining physicians reported that
Plaintiff was capable of performing work that required heavy lifting, the ALJ concluded that the
weight of the evidence supported Plaintiff’s residual functional capacity for light duty work. (R.
at 21). Given same, the ALJ’s determination was not “based solely on his own amorphous
impressions.” Morales, 225 F.3d at 318 (citing Kent v. Schweiker, 710 F.2d 110, 115 (3d Cir.
1983)). The ALJ did not simply “rubber stamp” the findings of the examining physicians when
34
discrediting Plaintiff’s treating medical sources; he gave Plaintiff “the utmost benefit of the
doubt” in concluding that Plaintiff was limited by some work-related restrictions. (R. at 21).
Plaintiff disputes the ALJ’s credibility determination as to Dr. Lee’s opinions, claiming
that the ALJ found there to be an “inherent conflict of interest” in light of Plaintiff’s pending
workers’ compensation claim. (Docket No. 9 at 13 (citing R. at 21)). However, Plaintiff
misstates the findings of the ALJ in arguing that “[w]hile the ALJ… freely questions the veracity
and integrity of [Plaintiff’s] treating physicians because they offered opinions in the context of a
workers’ compensation proceeding, the ALJ blindly accepted the opinions of Dr. Kramer and Dr.
Seel who were paid by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier to provide opinions
concerning [Plaintiff’s] work injuries and his functional limitations.” (Id.).
The ALJ wrote that he “recognizes the inherent conflict of interest in Dr. Lee’s
assessment that [Plaintiff] is not totally recovered from his work-related injury” and references
Dr. Lee’s statement “that the medical bill for [Plaintiff] is reasonable,” which the ALJ felt
suggested “that [Dr. Lee] was attempting to justify his charges for services rendered to
[Plaintiff].” (R. at 22). The implication of this comment is that Dr. Lee was financially interested
in Plaintiff’s treatment, not that there was a “conflict of interest” because his opinions were
submitted in a workers’ compensation context. Nowhere in his decision does the ALJ refute the
opinions of Dr. Lee and Dr. Cappellini on the basis that they were provided in relation to
Plaintiff’s workers’ compensation claim. Rather, he found that they were entitled to less weight
than those of Dr. Kramer and Dr. Seel because they were not supported by objective studies, they
were inconsistent, and they overstated functional limitations claimed by Plaintiff himself. (R. at
21-22).
35
However, as a contextual backdrop to the ALJ’s analysis, it should be noted that the
opinions regarding Plaintiff’s functional capacity were provided in conjunction with his claim for
workers’ compensation. Critically, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has acknowledged
the differences between the statutory tests for Social Security disability as opposed to those for
purposes of workers’ compensation. Coria v. Heckler, 750 F.2d 245 (3d Cir. 1984). In Coria, the
Court distinguished “between those portions of the physicians’ reports that represent the
physician[s]’ medical findings and those portions of the reports that represent conclusions as to
the claimant’s disability for purposes of workers’ compensation”; where the evidence contains
both:
the ALJ should evaluate the objective medical findings set forth in the medical
reports for submission with the workers’ compensation claim by the same
standards that s/he uses to evaluate medical findings in reports made in the first
instance for the Social Security claim, unless there is some reasonable basis to
believe a particular report or finding is not entitled to comparable weight.
Coria, 750 F.2d at 247-48.
Here, the ALJ drew his findings from the record regarding Plaintiff’s functional
limitations according to the Act, which directs a different disability analysis than that of workers’
compensation claims. (See R. at 19 (outlining the ALJ’s analysis under the regulations)). Given
that disability under the Act is defined as that which prevents a claimant from engaging in any
substantial gainful activity, 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A), but disability for purposes of workers’
compensation is determined using a set of criteria that may permit an award even if a claimant
can perform some gainful activity, it was reasonable for the ALJ to compare the weight of the
opinions in light of the fact that they were rendered with respect to Plaintiff’s ability to perform
his job as a material handler. See Coria, 750 F.2d at 247-248; see also Hartranft, 181 F.3d at 362
(where the Court upheld an ALJ’s decision that a plaintiff could perform light work, in part,
36
because “the ALJ recognized the limited significance” of a physician’s opinion made in
connection with the plaintiff’s workers’ compensation claim, not his DIB claim).
In effect, the ALJ agreed with Dr. Lee and Dr. Cappellini’s findings regarding Plaintiff’s
functional limitations to the extent that they prevented him from engaging in his job as a material
handler, which requires heavy lifting. (R. at 22-23). However, he found that Plaintiff had other
past relevant work as a customer service clerk that was not precluded by Plaintiff’s residual
functional capacity for light work. (R. at 23). Not only is the record replete with evidence to
support Plaintiff’s capacity for light work, the opinions of Dr. Lee and Dr. Cappellini that
Plaintiff can perform light to medium work are reconcilable with the ALJ’s residual functional
capacity assessment. (R. at 22). Additionally, Dr. Lee frequently commented throughout his
notes that the treatment rendered to manage Plaintiff’s pain was “conservative” and that Plaintiff
was helped by it. (See e.g. R. at 382, 385, 389, 397, 401, 478, 572).
Therefore, the Court finds that the ALJ’s decision to assign “little weight” to the opinions
of Plaintiff’s treating medical providers and “substantial weight” to those of his examining
physicians is adequately supported by substantial evidence.
B. Assessment of Plaintiff’s Credibility
According to Plaintiff, the ALJ “erred in minimizing [Plaintiff’s] complaints of pain”
based on the fact that Plaintiff cares for his young son, cooks meals, and uses the Internet, which
Plaintiff asserts “hardly provides substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s determination that he
is capable of working full time in competitive employment.” (Docket No. 9 at 14). However, the
Court agrees with Defendant that the ALJ’s determination as to Plaintiff’s credibility is indeed
supported by substantial evidence. (Docket No. 12 at 15-17).
37
An ALJ must give great weight to a claimant’s subjective description of his or her
inability to perform even light or sedentary work when the claimant’s testimony is supported by
competent evidence. Shaudeck v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 181 F.3d 429, 433 (3d Cir. 1999)
(citing Dobrowolsky v. Califano, 606 F.2d 403, 409 (3d Cir. 1979)); see Wright v. Comm’r of
Soc. Sec., 386 F.App’x 105, 109 (3d Cir. 2010). This requires the ALJ to determine the extent to
which a claimant is accurately stating the degree of pain or the extent to which he or she is
disabled by it. See 20 C.F.R. 20 § 404.1529(c). If an ALJ concludes that the claimant’s testimony
is not credible, the specific basis for such a conclusion must be indicated in the ALJ’s decision.
Cotter, 642 F.2d at 705. That standard is met here because the ALJ considered Plaintiff’s
subjective complaints and determined that they were not supported by competent evidence. In
sum, Plaintiff reported experiencing pain that was not supported by objective evidence, his
description of daily activities was irreconcilable with pain as debilitating as he alleged, and,
moreover, Plaintiff’s vocational goals were reasonably questioned by the ALJ in assessing the
severity of his symptoms. (R. at 20-21).
Plaintiff’s claim that his ability to engage in childcare is not indicative of his ability to
perform substantial gainful activity is predicated on three cases that are not binding on this
Court. (Docket No. 9 at 14 (citing Gentle v. Banhart, 430 F.3d 865, 866-68 (7th Cir. 2005);
Carradine v. Barnhart, 360 F.3d 751, 755-56 (7th Cir. 2005); Tang v. Apfel, 205 F.3d 1084,
1087 (8th Cir. 2000)). Plaintiff argues that this Court should apply the holding in Gentle, a case
from the Seventh Circuit, based on the notion that “taking care of an infant, although demanding,
has a degree of flexibility that work in the workplace does not…” (Id. (quoting Gentle, 430 F.3d
at 867)). However, Plaintiff’s son is a six-year-old boy, not an infant.20 Whether Plaintiff means
to suggest that caring for a six-year-old is more or less demanding than caring for an infant is
20
Further, Plaintiff’s son attends school every day.
38
unclear, but the Court will not speculate. Instead, we decline to follow Gentle in favor of a
decision by our Court of Appeals distinguishing Gentle from a strikingly similar set of facts to
those at bar. See Smith v. Astrue, 359 F. App’x. 313 (3d Cir. 2009). In Smith, the Court rejected
an identical argument made by Plaintiff’s same counsel relying on Gentle, and we will also reject
Plaintiff’s argument for the following reasons.
In Smith, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit faced the same issue of credibility
where a claimant alleged disabling pain, yet performed domestic activities full-time, including
childcare. There, the plaintiff claimed that: (1) she could only sit, stand, and walk for one hour
each day; (2) she was limited to no postural movements; (3) she required complete freedom to
rest frequently throughout the day; (4) she required a substantial period of time to lie down or sit
on a recliner during the day; and (5) she suffered from conditions that were permanent in nature.
Smith, 359 F.App’x. at 315. There, the plaintiff testified that she was the primary caregiver of her
youngest child, despite claiming to be virtually bedridden due to back pain. Id. at 316. As is the
case here, the Court found that the ALJ did not err in declining to afford the opinion of plaintiff’s
treating physician controlling weight, given that it was “contradicted by several pieces of
evidence,” contained “internal inconsistencies” and was largely based on “checklist forms” that
constitute weak evidence in the context of a disability analysis. Id. (citing Mason v. Shalala, 994
F.2d 1058, 1065 (3d Cir. 1993)).
Additionally, the Court of Appeals concluded “in terms of [the plaintiff’s] activities, the
fact that she was able to act as the sole caregiver of her young child for at least two years…
indicates a lesser level of pain than what is claimed.” Id. at 317. There, the plaintiff (through
same counsel) also argued that Gentle “flatly reject[s]… the argument that caring for an infant
[i]s evidence of an ability to perform full time competitive work.” Id. at n. 3; (see Docket No. 9
39
at 14). However, the Court in Smith found that Gentle was “easily distinguishable” because in
Gentle, the claimant “cared for her child with the aid of her sister, a neighbor, and another
woman,” whereas in Smith, the plaintiff “was the sole caretaker for a period of at least two full
years.” Smith, 359 F.App’x. at 317, n. 3. Here, too, Gentle is distinguishable because Plaintiff not
only testified that he is the primary caretaker of his young son, he also testified that he is capable
of simultaneously caring for his young niece when she is dropped off each morning at his home.
(See R. at 43, 46). Moreover, as in Smith, by the time he applied for DIB, Plaintiff had been the
sole caretaker of his son, who was not yet of school age, for a number of years. (R. at 165, 247,
415).
With respect to Plaintiff’s other daily activities, the ALJ points to Plaintiff’s “admission”
regarding the hours he spends on his computer each day, stating it “tends to belie [Plaintiff’s]
contention that he can only sit for 15 minutes at a time.” (R. at 20). The ALJ also took into
account the fact that Plaintiff has “failed to earn yearly income reflective of substantial gainful
activity in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005,” which he found “raises a question as to whether
[Plaintiff’s] continuing unemployment is actually due to medical impairments.” (R. at 20). Both
the residual functional capacity, as discussed, and the ALJ’s inference regarding Plaintiff’s work
record support the ALJ’s determination that Plaintiff’s statements were not entirely credible.
Nevertheless, he credited Plaintiff to the extent that he did not find him to be capable of heavy
work, but did find that he was capable of performing light work subject to the medically
determinable postural limitations. (R. at 22). The Court thus finds that the ALJ’s determinations
were reasonable, appropriate, and supported by substantial evidence with respect to Plaintiff’s
credibility.
VI.
CONCLUSION
40
Based on the foregoing, the decision of the ALJ is adequately supported by substantial
evidence from the record within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Therefore, Plaintiff’s
Motion for Summary Judgment is DENIED and Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment is
GRANTED. Accordingly, the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED. Appropriate Orders
follow.
s/ Nora Barry Fischer
Nora Barry Fischer
United States District Judge
Date:
October 17, 2012
cc/ecf:
All counsel of record.
41
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