Beaton v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration

Filing 26

ORDER re 1 Complaint - Social Security, filed by Patricia Ann Beaton; ordering that the Commissioner's decision be affirmed. Signed by Magistrate Judge Paige J Gossett on May 9, 2011. (cwil, )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Patricia Ann Beaton,

)
)
Plaintiff,
)
)
v.
)
)
Michael J. Astrue,
)
Commissioner of Social Security,
)
)
Defendant.
)
_____________________________________ )

C/A No. 0:10-193-PJG

ORDER

This social security matter is before the court pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.VII.02 DSC
and 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) for final adjudication, with the consent of the parties, of the plaintiff’s
petition for judicial review. The plaintiff, Patricia Ann Beaton (“Beaton”), brought this action
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) to obtain judicial review of a final decision of the defendant,
Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”), denying her claims for Disability Insurance
Benefits (“DIB”).
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
On May 12, 2006, Beaton applied for DIB, alleging disability beginning February 26, 2006.1
Beaton’s application was denied initially and upon reconsideration, and she requested a hearing
before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”). A hearing was held on August 26, 2008, at which
Beaton, who was represented by counsel, appeared and testified. The ALJ, after hearing the
testimony of a vocational expert, issued a decision on October 31, 2008 denying benefits and
concluding that Beaton was not disabled. (Tr. 8-16.)

1

Beaton initially alleged disability beginning February 24, 2006, but amended her alleged
onset date by letter dated August 22, 2008, prior to her hearing before the ALJ.
Page 1 of 15

Beaton was forty-six years old at the time of her alleged disability onset date. (Tr. 128.) She
has a high school education and past relevant work experience as an administrative assistant, school
bus driver, manager, and sales associate. (Tr. 122, 126, 132.) Beaton alleges disability since
February 26, 2006 due to arthritis in her lower back, knee problems, left wrist problems, high blood
pressure, and diabetes. (Tr. 121.)
The ALJ found as follows:
1.

The claimant meets the insured status requirements of the Social Security Act
through December 31, 2010.

2.

The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since February
26, 2006, the amended alleged onset date (20 CFR 404.1571 et seq.).
* * *
The claimant has the following severe impairments: degenerative joint
disease of the bilateral knees status post total knee replacement and residual
effects from C4-7 fusion (20 CFR 404.1521 et seq.).
* * *
The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of impairments
that meets or medically equals one of the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part
404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 CFR 404.1525 and 404.1526).
* * *
After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned finds that the
claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform sedentary work as
defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(a) with a sit/stand option at will (30 minutes at
a time); occasional postural limitations; no climbing; frequent reaching; no
overhead reaching; frequent handling; and requiring the use of a cane.
* * *
The claimant is unable to perform any past relevant work (20 CFR 404.1565).
* * *
The claimant was born on [REDACTED], 1960 and was 46 years old, which
is defined as a younger individual age 45-49, on the alleged disability onset
date (20 CFR 404.1563).

3.

4.

5.

6.
7.

8.

The claimant has at least a high school education and is able to communicate
in English (20 CFR 404.1564).

9.

Transferability of job skills is not material to the determination of disability
because using the Medical-Vocational Rules as a framework supports a
finding that the claimant is “not disabled,” whether or not the claimant has
Page 2 of 15

transferable job skills (See SSR 82-41 and 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P,
Appendix 2).
10.

11.

Considering the claimant’s age, education, work experience, and residual
functional capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the
national economy that the claimant can perform (20 CFR 404.1569 and
404.1569a).
* * *
The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in the Social Security
Act, from February 26, 2006 through the date of this decision (20 CFR
404.1520(g)).

(Tr. 10-16.)
On December 8, 2009, the Appeals Council denied Beaton’s request for review, making the
decision of the ALJ the final action of the Commissioner. (Tr. 1-3.) This action followed.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY GENERALLY
Under 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A) and (d)(5), as well as pursuant to the regulations formulated
by the Commissioner, the plaintiff has the burden of proving disability, which is defined as an
“inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected
to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a); see also
Blalock v. Richardson, 483 F.2d 773 (4th Cir. 1973). The regulations require the ALJ to consider,
in sequence:
(1)

whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity;

(2)

whether the claimant has a “severe” impairment;

(3)

whether the claimant has an impairment that meets or equals the requirements
of an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (“the
Listings”), and is thus presumptively disabled;

(4)

whether the claimant can perform [her] past relevant work; and

Page 3 of 15

(5)

whether the claimant’s impairments prevent [her] from doing any other kind
of work.

20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). If the ALJ can make a determination that a claimant is or is not disabled
at any point in this process, review does not proceed to the next step. Id.
Under this analysis, a claimant has the initial burden of showing that she is unable to return
to her past relevant work because of her impairments. Once the claimant establishes a prima facie
case of disability, the burden shifts to the Commissioner. To satisfy this burden, the Commissioner
must establish that the claimant has the residual functional capacity, considering the claimant’s age,
education, work experience, and impairments, to perform alternative jobs that exist in the national
economy. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A); see also McLain v. Schweiker, 715 F.2d 866, 868-69 (4th Cir.
1983); Hall v. Harris, 658 F.2d 260, 264-65 (4th Cir. 1981); Wilson v. Califano, 617 F.2d 1050,
1053 (4th Cir. 1980). The Commissioner may carry this burden by obtaining testimony from a
vocational expert. Grant v. Schweiker, 699 F.2d 189, 192 (4th Cir. 1983).
STANDARD OF REVIEW
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), the court may review the Commissioner’s denial of benefits.
However, this review is limited to considering whether the Commissioner’s findings “are supported
by substantial evidence and were reached through application of the correct legal standard.” Craig
v. Chater, 76 F.3d 585, 589 (4th Cir. 1996); see also 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Coffman v. Bowen, 829
F.2d 514, 517 (4th Cir. 1987). Thus, the court may review only whether the Commissioner’s
decision is supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct law was applied. See Myers
v. Califano, 611 F.2d 980, 982 (4th Cir. 1980). “Substantial evidence” means “such relevant
evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion; it consists of more
than a mere scintilla of evidence but may be somewhat less than a preponderance.” Craig, 76 F.3d
Page 4 of 15

at 589. In reviewing the evidence, the court may not “undertake to re-weigh conflicting evidence,
make credibility determinations, or substitute [its] judgment for that of the [Commissioner].” Id.
Accordingly, even if the court disagrees with the Commissioner’s decision, the court must uphold
it if it is supported by substantial evidence. Blalock, 483 F.2d at 775.
ISSUES
Beaton raises the following issues for this judicial review:
I.

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) erred by disregarding the opinion of
plaintiff’s primary treating physician that her residual functional capacity was
reduced to an extent that would preclude her from engaging in substantial
gainful employment.

II.

The ALJ’s decision is not supported by competent substantial evidence in
plaintiff’s case.

(Pl.’s Br., ECF No. 14.)
DISCUSSION
Beaton argues that, when determining her residual functional capacity (“RFC”) and her
ability to engage in sustained full time employment, the ALJ erred in giving little weight to the
opinion provided by Dr. Sarah Stapleton, Beaton’s treating physician. Beaton contends that Dr.
Stapleton’s opinion was supported by Beaton’s testimony, which the ALJ failed to properly credit,
and the medical evidence. Therefore, the court will first examine Beaton’s argument that the ALJ
erred in discounting her testimony regarding her pain and difficulty functioning.
A.

Beaton’s Credibility
Beaton argues that the ALJ relied solely on objective medical evidence to reject Beaton’s

testimony concerning her symptoms and the limiting effects of her pain in violation of the law in this
circuit. (See Pl.’s Br. 8-9.) According to Beaton, once she established through objective medical

Page 5 of 15

evidence the existence of a medical impairments which could reasonably be expected to produce her
pain or other symptoms, she should be allowed to rely on subjective evidence to establish the
intensity and limiting effects of the pain.
Beaton’s argument rests on an apparent misunderstanding of the law of this circuit. In
evaluating subjective complaints, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has
stated that “the determination of whether a person is disabled by pain or other symptoms is a
two-step process.” Craig v. Chater, 76 F.3d 585, 594 (4th Cir. 1996). In this matter only the second
step is at issue,2 during which the ALJ must expressly consider “the intensity and persistence of the
claimant’s pain [or other symptoms] and the extent to which it affects her ability to work.” Id. In
making this determination, the ALJ’s decision “must contain specific reasons for the finding on
credibility, supported by the evidence in the case record, and must be sufficiently specific to make
clear to the individual and to any subsequent reviewers the weight the adjudicator gave to the
individual’s statements and the reasons for that weight.” SSR 96-7p. “[A]llegations concerning the
intensity and persistence of pain or other symptoms may not be disregarded solely because they are
not substantiated by objective medical evidence.” Id. (emphasis added). “This is not to say,
however, that objective medical evidence and other objective evidence are not crucial to evaluating
the intensity and persistence of a claimant’s pain and the extent to which it impairs her ability to
work.” Craig, 76 F.3d at 595. A claimant’s subjective complaints “need not be accepted to the
extent they are inconsistent with the available evidence, including objective evidence of the
underlying impairment, and the extent to which that impairment can reasonably be expected to cause
2

The first step requires there to “be objective medical evidence showing the existence of a
medical impairment(s) which results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities
and which could reasonably be expected to produce the pain or other symptoms alleged.” Craig, 76
F.3d at 594 (internal quotation omitted).
Page 6 of 15

the [symptoms] the claimant alleges she suffers.” Id. (emphasis added). The social security
regulations inform claimants that in evaluating subjective complaints, the Commissioner will
consider the following relevant factors:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

(vii)

Your daily activities;
The location, duration, frequency, and intensity of your pain or other
symptoms;
Precipitating and aggravating factors;
The type, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of any medication you take
or have taken to alleviate your pain or other symptoms;
Treatment, other than medication, you receive or have received for relief of
your pain or other symptoms;
Any measures you use or have used to relieve your pain or other symptoms
(e.g., lying flat on your back, standing for 15 to 20 minutes every hour,
sleeping on a board, etc.); and
Other factors concerning your functional limitations and restrictions due to
pain or other symptoms.

20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3).
During the hearing, Beaton testified to severe functional limitations, including chronic pain
and extreme inactivity. For example, Beaton stated that she spends most of her day lying down (Tr.
30), that she requires a cane to ambulate and that standing up and sitting down causes her
“excruciating” pain (Tr. 25), that her body “shuts down” when she gets over exhausted (Tr. 27), that
she has radiating pain in both arms (Tr. 28), that she does not do the housework or yardwork (Tr.
32), that she can lift no more than a half gallon of milk and is unable to carry a ream of paper (Tr.
33). She also testified that she is unable to bend at the waist, climb steps or a ladder, or reach
anything on a shelf (Tr. 41), and that she leaves the house to go to church once a month (Tr. 42) and
occasionally to shop with her sister (Tr. 46).
In this case, the ALJ found that Beaton’s “statements concerning the intensity, persistence
and limiting effects of these symptoms are not entirely credible to the extent they are inconsistent
Page 7 of 15

with the above residual functional capacity assessment.” (Tr. 13.) In reaching this conclusion, the
ALJ expressly considered several factors in discounting the credibility of Beaton’s subjective
complaints. Specifically, the ALJ found that
while the claimant testified that she suffers from chronic pain, the medical evidence
of record fails to reveal that the claimant was ever in any acute distress and
examinations were essentially benign following the claimant’s surgeries. Although
the claimant has undergone surgery in her cervical spine and knees, which would
normally weigh somewhat in the claimant’s favor, the record reveals that these
surgeries have been generally successful. While the claimant alleges extreme
inactivity (spending most of her time lying down), a review of the evidence of record
fails to reveal any signs of atrophy or similar findings.
(Tr. 13.)
Upon a thorough review of the record as a whole, the court finds that the ALJ did not err in
his analysis in determining the credibility of Beaton’s subjective complaints. See Craig, 76 F.3d at
595. In determining that Beaton’s statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting
effects of her symptoms were not entirely credible, the ALJ considered Beaton’s subjective
complaints in conjunction with the medical evidence and the other evidence of record. Accordingly,
Beaton has failed to demonstrate that the ALJ erred in finding that Beaton’s subjective complaints
are inconsistent with the record. See Hines v. Barnhart, 453 F.3d 559, 565 n.3 (4th Cir. 2006)
(noting that a claimant’s allegations “need not be accepted to the extent that they are inconsistent
with available evidence”); Hunter v. Sullivan, 993 F.2d 31, 35 (4th Cir. 1993) (per curiam) (finding
that the ALJ may properly consider inconsistencies between a plaintiff’s testimony and the other
evidence of record in evaluating the credibility of the plaintiff’s subjective complaints); Gross v.
Heckler, 785 F.2d 1163, 1166 (4th Cir. 1986) (noting that “[i]f a symptom can be reasonably
controlled by medication or treatment, it is not disabling”). Moreover, the court may not substitute
its judgment for the ALJ’s. See Craig, 76 F.3d at 589 (stating that the court may not “undertake to
Page 8 of 15

re-weigh conflicting evidence, make credibility determinations, or substitute [its] judgment for that
of the [Commissioner]”); Hays v. Sullivan, 907 F.2d 1453, 1456 (4th Cir. 1990) (holding that it is
the ALJ’s responsibility, not the court’s, to determine the weight of evidence and resolve conflicts
of evidence). Based on the record as a whole, the court cannot say that the ALJ’s determination as
to Beaton’s credibility is not supported by substantial evidence or controlled by an error of law.
B.

Dr. Stapleton
Typically, the Social Security Administration accords greater weight to the opinion of

treating medical sources because treating physicians are best able to provide “a detailed, longitudinal
picture” of a claimant’s alleged disability. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2). However, “the rule does
not require that the testimony be given controlling weight.” Hunter, 993 F.2d at 35. Rather, a
treating physician’s opinion is evaluated and weighed “pursuant to the following non-exclusive list:
(1) whether the physician has examined the applicant, (2) the treatment relationship between the
physician and the applicant, (3) the supportability of the physician’s opinion, (4) the consistency of
the opinion with the record, and (5) whether the physician is a specialist.” Johnson v. Barnhart, 434
F.3d 650, 654 (4th Cir. 2005) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527). In the face of “persuasive contrary
evidence,” the ALJ has the discretion to accord less than controlling weight to such an opinion.
Mastro v. Apfel, 270 F.3d 171, 178 (4th Cir. 2001). Further, “ ‘if a physician’s opinion is not
supported by clinical evidence or if it is inconsistent with other substantial evidence, it should be
accorded significantly less weight.’ ” Id. (quoting Craig, 76 F.3d at 590).
Beaton argues that the ALJ erred because Dr. Stapleton’s opinion “was consistent with the
record as a whole, including reports of the other treating medical sources, and the testimony of
Plaintiff.” (Pl.’s Br. at 8, ECF No. 14 at 8.) Beaton also points out that at the time Dr. Stapleton

Page 9 of 15

issued her opinion, she had been treating Beaton for over three years, serving as her primary
physician and coordinating with her other specialists, and that there is no evidence from a treating
or examining physician which would contradict Dr. Stapleton’s opinion. Finally, Beaton appears
to argue that in discounting Dr. Stapleton’s opinion, the ALJ erred in failing to find that Beaton’s
cerebrovascular accident (stroke) was a severe impairment.
Upon a thorough review of the record as a whole, the court finds no error. As the ALJ
observed, in August 2008 Dr. Stapleton restricted Beaton “to no lifting and carrying; sitting, standing
and walking up to one hour; no pushing/pulling movement; no climbing, balancing, gross
manipulation, fine manipulation, bending/stooping, and reaching; no work around hazardous
machinery; and rarely operate motor vehicles.” (Tr. 14, 310, 335.) Dr. Stapleton also opined that
Beaton would miss more than four days per month due to her impairments. (Tr. 14, 335.) Dr.
Stapleton indicated that the basis for these restrictions was that Beaton “ ‘has had a stroke (with)
weakness (right) (lower extremity); left hand pain (due to) carpal tunnel.’ ” (Pl.’s Reply Br. at 1, ECF
No. 21 at 1) (alterations in original) (quoting Dr. Stapleton’s Attending Physician’s Statement, Tr.
335).
The ALJ found that there was “no evidence of any significant clinical findings to support this
opinion” and because the evidence of record did not support Dr. Stapleton’s opinion, he afforded it
little weight. (Tr. 14.) In reaching this conclusion, the ALJ discussed aspects of Beaton’s medical
records that were inconsistent with Dr. Stapleton’s conclusions. Specifically, the ALJ noted that
Beaton has a history of bilateral knee pain and had left knee arthroscopic surgery in September 2005,
right knee arthroscopic surgery in October 2005, left total knee arthroplasty in May 2006, and right

Page 10 of 15

total knee arthroplasty in September 2006. However, the ALJ found that her medical records
revealed that, postoperatively, Beaton was doing very well, observing that
in May 2006, the claimant was reported to be doing very well with near full extension
and flexion; in June 2006, she was doing very well with almost full extension and
flexion and no instability; in August 2006, she continued to do well; in October 2006,
she was doing fantastic with full extension, normal neurovascular function and was
ambulating without an assistive device; and in December 2006, she continued to do
well with good strength and no instability.
(Tr. 13.) The ALJ also noted that Beaton had three-level cervical discectomy and fusion in August
2005. However, the ALJ again observed that Beaton’s postoperative medical records revealed that
the symptoms in Beaton’s shoulders, arms, and hand had completely resolved. The ALJ pointed out
that Beaton’s treatment had been relatively conservative since her onset date; in February and May
2006, treatment records from Dr. Stapleton revealed that Beaton “was doing markedly better and
great since surgery;” in February 2006, Beaton “was found to have normal muscle tone and bulk, 5/5
strength throughout, intact sensation, normal gait and 2+ deep tendon reflexes;” Beaton reported in
April 2008 that she was feeling great; and in August 2008 examination was essentially benign other
than slightly decreased right leg strength measuring at 3/5. (Tr. 13-14.)
To the extent that Beaton’s argument is based on the premise that the opinion of treating
physician is automatically entitled to controlling weight or at least great weight, the court observes
that as stated above, the treating physician rule does not require that a treating physician’s opinion
be given controlling weight. Rather, it is entitled to controlling weight “if it is well-supported by
medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the
other substantial evidence in the record.” Mastro, 270 F.3d at 178. Otherwise, “it should be
accorded significantly less weight.” Id. Further, if controlling weight is not afforded, the treatment

Page 11 of 15

relationship between the physician and the applicant is one of several factors that are considered in
evaluating a treating physician’s opinion.
In this case, the ALJ found that Dr. Stapleton’s opinion was not supported by clinical
evidence and therefore discounted the opinion. In arguing that this decision was in error, Beaton
points to selective medical evidence which may support it. For example, Beaton argues that the
following evidence supports the limitations opined by Dr. Stapleton as well as a finding that
Beaton’s cerebrovascular accident (stroke) was a severe impairment: a CT scan dated May 3, 2005
revealing “volume loss of the cerebellum and especially the brainstem” indicative of a “multisystem
atrophy syndrome,” which Beaton argues constitutes a significant clinical finding (Pl.’s Br. at 9-10,
ECF No. 14 at 9-10); a medical note from April 13, 2005, indicating that Beaton had done everything
with her left hand since her stroke; and an August 2, 2005 medical record noting that she had a “1year history of neck and back pain with radiation bilaterally, predominately on the left side” and past
medical history for a stroke in 1994 (Pl.’s Reply Br. 2, ECF No. 21 at 2).3 While Beaton may point
to some evidence to support Dr. Stapleton’s opinion, the court finds that based on the evidence
discussed above, Beaton has failed to show that the ALJ’s evaluation of Dr. Stapleton’s opinion is
unsupported by substantial evidence or reached through the application of an incorrect legal
standard. See Mastro, 270 F.3d at 178; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527; see also Blalock, 483 F.2d at 775
(stating that even if the court disagrees with the Commissioner’s decision, the court must uphold it
if it is supported by substantial evidence). Similarly, Beaton has failed to demonstrate that the ALJ’s
determination that Beaton’s stroke was not a severe impairment was unsupported. See 20 C.F.R.

3

The court observes that these records appear to be before Beaton’s surgeries in 2005 and
2006. Further, Beaton’s work history appears to reveal that she engaged in substantial gainful
activity until February 2006. (See Tr. 10, 22-23, 99, 112, 132, 171.)
Page 12 of 15

§ 404.1520(c) (stating that a severe impairment is one that “significantly limits [a claimant’s]
physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.”).
With regard to Beaton’s contention that the opinions of two non-examining, non-treating
physicians should have been given minimal weight because they did not have Beaton’s entire
medical file as these opinions were issued in July and September 2006, the court finds that based on
the record before the court reversal is not warranted on this ground. The opinion reveals that the
ALJ considered the reports by two state agency examiners. On July 10, 2006, Dr. Dale Van Slooten
completed a physical residual functional capacity assessment, concluding that Beaton (1) could
occasionally lift and/or carry twenty pounds and do so frequently with ten pounds; (2) could stand
and/or walk about six hours in an eight-hour workday with normal breaks, and sit about the same;
(3) was unlimited in her pushing and pulling ability; (4) could occasionally climb ramps or stairs but
never ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; (5) could occasionally kneel, crouch, and crawl; (6) could
frequently stoop and kneel; and (7) had no visual, communicative, or environmental limitations. (Tr.
293-300.) On September 19, 2006, Dr. Charles Fitts completed the same assessment after
independent review of the file and reached the same conclusions. (Tr. 301-08.)
The ALJ considered these opinions; however, after review of the record, the ALJ stated that
he “impose[d] more restrictions upon the claimant’s lifting requirement due to the degenerative
nature of her knee condition, by limiting her to sedentary work activity.”4 (Tr. 14.) Beaton argues
that the ALJ erred in relying on the opinions from the state agency physicians over the opinion of

4

“Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting
or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined
as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying
out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other
sedentary criteria are met.” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a).
Page 13 of 15

Dr. Stapleton. In support of her argument, Beaton points out that the state agency physicians did not
have the benefit of Beaton’s records from February 19, 2007 to August 20, 2008. Further, relying
on an excerpt from SSR 96-6p, Beaton argues that since the state agency physicians did not have a
complete case record with a medical report from a specialist, these opinions should not have been
given greater weight. (Pl.’s Br. at 11-12, ECF No. 14 at 11-12; Pl.’s Reply Br. at 4, ECF No. 21 at
4.)
Based on a review of the record and the ALJ’s opinion, it is clear that the ALJ considered the
entire record in evaluating Beaton’s application for benefits and reduced the weight given to the state
agency opinions accordingly. (See Tr. 13-14) (noting that in April 2008 “the claimant reported that
she was felling great” and “[e]xamination was essentially benign in August 2008, except for slightly
decreased right leg strength (3/5)”). Further, although the excerpt of SSR 96-6p that Beaton relies
on appears to limit the circumstances in which a state agency opinion can be given greater weight
than the opinion of a treating physician, when read in its entirety, it is clear that that instance is but
one example of when such weight may be accorded.5 Accordingly, Beaton has failed to demonstrate
5

The relevant portion of SSR 96-6p provides as follows:
In appropriate circumstances, opinions from State agency medical and
psychological consultants and other program physicians and
psychologists may be entitled to greater weight than the opinions of
treating or examining sources. For example, the opinion of a State
agency medical or psychological consultant or other program
physician or psychologist may be entitled to greater weight than a
treating source’s medical opinion if the State agency medical or
phychological [sic] consultant’s opinion is based on a review of a
complete case record that includes a medical report from a specialist
in the individual’s particular impairment which provides more
detailed and comprehensive information than what was available to
the individual’s treating source.

SSR 96-6p (emphasis added).
Page 14 of 15

that the ALJ erred in his evaluation of these opinions. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(f)(2) (providing
that the ALJ must explain the weight he gives to the opinions of agency doctors, which are evaluated
using the same factors used for other medical sources); SSR 96-6p (stating that “[s]tate agency
medical and psychological consultants are highly qualified physicians and psychologists who are
experts in the evaluation of the medical issues in disability claims under the Act”); Smith v.
Schweiker, 795 F.2d 343, 345-46 (4th Cir. 1986) (stating that the opinion of a non-examining
physician can constitute substantial evidence to support the decision of the Commissioner).
ORDER
Based upon the foregoing, the court finds that Beaton has not shown that the Commissioner’s
decision was unsupported by substantial evidence or reached through application of an incorrect
legal standard. See Craig, 76 F.3d at 589; see also 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Coffman, 829 F.2d at 517.
Therefore, it is hereby
ORDERED that the Commissioner’s decision is affirmed.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

_________________________________
Paige J. Gossett
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
May 9, 2011
Columbia, South Carolina

Page 15 of 15