Holloway v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner of
Filing
18
MEMORANDUM AND OPINION as set forth in following order.Signed by Chief District Judge Thomas A Varlan on 4/30/15. (ABF)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT KNOXVILLE
RANDALL THOMAS HOLLOWAY,
Plaintiff,
v.
CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Acting Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant.
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No.:
3:14-CV-131-TAV-CCS
MEMORANDUM OPINION
This civil action is before the Court on plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment
and Memorandum in Support [Docs. 10, 12] and defendant’s Motion for Summary
Judgment and Memorandum in Support [Docs. 13, 14]. Plaintiff Randall T. Holloway
seeks judicial review of the decision of the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”), the final
decision of defendant Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security (“the
Commissioner”).
On May 6, 2011, plaintiff protectively filed a Title II and Title XVIII application
for disability insurance benefits with the Social Security Administration with an alleged
onset date of January 1, 2011 [Tr. 82–85, 138]. The Social Security Administration
denied plaintiff’s application initially and upon reconsideration [Tr. 40–42, 48–49].
Plaintiff timely filed a request for a hearing, and he appeared before Administrative Law
Judge Joan Lawrence on August 9, 2012, in Knoxville, Tennessee [Tr. 23, 37–39]. The
ALJ issued an unfavorable decision on November 15, 2012 [Tr. 7–22].
Plaintiff
requested review of the decision, which the Appeals Council declined on February 26,
2014 [Tr. 1–6].
Having exhausted his administrative remedies, plaintiff filed a complaint with this
Court on March 31, 2014, seeking judicial review of the Commissioner’s final decision
under Section 205(g) of the Social Security Act [Doc. 2].
The parties have filed
competing dispositive motions, and this matter is ripe for adjudication.
I.
ALJ FINDINGS
The ALJ made the following findings:
1 The claimant meets the insured status requirements of the
Social Security Act through December 31, 2015.
2. The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful
activity since January 1, 2011, the alleged onset date (20 CFR
404.1571 et seq.).
3. The claimant has the following severe impairments:
obesity and degenerative disc disease (20 CFR 404.1520(c)).
4. The claimant does not have an impairment or combination
of impairments that meets or medically equals the severity of
one of the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P,
Appendix 1 (20 CFR 404.1520(d), 404.1525 and 404.1526).
5. After careful consideration of the entire record, the
undersigned finds that the claimant has the residual functional
capacity to perform light work as defined in 20 CFR
404.1567(b) except the claimant can perform frequent
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and
crawling.
6. The claimant is capable of performing past relevant work
as an assistant apartment manager (DOT 186.167-018). This
work does not require the performance of work-related
2
activities precluded by the claimant’s residual functional
capacity (20 CFR 404.1565).
7. The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined in
the Social Security Act, from January 1, 2011, through the
date of this decision (20 CFR 404.1520(f)).
[Tr. 12–19].
II.
DISABILITY ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for disability insurance benefits, plaintiff must file an application and
pass the five-step sequential evaluation outlined below.
20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.
“Disability” is the “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).
An individual shall be determined to be under a disability only if his physical or
mental impairment or impairments are of such severity that he is not only unable to do his
previous work but cannot, considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in
any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy,
regardless of whether such work exists in the immediate area in which he lives, or
whether a specific job vacancy exists for him, or whether he would be hired if he applied
for work. 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(B).
Disability is evaluated pursuant to a five-step analysis summarized as follows:
1. If claimant is doing substantial gainful activity, he is not
disabled.
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2. If claimant is not doing substantial gainful activity, his
impairment must be severe before he can be found to be
disabled.
3. If claimant is not doing substantial gainful activity and is
suffering from a severe impairment that has lasted or is
expected to last for a continuous period of at least twelve
months, and his impairment meets or equals a listed
impairment, claimant is presumed disabled without further
inquiry.
4. If claimant’s impairment does not prevent him from doing
his past relevant work, he is not disabled.
5. Even if claimant’s impairment does prevent him from
doing his past relevant work, if other work exists in the
national economy that accommodates his residual functional
capacity (“RFC”) and vocational factors (age, education,
skills, etc.), he is not disabled.
Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127 F.3d 525, 529 (6th Cir. 1997) (citing 20 C.F.R. §
404.1520). Plaintiff bears the burden of proof at the first four steps. Id. The burden
shifts to the Commissioner at step five. Id. At the fifth step, the Commissioner must
prove that there is work available in the national economy that the claimant could
perform. Her v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 203 F.3d 388, 391 (6th Cir. 1999) (citing Bowen v.
Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 (1987)).
III.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
When reviewing the Commissioner’s determination of whether an individual is
disabled pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), the Court is limited to determining “whether the
ALJ applied the correct legal standards and whether the findings of the ALJ are supported
by substantial evidence.” Blakley v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 581 F.3d 399, 405 (6th Cir.
4
2009) (citing Key v. Callahan, 109 F.3d 270, 273 (6th Cir. 1997)). If the ALJ applied the
correct legal standards and his findings are supported by substantial evidence in the
record, his decision is conclusive and must be affirmed. Warner v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
375 F.3d 387, 390 (6th Cir. 2004); 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Substantial evidence is “more
than a scintilla of evidence but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a
reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Rogers v. Comm’r of
Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007) (quotation omitted); see also Richardson v.
Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971).
It is immaterial whether the record may also possess substantial evidence to
support a different conclusion from that reached by the ALJ, or whether the reviewing
judge may have decided the case differently. Crisp v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
790 F.2d 450, 453 n.4 (6th Cir. 1986). The substantial evidence standard is intended to
create a “‘zone of choice’ within which the Commissioner can act, without the fear of
court interference.” Buxton v. Halter, 246 F.3d 762, 773 (6th Cir. 2001) (quoting Mullen
v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 535, 545 (6th Cir. 1986)). Therefore, the Court will not “try the case
de novo, nor resolve conflicts in evidence, nor decide questions of credibility.” Garner v.
Heckler, 745 F.2d 383, 387 (6th Cir. 1984). In addition to reviewing the ALJ’s findings
to determine whether they were supported by substantial evidence, the Court also reviews
the ALJ’s decision to determine whether it was reached through application of the correct
legal standards and in accordance with the procedure mandated by the regulations and
rulings promulgated by the Commissioner. See Wilson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 378 F.3d
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541, 544 (6th Cir. 2004). The Court may, however, decline to reverse and remand the
Commissioner’s determination if it finds that the ALJ’s procedural errors were harmless.
An ALJ’s violation of the Social Security Administration’s procedural rules is
harmless and will not result in reversible error “absent a showing that the claimant has
been prejudiced on the merits or deprived of substantial rights because of the [ALJ]’s
procedural lapses.” Id. at 546–47. Thus, an ALJ’s procedural error is harmless if his
ultimate decision was supported by substantial evidence and the error did not deprive the
claimant of an important benefit or safeguard. See id. at 547.
On review, plaintiff bears the burden of proving his entitlement to benefits. Boyes
v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 46 F.3d 510, 512 (6th Cir. 1994) (citing Halsey v.
Richardson, 441 F.2d 1230 (6th Cir. 1971)).
IV.
EVIDENCE
A.
Medical Evidence
On May 6, 2011, plaintiff protectively filed an application for disability benefits
with an alleged onset date of January 1, 2011 [Tr. 82–85, 138]. Plaintiff was born on
August 7, 1967, and reported past relevant work as an apartment manager, laborer,
furniture installer, cable television collections manager, and salesperson [Tr. 84, 100].
His alleged impairments included back and left hip pain, degenerative arthritis, sciatic
nerve, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins and phlebitis, and severe swelling [Tr. 89].
Plaintiff sought treatment from Dr. Scott McLain of Horizon Family Medicine for
back pain in 2009 [Tr. 233–40]. He continued to see Dr. McClain through September
6
2010 for low back pain, and Dr. McClain prescribed Roxicodone and Soma for pain
management [Tr. 168–70]. Plaintiff reported that the pain started approximately five
years prior to his September 2010 appointment and he did not recall any precipitating
event or injury that caused his low back pain [Tr. 168].
Plaintiff received treatment for chronic back pain at Bearden Healthcare beginning
in September 2010 [Tr. 253–58]. He complained of back pain, arthritis, headaches, hip
pain, hypertension, and gastro esophageal reflux disease [Tr. 254]. Plaintiff reported
visiting previous pain clinics, including Tennessee Pain Professionals, and stated that he
“got kicked out” because he alleged that his medications were stolen and visited another
doctor to secure additional pain medications [Tr. 255]. He was prescribed Percocet,
Baclofen, and Mobic [Tr. 253]. He returned to Bearden Healthcare in October 2010 for
low back and hip pain [Tr. 249–52]. Plaintiff reported that his pain level, on a scale of
one to ten, was between seven and eight without medication and six with medication [Tr.
249].
He was diagnosed with mild degenerative disc disease and mild disc space
narrowing and given refill prescriptions for his pain medication with the addition of
Roxicodone and Soma [Id.]. Plaintiff reported similar symptoms and received the same
diagnosis and treatment plan in November 2010 [Tr. 246].
Plaintiff sought treatment at Blount Pain Consultants from September through
May 2011 [Tr. 280–95]. Plaintiff stated that he did not engage in much activity due to
his back pain and that his pain medications, walking with a cane, and sleeping in a
recliner seemed to help his symptoms [Tr. 294]. He had a slight limp in his gait but was
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able to maintain steady balance with the use of a cane to ambulate [Id.]. Plaintiff’s
Roxicodone prescription was decreased, and he was notified that he would no longer
receive Soma refills after the May 2011 prescription [Id.]. In June 2011, plaintiff again
ambulated with a slight limp but without the assistance of a cane [Tr. 290]. In July 2011,
plaintiff’s musculoskeletal exam revealed “all extremities grossly normal tone and
muscle strength. Lumbar spine with generalized point tenderness, increased tenderness
to midline spine . . . pain reproduced in all planes” [Tr. 287]. An x-ray and MRI were
taken on September 23, 2010, and revealed “mild degenerative changes” and “mild disc
space narrowing at L5-S1” [Tr. 277, 280].
Dr. Jeffrey Summers conducted a physical evaluation on July 25, 2011 [Tr. 297–
98]. Plaintiff reported pain in his back and left leg for the past two to three years [Tr.
297]. He had flexion at the waist to seventy degrees, extension at the waist to fifteen
degrees, and lateral flexion at the waist to twenty degrees left and twenty degrees right
[Id.]. Dr. Summers noted that plaintiff ambulated in a “normal manner with an upright
posture. He utilizes the assistance of a single hand cane, but does not appear to be
dependent on it” [Id.].
Dr. Summers assessed that plaintiff would have “difficulty
bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, crouching, crawling, climbing, and lifting greater
than 20 lbs” due to “a decrease in ROM at his lumbar spine” [Tr. 298]. He found that
plaintiff “should tolerate all other work related activities in this regard” [Id.].
Dr. Marcia Turner submitted a physical RFC assessment in August 2011 and
found that plaintiff could lift and carry fifty pounds occasionally, twenty-five pounds
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frequently, and could stand, walk, and sit for approximately six hours in an eight-hour
workday [Tr. 300]. She noted that his ability to push and pull was unlimited and assessed
that plaintiff could frequently climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl [Tr. 300–
01]. Based on her consideration of the “longitudinal evidence,” Dr. Turner gave Dr.
Summers’s assessment only moderate weight [Tr. 305].
Dr. Phillip J. Haggerty of Anesthesiology and Pain Management Consultants, Inc.,
began treating plaintiff in August 2011 [Tr. 309–11]. Dr. Haggerty referred to the MRI
results from September 2010 revealing “only mild narrowing at L5-S1” [Tr. 309], and
found that plaintiff had a “grossly normal gait” and “full range of motion of cervical
spine, lumbar spine, and all 4 extremities . . . [p]alpitation of his lumbar back reveals
generalized muscle tension with a mild to moderate point of maximal pain left lumbar
paramedian” [Tr. 311].
Dr. Haggerty diagnosed low back pain with radiation and
continued plaintiff on his medications [Id.]. In September 2011, plaintiff returned to Dr.
Haggerty for prescription refills and to follow up on his lower back pain [Tr. 312].
Plaintiff reported that his daily activities and personal relationships were impaired by his
back pain and that his decreased “life enjoyment” caused him agitation, anxiety, anger,
and loss of concentration [Id.]. However, plaintiff stated that his symptoms did not affect
his ability to “feed himself, prepare meals, bathe, dress and/or perform personal hygiene
tasks” [Id.]. Dr. Haggerty noted again that plaintiff had a “grossly normal gait” and
prescribed a walker to address plaintiff’s “unstable standing” [Tr. 313–14].
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Dr. James Gregory submitted a physical assessment on October 26, 2011, adopting
Dr. Turner’s assessed RFC [Tr. 315]. He noted plaintiff’s walker prescription “submitted
by attorney, with no medical records attached” [Id.]. Dr. Gregory stated that “[w]ithout
supporting evidence this prescription cannot be given any weight” [Id.].
Dr. Haggerty submitted a medical source statement on May 16, 2012 [Tr. 316–19].
He assessed that plaintiff could lift and carry up to five pounds, could stand or walk less
than two hours in an eight-hour workday, could sit less than six hours in an eight-hour
workday, and was limited in his ability to push and pull in both upper and lower
extremities [Tr. 316–17]. Dr. Haggerty stated that plaintiff could never climb, balance,
kneel, crouch, crawl, or stoop and explained that plaintiff’s “conditions are multiple and
increasing. The nerve damage and spasms will likely continue and progress the rest of
his life. Any increased physical activity would likely further aggravate his condition,
with worsening pain” [Id.]. He further assessed that plaintiff could only occasionally
reach, handle, finger, and feel, and he noted that cold temperatures and humidity
increased his symptoms and “any attempt to run machinery would not be advised, this
would greatly aggravate his conditions” [Tr. 318–19].
Plaintiff subsequently submitted additional records from Dr. Haggerty dated
November 2011 through January 2013 to the Appeals Council [Tr. 1–4, 326–75]. During
these examinations, plaintiff consistently reported lower back and joint pain eased by
pain management and medication [Tr. 326–75].
Physical examinations showed a
“grossly normal gait” and normal range of motion [Tr. 332, 335, 338–39]. Dr. Haggerty
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noted that plaintiff walked with a cane and that his range of motion was normal but
limited by pain [Tr. 344]. Dr. Haggerty continued plaintiff on pain medication and
advised him to exercise and maintain a regular routine [Tr. 326–75].
B.
Other Evidence
The ALJ conducted a hearing on August 9, 2012, in which plaintiff testified [Tr.
23–34]. Before the hearing began, the ALJ asked plaintiff’s counsel if he anticipated the
addition of any other exhibits, to which plaintiff’s counsel responded, “I do not, Your
Honor” [Tr. 25]. The ALJ issued an unfavorable decision on November 15, 2012 [Tr. 7–
22]. The ALJ assigned little weight to Dr. Haggerty, significant weight to Dr. Summers,
and “less weight” to Dr. Turner [Tr. 17]. The ALJ further found that plaintiff could
perform his past work as an assistant apartment manager, and alternatively, that there
were significant jobs in the national economy that plaintiff could perform [Tr. 17–18].
V.
POSITIONS OF THE PARTIES
Initially, plaintiff argues that neither the ALJ nor the Appeals Council reviewed
the complete record and that several exhibits were erroneously excluded from the
transcript. Plaintiff briefly references the Listings, specifically claiming that he satisfies
Listing 1.00 due to his alleged inability to ambulate without assistance. Plaintiff further
contends that the ALJ’s RFC assessment is not supported by substantial evidence.
Specifically, plaintiff claims that the ALJ improperly weighed the medical evidence and
failed to assign proper weight to plaintiff’s treating physician, Dr. Haggerty.
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The Commissioner responds that the additional exhibits submitted to the Appeals
Council do not warrant remand because the evidence is immaterial and plaintiff cannot
show good cause for not submitting the records during the administrative hearing. The
Commissioner argues that plaintiff failed to demonstrate that he met the criteria for a
listed impairment. The Commissioner further answers that substantial evidence supports
the ALJ’s RFC determination and that she properly weighed the medical evidence of
record, including Dr. Haggerty’s medical source statement. Finally, the Commissioner
contends that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s determination that plaintiff could
perform past work.
VI.
ANALYSIS
The Court will address each of the issues presented by plaintiff in turn.
A.
Additional Evidence
Plaintiff asserts that the Appeals Council erred in not considering additional
medical evidence, namely Dr. Haggerty’s treatment records from November 2011
through January 2013, identified as Exhibits 10F, 11F, and 12F. The Court disagrees.
The Appeals Council reviews new evidence pursuant to 20 C.F.R. § 404.970,
which states, in relevant part:
(b) If new and material evidence is submitted, the Appeals
Council shall consider the additional evidence only where it
relates to the period on or before the date of the
administrative law judge hearing decision. The Appeals
Council shall evaluate the entire record including the new and
material evidence submitted if it relates to the period on or
before the date of the administrative law judge hearing
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decision. It will then review the case if it finds that the
administrative law judge’s action, findings, or conclusion is
contrary to the weight of the evidence currently of record.
Evidence is considered new only if it was “not in existence or available to the
claimant at the time of the administrative proceeding.” Foster v. Halter, 279 F.3d 348,
357
(6th
Cir.
2001)
(quoting Sullivan
v.
Finkelstein,
496
U.S.
617,
626
(1990)). Evidence is material “only if there is a ‘reasonable probability that the Secretary
would have reached a different disposition of the disability claim if presented with the
new evidence.’” Id. (quoting Sizemore v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 865 F.2d 709,
711 (6th Cir. 1988)).
“[O]n appeal this court still reviews the ALJ’s decision rather than the Appeals
Council’s denial of review.” Hammond v. Apfel, 211 F.3d 1269, at *3 (6th Cir. 2000).
New evidence submitted to the Appeals Council will become part of the administrative
record, and if “‘the Appeals Council considers the new evidence but declines to review
the case, we review the ALJ’s decision and determine whether there is substantial
evidence in the administrative record, which now includes the new evidence.’” Cotton v.
Sullivan, 2 F.3d 692, 696 (6th Cir. 1993) (quoting Nelson v. Sullivan, 966 F.2d 363, 366
(8th Cir. 1992)).
Here, the Appeals Council stated that it reviewed Dr. Haggerty’s medical records
from November 30, 2011, through January 21, 2013, and found that they were “not new
because they are exact copies of Exhibits 10F and 12F” [Tr. 2]. Plaintiff argues that the
ALJ did not consider exhibits 10F through 12F because the hearing transcript and
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administrative decision only refer to exhibits through 9F [See Doc. 12 p. 1–2]. The Court
agrees that it appears the ALJ limited her review to exhibits through 9F [See Docs. 22,
25]. However, any error in this regard is harmless.
The Court finds that even if the Appeals Council were incorrect in finding these
records to be “exact copies” of exhibits already in evidence, such error is inconsequential
because these records are neither new nor material. Pursuant to 20 C.F.R. § 404.970, the
Appeals Council will only review new and material evidence that “relates to the period
on or before the date of the administrative law judge hearing decision.”
The
administrative hearing occurred on August 9, 2012. Therefore the only records subject to
review by the ALJ or the Appeals Council would have been Dr. Haggerty’s treatment
notes from November 30, 2011, through August 8, 2012. It is clear to the Court that
those treatment records were “in existence or available to the claimant at the time of the
administrative proceeding.” Foster, 279 F.3d at 357. Plaintiff’s counsel could have
easily secured these records prior to the hearing and was given a clear opportunity to
inform the ALJ of their existence. Before commencing the hearing, the ALJ asked
plaintiff’s counsel if he anticipated the addition of any other exhibits, to which plaintiff’s
counsel responded, “I do not, Your Honor” [Tr. 25]. The Court finds that these records
are not new based on plaintiff’s failure to supply these records and inform the ALJ of
their existence prior to the administrative hearing.
Dr. Haggerty’s additional medical records are also immaterial. The Court finds
that full consideration of their contents would have had no bearing on the ALJ’s
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determination. The records reflect the same subjective complaints of low back and joint
pain seen throughout plaintiff’s medical history, and Dr. Haggerty continued plaintiff on
a similar course of treatment as prescribed prior to November 2011 [See Tr. 308–313,
326–55]. The records do not mention any new impairment, diagnosis, or opinion of
functionality, and in fact show improvement.
By June 13, 2012, plaintiff reported
“adequate pain management” and Dr. Haggerty encouraged plaintiff to “walk daily and
establish a regular routine” [Tr. 347].
Further, even if the records subsequent to August 8, 2012, were subject to
consideration by the ALJ or Appeals Council, they also show improvement. By January
21, 2013, plaintiff continued to report “adequate pain management[,]” he was assessed
with a grossly normal gait and range of motion with no mention of a cane or assistive
advice, and he was again encouraged to walk daily [Tr. 373]. Not only are the records
absent any new prognosis, they reflect plaintiff’s refusal to quit smoking regardless of its
effect on his impairments, which the ALJ noted as a factor against plaintiff’s credibility
[See Tr. 332 (Dr. Haggerty noting that plaintiff “continues to smoke without abatement. I
reaffirmed the physiologic consequences to his pain management and joint disease”); see
also Tr. 16 (the ALJ stating that plaintiff “continues to smoke cigarettes against medical
advice. The failure of an individual to follow all medical advice zealously suggests his
symptoms or limitations may not be as severe as alleged”)]. Therefore, the Court finds
exhibits 10F through 12F immaterial. The records, if considered, would have had little to
no effect on the ALJ’s decision, and would likely have only reinforced a finding of “not
15
disabled.”
Any error on behalf of the Appeals Council in failing to consider Dr.
Haggerty’s treatment records from November 2011 through August 2012 was harmless.
B.
The Listings
The Court also finds that plaintiff’s brief statement alleging his impairments
satisfy Listing 1.00 is without merit. As an initial matter, a perfunctory statement is
insufficient to set forth a colorable argument and constitutes a waiver of the issue. See
McPherson v. Kelsey, 125 F.3d 989, 995–96 (6th Cir. 1997) (“‘Issues adverted to in a
perfunctory manner, unaccompanied by some effort at developed argumentation, are
deemed waived. It is not sufficient for a party to mention a possible argument in the most
skeletal way, leaving the court to . . . put flesh on its bones.’” (quoting Citizens
Awareness Network, Inc. v. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comm’n, 59 F.3d 284, 293–94 (1st
Cir. 1995)).
Even if plaintiff’s brief reference to the Listings constituted a sufficient argument,
such an argument would be without merit. Listing 1.00 is not a listed impairment but the
heading under which all specific impairments of the musculoskeletal system fall. See 20
C.F.R. § Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1.
Plaintiff’s only argument is that he satisfies
1.00(B)(2), which is simply a list of definitions entitled “How We Define Loss of
Function in These Listings,” see id., because “he must use a walker” [Doc. 12 p. 5]. Not
only does plaintiff misapply Listing 1.00, his ability to ambulate does not meet the
1.00(B)(2) definition. An “inability to ambulate effectively means an extreme limitation
of the ability to walk; i.e., an impairment(s) that interferes very seriously with the
16
individual's ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities.” 20 C.F.R.
§ Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 1.00(B)(2)(b)(1). Examples of “ineffective ambulation
include, but are not limited to, the inability to walk without the use of a walker, two
crutches or two canes[.]” Id. at 1.00(B)(2)(b)(2). Plaintiff has failed to demonstrate an
“extreme limitation of the ability to walk” or that he “must use a walker.” See id. at
1.00(B)(2)(b)(1); [Doc. 12 p. 5]. Although Dr. Haggerty prescribed a walker [Tr. 313–
14], the record shows that plaintiff did not require a walker or cane to ambulate at all
times and sometimes arrived at appointments without an assistive device [See Tr. 290].
During these examinations, his ability to ambulate was unchanged [See id.]. Further, Dr.
Summers noted that plaintiff utilized “the assistance of a single hand cane, but does not
appear to be dependent on it” [Tr. 297].
Plaintiff’s also fails to satisfy Listing 1.04 Disorders of the Spine, which includes
in relevant part:
C. Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication,
established by findings on appropriate medically acceptable
imaging, manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and
weakness, and resulting in inability to ambulate effectively,
as defined in 1.00B2b.
20 C.F.R. § Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1. Primarily, plaintiff fails to show any “medically
acceptable imaging” that shows lumbar spinal stenosis. The diagnostic tests performed
on September 23, 2010, revealed only “mild degenerative changes” and “mild disc space
narrowing at L5-S1” [Tr. 280]. There was “no acute-appearing bony abnormality or
bony destructive lesion” [Id.]. Plaintiff’s ability to ambulate is addressed above. The
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ALJ determined that plaintiff’s degenerative disc disease was a severe impairment [Tr.
12]. However, at step three, the ALJ found that none of plaintiff’s physical impairments
had the “gravity of symptoms [or] medical documentation in order to establish or even
suggest an impairment of listing-level severity” [Tr. 13]. Although the ALJ did not
specifically address Listing 1.04 at step three, the Court finds any error in this regard to
be harmless. See Bledsoe v. Barnhart, 165 F. App’x 408, 411 (6th Cir. 2006) (finding
that “[t]he ALJ did not err by not spelling out every consideration that went into the step
three determination”). The ALJ fully assessed plaintiff’s degenerative disc disease and
ability to ambulate at step four. The ALJ found that the prescription for a walker was
entitled to little weight because “Dr. Haggerty himself found no restricted range of
motion in his lumbar spine in August 2011” [Tr. 14, 17]. The ALJ further relied on Dr.
Summers’s analysis that plaintiff “did not appear dependent” on a cane to ambulate [Tr.
14].
In sum, plaintiff’s statement that he satisfies a listed impairment is without merit.
Plaintiff neglected to make a colorable argument or correctly identify a listed impairment,
and he failed to meet his burden of proof that his degenerative disc disease satisfies an
impairment under Listing 1.00.
C.
RFC Analysis and Consideration of the Medical Evidence
Next, plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in his RFC determination by failing to
properly weigh the medical evidence. The Court will address plaintiff’s treating and nontreating physicians in turn.
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1.
The Treating Physician Rule
Under the Social Security Act and its implementing regulations, an ALJ will
consider all medical opinions in conjunction with any other relevant evidence received in
order to determine if a claimant is disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(b). If the opinion of a
treating physician is supported by the record, it is entitled to controlling weight. See 20
C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2) and 416.927(c)(2) (“If we find that a treating source’s opinion
on the issue(s) of the nature and severity of your impairment(s) is well-supported by
medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent
with the other substantial evidence in your case record, we will give it controlling
weight.”). Where an opinion does not garner controlling weight, the appropriate weight
to be given an opinion will be determined based upon the following factors: length of
treatment, frequency of examination, nature and extent of the treatment relationship,
amount of relevant evidence that supports the opinion, the opinion’s consistency with the
record as a whole, the specialization of the source, and other factors which tend to
support or contradict the opinion. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2-6) and 416.927(c)(2-6).
When an ALJ does not give a treating physician’s opinion controlling weight, the
ALJ must give “good reasons” for the weight given to a treating source’s opinion in the
decision. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c)(2) and 416.927(c)(2). A decision denying benefits
“must contain specific reasons for the weight given to the treating source’s medical
opinion, supported by evidence in the case record, and must be sufficiently specific to
make clear to any subsequent reviewers the weight the adjudicator gave to the treating
19
source’s medical opinion and the reasons for the weight.” Soc. Sec. Rul. 96-2p, 1996
WL 374188, at *5 (1996).
Nonetheless, although a treating physician’s diagnosis is entitled to great weight,
“the ultimate decision of disability rests with the administrative law judge.” Walker v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 980 F.2d 1066, 1070 (6th Cir. 1992) (citing King v.
Heckler, 742 F.2d 968, 973 (6th Cir. 1984)). An ALJ does not measure medical evidence
in a vacuum, but rather considers physician opinions in conjunction with the record as a
whole. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(b) (explaining that in considering medical opinions, the
Social Security Administration “will always consider the medical opinions in your case
record together with the rest of the relevant evidence we receive”).
Here, the ALJ’s determination that Dr. Haggerty was entitled to less weight is
supported by substantial evidence. The ALJ weighed the evidence as a whole and found
that the severe limitations in Dr. Haggerty’s medical source statement were inconsistent
with the record. Upon determining that Dr. Haggerty was not entitled to controlling
weight, the ALJ listed the factors in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2-6) and provided “several
reasons” for the weight assigned to Dr. Haggerty [Tr. 16–17]. The ALJ found that Dr.
Haggerty’s finding of severe physical impairments was inconsistent with his own
treatment records, specifically noting that Dr. Haggerty found plaintiff had “no restricted
range of motion in the lumbar spine in August 2011” [Tr. 17]. The ALJ also considered
the length of the treatment relationship and frequency of examinations, finding both to be
limited [Id.].
Finally, the ALJ considered Dr. Haggerty’s training and expertise,
20
distinguishing his specialization in pain management from orthopedics [Id.]. The ALJ
explained that the “nature of this treatment relationship seems to be superficial pain
management through medication; such a nature does not strengthen the supportability of
this opinion. Furthermore, the limitations regarding ‘no’ postural movements of any kind
suggests exaggerated limitations” [Id.].
Plaintiff argues that Dr. Haggerty’s opinion is supported by the record—namely,
by the Bearden Healthcare treatment notes on page 275 [See Doc. 12 p. 6–7]. But such
an argument is without merit. First, an ALJ need not specifically address each medical
opinion or piece of evidence in order to adequately consider the record in its entirety. See
Loral Def. Sys.-Akron v. N.L.R.B., 200 F.3d 436, 453 (6th Cir. 1999) (“[T]he fact that the
ALJ’s opinion failed to discuss all of the testimony and evidence presented to him does
not mean that the ALJ ‘failed to consider’ the evidence.”) (quoting N.L.R.B. v. Beverly
Enters.-Mass., 174 F.3d 13 (1st Cir. 1999)). Further, the ALJ specifically addressed
these records, noting that “claimant sought healthcare at Bearden Healthcare in 2009 and
2010 (Exhibit 2F),” as well as considered the treatment notes that revealed “‘mild’
degenerative disease and ‘mild’ disc space narrowing” [See Tr. 14]. Therefore, the Court
finds that the ALJ properly considered the medical evidence in weighing Dr. Haggerty’s
opinion.
Plaintiff relies on Gayheart v. Commissioner of Social Security, 710 F.3d 365, 378
(6th Cir. 2013), to show that the ALJ erred in applying the treating physician rule [See
Doc. 12 p. 9]. Specifically, plaintiff directs the Court to the rule that a treating physician
21
is subject to controlling weight if “(1) the opinion ‘is well-supported by medically
acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques’; and (2) the opinion ‘is not
inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the] case record.’” Gayheart, 710 F.3d
at 376 (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)). Yet the Court has already applied this rule.
Contrary to Gayheart, where the court found that the ALJ focused “on isolated pieces of
the record,” 710 F.3d at 378, the ALJ in this case weighed the evidence in its entirety.
The ALJ addressed plaintiff’s entire medical record, diagnostic test results, subjective
complaints, and daily activities and determined that Dr. Haggerty’s opinion was overly
restrictive and inconsistent with the evidence [See Tr. 14-17]. Accordingly, the Court
finds that the ALJ’s assessment is based on substantial evidence and that she adhered to
agency procedure in deciding that Dr. Haggerty’s opinion was not entitled to controlling
weight.
2.
Non-Treating Physicians
The Court finds that the ALJ properly considered the opinions of the non-treating
physicians. Although an ALJ is “not bound by any findings” made by non-treating
physicians, the ALJ “must consider findings and other opinions of State agency medical
and psychological consultants and other program physicians, psychologists, and other
medical specialists as opinion evidence[.]” 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(e)(2)(i). The ALJ must
evaluate a consultative physician’s opinion using the relevant factors in 20 C.F.R. §
404.1527(c)(2-6), the same factors used to analyze the opinion of a treating physician.
See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(e)(2)(iii); Jericol Mining, Inc. v. Napier, 301 F.3d 703, 710
22
(6th Cir. 2002) (“We believe that the same factors that justify placing greater weight on
the opinions of a treating physician are appropriate considerations in determining the
weight to be given an examining physician’s views.”); Sommer v. Astrue, No. 3:10-CV99, 2010 WL 5883653, at *6 (E.D. Tenn. Dec. 17, 2010) (internal citations omitted)
(“The Regulations and Rulings require an ALJ, in the absence of a treating source who
enjoys controlling weight, to weigh the opinions of one-time examining physicians and
record-reviewing physicians under the regulatory factors, including supportability and
consistency.”) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d) & (f)).
The ALJ must consider all medical opinions in conjunction with any other relevant
evidence received in order to determine if a claimant is disabled.
20 C.F.R. §
404.1527(b). However, as explained above, an ALJ need not specifically address each
piece of evidence to adequately consider the record in its entirety. See Loral Def. Sys.Akron, 200 F.3d at 453.
Here, the ALJ noted Dr. Summers’s assessment that Plaintiff would “‘have
difficulty’ bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, crouching, crawling, climbing, and
lifting no more than twenty pounds” [Tr. 17]. The ALJ stated that she assigned Dr.
Summers “significant weight because this physician examined the claimant personally,
and this opinion is consistent with those objective findings during the exam” [Id.]. The
ALJ explained that Dr. Summers, as a “third party objective observer,” was “less likely to
23
give undue weight to the claimant’s subjective complaints of pain or other symptoms
than a treating physician might be” [Id.].1
Next, the ALJ addressed Dr. Turner’s RFC analysis and found her opinion entitled
to “some weight because this physician referenced the objective evidence” [Id.]. The
ALJ, however, declined to adopt Dr. Turner’s RFC limitations and gave her opinion “less
weight insofar as it is inconsistent with the residual functional capacity because this
physician did not examine the claimant personally” [Id.].
The Court finds that the ALJ’s consideration of the medical evidence satisfies the
criteria set forth in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527. Plaintiff takes issue with the ALJ’s analysis,
arguing that she failed to address various inconsistencies or specific pages of the record
and neglected to walk through each factor in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c) [See Doc. 12 p. 7–
8, 14–15]. Yet the ALJ is not required to specifically note each piece evidence or address
every factor in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c). See Klimas v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 1:10–
cv–666, 2012 WL 691702, at *1 (W.D. Mich. Mar. 1, 2012) (“The ALJ is not required,
however, to explicitly discuss each of the § 404.1527 factors. Instead, the record must
reflect that the ALJ considered those factors relevant to his assessment.”) (citing Oldham
v. Astrue, 509 F.3d 1254, 1258 (10th Cir. 2007) and Undheim v. Barnhart, 214 F. App’x
448, 450 (5th Cir. 2007)); Paseka v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 1:09–CV–1073, 2011 WL
883701, at *1–2 (W.D. Mich. Mar. 11, 2011). The ALJ applied several of the factors
1
Although the Court does not adopt (or necessarily agree) with this rule, the Court finds
any error in the ALJ’s inclusion of this statement to be harmless as her overall consideration of
the medical evidence satisfies 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527 and is supported by substantial evidence.
24
listed in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2-6), specifically the treatment relationship, frequency
of examination, and consistency of the opinion with the record as a whole. Further, as
explained above, the ALJ considered plaintiff’s entire medical record, diagnostic test
results, subjective complaints, and daily activities. Therefore, the Court finds that the
ALJ properly adhered to agency procedure in weighing the medical evidence.
D.
RFC Assessment and Past Relevant Work
The Commissioner argues that the ALJ’s determination that plaintiff can perform
past relevant work is supported by substantial evidence. The Court concurs but takes
note of a discrepancy between plaintiff’s RFC and the ALJ’s findings of fact. See
Simpson v. Colvin, 3:11-0481, 2013 WL 4456383, at *17 (M.D. Tenn. Aug. 16, 2013)
(internal citations omitted) (stating that, in determining a claimant’s RFC, the ALJ must
“make findings of fact” as to a claimant’s functional and physical limitations). The ALJ
determined that plaintiff had the RFC to perform light work “except the claimant can
perform frequent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling” [Tr.
13 (emphasis added)]. In her findings of fact, however, the ALJ assigned significant
weight to Dr. Summers’s assessment that plaintiff would “‘have difficulty’ bending,
stooping kneeling, squatting, crouch[ing], crawling, climbing or lifting greater than 20
pounds” [Tr. 17 (granting Dr. Summers’s “opinion significant weight because this
physician examined the claimant personally, and this opinion is consistent with those
objective findings during the exam”)].
25
Not only did the ALJ specifically state that she gave Dr. Summers’s postural
limitations significant weight, she granted only “some weight” to Dr. Turner’s opinion
that plaintiff could frequently climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl “because
this physician referenced the objective evidence.
The evidence shows ‘mild’
degenerative disc disease. The record shows the claimant used a cane in July 2011 at a
treatment visit, but he did not need the cane in the opinion from the consultative
physician” [Id.2]. The ALJ then went on to address plaintiff’s RFC at step five, noting
that his “additional limitations have little or no effect on the occupational base of
unskilled light work” [Tr. 18 (emphasis added)].
The Court finds this statement curious as the RFC does not attach “additional
limitations,” but instead provides that plaintiff can perform a full range of light work with
“frequent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling” [Tr. 13].
Light work does not require or include such frequent postural limitations. See 20 C.F.R.
§ 416.967(c) (“Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with
frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight
lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking
or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of
arm or leg controls.”); see also S.S.R. 83-14, 1983 WL 31254, at *4 (S.S.A. January 1,
1983) (“[T]he frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds (which is
2
The Court finds it noteworthy that Dr. Summers is the referenced “consultative
physician.”
26
required for the full range of light work) implies that the worker is able to do occasional
bending of the stooping type; i.e., for no more than one-third of the workday to bend the
body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist.”) (emphasis added).
Therefore, the Court finds that the ALJ’s RFC “limitation” stating that plaintiff
can perform light work “except the claimant can perform frequent climbing, balancing,
stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling” [Tr. 13 (emphasis added)], is a
typographical error. The Court believes the ALJ meant to state that either plaintiff “can
not perform frequent” or “can perform occasional” climbing, balancing, stooping,
kneeling, crouching and crawling [See id.]. Either way, the RFC as written does not
contain a limitation and does not match Dr. Summers’s assessment, which the ALJ
granted significant weight.
In fact, the RFC as written allows plaintiff to perform
postural limitations above the requirements of light work. See 20 C.F.R. § 416.967(c).
Because the ALJ’s findings of fact clearly demonstrate that she adopted Dr. Summers’s
assessment and meant to attach additional limitations, the Court finds that the ALJ’s RFC
was in error [See Tr. 17 (granting Dr. Summers’s assessment significant weight); Tr. 18
(addressing plaintiff’s RFC at step five, noting that his “additional limitations have little
or no effect on the occupational base of unskilled light work”)]. The Court finds that
substantial evidence supports a finding that plaintiff would have difficulty climbing,
balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and it is unconvinced that the
record supports a finding to the contrary.
27
However, the Court finds this error harmless. Regardless of whether plaintiff
could perform “frequent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and
crawling” [Tr. 13], his ability to perform such postural limitations would have no effect
on the ultimate determination of “not disabled.” The criterion for an assistant apartment
manager does not require any of these postural manipulations. See DOT 186.167-018
Manager, Apartment House, DICOT 186.167-018 (listing requirements for climbing,
balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling as “[a]ctivity or condition does not
exist”). Further, plaintiff submitted a work function report stating that his previous
employment as an assistant apartment manager consisted of “doing paperwork –
collecting rent – show apartment to new prospective renters – answer the phone and
direct maintenance men to problems on property” [Tr. 119]. He reported that this work
did not entail “any lifting or carrying” and required him to walk and stand for only one
hour a day and sit for six [Id.]; see also S.S.R. 82-62, 1982 WL 31386, at *3 (S.S.A.
1982) (“The claimant is the primary source for vocational documentation, and statements
by the claimant regarding past work are generally sufficient for determining the skill
level; exertional demands and nonexertional demands of such work.”).
Therefore, regardless of the discrepancy between the RFC and the ALJ’s findings
of fact, the outcome of the decision would be unchanged, making remand inappropriate.
See Tobey v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 11-15069, 2013 WL 1010727, at *11 (E.D. Mich.
Feb. 22, 2013) (internal citations omitted) (affirming the ALJ’s decision regardless of
error because “there is no evidence that such further analysis would change the case’s
28
outcome, and plaintiffs claim of error should be denied”); Austin v. Astrue, 2012 WL
1970227, at *9 (E.D. Mich. Mar. 19, 2012) (finding that remand was “not required here
because the ALJ’s decision provides a sufficiently detailed analysis to allow the reader to
follow his decision, and to know that remand . . . would not change the case’s outcome.);
Miller v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2009 WL 997312, at *3 (E.D. Mich. Apr. 14, 2009)
(declining remand regardless of error in the RFC analysis because it would not “have
made any difference”).
The ALJ’s determination that plaintiff can perform past relevant work is supported
by substantial evidence, regardless of any error in plaintiff’s RFC. The Court notes that
remand would be appropriate had the ALJ failed to thoroughly consider the medical
evidence or to correctly address the treating physician rule, or otherwise deprived
plaintiff of a substantial right. See Wilson, 378 F.3d at 546–47 (stating that a procedural
lapse “will not result in reversible error absent a showing that the claimant has been
prejudiced on the merits or deprived of substantial rights because of the agency’s
procedural lapses”). Yet as explained above, this is not the case. Although the Court
urges more caution and clarity in the future, the Court is able to determine the basis of the
ALJ’s decision that plaintiff can perform past relevant work and finds that regardless of
her RFC error, substantial evidence supports such a finding. The Court finds that any
error in plaintiff’s RFC did not prejudice plaintiff as remand would have no effect on the
ultimate outcome and only serve to unduly delay resolution of this matter.
29
VII.
CONCLUSION
Based upon the foregoing, plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment [Doc. 10]
will be DENIED, and the Commissioner’s Motion for Summary Judgment [Doc. 13] will
be GRANTED. The Clerk of Court will be directed to CLOSE this case.
ORDER ACCORDINGLY.
s/ Thomas A. Varlan
CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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