Hall v. Social Security Administration et al
Filing
19
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION: For the following reasons, the undersigned RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff's Motion for Judgment (Doc. No. 14) be GRANTED, that the decision of the Commissioner be REVERSED, that the matter be REMANDED to the Commissione r for further consideration of the opinion of Plaintiff's treating physician, and that FINAL JUDGMENT be entered. Signed by Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King on 8/17/17. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(af)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
NASHVILLE DIVISION
JON KEVIN HALL,
Plaintiff,
Case No. 3:16-cv-01233
JUDGE ALETA A. TRAUGER
Magistrate Judge King
vs.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION,
Defendant.
To:
The Honorable Aleta A. Trauger, District Judge
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
This is an action instituted under the provisions of 42 U.S.C. §§
405(g) for review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social
Security denying Plaintiff’s application for a period of disability
and disability insurance benefits. This matter is before the Court on
Plaintiff’s Motion for Judgment on the Administrative Record (Doc. No.
14)(“Motion for Judgment”) and Memorandum in Support (Doc. No. 15),
Defendant’s
Response
Administrative
to
Record
Plaintiff’s
(Doc.
No.
Motion
for
16)(“Response”),
Judgment
on
Plaintiff’s
the
Reply
(Doc. No. 17), and the administrative record (Doc. No. 10). 1 For the
following reasons, the undersigned RECOMMENDS that Plaintiff’s Motion
for
Judgment
Commissioner
(Doc.
be
No.
14)
REVERSED,
be
that
GRANTED,
the
that
matter
the
be
decision
REMANDED
of
to
the
the
Commissioner for further consideration of the opinion of Plaintiff’s
treating physician, and that FINAL JUDGMENT be entered pursuant to
1
Citations to pages in the Administrative Record will appear as “Tr. __.”
1
Sentence 4 of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
Introduction
Plaintiff filed his current application for benefits in May 2013,
alleging that he has been disabled since April 13, 2013. Tr. 142. 2 The
application was denied initially and on reconsideration and Plaintiff
requested
a
de
novo
hearing
before
an
administrative
law
judge
(“ALJ”).
An administrative hearing was held on March 24, 2015. Plaintiff,
represented by counsel, testified at that hearing, as did vocational
expert Gary K. Sturgill, Ph.D. Tr. 34-63. In a decision dated June 12,
2015, the ALJ held that Plaintiff was not disabled within the meaning
of
the
Social
Security
Act
from
the
alleged
date
of
onset
of
disability through the date of the administrative decision. Tr. 18-27.
That decision became the final decision of the Commissioner of Social
Security when the Appeals Council declined review on April 6, 2016.
Tr. 1.
This
action
was
thereafter
timely
filed.
The
Court
has
jurisdiction over the matter. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
The Findings and Conclusions of the ALJ
In his decision, the ALJ made the following findings of fact and
conclusions of law:
1.
The claimant meets the insured status requirements of
the Social Security Act through September 30, 2016.
2.
The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful
activity since April 13 2013, the alleged onset date (20
,
CFR 404.1571 et seq.).
2
Plaintiff filed his first application for benefits in February 2011, alleging
disability since January 2010 based on the same impairments as are alleged in
connection with his current application. In a decision dated April 12, 2013,
the ALJ who considered that application found that Plaintiff had the residual
functional capacity for a limited range of light work and was not disabled
from January 2010 through the date of that decision. Tr. 67-78.
2
3.
The claimant has the following severe impairments:
degenerative disc disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, status post
right ankle surgery residuals, type II diabetes mellitus,
520(c)).
and peripheral neuropathy (20 CFR 404.1
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 in20 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) with the following limitations: he must
but he can
never climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds,
occasionally climb ramps and stairs, as well as occasionally
balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. He must have the
option to alternate sit or stand at will. He must avoid
concentrated exposure to pulmonary irritants and work at
unprotected heights or around unguarded moving machinery.
Finally, he can only stand or walk four hours out of an
eight-hour workday.
6.
The claimant is unable to perform any past relevant
work (20 CFR 404.1565).
7.
The claimant was born on August 25, 1964 and was 48
years old, which is defined as a younger individual age 1 8 49, on the alleged disability onset date (20 CFR 404.1
563).
8.
The claimant has a limited education and is able to
communicate in English (20 CFR 404.1564).
9.
Transferability of job skills is not material to the
using
the
Medicaldetermination
of
disability
because
Vocational Rules as a framework supports a finding that the
claimant is "not disabled," whether or not the claimant has
transferable job skills (See SSR 82-41 and 20 CFR Part 404,
Subpart P, Appendix 2).
10
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 404.1569(a)).
11. The claimant has not been under a disability, as defined
,
in the Social Security Act, from April 13 2013, through the
date of this decision (20 CFR 404.1520(g)).
(Tr. 20-22, 25-27).
3
Summary of Relevant Evidence 3 and the ALJ’s Evaluation
Plaintiff testified that it is primarily pain in his lower back
and right foot that keep him from working. Tr. 45, 46. He also has
pain in his left knee. Tr. 55. If he tries to bend, the pain is
“unbearable.” Tr. 46. His pain medication “helps quite a bit,” id.,
but causes drowsiness. Tr. 47.
He also is bothered by heat and dust.
Tr. 46. He acknowledged that he worked part-time in 2011 and 2012, Tr.
41, and attended “a couple of” professional football games, Tr. 51,
although he alternated between sitting and standing. Tr. 52. He does
not walk for more than 10 minutes at a time. Id.
An April 2012 MRI of the lumbar spine showed severe left-sided
facet hypertrophy at L4-5 without central canal or neural foraminal
stenosis, a small central to left paracentral disc protrusion at L5S1, and mild facet hypertrophy at L3-4 causing no impingement. Tr.
216.
In August 2013, Lloyd K. Huang, M.D., performed a consultative
examination of Plaintiff at the request of the state agency. An EMG
was positive for L4-5 radiculopathy. Tr. 287. On clinical examination,
Dr. Huang noted reduced range of motion of the cervical and lumbar
spine. Straight leg raising was negative from the seated and supine
positions and motor strength was normal. Plaintiff walked with a mild
limp
and
had
moderate
difficulty
squatting.
Tr.
286.
Dr.
Huang
diagnosed moderate degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, L4-5
radiculopathy, mild degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and
mild-to-moderate degenerative joint disease of the left ankle. Tr.
287. In an assessment of Plaintiff’s ability to engage in work-related
3
Some of the medical evidence in the administrative record was generated
during and relates to the period prior to Plaintiff’s current alleged date of
onset of disability. See, e.g., Tr. 212-271.
4
activities, Dr. Huang opined that Plaintiff could lift up to 40 pounds
occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently; he could carry up to 30
pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently. Tr. 291. Plaintiff
could sit for up to 7 hours in an 8 hour work day, for 2 hours at a
time, stand for up to 6 hours, for 1 hour at a time, and walk for up
to 4 hours, for 1 hour at a time. Tr.292. He could occasionally reach
and push/pull, but could continuously use his hands for fingering and
feeling; he could occasionally use his feet to operate foot controls.
Tr.
293.
He
should
never
kneel
or
crawl,
and
would
have
some
environmental limitations. Tr. 294.
In August 2013, Reeta Misra, M.D., reviewed the evidence for the
state
agency
restrictive”
by
other
and
concluded
that
Dr.
Huang’s
assessment
was
“too
and not supported by his own findings on examination and
evidence
of
record.
Tr.
90-91.
According
to
Dr.
Misra,
Plaintiff could lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to
10 pounds frequently. He could sit and could stand or walk for a total
of 6 hours in an 8-hour workday. He was unlimited in his ability to
push or pull. Plaintiff could only occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch,
crawl,
balance
and
climb
ramps
and
stairs,
and
could
never
climb
ladders. Tr. 88. In December 2013, Nathaniel Robinson, M.D. agreed
with this assessment. Tr. 99.
Matthew L. Brust, M.D., has treated Plaintiff as his primary care
physician since at least January 2013 for a number of conditions,
including degenerative disc disease. Tr. 307. 4 Dr. Brust prescribed
pain medication and, on occasion, pool therapy. Tr. 303, 308, 310,
312.
A September 2013 MRI of the lumbar spine showed no acute findings
4
Plaintiff testified that he has treated with Dr. Brust since “early 2000.”
Tr. 50.
5
or significant interval changes when compared to an April 2010 MRI.
Tr. 428-29. There was mild concentric disc bulging at L3-4 with no
significant spinal canal stenosis, and moderate right and severe left
facet
joint
hypertrophy
degenerative
at
L4-5,
and
joint
mild
disease
to
with
moderate
extensive
bilateral
osseous
facet
joint
degenerative joint disease with no significant foraminal narrowing at
L5-S1. Tr. 428-29. See also Tr. 485.
In September 2013, Son D. Le, M.D., a spine specialist with the
Center for Spine, Joint & Neuromuscular Rehabilitation, saw Plaintiff
for an assessment of his back problems. On clinical examination, Dr.
Le noted poor range of motion of the lumbar spine in all planes. There
was diffuse tenderness to palpation. Manual muscle testing was normal,
and sensation to pinprick was within normal limits except for the left
L4-5 dermatome and myotome. Tr. 524. Dr. Le recommended left L4-5
lumbar transforminal steroid injections. Tr. 522. In June 2014, Barton
Huddleston, M.D., a spine specialist with the same practice, Tr. 51011, noted, on examination, that Plaintiff’s motor exam was normal,
there was no gross sensory deficit, and deep tendon reflexes were
normal. Tr. 512. See also 505. There was reduced range of motion of
the
lumbar
spine,
with
paraspinal
tenderness.
Id.
Dr.
Huddleston
certified that Plaintiff “has a chronic pain syndrome.” Id. Shamolie
Wyckoff, M.D., also of Spine, Joint & Neuromuscular Rehabilitation,
saw
Plaintiff
thereafter
and
in
September
also
diagnosed
2014
and
chronic
on
pain
a
number
syndrome.
of
Tr.
occasions
502.
An
EMG/NCV was read as showing a mild L5 and S1 radiculopathy on the
left. Tr. 492. On examination, Plaintiff walked with an antalgic gait.
There was full range of motion of the spine. Tr. 489. In October 2014,
Plaintiff reported that medication “is working and does not require
6
any
changes.”
Tr.
495.
In
continuing
Plaintiff’s
prescribed
pain
medication, Dr. Wyckoff certified that Plaintiff “has a chronic pain
syndrome.” Id. See also Tr. 486 (similar findings in December 2014).
At office visits in October 2013 through January 2014, Dr. Brust
noted a normal range of motion. Tr. 469, 473, 475, 479. At monthly
office
visits
throughout
2014,
Dr.
Brust
noted
tenderness
to
palpation, and range of motion limited by pain. Motor strength was 5/5
in all groups, and sensation to touch was intact and equal, as were
reflexes. Id. Plaintiff’s gait was normal, although slow secondary to
pain. Straight leg raising was negative. Id. See also Tr. 448, 451,
454-55, 458, 461, 464, 467.
In February 2015, Dr. Brust provided a medical source statement
in
which
he
indicated
that,
as
a
result
of
Plaintiff’s
severe
degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease as evidenced
by
MRI,
Plaintiff
could
lift
and
carry
less
than
10
pounds
only
occasionally, could stand/walk for less than 1 hour and could sit for
less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day. Tr. 527-28. He would have to
change positions every 5 to 10 minutes, and must walk around every 30
minutes. He would need a sit/stand option, and must lie down every 1-2
hours. Tr. 527. He could only occasionally twist, stoop and climb
stairs, and could never crouch or climb ladders. Tr. 528. He would
have limitations on the use of his hands, and his asthma would impose
environmental restrictions. Id. Plaintiff would be absent from work
more than 4 days per month. Tr. 529.
The ALJ accorded “some weight” to the state agency reviewing
physicians, reasoning that their opinions “are generally supported by
and consistent with the overall evidence of record, including the
claimant’s
testimony
.
.
.
.”
Tr.
7
24.
He
considered
Dr.
Brust’s
February 2015 opinion as follows:
Dr. Brust’s [sic] provides a very restrictive residual
functional capacity and relates the claimant’s limitations
to January 12, 2010. However, the claimant testified and
the record reflects that the claimant was working part-time
in 2011 and 2012 cutting grass and completing other
landscaping tasks. The claimant further testified and the
record notes that the attended at least one Tennessee
Titan’s
football
game
in
2014.
This
activity
is
inconsistent with the limitations in Dr. Brust’s residual
functional capacity and is thus given little weight.
Tr. 25. 5 The ALJ also gave “little weight” to Dr. Huang’s consultative
opinion because it included some limitations, e.g., limitations on
exposure to noise and ability to reach, kneel and crawl, that “have no
basis in the record.” Tr. 25. The ALJ found that Plaintiff has the
residual functional capacity (“RFC”) for a limited range of light
work.
Plaintiff’s Claims
Plaintiff asserts the following claims:
1. The ALJ erred by failing to properly consider and weigh
the opinion evidence.
2. The ALJ erred by failing to include a function-byfunction assessment in the RFC assessment as required by
SSR 96-8p.
Memorandum in Support (Doc. No. 15, PageID# 566). Plaintiff does not
challenge the ALJ’s credibility determination, nor does he challenge
the vocational evidence.
Standard of Review
Pursuant
to
42
U.S.C.
§405(g),
judicial
review
of
the
Commissioner’s decision is limited to determining whether the findings
of the ALJ are supported by substantial evidence and employed the
5
Plaintiff did not actually testify that he cut grass. Rather, Plaintiff
testified that he assisted in his brother’s landscaping business by
“get[ting] stuff for his grass-cutting guys,. . .” Tr. 40.
8
proper legal standards.
Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389 (1971);
Cole v. Astrue, 661 F.3d 931, 937 (6th Cir. 2011)(internal quotation
marks and citation omitted).
Substantial evidence is such relevant
evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a
conclusion.
Blakley v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 581 F.3d 399, 405 (6th
Cir. 2009); Jones v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 336 F.3d 469, 475 (6th Cir.
2003). This Court does not try the case de novo, nor does it resolve
conflicts
in
the
evidence
or
questions
of
credibility.
Bass
v.
McMahon, 499 F.3d 506, 509 (6th Cir. 2007).
In determining the existence of substantial evidence, this Court
must examine the administrative record as a whole.
Kirk v. Sec’y of
Health and Human Services, 667 F.2d 524, 536 (6th Cir. 1982).
If the
Commissioner's decision is supported by substantial evidence, it must
be affirmed even if this Court would decide the matter differently,
Tyra v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 896 F.2d 1024, 1028 (6th Cir.
1990)(citing Kinsella v. Schweiker, 708 F.2d 1058, 1059 (6th Cir.
1983)), and even if substantial evidence also supports the opposite
conclusion.
Longworth v. Commissioner Social Security Administration,
402 F.3d 591, 595 (6th Cir. 2005)(citing Warner v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
375 F.3d 387, 390 (6th Cir. 2004)).
Discussion
1.Opinion of Treating Physician
Plaintiff’s
rejection
of
Dr.
first
assignment
Brust’s
February
of
error
2015
relates
assessment
to
of
the
ALJ’s
Plaintiff’s
ability to engage in work-related activities. It is clear that Dr.
Brust is a treating physician. The ALJ found that fact, Tr. 25, and
the Commissioner concedes as much. Response (Doc. 16, PageID# 587).
His opinion must therefore be accorded controlling weight if it is
9
“well-supported
by
medically
diagnostic
techniques”
substantial
evidence
404.1527(c)(2).
and
in
acceptable
is
not
[the]
clinical
“inconsistent
case
record.”
and
laboratory
with
the
20
other
C.F.R.
§
If the ALJ finds that either of these criteria have
not been met, he is then required to apply the following factors in
determining the weight to be given the opinion: “The length of the
treatment relationship and the frequency of examination, the nature
and
extent
of
the
treatment
relationship,
supportability
of
the
opinion, consistency of the opinion with the record as a whole, and
the specialization of the treating source. ...”
Soc. Sec., 378 F.3d 541, 544 (6th Cir. 2004).
Wilson v. Comm’r of
In this regard, the ALJ
is required to look at the record as a whole to determine whether
substantial
assessment.
evidence
See
20
is
inconsistent
C.F.R.
§
with
the
404.1527(c)(2),
treating
(4).
physician’s
Finally,
the
Commissioner must provide “good reasons” for discounting the opinion
of a treating source, and those reasons must both enjoy support in the
evidence of record and be sufficiently specific to make clear the
weight given to the opinion and the reasons for that weight.
Gayheart
v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec, 710 F.3d 365, 376 (6th Cir. 2013); Rogers v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 242 (6th Cir. 2007)(citing Soc. Sec.
Rul. 96-2p, 1996 WL 374188, at *5). However, a formulaic recitation of
factors is not required.
See Friend v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 375 F.
App’x 543, 551 (6th Cir. 2010) (“If the ALJ’s opinion permits the
claimant and a reviewing court a clear understanding of the reasons
for the weight given a treating physician’s opinion, strict compliance
with the rule may sometimes be excused.”).
10
The only reasons given by the ALJ for rejecting Dr. Brust’s
evaluation was that Plaintiff had worked part-time in 2011 and 2012,
i.e.,
after
the
date
on
which
Dr.
Brust’s
limitations
presumably
arose, and had attended at least one professional football game. Tr.
25. Although the ALJ, elsewhere in his opinion, summarized some of the
medical evidence, Tr. 23-24, the ALJ made no mention of the actual
medical evidence of record in his evaluation of Dr. Brust’s opinion.
The ALJ did not expressly find that Dr. Brust’s opinion is not “wellsupported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic
techniques,”
nor
did
the
ALJ
expressly
find
that
the
opinion
was
inconsistent with the other medical evidence of record. See 20 C.F.R.
§ 404.1527(c)(2). Lacking that analysis, it cannot be said that the
ALJ
provided
“good
reasons”
for
discounting
Dr.
Brust’s
opinion;
certainly, the ALJ’s analysis is not sufficiently specific to make
clear to this Court the reasons for the weight accorded that opinion.
See Gayheart, 710 F.3d at 376; Rogers, 486 F.3d at 242.
In
short,
the
undersigned
concludes
that
the
ALJ
did
not
correctly apply the standards of the treating physician rule and that
the matter must be remanded to the Commissioner.
Plaintiff asks that the matter be remanded to the Commissioner
with directions for the granting of benefits.
(Doc. 15, PageID# 577).
true
that
the
ALJ
Memorandum in Support
The Court declines to so recommend. It is
failed
Plaintiff’s treating provider.
to
properly
evaluate
the
opinion
of
However, where, as here, there exists
conflicting evidence relevant to the proper resolution of plaintiff’s
claim, the matter must be remanded for further proceedings by the
Commissioner, whose duty it is to resolve such conflicts.
11
Faucher v.
Sec’y of Health and Hum. Servs., 17 F.3d 171, 176 (6th Cir. 1994).
2.RFC Assessment
Plaintiff also contends that the administrative law judge erred
in determining Plaintiff’s RFC because he failed to engage in the
function-by-function analysis required by SSR 96-8p, 1996 WL 374184
(July 2, 1996). Because the determination of Plaintiff’s RFC may be
significantly impacted by a revised evaluation of Dr. Brust’s opinion,
the undersigned need not, and does not, address this issue.
Recommendation
In
light
of
the
foregoing,
the
undersigned
RECOMMENDS
that
Plaintiff’s Motion for Judgment (Doc. No. 14) be GRANTED, that the
decision of the Commissioner be REVERSED, that the matter be REMANDED
to
the
Commissioner
for
further
consideration
of
the
opinion
of
Plaintiff’s treating physician, and that FINAL JUDGMENT be entered
pursuant to Sentence 4 of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
Procedure on Objections
If any party seeks review by the District Judge of this report
and recommendation, that party may, within fourteen (14) days, file
and serve on all parties objections to the report and recommendation,
specifically designating the part thereof in question, as well as the
basis for the objection.
72(b).
28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1); Fed. R. Civ. P.
Response to objections must be filed within fourteen (14) days
thereafter.
Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b).
The parties are specifically advised that the failure to object
to the report and recommendation will result in a waiver of the right
to de novo review by the District Judge and waiver of the right to
12
appeal the judgment of the District Court.
See, e.g., Pfahler v.
Nat’l Latex Prod. Co., 517 F.3d 816, 829 (6th Cir. 2007). Even when
timely objections are filed, appellate review of issues not raised in
those objections is waived.
Robert v. Tesson, 507 F.3d 981, 994 (6th
Cir. 2007). Filing only “vague, general, or conclusory objections does
not meet the requirement of specific objections and is tantamount to a
complete failure to object.” Drew v. Tessmer, 36 F. App’x 561, 561 (6th
Cir.
2002)
(citing
Miller
v.
Currie,
50
F.3d
373,
380
(6th
1995)).
s/Norah McCann King
Norah McCann King
United States Magistrate Judge
August 17, 2017
(Date)
13
Cir.
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