Williams v. Berryhill

Filing 16

ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS by Hon. Brian A Tsuchida. (AE)

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1 2 3 4 5 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON AT SEATTLE 6 7 PEGGY LOUISE WILLIAMS, 8 Plaintiff, 9 v. 10 11 NANCY A. BERRYHILL, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, CASE NO. C17-5270-BAT ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS Defendant. 12 13 Peggy Louise Williams appeals the ALJ’s 2017 decision finding her not disabled. She 14 argues the ALJ erred in (1) failing to provide a function-by-function determination in defining 15 her residual functional capacity (“RFC”), (2) assessing certain medical opinions, (3) discounting 16 lay witness statements, and (4) failing to proceed to step five in the sequential evaluation. Dkt. 17 13 at 1. As discussed below, the Court REVERSES the Commissioner’s final decision and 18 REMANDS the case for further proceedings under sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). 19 20 21 DISCUSSION A. Function-by-Function Determination and Dr. Goff’s Opinions The ALJ found Ms. Williams has the RFC to perform “light work.” Tr. 515. Ms. 22 Williams argues the ALJ erred by failing to perform a function-by-function assessment of her 23 ability to “stand, walk, and sit” in determining her RFC, as required by SSR 96–8p (“the RFC ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 1 1 assessment is a function-by-function assessment based upon all of the relevant evidence of an 2 individual's ability to do work-related activities.”). SSR 96–8p, 1996 WL 374184, at *3 (July 2, 3 1996). Essentially, the ALJ performs a function-by-function analysis to avoid overlooking any of 4 the individual’s limitations or restrictions. Id. at *4. An ALJ does this by identifying a claimant’s 5 “functional limitations or restrictions and assess[es] her work-related abilities on a function by 6 function basis.” Id. at * 1. The ALJ then considers each function separately, even if the final 7 RFC assessment will combine activities. Id. However, the ALJ need not perform a function-by- 8 function analysis for impairments the ALJ “found neither credible nor supported by the record.” 9 Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1211, 1217 (9th Cir. 2005). But for this standard to apply, the ALJ 10 11 must have properly rejected credible evidence supported by the record. Ms. Williams’ argument thus turns on whether the ALJ properly evaluated the opinions 12 of Barbara Goff, M.D., and Justin Turner, M.D. If the ALJ did not, then the ALJ harmfully erred. 13 Dr. Goff treated Ms. Williams for cancer and opined: Ms. Williams’ claim that her peripheral 14 neuropathy prevents her from using her hands more than 1/3 of a workday or standing/walking 15 six hours per day is reasonable, Tr. 500; Ms. Williams cannot stand a total of six hours in an 16 eight hour day, Tr. 501; and Ms. Williams might need neuropsychological testing to assess 17 memory deficits. Id. 18 The ALJ rejected Dr. Goff’s opinion for five reasons. First, Ms. Williams’ 19 activities―working full days at her sister’s daycare, performing most household chores, helping 20 a daughter move, and spending a day at a casino with her husband―contradict the doctor’s 21 opinions. These activities do not contradict Dr. Goff’s opinions because they do not necessarily 22 require “handling” ability of more than 1/3 of day, or the ability to stand more than six hours. 23 Second, Dr. Goff’s opinion is inconsistent with Ms. Williams’ testimony that she can ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 2 1 only walk one block before needing 20 minutes rest, with her collection of unemployment 2 benefits after she stopped working, and with how she stopped looking for work to care for her 3 husband. Dr. Goff did not opine how long Ms. Williams could walk before needing rest. She 4 simply opined Ms. Williams could not walk or stand six hours a day, an opinion which is not 5 inconsistent with Ms. Williams’ testimony. Dr. Goff also did not opine Ms. Williams could 6 perform no work activity. Hence Ms. Williams receipt of benefits or care for her husband do not 7 contradict Dr. Goff’s opinions. 8 9 Third, that Ms. Williams “overstates her difficulties,” i.e., is not credible. The ALJ does not provide clear and convincing reasons for rejecting a doctor’s opinion by questioning the 10 credibility of the patient’s complaints where the doctor does not discredit those complaints and 11 supports his ultimate opinion with his own observations. Edlund v. Massanari, 253 F.3d 1152, 12 1159 (9th Cir. 2001). Here Dr. Goff accepted Ms. Williams’ complaints. Dr. Goff’s opinions also 13 appear to be based on her clinical assessment and the treatment she provided Ms. Williams for 14 her physical problems. This is highlighted by how Dr. Goff declined to give opinions regarding 15 Ms. Williams’ cognitive status, stating she did not evaluate Ms. Williams for cognitive problems. 16 Tr. 501. 17 Fourth, Dr. Goff’s opinion is inconsistent with other medical evidence such as how Ms. 18 Williams can walk with a normal gait; has good range of motion, and motor strength; and is 19 “content” with her medication management. Tr. 518. However, Dr. Goff did not opine Ms. 20 Williams lacked normal gait, or lacked good range of movement or motor strength. Hence there 21 is no contradiction. Rather she opined Ms. Williams could not stand or walk six hours in a day. 22 Further the fact Ms. Williams is “content” with her medications in no way contradicts the 23 doctor’s opinions. The doctor did not say Ms. Williams was not “content” with her medications, ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 3 1 and the ALJ provided no discussion as to how or why the medications Ms. Williams received 2 were somehow inconsistent with Dr. Goff’s opinions about Ms. Williams’ limitations. Hence 3 while Ms. Williams’ statement might indicate she is getting good treatment, it doesn’t show Dr. 4 Goff’s opinions are off-base. 5 Fifth, Dr. Turner’s opinions are inconsistent with Dr. Goff’s. Tr. 518-19. Dr. Turner 6 examined Ms. Williams in March 2016, which the ALJ acknowledged is well past the date last 7 insured, the relevant period at issue. Dr. Turner opined Ms. Williams required regular breaks 8 from standing or walking due to limiting symptoms caused by Ms. Williams’ peripheral 9 neuropathy. Tr. 810-11. Dr. Turner’s opinion is thus consistent with Dr. Goff’s in that both 10 11 doctors opined peripheral neuropathy limited Ms. Williams, not inconsistent as the ALJ found. The Court notes the ALJ rejected Dr. Turner’s opinion that peripheral neuropathy limited 12 Ms. Williams. But the ALJ cannot alter Dr. Turner’s opinion in order to make it inconsistent 13 with Dr. Goffs. Moreover, the ALJ’s rationale for rejecting Dr. Turner’s opinion is not 14 supported by substantial evidence. The ALJ rejected Dr. Turner’s opinion on the grounds that it 15 is based on Ms. Williams’ non-credible statements, rather than the doctor’s observations. The 16 ALJ erred because Dr. Turner did not find Ms. Williams unbelievable. Further Dr. Turner stated 17 “She is limited due to her neuropathy as demonstrated during the exam as she experienced 18 developed burning discomfort with coordination gait activities during the exam.” Tr. 817. 19 Hence the ALJ’s findings that the doctor made no observations regarding Ms. Williams’ 20 neuropathic discomfort is not supported by substantial evidence. 21 The Court notes Ms. Williams argues the ALJ erred in adopting the opinion of state 22 agency reviewing doctors Alnoor Virji, M.D., and Wayne Hurley, M.D. Dkt. 15 at 6-7. The 23 Court need not discuss the argument because as discussed above, the ALJ erred in rejecting Dr. ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 4 1 Goff’s opinions and Dr. Turner’s opinion about limitations caused by peripheral neuropathy, and 2 the matter must be remanded for further proceedings. 3 B. Lezlie Pickett, Ph.D. The parties spar over Lezlie Pickett’s, Ph.D. opinion that Ms. Williams “appears to be 4 5 malingering.” Tr. 445. Ms. Williams claims Dr. Pickett is biased and her test results are thus 6 unreliable; the Commissioner claims the opposite. Ms. Williams’ claims are based on “Exhibit 7 19E” which she avers was removed by the ALJ. Because the Court lacks the exhibit and because 8 the matter must be remanded, the Court declines to resolve the parties’ respective claims here. 9 Additionally, as the ALJ did not rely upon Dr. Pickett’s opinion to reject Dr. Goff’s, the Court 10 need not address whether the ALJ properly weighed Dr. Pickett’s opinion. 11 On remand, the Court assumes the ALJ, of course, will fulfill his or her duty to properly 12 assess the evidence, and resolve issues regarding what weight each medical opinion should be 13 given. This simply reflects how the ALJ, in reaching disability determinations, should rely on 14 qualified and impartial expert opinions, rather than unqualified and partial experts. Cf. Hill v. 15 Astrue, 698 F3d 1153, 1161 (9th Cir. 2012) (the ALJ may rely on an impartial vocational expert 16 to provide testimony about jobs the applicant can perform); Robbins v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 17 F.3d 880, 888 (9th Cir. 2006) (“It was also proper for the ALJ to rely on the opinion of the 18 impartial medical examiner.”). 19 C. 20 Lay Evidence The ALJ rejected the testimony of Timothy Coogan and Judy Schmidt. Tr. 520. Mr. 21 Coogan stated he employed Ms. Williams from 1998 and 2010. He states she had good 22 attendance, completed her work and was a good worker until her cancer diagnosis. Tr. 189-90. 23 The ALJ rejected Mr. Coogan’s testimony on the grounds that the problems he described with ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 5 1 Ms. Williams’ work performance “could be related to the claimant’s chemotherapy, but which is 2 outside the relevant period in this case.” Tr. 520. But the ALJ cited no evidence in the record to 3 support this speculative and conclusory statement, and substantial evidence therefore does not 4 support the ALJ’s rationale. 5 The ALJ also rejected Mr. Coogan’s statement that Ms. Williams began having “trouble 6 focusing and finishing tasks” on the grounds it is inconsistent with Dr. Pickett’s test results. Id. 7 Dr. Pickett’s opinions regard Ms. Williams’ functioning as of February 2012. The doctor 8 reviewed medical records from November 2011 onward, and examined Ms. Williams in 9 February 2012, and rendered an opinion as of that date. Tr. 438. Dr. Pickett did not specifically 10 address Ms. Williams’ functioning prior to the time of examination. Mr. Coogan described Ms. 11 Williams’ performance only up to October 2010, a period not covered by Dr. Pickett. Tr. 189. As 12 such, substantial evidence does not support the ALJ’s finding that Dr. Pickett’s opinions 13 contradict Mr. Coogan’s testimony. 14 Turning to Ms. Schmidt, the ALJ rejected her testimony on the grounds it was 15 inconsistent with the Drs. Taylor’s and Pickett’s opinions and with Ms. Williams’ description of 16 her activities. Tr. 520. Specifically, the ALJ rejected Ms. Schmidt’s testimony that Ms. Williams 17 could not stand very long, because her medical providers described Ms. Williams as having a 18 normal posture and gait, and because Ms. Williams could spend hours at the casino and care for 19 her ill husband. Id. The ALJ erred because Ms. Williams’ gait and posture are unrelated to her 20 neuropathy problems, and there is no evidence that going to the casino requires extended 21 standing or walking. Further Dr. Taylor opined Ms. Williams’ neuropathy would affect her 22 ability to stand and walk, and Dr. Pickett did not perform a physical assessment. 23 The ALJ also rejected other aspects of Ms. Schmidt’s testimony on the grounds that it ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 6 1 was inconsistent with Ms. Williams’ statements and inconsistent with other findings made by Dr. 2 Taylor and Pickett. Tr. 520. As Ms. Williams does not specifically challenge these findings the 3 Court affirms the ALJ’s as to these portions of Ms. Schmidt’s testimony. 4 5 CONCLUSION The ALJ erred in rejecting Dr. Goff’s opinions and also erred in rejecting Dr. Taylor’s 6 opinions regarding limitations caused by peripheral neuropathy. The ALJ erred in rejecting Mr. 7 Coogan’s testimony and Ms. Schmidt’s testimony regarding standing and walking limitations. 8 These errors are harmful because the ALJ did not account for these limitations in determining 9 Ms. Williams’ RFC and capacity to perform past relevant work. Where the ALJ has harmfully 10 erred, the Court has the discretion to remand the case for an award of benefits or for further 11 administrative proceedings. Here, neither Dr. Goff nor Dr. Taylor opined Ms. Williams could not 12 perform any gainful work activity. Thus, the Court cannot determine, based on the present 13 record, whether Ms. Williams cannot perform any work activity and is entitled to an award of 14 benefits. Because the record needs further development to make this determination, the case 15 should be remanded for further administrative proceedings. 16 The Court accordingly REVERSES the Commissioner’s final decision and REMANDS 17 the case for further administrative proceedings under sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). On 18 remand, the ALJ shall reassess the opinions of Drs. Goff and Taylor, the testimony of Mr. 19 Coogan and Ms. Schmidt, and develop the record as necessary. As appropriate, the ALJ shall 20 redetermine Ms. Williams’ RFC and proceed to steps four and five. 21 22 23 DATED this 14th day of September, 2017. A BRIAN A. TSUCHIDA United States Magistrate Judge ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 ORDER REVERSING THE COMMISSIONER AND REMANDING FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS - 8

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