Waskowiak, Senika v. Colvin, Carolyn

Filing 35

ORDER Entering Judgment for plaintiff. Signed by District Judge James D. Peterson on 2/18/15. (jat)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN

RHONDA SMITH
on behalf of S.J.W.,

v.

Plaintiff,

CAROLYN W. COLVIN,
Acting Commissioner of Social Security,

ORDER
13-cv-806-jdp

Defendant.

Plaintiff Rhonda Smith seeks judicial review of a final decision of the Commissioner of
Social Security finding her daughter, S.J.W., not disabled within the meaning of the Social
Security Act. For reasons stated more fully at the hearing held February 17, 2015, the court will
grant plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment and remand the case to the Commissioner for
further proceedings.
The ALJ erred by failing to consider whether S.J.W. met or medically equaled Listing
112.05 (intellectual disability) under 20 C.F.R. part 404, subpart P, app.1. Although the ALJ
analyzed other potentially applicable listings (for organic mental disorders and communication
impairment), he did not expressly consider Listing 112.05. There is evidence in the record,
particularly a full-range I.Q. score of 66, that would make that Listing particularly pertinent to
S.J.W. As the Commissioner acknowledged at the hearing, Listing 112.05 does not require that
S.J.W. actually have a diagnosis of cognitive impairment. The ALJ’s own findings show
significant limitations in three functional domains: acquiring and using information; attending
and completing tasks; and interacting and relating with others. Thus, there is evidence in the
record that, if credited, would show that S.J.W. meets Listing 112.05.

On remand, the ALJ should consider whether S.J.W. meets or medically equals Listing
112.05. In considering this listing, the ALJ should also revisit his consideration of the severity of
her impairments in cognitive and social functioning. The record demonstrates that S.J.W. is a
polite and cooperative child. For example, as shown in Exhibit 10E, 1 the report of S.J.W.’s
teacher, S.J.W. pays attention when spoken to directly, respects adults, and takes turns in
conversation. She can also manage simple tasks, such as following single-step instructions. But
S.J.W. has problems in nearly every area requiring even modest sophistication. She has “very
serious” problems in using language appropriate to the situation and the listener, in relating
experiences and telling stories, and in completing work accurately without making mistakes. The
ALJ regarded S.J.W.’s limitations in attending and completing tasks and in social functioning as
less than “marked” because she had “no problem” with many of the lowest-level tasks in these
areas. On remand, the ALJ should consider whether her across-the-board problems with higherlevel tasks shows that she has significant deficits in adaptive functioning, demonstrating her
“inability to cope with the challenges of ordinary everyday life.” Novy v. Astrue, 497 F.3d 708,
710 (7th Cir. 2007). The fact that S.J.W. is pleasant and respectful and that she manages
simple tasks does not mean that she does not meet Listing 112.05. 2
IT IS ORDERED that the decision of defendant Carolyn W. Colvin, Commissioner of
Social Security, denying plaintiff Rhonda Smith’s application on behalf of S.J.W. for disability
1

The ALJ purported to give Ms. Levra’s report, R. 237-44, “considerable weight.” He cited the
report repeatedly and it was the primary evidence on which he based his appraisal of S.J.W.’s
limitations. But the ALJ gave “great weight” to the opinions of state agency reviewers that
categorized S.J.W.’s limitations in attending and completing tasks and in interacting and
relating with others as “less than marked.” Although the ALJ obviously embraced the
conclusions of the state agency reviewers, he did not explain why he gave greater weight to those
conclusions than to Ms. Levra’s report. If, on remand, the ALJ continues to give greater weight
to the state agency opinions, should explain his reasons for doing so.
2

After reevaluating the severity of S.J.W.’s functional impairments, the A.L.J. may also
determine that it would be appropriate to revisit Listing 112.02.

2

benefits is REVERSED AND REMANDED. The clerk of court is directed to enter judgment for
plaintiff and close this case.
Entered February 18, 2015.
BY THE COURT:
/s/
________________________________________
JAMES D. PETERSON
District Judge

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