Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-03171/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-03171-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (DIWC)

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NOT FOR PUBLICATION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Bonnie Terrinoni,

Plaintiff,

vs.

JoAnne Barnhart, Commissioner of the

Social Security Administration,

Defendant.

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No. CV-05-3171-PHX-FJM

ORDER

On May 16, 2003, an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") found that despite certain

physical limitations, Bonnie Terrinoni could perform a full range of light work and therefore

she was not disabled as defined by the Social Security Act. Accordingly, the ALJ denied

Terrinoni's claim for Social Security benefits. The Appeals Council of the Social Security

Administration denied her request for review. Terrinoni then filed this action pursuant to 42

U.S.C. § 405(g), contending that the ALJ's decision should be reversed because it is not

supported by substantial evidence. We have before us Terrinoni's motion for summary

judgment (doc. 7) and defendant's response and cross-motion for summary judgment (docs.

8 and 9), to which Terrinoni did not respond.

The ALJ's decision includes the following passage:

It is noted that there are two references to complaints of anxiety in the record

documented by Dr. Carls in September 1999 (Exhibit 5F/45) and in early 1991

(Exhibit 5F/43). However, Dr. Carls apparently did not treat these complaints

very seriously. He did not prescribe any antianxiety medications. He did not

Case 2:05-cv-03171-FJM Document 12 Filed 07/24/06 Page 1 of 2
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refer the claimant for any mental health evaluation or treatment. No medically

determinable mental impairment is established prior to March 31, 1991.

Tr. at 21. This passage is not entirely accurate. Dr. Carls prescribed Ativan to Terrinoni to

treat her anxiety. Tr. at 257, 259. Terrinoni contends that the prescription shows that her

anxiety is an impairment, and that the impairment "could have presented additional

limitations that would have made her incapable of performing any work within the national

economy." Motion for Summary Judgment at 7.

Nevertheless, Terrinoni fails to show that the decision is not based upon substantial

evidence. First, to establish a mental impairment, a claimant must present "medical evidence

consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings," not symptoms alone. 20 C.F.R. §

404.1508; Ukolov v. Barnhart, 420 F.3d 1002, 1005 (9th Cir. 2005). Terrinoni does not

present this evidence; she only shows that she was prescribed Ativan. However, even if she

had established that her anxiety is a mental impairment, her claim would fail because she

does not identify the extent of its symptoms. The ALJ had no basis from which to conclude

that the anxiety would have limited Terrinoni's ability to work.

Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED DENYING plaintiff's motion for summary judgment

(doc. 7) and GRANTING defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment. (doc. 9). The

clerk is directed to enter judgment for defendant.

DATED this 21st day of July, 2006.

Case 2:05-cv-03171-FJM Document 12 Filed 07/24/06 Page 2 of 2