Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-alsd-1_14-cv-00244/USCOURTS-alsd-1_14-cv-00244-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (SSID)

---

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

SOUTHERN DIVISION

CARLOS D. NORWOOD, )

Plaintiff, )

)

v. ) CIVIL ACTION NO. 14-00244-N

)

CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting )

Commissioner of Social Security, )

Defendant. )

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

Social Security Claimant/Plaintiff Carlos D. Norwood (“Norwood”) has 

brought this action under 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3) seeking judicial review 

of a final decision of the Defendant Commissioner of Social Security (“the 

Commissioner”) denying his protective applications for disability insurance benefits 

(“DIB”) under Title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 401, et seq., and

supplemental security income (“SSI”) under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, 42 

U.S.C. § 1381, et seq. By the consent of the parties (see Doc. 13), the Court has 

designated the undersigned Magistrate Judge to conduct all proceedings and order 

the entry of judgment in this civil action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and 

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 73. (See Doc. 14).

Upon consideration of the parties’ briefs (Docs. 15, 18), the administrative 

record (Doc. 12) (hereinafter cited as “(R. [page number(s)])”), and the arguments of 

counsel made at the hearing held January 21, 2015, the Court finds that the 

Commissioner’s decision is due to be AFFIRMED.

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 1 of 27
2

I. Procedural Background

On August 17, 2011, Norwood protectively filed with the Social Security 

Administration (“SSA”) applications for DIB and SSI. 1 Initially, he alleged

disability beginning October 23, 2008; however, he later amended his onset date to 

July 1, 2011.2 After his applications were initially denied on November 23, 2011, 

Norwood requested a hearing, which was held in Mobile, Alabama, before an 

Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) on January 23, 2013. (R. 20).

On February 13, 2013, the ALJ issued an unfavorable decision on Norwood’s 

applications. (See R. 17-34). Norwood requested review of the ALJ’s decision by the

Appeals Council for the SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. (R. 15-

16). On April 3, 2014, the Appeals Council issued its decision denying Norwood’s 

request for review. (R. 1-5). 

On June 3, 2014, Norwood filed this action under §§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3) for

judicial review of the Commissioner’s final decision. (Doc. 1). See Ingram v. 

Comm'r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 496 F.3d 1253, 1262 (11th Cir. 2007) (“The settled law 

 1 “The Social Security Act's general disability insurance benefits program (‘DIB’) provides 

income to individuals who are forced into involuntary, premature retirement, provided they 

are both insured and disabled, regardless of indigence. See 42 U.S.C. 423(a). The Social 

Security Act's Supplemental Security Income (‘SSI’) is a separate and distinct program. 

SSI is a general public assistance measure providing an additional resource to the aged, 

blind, and disabled to assure that their income does not fall below the poverty line. 

Eligibility for SSI is based upon proof of indigence and disability. See 42 U.S.C. 1382(a), 

1382c(a)(3)(A)-(C).” Sanders v. Astrue, Civil Action No. 11-0491-N, 2012 WL 4497733, at 

*3 (S.D. Ala. Sept. 28, 2012).

2 “For SSI claims, a claimant becomes eligible in the first month where she is both disabled 

and has an SSI application on file. 20 C.F.R. § 416.202–03 (2005). For DIB claims, a 

claimant is eligible for benefits where she demonstrates disability on or before the last date 

for which she were insured. 42 U.S.C. § 423(a)(1)(A) (2005).” Moore v. Barnhart, 405 F.3d 

1208, 1211 (11th Cir. 2005) (per curiam).

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 2 of 27
3

of this Circuit is that a court may review, under sentence four of section 405(g), a 

denial of review by the Appeals Council.”); 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (“Any individual, after 

any final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security made after a hearing to 

which he was a party, irrespective of the amount in controversy, may obtain a 

review of such decision by a civil action commenced within sixty days after the 

mailing to him of notice of such decision or within such further time as the 

Commissioner of Social Security may allow.”); 42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3) (“The final 

determination of the Commissioner of Social Security after a hearing [for SSI 

benefits] shall be subject to judicial review as provided in section 405(g) of this title 

to the same extent as the Commissioner's final determinations under section 405 of 

this title.”).3

II. Standard of Review

“In Social Security appeals, [the Court] must determine whether the 

Commissioner's decision is ‘ “supported by substantial evidence and based on 

proper legal standards. Substantial evidence is more than a scintilla and is such 

relevant evidence as a reasonable person would accept as adequate to support a 

conclusion.” ’ ” Winschel v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 631 F.3d 1176, 1178 (11th Cir. 

2011) (quoting Crawford v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 363 F.3d 1155, 1158 (11th Cir. 

2004) (per curiam) (internal citation omitted) (quoting Lewis v. Callahan, 125 F.3d

1436, 1439 (11th Cir. 1997))). However, the Court “ ‘may not decide the facts anew, 

 3 The record reflects that Norwood resides in this judicial district. Thus, venue is proper in 

this Court. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (“Such action shall be brought in the district court of the 

United States for the judicial district in which the plaintiff resides, or has his principal 

place of business...”).

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 3 of 27
4

reweigh the evidence, or substitute our judgment for that of the [Commissioner].’ ” 

Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1178 (quoting Phillips v. Barnhart, 357 F.3d 1232, 1240 n.8

(11th Cir. 2004) (alteration in original) (quoting Bloodsworth v. Heckler, 703 F.2d 

1233, 1239 (11th Cir. 1983))). “ ‘Even if the evidence preponderates against the 

[Commissioner]'s factual findings, we must affirm if the decision reached is 

supported by substantial evidence.’ ” Ingram, 496 F.3d at 1260 (quoting Martin v. 

Sullivan, 894 F.2d 1520, 1529 (11th Cir. 1990)).

 “Yet, within this narrowly circumscribed role, [courts] do not act as 

automatons. [The court] must scrutinize the record as a whole to determine if the 

decision reached is reasonable and supported by substantial evidence[.]” 

Bloodsworth, 703 F.2d at 1239 (citations and quotation omitted). “In determining 

whether substantial evidence exists, [a court] must...tak[e] into account evidence 

favorable as well as unfavorable to the [Commissioner’s] decision.” Chester v. 

Bowen, 792 F.2d 129, 131 (11th Cir. 1986). Moreover, “[t]here is no 

presumption...that the Commissioner followed the appropriate legal standards in 

deciding a claim for benefits or that the legal conclusions reached were valid. 

Instead, [the court] conduct[s] ‘an exacting examination’ of these factors.” Miles v. 

Chater, 84 F.3d 1397, 1400 (11th Cir. 1996) (per curiam) (citing Martin v. Sullivan, 

894 F.2d 1520, 1529 (11th Cir. 1990)) (internal citation omitted). In sum, courts 

“review the Commissioner’s factual findings with deference and the Commissioner’s 

legal conclusions with close scrutiny.” Doughty v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 1274, 1278 (11th 

Cir. 2001). See also Moore v. Barnhart, 405 F.3d 1208, 1211 (11th Cir. 2005) (per 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 4 of 27
5

curiam) (“In Social Security appeals, we review de novo the legal principles upon 

which the Commissioner's decision is based. Chester v. Bowen, 792 F.2d 129, 131 

(11th Cir. 1986). However, we review the resulting decision only to determine 

whether it is supported by substantial evidence. Crawford v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec.,

363 F.3d 1155, 1158–59 (11th Cir. 2004).”). “ ‘The [Commissioner]'s failure to apply 

the correct law or to provide the reviewing court with sufficient reasoning for 

determining that the proper legal analysis has been conducted mandates reversal.’ ” 

Ingram, 496 F.3d at 1260 (quoting Cornelius v. Sullivan, 936 F.2d 1143, 1145-46

(11th Cir. 1991)).

Eligibility for DIB and SSI requires that the claimant be disabled. 42 

U.S.C. §§ 423(a)(1)(E), 1382(a)(1)-(2). A claimant is disabled if she is 

unable “to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a 

medically determinable physical or mental impairment ... which has 

lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 

12 months.” 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(1)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A).

Thornton v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 597 F. App'x 604, 609 (11th Cir. Feb. 11, 

2015) (per curiam) (unpublished). 4

The Social Security Regulations outline a five-step, sequential 

evaluation process used to determine whether a claimant is disabled: 

(1) whether the claimant is currently engaged in substantial gainful 

activity; (2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment or 

combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment meets or 

equals the severity of the specified impairments in the Listing of 

Impairments; (4) based on a residual functional capacity (“RFC”) 

assessment, whether the claimant can perform any of his or her past 

relevant work despite the impairment; and (5) whether there are 

significant numbers of jobs in the national economy that the claimant 

 4 In this Circuit, “[u]npublished opinions are not considered binding precedent, but they 

may be cited as persuasive authority.” 11th Cir. R. 36-2 (effective Dec. 1, 2014). See also

Bonilla v. Baker Concrete Const., Inc., 487 F.3d 1340, 1345 n.7 (11th Cir. 2007) 

(“Unpublished opinions are not controlling authority and are persuasive only insofar as 

their legal analysis warrants.”).

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 5 of 27
6

can perform given the claimant's RFC, age, education, and work 

experience.

Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1178 (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v), 416.920(a)(4)(i)-

(v); Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1237-39).5 This five-step evaluation process “is used to 

determine disability for both SSI and DIB claims.” Moore, 405 F.3d at 1211 (citing 

McDaniel v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 1026, 1030–31 (11th Cir.1986); 20 C.F.R. § 416.912 

(2005) (five-step determination for SSI); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (2005) (five-step 

determination for DIB)). 

“These regulations place a very heavy burden on the claimant to demonstrate 

both a qualifying disability and an inability to perform past relevant work.” Moore, 

405 F.3d at 1211 (citing Spencer v. Heckler, 765 F.2d 1090, 1093 (11th Cir. 1985)). 

“In determining whether the claimant has satisfied this initial burden, the 

examiner must consider four factors: (1) objective medical facts or clinical findings; 

(2) the diagnoses of examining physicians; (3) evidence of pain; and (4) the 

claimant's age, education, and work history.” Jones v. Bowen, 810 F.2d 1001, 1005 

(11th Cir. 1986) (per curiam) (citing Tieniber v. Heckler, 720 F.2d 1251, 1253 (11th 

Cir. 1983) (per curiam)). “These factors must be considered both singly and in 

combination. Presence or absence of a single factor is not, in itself, conclusive.” 

Bloodsworth, 703 F.2d at 1240 (citations omitted).

If, in Steps One through Four of the five-step evaluation, a plaintiff proves 

that he or she has a qualifying disability and cannot do his or her past relevant 

work, it then becomes the Commissioner’s burden, at Step Five, to prove that the 

 5 The Court will hereinafter use “Step One,” “Step Two,” etc. when referencing individual 

steps of this five-step sequential evaluation.

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 6 of 27
7

plaintiff is capable—given his or her age, education, and work history—of engaging 

in another kind of substantial gainful employment that exists in the national 

economy. Jones v. Apfel, 190 F.3d 1224, 1228 (11th Cir. 1999); Sryock v. Heckler, 

764 F.2d 834, 836 (11th Cir. 1985). Finally, but importantly, although “the 

[plaintiff] bears the burden of demonstrating the inability to return to [his or] her 

past relevant work, the Commissioner of Social Security has an obligation to 

develop a full and fair record.” Shnorr v. Bowen, 816 F.2d 578, 581 (11th Cir. 1987) 

(citations omitted).

When, as here, “no new evidence is presented to the Appeals Council and it 

denies review, then the administrative law judge's decision is necessarily reviewed 

as the final decision of the Commissioner...” Ingram, 496 F.3d at 1262.

III. Claims on Appeal

Claim 1 – The ALJ erred in rejecting the opinion of Dr. Pita, a 

treating physician.

Claim 2 - The ALJ erred in her credibility finding.

Claim 3 - The ALJ improperly assessed Norwood’s residual 

functional capacity.

(Doc. 15 at 2).

IV. Analysis

At Step One, the ALJ determined that Norwood had not engaged in 

substantial gainful activity since his alleged disability onset date. (R. 22). At Step 

Two, the ALJ determined that Norwood had the following severe impairments: 

obstructive sleep apnea, atypical chest pain, lumbago, morbid obesity, hypertension, 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 7 of 27
8

tumid lupus, arthropathy, osteoarthritis, degenerative changes of the left knee, and 

chronic fatigue. (R. 22-23). At Step Three, the ALJ found that Norwood did not 

have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets or equals the 

severity of the specified impairments in the Listing of Impairments. (R. 23). 

Norwood does not challenge any of the ALJ’s decisions at Steps One through Three. 

His claims of error concern the ALJ’s analysis in Step Four. 

At Step Four,

the ALJ must assess: (1) the claimant's residual functional capacity 

(“RFC”); and (2) the claimant's ability to return to her past relevant 

work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv). As for the claimant's RFC, the 

regulations define RFC as that which an individual is still able to do 

despite the limitations caused by his or her impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 

404.1545(a). Moreover, the ALJ will “assess and make a finding about 

[the claimant's] residual functional capacity based on all the relevant 

medical and other evidence” in the case. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e). 

Furthermore, the RFC determination is used both to determine 

whether the claimant: (1) can return to her past relevant work under 

the fourth step; and (2) can adjust to other work under the fifth 

step...20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e).

If the claimant can return to her past relevant work, the ALJ will 

conclude that the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 

404.1520(a)(4)(iv) & (f). If the claimant cannot return to her past 

relevant work, the ALJ moves on to step five.

In determining whether [a claimant] can return to her past relevant 

work, the ALJ must determine the claimant's RFC using all relevant

medical and other evidence in the case. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e). That 

is, the ALJ must determine if the claimant is limited to a particular 

work level. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567. Once the ALJ assesses the 

claimant's RFC and determines that the claimant cannot return to her 

prior relevant work, the ALJ moves on to the fifth, and final, step.

Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1238-39 (footnote omitted).

The ALJ assigned Norwood an RFC of “light work,” as defined in 20 C.F.R. §§ 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 8 of 27
9

404.1567(b) and 416.967(b),6 with exceptions. More specifically, the ALJ found that 

Norwood was limited to lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 

pounds frequently; that in an 8-hour workday he could stand/walk up to 4 hours 

and sit up to 6 hours with normal breaks; that he could not perform pushing or 

pulling of leg controls or operate foot controls; that he should not climb, crouch, 

kneel, or crawl; that overhead reaching would be limited to “occasionally with right 

upper extremity;” that he could frequently stoop; that he should avoid concentrated 

exposure to extreme temperatures, vibrations, heights, or hazards such as 

dangerous machinery; and that, due to pain, fatigue, and the potential for reduced 

stamina, he could have some deficits in concentration, persistence, and pace, which 

could cause him to be off task or at a non-productive pace for up to about 5% of the 

workday. (R. 23). 

A. Claim 1 (Rejecting Treating Physician Opinion)

“ ‘Medical opinions are statements from physicians and psychologists or other 

acceptable medical sources that reflect judgments about the nature and severity of 

[the claimant's] impairment(s), including [the claimant's] symptoms, diagnosis and 

prognosis, what [the claimant] can still do despite impairment(s), and [the 

claimant's] physical or mental restrictions.’ ” Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1178-79 

(quoting 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(a)(2), 416.927(a)(2)). “In assessing medical opinions, 

 6 “Light work is defined as work that ‘involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time 

with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.’...The regulations 

further state that ‘[e]ven 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.’ ” Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1239 n.5 

(quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567).

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 9 of 27
10

the ALJ must consider a number of factors in determining how much weight to give 

to each medical opinion, including (1) whether the physician has examined the 

claimant; (2) the length, nature, and extent of a treating physician's relationship 

with the claimant; (3) the medical evidence and explanation supporting the 

physician's opinion; (4) how consistent the physician's opinion is with the record as 

a whole; and (5) the physician's specialization. These factors apply to both 

examining and non-examining physicians.” Eyre v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 586 

F. App'x 521, 523 (11th Cir. Sept. 30, 2014) (per curiam) (unpublished) (internal 

citations and quotation marks omitted) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(c) & (e), 

416.927(c) & (e)). “[T]he ALJ must state with particularity the weight given to 

different medical opinions and the reasons therefor.” Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1179 

(citing Sharfarz v. Bowen, 825 F.2d 278, 279 (11th Cir. 1987) (per curiam)). 

However, the ALJ “may reject the opinion of any physician when the evidence 

supports a contrary conclusion.” Bloodsworth, 703 F.2d at 1240. Accord, e.g., 

Anderson v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 427 F. App'x 761, 763 (11th Cir. 2011) (per curiam) 

(unpublished).

“A ‘treating source’ (i.e., a treating physician) is a claimant's ‘own physician, 

psychologist, or other acceptable medical source who provides[], or has provided[],[ 

the claimant] with medical treatment or evaluation and who has, or has had, an 

ongoing treatment relationship with [the claimant].’ ” Nyberg v. Comm'r of Soc. 

Sec., 179 F. App'x 589, 591 (11th Cir. May 2, 2006) (per curiam) (unpublished) 

(quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1502). “Absent ‘good cause,’ an ALJ is to give the medical 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 10 of 27
11

opinions of treating physicians ‘substantial or considerable weight.’ ” Winschel, 631 

F.3d at 1179 (quoting Lewis, 125 F.3d at 1440). “Good cause exists ‘when the: (1) 

treating physician's opinion was not bolstered by the evidence; (2) evidence 

supported a contrary finding; or (3) treating physician's opinion was conclusory or 

inconsistent with the doctor's own medical records.’ With good cause, an ALJ may 

disregard a treating physician's opinion, but he ‘must clearly articulate [the] 

reasons’ for doing so.” Id. (quoting Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1240-41) (internal citation 

omitted).

Norwood argues that the ALJ erred in rejecting the medical opinions of 

treating physician Dr. Mark Pita (“Dr. Pita”) – specifically, those expressed in a 

Clinical Assessment of Symptoms (“CAS”) on July 12, 2012. (R. 275-276 [Ex. 9F]). 

The ALJ summarized Dr. Pita’s CAS as follows:

[Dr. Pita] noted that the claimant’s symptoms were not present in any 

significant degree in the ability of the claimant to engage in cognitive 

functioning. Physical activity such as walking, standing, sitting, 

bending, stooping, and moving of extremities would increase the 

severity and degree of symptoms to such an extent as to cause the 

claimant to be unable to engage in work or work-related tasks on a 

regular and sustained basis over the course of an 8-hour day. He also 

noted that the claimant’s medications caused side effects, which 

imposed some limitations upon the claimant but not to such a degree 

as to create serious problems in most instances. Dr. Pita noted that 

the claimant would need unscheduled breaks every 2 to 4-hours during 

an 8-hour working day for 10 to 15 minutes before returning to work. 

On the average, the claimant would be absent from work about three 

days a month due to his impairments and treatment. His impairments 

lasted or expected to last at least twelve months.

(R. 26-27).

The ALJ “assign[ed] less weight to Dr. Pita’s assessment, because his 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 11 of 27
12

physical findings revealed no significant abnormalities that would keep the 

claimant from performing light level work.” (R. 27). The Court interprets this as a 

determination that Dr. Pita’s opinion was not supported by his own medical records, 

which constitutes “good cause” for giving less weight to a treating physician’s 

opinion. See Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1179; Bloodsworth, 703 F.2d at 1240 (“[T]he 

opinion of a treating physician may be rejected...where it is unsubstantiated by any 

clinical or laboratory findings.”).

The ALJ summarized Dr. Pita’s objective medical findings as follows:

...[O]n July 20, 2011, the claimant presented to internist, Dr. Mark A. 

Pita complaining of right shoulder pain. He also complained of chest 

pain. He said the pain was pressure-like pain which occurred at 

anytime, lasted a few minutes, occurred in the middle of the chest, 

non-radiating, and not associated with nausea, vomiting, or sweating. 

Physical findings were weight gain of 9 pounds and blood pressure 

154/94. Musculoskeletal exam revealed pain with passive movement of 

right shoulder and he was not able to lift right arm past 90 degrees but 

no other abnormalities. His general appearance was normal and no 

skin lesions. Dr. Pita’s assessments were chest pain or discomfort, 

arthropathy, combined systolic and diastolic elevation observed, and 

morbid obesity. The claimant consulted with a specialist for 

evaluation of possible gastric bypass. He was prescribed Mobic, 

Ultram, Nitroquick (as needed for chest pain), and Lisinopril-HCTZ 

(Exhibit 2F).

...

On December 29, 2011, the claimant saw Dr. Pita complaining of joint 

pain that had gotten worse. However, his physical examination was 

normal with weight at 433 pounds and no skin lesions. He was 

counseled on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification, but he continued 

to be non-compliant (Exhibit 5F).

...On April 3, 2012, the claimant present [sic] to Dr. Pita with 

complaints that the chest pain improved with nitroglycerin, but he had 

been having more pain worse with exertion. He also said his joint pain 

and fatigue had been getting worse. Physically, he was morbidly 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 12 of 27
13

obese, had decreased range of motion of lumbar spine and pain with 

palpitation of bilateral knees. X-ray of bilateral knees revealed 

minimal degenerative change of the lateral compartment of the left 

knee and no acute osseous injury or dominant abnormality of either 

knee. Examination of his skin revealed no skin lesions. The claimant 

was referred to a cardiologist. Dr. Pita’s assessments were 

arthropathy, chest pain or discomfort, adult sleep apnea, backache, 

morbid obesity, and combined systolic and diastolic elevation was 

observed (Exhibit 6F).

...

On July 16, 2012, Dr. Pita saw the claimant for medication refills and 

consultation. The claimant reported that he was not feeling tired or 

poorly, had no fever, and no headaches. He had no localized joint pain 

and no depression. Physical findings revealed his weight was 442.6 

pounds, Body Mass Index (BMI) 65.4 kg/m2, and height 69 inches. His 

musculoskeletal system was normal and he had no skin lesions 

(Exhibit 10F).

...

...[O]n October 4, 2012, Dr. Pita saw the claimant for a follow-up and a 

refill of his medications. Physical examination revealed that the 

claimant’s weight was still at 445 pounds, BMI 65.7 kg/m2, and height 

69 inches but physical findings were normal (Exhibit 15F).

(R. 25-27).

None of these objective findings contradict the ALJ’s determination that 

Norwood could perform light work as defined in the Social Security regulations, 

with some restrictions.7 Norwood argues that the ALJ failed to cite and address 

 7 Cf. Harrison v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 569 F. App'x 874, 877 (11th Cir. June 24, 2014) (per 

curiam) (unpublished) (“[T]he ALJ found that Dr. Davina–Brown's opinions were 

unsupported by her own medical records. It is true that this doctor described Harrison as 

‘totally and permanently disabled’ and consistently diagnosed Harrison with fibromyalgia, 

chronic fatigue syndrome, and IgG deficiency, among other ailments. But her records 

contain no indication that Harrison's ailments were so severe that they prevented her from 

maintaining a job. To the contrary, Dr. Davina–Brown's physical examinations of Harrison 

were consistently unremarkable, and she never found that Harrison suffered from any of 

the paradigmatic symptoms frequently associated with the most severe cases of 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 13 of 27
14

certain record evidence – in particular, the numerous medications he was 

prescribed, and the treatment notes of examining physician Dr. Sherman – in 

assigning weight to Dr. Pita’s opinions. However, “there is no rigid requirement 

that the ALJ specifically refer to every piece of evidence in h[er] decision,” Dyer v. 

Barnhart, 395 F.3d 1206, 1211 (11th Cir. 2005) (per curiam), and the ALJ’s opinion 

adequately reflects that she considered the record medical evidence as a whole in 

evaluating Dr. Pita’s opinion. This Court may not reweigh the evidence or 

substitute its judgment for that of the ALJ, see id. at 1210, and Norwood has 

pointed to no evidence in the record that gives the Court reason to question the 

ALJ’s judgment in assigning less weight to Dr. Pita’s opinion.8

Additionally, the Court notes that Dr. Pita’s CAS consists primarily of 

conclusory “check the line” answers in evaluating Norwood’s impairments. (See R. 

275-276). Dr. Pita left blank the section reserved for “Comments” explaining his 

opinions. (R. 276), and no other reference is made to treatment notes or other 

objective medical evidence to support Dr. Pita’s answers. This Court and the 

Eleventh Circuit have upheld an ALJ’s decision to reject a treating physician’s form 

 

fibromyalgia, such as joint swelling, synovitis, or tender trigger points. For example, Dr. 

Davina–Brown prescribed medications for Harrison's chronic pain but never recommended 

more aggressive treatment, such as visits to the emergency room for pain or trigger point 

injections. The conservative and routine nature of Dr. Davina–Brown's treatment plan 

suggests that Harrison's impairments—while significant—were not so severe that Harrison 

could not perform any job duties.”).

8 Norwood argues that Dr. Pita’s opinion is bolstered by the findings of Dr. Alan Sherman, 

an internist who conducted a consultative examination of Norwood on November 15, 2011. 

The Court disagrees. Dr. Sherman opined that “it would be difficult for [Norwood] to 

maintain labor intense activities such as heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, crawling[,]” but 

that occupational opportunities “would need to include sitting, standing, fine motor 

movement, moderate distance ambulation...” (R. 253). Dr. Sherman’s findings, which the 

ALJ discussed in detail (see R. 25-26), do not support the level of impairment reported in 

Dr. Pita’s CAS, nor were they inconsistent with the ALJ’s RFC. 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 14 of 27
15

opinion where it was not supported by reference to objective medical evidence. See

Burgin v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 420 F. App'x 901, 903 (11th Cir. Mar. 30, 2011) (per 

curiam) (unpublished) (The adjudicator “was free to give little weight to the 

conclusory assertions contained in the questionnaires because they merely consisted 

of items checked on a survey, with no supporting explanations.”); Sanders v. Astrue, 

Civil Action No. 11-0491-N, 2012 WL 4497733, at *6 (S.D. Ala. Sept. 28, 2012)

(“Plaintiff challenges the existence of ‘good cause’ and the ALJ's determination that 

the opinions contained in[ treating physician] Dr. Aktar's Physical Capabilities 

Evaluation (‘PCE’) and Clinical Assessment of Pain forms were ‘conclusory, 

providing very little explanation of the evidence relied on in forming that opinion’ 

and that ‘the opinion in question departs substantially from the rest of the evidence 

of record.’... It is the nature of the forms used by Social Security practitioners that 

the answers are in a check-the-box format with no explanation for the opinions 

reflected. Dr. Aktar's records contained few objective medical observations. 

Consequently, the ALJ's determination that Dr. Aktar's opinions on the Physical 

Capacities Exam (‘PCE’) and Pain forms were conclusory is supported by 

substantial evidence, and the opinions were not entitled to controlling weight.” 

(internal citations omitted) (citing Brown v. Comm'r of Social Sec., 442 F. App’x

507, 512 (11th Cir. Oct. 6, 2011) (per curiam) (unpublished) (“[T]he ALJ had good 

cause not to give controlling weight to Kennedy's opinions. Kennedy's opinions were 

conclusory, as the forms that he completed in 2007 and 2009 regarding Brown's 

limitations did not reference his treatment records or adequately explain his 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 15 of 27
16

opinions.” (citing Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1241))).9

The ALJ adequately articulated good cause to assign less weight to Dr. Pita’s 

opinion, and that decision is supported by substantial evidence.10 Accordingly, the 

Commissioner’s decision is due to be affirmed as to the error alleged in Claim 1.

B. Claim 2 (Credibility Findings)

When a claimant attempts to establish disability through his own 

testimony concerning pain or other subjective symptoms, [courts] apply 

a three-part test, which requires “(1) evidence of an underlying medical 

condition; and (2) either (a) objective medical evidence confirming the 

 9 See also Wilkerson ex. rel. R.S. v. Astrue, No. 2:11–CV–2556–LSC, 2012 WL 2924023, at *3 

(N.D. Ala. July 16, 2012) (“Although Dr. Morgan was one of R.S.'s treating pediatricians, 

the ALJ had good cause to discount her opinion. First, the form report completed by Dr. 

Morgan and submitted by Plaintiff's counsel consisted of a series of conclusory ‘check-offs’

devoid of any objective medical findings. As noted by the ALJ, ‘[f]orm reports, in which a 

medical source merely enters a series of check-offs without supplying any supporting 

objective findings, are less than optimally useful in the disability determination process.’ 

Dr. Morgan failed to provide medical findings to support and qualify her opinion that R.S. 

suffered marked and extreme limitations. In fact, Dr. Morgan did not provide any basis for 

her September 2008 assessment or during the relevant period after R.S.'s June 2008 

application date. Dr. Morgan, instead, offered notations of either extreme or marked 

limitations in the six domains of functioning on a form submitted by Plaintiff's counsel. 

The ALJ properly accorded little weight to Dr. Morgan's form assessment because it was 

conclusory and lacked objective medical evidence.” (internal citations omitted) (citing

Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1240-41))).

10 Norwood perfunctorily faults the ALJ for assigning “great weight” to the 

assessments of a non-examining state agency medical consultant. (Doc. 15 at 8-9). It is 

true that the “opinion of a reviewing, non-examining physician does not establish the good 

cause necessary to reject the opinion of a treating physician.” De Olazabal, 579 F. App'x at 

830 (citing Lamb v. Bowen, 847 F.2d 698, 703 (11th Cir. 1988)). However, there is no 

indication that the ALJ’s decision to assign less weight to Dr. Pita’s opinion was based on 

the non-examining physician’s assessment. Rather, the ALJ assigned great weight to the 

assessment only after articulating other good cause to assign less weight to Dr. Pita’s 

opinion.

It is also true that “the report of a non-examining doctor is accorded little weight if it 

contradicts an examining doctor's report; such a report, standing alone, cannot constitute 

substantial evidence.” Edwards v. Sullivan, 937 F.2d 580, 584 (11th Cir. 1991). However, 

here the ALJ also considered objective evidence from examining medical officials and 

determined that the non-examining consultant’s assessments were “consistent with the 

record as a whole” (R. 28), which included the reports of examining physicians. Norwood 

has offered no argument against this finding.

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 16 of 27
17

severity of the alleged pain; or (b) that the objectively determined 

medical condition can reasonably be expected to give rise to the 

claimed pain.” Wilson v. Barnhart, 284 F.3d 1219, 1225 (11th Cir.

2002) (per curiam).

If the record shows that the claimant has a medically determinable 

impairment that could reasonably be expected to produce his 

symptoms, the ALJ must evaluate the intensity and persistence of the 

symptoms in determining how they limit the claimant's capacity for 

work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(1). In doing so, the ALJ considers all of 

the record, including the objective medical evidence, the claimant's 

history, and statements of the claimant and his doctors. Id. § 

404.1529(c)(1)—(2). The ALJ may consider other factors, such as: (1) 

the claimant's daily activities; (2) the location, duration, frequency, 

and intensity of the claimant's pain or other symptoms; (3) any 

precipitating and aggravating factors; (4) the type, dosage, 

effectiveness, and side effects of the claimant's medication; (5) any 

treatment other than medication; (6) any measures the claimant used 

to relieve pain or symptoms; and (7) other factors concerning the 

claimant's functional limitations and restrictions due to pain or 

symptoms. Id. § 404.1529(c)(3). The ALJ then will examine the 

claimant's statements regarding his symptoms in relation to all other 

evidence, and consider whether there are any inconsistencies or 

conflicts between those statements and the record. Id. § 404.1529(c)(4).

“After considering a claimant's complaints of pain, the ALJ may reject 

them as not creditable, and that determination will be reviewed for 

substantial evidence.” Marbury v. Sullivan, 957 F.2d 837, 839 (11th 

Cir. 1992) (per curiam). The ALJ must explicitly and adequately 

articulate his reasons if he discredits subjective testimony. Id.

Caces v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 560 F. App'x 936, 939-40 (11th Cir. Mar. 27, 

2014) (per curiam) (unpublished).

“Although this circuit does not require an explicit finding as to credibility, the 

implication must be obvious to the reviewing court. The credibility determination 

does not need to cite particular phrases or formulations[,]” Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1210 

(citation and quotations omitted), and “ ‘there is no rigid requirement that the ALJ 

specifically refer to every piece of evidence in his decision, so long as the ALJ's 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 17 of 27
18

decision ... is not a broad rejection which is not enough to enable [a reviewing court] 

to conclude that the ALJ considered [the claimant's] medical condition as a whole.’ ” 

Mitchell v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 771 F.3d 780, 782 (11th Cir. 2014) (quoting 

Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1211 (quotation and brackets omitted)). “[C]redibility 

determinations are the province of the ALJ, Moore v. Barnhart, 405 F.3d 1208, 1212 

(11th Cir. 2005), and [a court] will not disturb a clearly articulated credibility 

finding supported by substantial evidence, Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1562 (11th 

Cir. 1995).” Mitchell v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 771 F.3d 780, 782 (11th Cir. 

2014). 

Here, the ALJ determined that Norwood’s “medically determinable 

impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms; however, 

the claimant’s statements concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects 

of these symptoms are not entirely credible for the reasons explained in this 

decision.” (R. 27). First, the ALJ found that Norwood’s testimony concerning his 

daily activities did not support the level of severity he claimed due to his 

impairments:

The claimant testified as to limitations including not doing any 

household chores or yard work, not cooking, not driving, and not 

attending church. He also said he got exhausted fast, if he over 

extended himself. He stated that he had muscle spasms, chest 

tightness, gave out of breath, and was fatigued. He related that his 

feet and knees swell. The claimant testified that he was only able to 

stand no more than 5 minutes and unable to walk no more than 30 to 

40 feet. He said he was slow getting up and down from a sitting 

position. He indicated that he was unable to stoop, pick up anything 

that was flat on the floor, or tie his shoes.

On the other hand, in regards to his reported regular activities and 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 18 of 27
19

abilities, the claimant indicated at the hearing that he was able to pick 

up after himself, make a sandwich, and cook on occasions. He said he 

was able to bend a little and he puts his pants on in the bed. He 

further testified that he was home alone during the day. The activities 

and abilities all suggest a capacity for attention and concentration 

without significant restriction or constriction due to his severe 

impairments that would preclude all substantial gainful activity...

(R. 24). 

Later in her opinion, after discussing both Norwood’s subjective testimony 

and the medical evidence of record, the ALJ set forth additional determinations 

affecting credibility:

The claimant’s skin has been noted consistently as normal with no 

lesions or abnormalities from discord lupus.

Doctor’s records reflect that the claimant had experienced chest pain 

for 20 years -- many of which he was able to work. Turning again to 

obesity’s impact on his abilities, the representative’s brief cited issues 

with manipulation due to adipose tissue in his hands secondary to 

obesity. However, the claimant himself has not alleged limitations in 

manipulation in his medical records or during testimony. His last job 

actually ended due to a disagreement between him and a supervisor 

about whether a strenuous walk across the compound was necessary. 

However, he drew unemployment until January 2011.[11]

X-ray of bilateral knees revealed minimal degenerative change of the 

lateral compartment of the left knee and no acute osseous injury or 

dominant abnormality of either knee. However, there is no significant 

pathology, signs or lab/clinical findings to support such severe 

symptoms.

 11 The Commissioner claims that the ALJ’s observation about drawing unemployment is 

significant because, “[i]n order to have collected such benefits, Plaintiff was required to be 

able, seeking, and willing to immediately accept full-time work, implying that, at least 

before that date, he was not disabled.” (Doc. 18 at 15 (citing 

http://dir.alabama.gov/docs/guides/uc_brr.pdf (URL inoperative when visited Apr. 23, 

2015)). Regardless, the significance of drawing unemployment until January 2011 is 

diminished by the fact that Norwood amended his disability onset date to July 1, 2011. 

However, earlier in her opinion, the ALJ had also noted that Norwood “testified that he 

drew unemployment from March 7, 2011 to July 1, 2011.” (R. 22).

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 19 of 27
20

Additionally, the medical evidence showed he went to a nutritionist for 

weight loss, but he failed to heed the recommendations to lose weight. 

Instead, the record reflects weight gain.

The claimant testified that he was home alone during the day, which 

shows he can independently perform his personal care.

Furthermore, the claimant has never been hospitalized or had any 

surgery for his alleged impairments.

(R. 27-28).

The ALJ’s finding that Norwood “had experienced chest pain for 20 years --

many of which he was able to work” does not appear to adequately account for the 

fact that Norwood amended his disability onset date to July 1, 2011, and testified

that “in the last couple of years, [his chest pain] has gotten different” and “hurt 

worser [sic]” such that he couldn’t “over-exert [him]self that much anymore.” In 

addition, the ALJ also based her credibility determination on Norwood’s noncompliance with doctors’ recommendations that he lose weight. The Commissioner 

may deny benefits “when a claimant, without good reason, fails to follow a 

prescribed course of treatment that could restore her ability to work.” McCall v. 

Bowen, 846 F.2d 1317, 1319 (11th Cir. 1988) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 416.930). However, 

the Eleventh Circuit has held that “a physician's recommendation to lose weight 

does not necessarily constitute a prescribed course of treatment, nor does a 

claimant's failure to accomplish the recommended change constitute a refusal to 

undertake such treatment.” Id. (citing Johnson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 

794 F.2d 1106, 1113 (6th Cir. 1986)). The ALJ’s unadorned observation that 

Norwood has continued to gain weight is not, in and of itself, sufficient to justify 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 20 of 27
21

finding noncompliance. See id. (“In the instant case, the Secretary has not made 

the express findings mandated by 20 C.F.R. § 416.930 prior to denying McCall's 

application for SSI disability benefits. Admittedly, plaintiff's physicians advised her 

to lose weight, and the record clearly indicates her condition would improve if she 

did so, but no evidence has been presented suggesting that plaintiff has refused to 

follow a plan of prescribed treatment...Further findings of fact and conclusions of 

law are required before the Secretary may determine that a claimant has refused 

treatment.”).

The ALJ noted certain inconsistencies in Norwood’s testimony that appear to 

have influenced her credibility determination. For instance, she noted that 

Norwood testified his limitations included “not doing any household chores” and 

“not cooking,” but then admitting that he “was able to pick up after himself, make a 

sandwich, and cook on occasions.” (R. 24). The ALJ noted that, while Norwood 

initially reported that “he was terminated from his [last ]job due to an inability to 

stand outdoors for long periods[,]” at the hearing Norwood “clarified...that he was 

actually terminated for failing to follow his supervisor’s orders.” (R. 24). Such 

observations indicate that, “in making h[er] credibility finding, the ALJ also relied 

upon h[er] observation of [Norwood]’s demeanor at the hearing, which is proper 

under [this Circuit’s] case law.” Jarrell v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 433 F. App'x 812, 

814 (11th Cir. July 8, 2011) (per curiam) (unpublished) (citing Norris v. Heckler, 760 

F.2d 1154, 1157-58 (11th Cir. 1985)). See also Majkut, 394 F. App'x at 663 

(“Substantial evidence supported the ALJ's conclusion that Majkut's subjective 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 21 of 27
22

complaints of disabling pain and other symptoms were not entirely credible. She 

was inconsistent in stating that she could not do any chores or drive, but telling 

other physicians that she drove her husband to work and did some chores.”); Pierce 

v. Astrue, Civil Action No. 2:11-00080-N, 2012 WL 3309717, at *8 (S.D. Ala. Aug. 13, 

2012) (“The ALJ also noted several inconsistencies in the record. For instance, while 

Pierce denied performing activities such as cooking or doing household chores 

(asserting that these activities were performed by his sister and elderly aunt), he at 

other times acknowledged that he cooked, did housework, and took care of his aunt 

... This inconsistency provided another reasonable basis for discounting Pierce's 

subjective statements. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(4) (stating an ALJ must consider 

whether there are any inconsistencies in the evidence); Moore, 405 F.3d at 1212 

(finding an ALJ reasonably discounted a claimant's subjective statements due to 

inconsistencies between her statements and the record).”). Nevertheless, while “the 

ALJ may consider the claimant's ‘appearance and demeanor during the hearing’ as 

a basis of credibility, [s]he cannot impose h[er] observations in lieu of a 

consideration of the objective medical evidence.” Jarrell, 433 F. App'x at 814

(quoting Norris, 760 F.2d at 1157-58).

The ALJ also appears to have placed significant weight on Norwood’s ability 

to live alone and do simple household chores in discrediting the impact of his 

impairments on his ability to work. However, while “[t]he ALJ may consider the 

claimant's daily activities when evaluating his subjective symptoms,...a claimant's 

admission that he participates in daily activities for short durations does not 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 22 of 27
23

necessarily disqualify him from a disability. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3)(i); see Lewis,

125 F.3d at 1441 (11th Cir. 1997) (noting that the claimant's successful completion 

of a six-minute treadmill exercise was not necessarily indicative of his ability to 

work, and that the fact that he did housework and went fishing was not 

inconsistent with the limitations recommended by his treating physicians).” Crow 

v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 571 F. App'x 802, 807 (11th Cir. July 7, 2014) (per 

curiam) (unpublished). See also Majkut v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 394 F. App'x 660, 

663 (11th Cir. Aug. 30, 2010) (per curiam) (unpublished) (“Although a claimant's 

admission that she participates in daily activities for short durations does not 

necessarily disqualify the claimant from disability, Lewis v. Callahan, 125 F.3d 

1436, 1441 (11th Cir.1997), that does not mean it is improper for the ALJ to 

consider a claimant's daily activities at all. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(3)(i), 

416.929(c)(3)(i) (specifically listing the claimant's daily activities as one of the 

factors to consider in evaluating the claimant's symptoms).”).12

 12 Cf. Parker v. Bowen, 793 F.2d 1177, 1180 (11th Cir. 1986) (per curiam) (“The Appeals 

Council's second justification—that her daily activities and her ability to care for her 

personal needs have not been significantly affected—is not supported by substantial 

evidence on the record as a whole. This explanation is apparently based on Parker's 

testimony that she could do simple household chores. The Appeals Council, however, 

ignored other evidence that her daily activities have been significantly affected. For 

example, she testified that she had to lie down every two hours, and Dr. Wheeler discussed 

the problems she had experienced at work (difficulty in standing, fatigue and blurred 

vision).” (record citations omitted)). Smith v. Califano, 637 F.2d 968, 971-72 (3d Cir. 1981) 

(“The ALJ seems to have relied heavily on the fact that claimant had testified that he had 

full use of his hands, arms and legs, does shopping and last fall went hunting twice. Yet, 

statutory disability does not mean that a claimant must be a quadriplegic or an amputee. 

Similarly, shopping for the necessities of life is not a negation of disability and even two 

sporadic occurrences such as hunting might indicate merely that the claimant was partially 

functional on two days. Disability does not mean that a claimant must vegetate in a dark 

room excluded from all forms of human and social activity...It is well established that 

sporadic or transitory activity does not disprove disability.” (citation and quotation 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 23 of 27
24

Though the ALJ’s stated reasons for discrediting Norwood’s testimony, at 

least considered individually, may seem weak, at the end of the day, this Court may 

not substitute its judgment for the Commissioner’s and must affirm the 

Commissioner’s final decision so long as it is supported by substantial evidence, 

even if the evidence preponderates against it. The Eleventh Circuit has affirmed an 

ALJ’s credibility determinations, even in the absence of explicitly stated reasons for 

discrediting, when the record adequately reflects that the ALJ considered the 

claimant’s allegations in light of the record as a whole. See Brown v. Comm'r of Soc. 

Sec., 442 F. App'x 507, 513-14 (11th Cir. Oct. 6, 2011) (per curiam) (unpublished) 

(“Here, the ALJ sufficiently assessed Brown's testimony as to her limitations. The 

ALJ was not required to make any explicit credibility finding because the decision 

includes a thorough discussion of Brown's allegations in light of the record as a 

whole. See Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1210. Specifically, the ALJ found that Brown had 

moderate limitations in daily living activities, social functioning, and concentration 

based on her testimony that she had trouble completing chores and getting along 

with others, the fact that she had not had any ‘serious incident[s]’ with others, and 

the fact that she had not been hospitalized during the relevant period. Based on 

these factors, the ALJ determined that Brown was able to work, despite her 

depression and anxiety, so long as she had no interaction with the general public 

 

omitted)); Easter v. Bowen, 867 F.2d 1128, 1130 (8th Cir. 1989) (“[A]n applicant need not be 

completely bedridden or unable to perform any household chores to be considered disabled. 

See Yawitz v. Weinberger, 498 F.2d 956, 960 (8th Cir. 1974). What counts is the ability to 

perform as required on a daily basis in the ‘sometimes competitive and stressful’ 

environment of the working world. Douglas v. Bowen, 836 F.2d 392, 396 (8th Cir. 1987) 

(quoting McCoy v. Schweiker, 683 F.2d 1138, 1147 (8th Cir. 1982) (en banc)).”).

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 24 of 27
25

and only occasional interaction with coworkers and supervisors. The implication of 

the ALJ's credibility finding—that Brown's complaints were ‘not fully credible’—is 

thus clear to us. See Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1210. That is, it is clear that the ALJ found 

Brown's complaints credible, but that he found her complaints as to the severity of 

her limitations not credible. Therefore, the ALJ considered Brown's subjective 

complaints in light of the record as a whole and adequately explained his decision 

not to fully credit Brown's alleged limitations on her ability to work. See 20 C.F.R. 

§§ 404.1529(c)(4), 416.929(c)(4).”); Weekley v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 486 F. App'x 806, 

809 (11th Cir. Aug. 13, 2012) (per curiam) (unpublished) (“Here, the ALJ did not err 

by failing to explicitly cite to our three-part standard because the record reflects 

that the ALJ considered and cited to the regulations on which the standard is based 

and applied the standard correctly. Furthermore, substantial evidence supports the 

ALJ's determination that Weekley's subjective complaints of pain were not credible. 

When making a credibility determination, the ALJ must show that he considered 

the claimant's ‘medical condition as a whole,’ and in this case, the ALJ's analysis of 

the objective medical evidence and other evidence in the record complies with this 

requirement. See Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1210.”).

Here, the ALJ’s detailed discussion of the objective medical evidence of record 

sufficiently indicates that she considered Norwood’s medical condition as a whole in 

making her credibility determination. Considered in conjunction with her express 

reasons for discrediting Norwood, at least some of which are valid, see supra, the 

Court finds that the Commissioner’s decision in this regard is supported by 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 25 of 27
26

substantial evidence. Accordingly, the Commissioner’s decision is due to be 

affirmed as to the error alleged in Claim 2.

C. Claim 3 (Improper RFC Assessment)

Norwood’s arguments at Claim 3 that the ALJ’s RFC assessment is not 

supported by substantial evidence appear to be based primarily on the assumption 

that the Court would agree with his claims of error in Claim 1 and/or 2. Because 

the Court has not, see supra, Claim 3 also fails. Though Norwood asserts, in 

conclusory fashion, that the ALJ “did not explain how she concluded Mr. Norwood 

would be capable of doing limited light work on a sustained basis[,]” (Doc. 15 at 14), 

the Court again points out that “ ‘there is no rigid requirement that the ALJ 

specifically refer to every piece of evidence in his decision, so long as the ALJ's 

decision ... is not a broad rejection which is not enough to enable [a reviewing court] 

to conclude that the ALJ considered [the claimant's] medical condition as a whole.’ ” 

Mitchell, 771 F.3d at 782 (quoting Dyer, 395 F.3d at 1211 (quotation and brackets 

omitted)). “The ALJ's decision in this case was not a broad rejection and was 

sufficient to enable...this Court to conclude the ALJ considered [Norwood]'s medical 

condition as a whole” in formulating her RFC, id., and Norwood has offered no 

persuasive argument to the contrary. Accordingly, the Commissioner’s decision is 

due to be affirmed as to the error alleged in Claim 3.

V. Conclusion

In accordance with the foregoing analysis, it is ORDERED that the 

Commissioner’s final decision issued April 3, 2014, denying Norwood’s application 

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 26 of 27
27

for DIB and SSI benefits is AFFIRMED under 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3).

Final judgment shall issue separately in accordance with this Order and 

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 58.

DONE and ORDERED this the 11th day of May 2015.

/s/ Katherine P. Nelson

KATHERINE P. NELSON

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-00244-N Document 21 Filed 05/12/15 Page 27 of 27