Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ca6-14-04140/USCOURTS-ca6-14-04140-0/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Commissioner of Social Security
Appellee
Anthony Mark Reeves
Appellant

Document Text:

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FULL-TEXT PUBLICATION

File Name: 15a0498n.06

No. 14-4140

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT

ANTHONY REEVES,

Plaintiff-Appellant,

v.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, 

Defendant-Appellee.

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ON APPEAL FROM THE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT

COURT FOR THE NORTHERN

DISTRICT OF OHIO

OPINION

Before: MOORE and COOK, Circuit Judges, and COHN, District Judge.



AVERN COHN, District Judge. This is a social security case. Plaintiff-Appellant 

Anthony Mark Reeves (“Reeves”) challenges the decision of an Administrative Law Judge 

(“ALJ”) of the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) denying his application for Disability 

Insurance Benefits (“DIB”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), which became the final 

decision of Defendant–Appellee Commissioner of Social Security (“Commissioner”). Reeves 

appealed to the district court, which granted the Commissioner’s motion for summary judgment. 

Reeves appeals, arguing that the ALJ made errors of law and fact that resulted in an incorrect 

decision to deny benefits. For the reasons that follow, we AFFIRM the district court’s 

judgment. 

 



The Honorable Avern Cohn, Senior United States District Judge for the Eastern District 

of Michigan, sitting by designation.

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I. BACKGROUND

A. Employment History

Reeves was born in 1967 and was forty-four years old at the time of the ALJ’s decision. 

He has an eleventh-grade education. Prior to applying for Social Security benefits, Reeves was 

employed in a steel mill for six years and worked as a dump truck and fork lift operator for ten 

years. In addition, he worked part time at a supermarket for approximately ten years until it 

closed in November of 2007. Reeves has not worked since that time and unsuccessfully sought

employment for two years before filing for Social Security benefits. 

B. Relevant Medical History1

1. Treatment Records for Physical Impairments

In August 2007, Reeves sought treatment for left neck and scapulothoracic pain and ear 

ringing with Nicholas Finley, M.D. Dr. Finley noted that Reeves had some signs of cervical disc 

disease, as well as tenderness along his left rotator cuff and trapezius muscle. Dr. Finley 

prescribed a muscle relaxant, recommended heat and massage treatment, and suggested a steroid 

injection, which Reeves refused.

Two years later, Reeves saw Paula Sprow, MSN, CRNP, for high blood pressure and 

neck pain, as well as numbness in his left arm when his neck pain flared. Ms. Sprow found no 

abnormalities in Reeves’s neck and noted that he had a full range of motion. Ms. Sprow 

recommended a pain reliever for his neck pain, along with stretching exercises and alternating 

 

1 Although the record contains extensive information relating to Reeves’s medical history, only 

those records relevant to the instant appeal are noted here. 

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heat/ice treatments. She increased Reeves’s blood pressure medication and advised him to 

follow up in three months. (R. 13 at 337, ID 383) 

On May 24, 2010, Reeves went to an emergency room complaining of neck pain that 

radiated down his left arm and numbness that affected his grip. He also reported a restricted 

range of motion in his left arm. The report noted that Reeves underwent neck surgery in 1990 

for a fracture he sustained in a car accident. A CT scan of his cervical spine showed 

degenerative spondylosis with marginal spurs at multiple levels and disc degeneration with postsurgical changes at the site of the earlier fracture. However, the CT scan revealed no recent 

evidence of acute fracture, dislocation, disc herniation, or spinal stenosis. Reeves was diagnosed 

with cervical radiculopathy, prescribed a pain reliever and a soft cervical collar, and advised to 

follow up with his family doctor and to undergo physical therapy. (R. 13 at 338-45, ID 384-91)

A year later, Reeves saw M. Stalter, M.D., complaining of weakness in his upper left arm 

and some pain and numbness in the lower extremity. Dr. Stalter observed that Reeves had 

tenderness along his cervical spine and slightly reduced strength (four out of five) in his left arm. 

Dr. Stalter noted that this was consistent with cervical radiculopathy and referred Reeves to an 

orthopedic surgeon, Ashok Biyani, M.D., for consultation and treatment of his neck pain. (R. 13 

at 420, ID 466)

At Reeves’s appointment with Dr. Biyani, he reviewed Reeves’s medical file, including 

the May 24, 2010, CT scan. Dr. Biyani noted that Reeves displayed tenderness with range of 

motion deficits in cervical extension, flexion, and rotation. Dr. Biyani determined that Reeves 

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had degenerative disc disease in his cervical spine and left arm radiculopathy, and recommended 

that Reeves start physical therapy. (R. 13 at 409-10, ID 455-56) Reeves did not return to see 

Dr. Biyani, nor has he sought physical therapy per Dr. Biyani’s recommendation. 

2. Consultative Records for Physical Impairments

Reeves met with consultative examiner Lamberto Diaz, M.D., for a disability 

examination. Dr. Diaz stated that Reeves presented with the “rather interesting syndrome” of 

numbness on the left side of the body, which extended periodically to the right hand. Dr. Diaz 

further noted that while Reeves claimed to have weakness in his left arm and loss of fine 

manipulation, his musculature was well preserved. Dr. Diaz concluded that based on Reeves’s 

history, he would not be suitable for sedentary work. However, Dr. Diaz also suggested that 

Reeves undergo neurological/neurosurgical and psychiatric evaluations to make a final 

determination as to whether his symptoms were attributable to malingering, neurological 

changes, or neuropathy cause by his alcoholism. (R. 13 at 405-07, ID 451-53) 

Reeves additionally underwent consultation by two state agency physicians. In August 

2010, Willa Caldwell, M.D., opined that Reeves retained the ability to perform a reduced range 

of light work. Dr. Caldwell found that, despite Reeves’s impairments, he could lift twenty 

pounds occasionally, ten pounds frequently, and stand, sit, and/or walk six hours in an eight hour 

day. She also found that Reeves was limited to occasional pushing, pulling, overhead reaching 

with his left arm, and climbing ladders, ropes, and scaffolding. However, Dr. Caldwell stated 

that Reeves was unlimited in his ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb ramps and 

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stairs, and did not have any manipulative, visual, communication, or environmental limitations. 

(R. 13 at 85-87, ID 131-33) 

In March 2011, state agency physician Lynne Torello, M.D., reached similar conclusions 

to those of Dr. Caldwell, with a few additional limitations. Dr. Torello opined that Reeves could 

not climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds and could only occasionally balance and crawl. Dr. Torello 

additionally stated that Reeves was limited in his ability to perform fine and gross manipulation 

with his left hand, and that he should avoid heights, moderate exposure to dangerous machinery, 

and concentrated exposure to vibrations. (R. 13 at 114-16, ID 160-62) 

3. Treatment Records for Mental Impairments

Between December 2010 and November 2011, Reeves sought mental health treatment at 

Maumee Valley Guidance Center under the care of psychiatrist Enedina Berrones, M.D., and 

counselor David Brown, P.C.C. Reeves initially sought counseling to help with anger 

management and binge drinking. During this period, his mental health treatment consisted of 

counseling and a medication regimen. In January 2011, Mr. Brown diagnosed Reeves with 

adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood and alcohol abuse, and assessed his 

Global Assessment Functioning score (“GAF”) at 51, indicating “moderate symptoms.” 

Dr. Berrones later updated Reeves’s diagnosis to (1) depressive disorder; (2) pain disorder 

associated with psychological factors and a general medical condition chronic; and (3) alcohol 

dependence and nicotine dependence. His GAF score was assessed at 51-60, indicating “some 

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difficulty in functioning.” As of November 2011, Reeves’s diagnoses and GAF rating remained 

unchanged. (R. 13 at 431-44, ID 477-90) 

4. Consultative Records for Mental Impairments

In September 2010, Reeves met with consultative examiner Neil Shamberg, Ph.D., for a 

disability mental assessment. Dr. Shamberg opined that Reeves was of low-average intelligence 

and diagnosed him with major depressive disorder, bereavement, anxiety disorder, and nicotine 

and alcohol dependence. Dr. Shamberg gave Reeves a GAF score of 41, indicating that he has 

“serious symptoms.” Addressing Reeves’s work-related mental abilities, Dr. Shamberg opined 

that Reeves had marked limitations in his ability to relate to others and in his ability to withstand 

the stress and pressures associated with day-to-day work, as well as moderate limitations in his 

ability to understand, remember, and follow instructions and in his ability to maintain attention, 

concentration, persistence, or pace. (R. 13 at 388-93, ID 434-39) 

In October 2010, a state agency psychologist Melanie Bergsten, Ph.D., opined that 

Reeves was moderately limited in his ability to get along with co-workers and interact with the 

public; accept instructions; respond appropriately to changes in the work setting; and to complete 

a normal workday. Dr. Bergsten found that Reeves was capable of performing work-related 

tasks in situations where duties are relatively static and changes can be explained. Dr. Bergsten 

then considered the opinion of Dr. Shamberg and assigned it only partial weight, stating that it 

lacked substantial support from the record, which did not indicate more than a moderate degree 

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of impairment in Reeves’s ability to relate to others and tolerate stress. (R. 13 at 100-02, ID 146-

48) 

Similarly, in April 2011, state agency psychologist John Waddell, Ph.D., issued an 

assessment virtually identical to that of Dr. Bergsten. He opined that Reeves was moderately 

limited in his ability to maintain concentration; get along with co-workers and interact with the 

public; accept instructions; respond appropriately to changes in the work setting; and complete a 

normal workday. Like Dr. Bergsten, Dr. Waddell assigned Dr. Shamberg’s opinion partial 

weight because it lacked substantial support from the record. (R. 13 at 117-18, ID 163-64)

C. Procedural History

Reeves applied for disability and social security benefits in 2010, alleging a disability 

onset date of October 1, 2009, due to neck injury, left knee problems, and prior heart attack. The 

SSA denied the application, and Reeves requested a hearing before an ALJ. 

The ALJ denied Reeves’s claims for DIB and SSI. Relevant here, the ALJ found that 

Reeves retained the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to perform a range of light work.2 

However, he was limited to work that required only occasional overhead reaching with his left 

arm, occasional handling of objects with his left hand, and occasional fine manipulation with his 

left hand. In addition, the ALJ stated that Reeves must be allowed to alternate between sitting 

 

2

“Light work” is work that “involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent 

lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds,” and may include “some pushing and 

pulling of arm or leg controls.” 20 C.F.R. 404.1567(b); 20 C.F.R. 416.967(b).

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and standing throughout the workday and that he should be limited to simple, repetitive tasks and 

only occasional interaction with the public. (Tr. 13 at 19-20, ID 65-66) 

In reaching his decision, the ALJ discussed Reeves’s medical history and assigned 

varying degrees of weight to the medical opinions that were presented. Relevant here, the ALJ 

described the findings of Dr. Biyani, in particular Dr. Biyani’s conclusions that Reeves suffered 

from degenerative disc disease, left arm radiculopathy, and tenderness with a diminished range 

of motion in the cervical spine. The ALJ also noted that Dr. Biyani recommended physical 

therapy. Although the ALJ did not assign a specific weight to Dr. Biyani’s opinion, he did 

emphasize that Reeves failed to return to Dr. Biyani after the initial consultation. (Tr. 13 at 21-

22, ID 67-68) The ALJ also discussed the findings of the state agency physicians, Drs. Caldwell 

and Torello, and psychologists, Drs. Bergsten and Waddell. The ALJ stated that these opinions

were given great weight because they are consistent with the record as a whole. (Tr. 13 at 25, ID 

71)

Following the ALJ’s unfavorable decision the appeals council denied Reeves’s request 

for review, rendering the ALJ’s decision the final decision of the Commissioner. On June 28, 

2013, Reeves filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. A 

magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation concluding that the ALJ’s decision was 

supported by substantial evidence and should be affirmed. The district court judge concurred 

with the magistrate judge’s findings and affirmed the Commissioner’s decision. This appeal 

followed.

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II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

On appeal, the court reviews de novo a district court’s decision regarding Social Security 

disability benefits, Valley v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 427 F.3d 388, 390 (6th Cir. 2005), bearing in 

mind that the limited inquiry is whether substantial evidence supports the Commissioner’s 

findings and whether the Commissioner applied the correct legal standards, White v. Comm’r of 

Soc. Sec., 572 F.3d 272, 281 (6th Cir. 2009). The substantial-evidence standard requires the 

Court to affirm the Commissioner’s findings if they are supported by “such relevant evidence as 

a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Richardson v. Perales, 

402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971). The ALJ’s failure to follow agency rules and regulations “denotes a 

lack of substantial evidence, even where the conclusion of the ALJ may be justified based upon 

the record.” Blakley v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 581 F.3d 399, 407 (6th Cir. 2009) (internal citation 

and quotation marks omitted).

III. DISCUSSION

Reeves asserts three errors on appeal. First, he argues that ALJ erred in not giving Dr. 

Biyani’s opinion controlling weight on the issue of his range of motion deficits in cervical 

extension, flexion, and rotation. Next, Reeves argues that the ALJ’s assignment of great weight 

to the state agency medical and psychological consultants’ opinions was vague, internally 

inconsistent, and illogical. Finally, Reeves argues that the ALJ erred by not incorporating 

limitations related to his lumbar spine, cervical spine, right hand, and mental health impairments 

into the RFC assessment. Each claim of error is addressed in turn.

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A. Weight Given to Dr. Biyani’s Opinion

1. The Treating-Source Rule

The Social Security Administration defines three types of medical sources: nonexamining sources, non-treating (but examining) sources, and treating sources. See 20 C.F.R. 

§ 404.1502; see also Ealy v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 594 F.3d 504, 514 (6th Cir. 2010). A 

physician qualifies as a treating source if there is an “ongoing treatment relationship” such that 

the claimant sees the physician “with a frequency consistent with accepted medical practice for 

the type of treatment and/or evaluation required for [the] medical condition.” 20 C.F.R. 

§ 404.1502; see also Smith v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 482 F.3d 873, 876 (6th Cir. 2007). 

Under the “Treating-Source Rule,” the opinions of a claimant’s treating physician are 

generally given more weight than those of non-treating and non-examining physicians. 

20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2). Further, if the opinion of a treating physician is “well-supported by 

medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with 

the other substantial evidence in [the] case record,” then an ALJ “will give it controlling weight.” 

Id.; see also Wilson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 378 F.3d 541, 544 (6th Cir. 2004).

When an ALJ does not give the treating source’s opinion controlling weight, the ALJ 

must consider a number of factors in considering how much weight is appropriate. Rogers v. 

Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 242 (6th Cir. 2007). These factors include the length of the 

treatment relationship with the physician, the nature and extent of that relationship, the frequency 

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of examination, the supportability of the physician’s opinion, the consistency of that opinion 

with the record as a whole, and the specialization of the physician. Wilson, 378 F.3d at 544. 

Further, the ALJ is procedurally required to give “good reasons” for discounting treating 

physicians’ opinions, which are “sufficiently specific to make clear to any subsequent reviewers 

the weight the adjudicator gave to the treating source’s medical opinion and the reasons for that 

weight.” Rogers, 486 F.3d at 242 (quoting Soc. Sec. Rul. 96–2p, 1996 WL 374188, at *4). 

“However, this requirement only applies to treating sources.” Ealy, 594 F.3d at 514 (citation 

omitted) (emphasis in original). 

2. Dr. Biyani’s Opinion Is Not Entitled to Controlling Weight

Reeves first argues that the ALJ erred in not giving the opinion of Dr. Biyani, a treating 

physician, controlling weight on the issue of Reeves’s range of motion deficits in cervical 

extension, flexion, and rotation. For several reasons, this argument is without merit. 

To begin, Dr. Biyani’s opinion is not entitled to treating-source review. Reeves’s 

medical records show that he saw Dr. Biyani only once. Although Dr. Biyani recommended 

physical therapy and offered to see Reeves again if his symptoms continued, Reeves neither 

began physical therapy nor returned to Dr. Biyani for further consultation. (Tr. 13 at 410, ID 

456) This does not constitute an “ongoing treatment relationship” under Social Security 

regulations. See, e.g., Smith, 482 F.3d at 876 (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1502) (holding that a 

physician who examined the claimant only once and completed a single “physical capacity 

evaluation” was not a treating source).

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In addition, Dr. Biyani’s report never offered any relevant opinion regarding Reeves’s 

impairments or work-related abilities. In contrast to the state agency physicians, Dr. Biyani 

merely evaluated Reeves for neck pain and left arm pain, and determined that Reeves had 

tenderness in his cervical spine, diminished range of motion including flexion, extension, and 

rotation, and radicular pain in the left arm. (Tr. 13 at 409, ID 455) However, Dr. Biyani made 

no comment on the extent to which these impairments would limit his ability to work, nor the 

practical degree to which Reeves’s range of motion in his left arm was reduced. 

Given Dr. Biyani’s limited treatment relationship with Reeves and the limited content of 

his medical report, the ALJ gave appropriate weight to Dr. Biyani’s medical findings. Although 

Reeves is correct that the ALJ did not assign a particular weight to Dr. Biyani’s opinion or 

determine whether his opinion would be provided controlling weight, the ALJ was not required 

to do so because Dr. Biyani was not a treating physician. Further, to the extent Dr. Biyani did 

provide an opinion regarding Reeves’s physical symptoms, the ALJ accurately described his 

findings, for example: degenerative disc changes; good range of motion in his upper extremities; 

tenderness in the cervical spine; and radicular pain and diminished range of flexion, extension, 

and rotation in the left arm. (Tr. 13 at 21, ID 67) 

Reeves’s argument that the ALJ provided “no weight to Dr. Biyani’s opinion at all” is 

therefore without merit. (Appellant Br. at 30) Reeves says that the ALJ erred by failing to 

include the limitations of rotation, flexion, and extension in the RFC assessment; however, Dr. 

Biyani’s report provided no practical information as to the degree to which Reeves’s range of 

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motion was diminished. To the extent Dr. Biyani’s report did provide relevant medical 

information, the ALJ appropriately weighed and considered this evidence. 

B. Weight Given to State Agency Consultants’ Opinions

Reeves next argues that the ALJ erred in giving controlling weight to the state agency 

medical consultants’ physical assessments (Drs. Caldwell and Torello) and the psychological 

consultants’ mental assessments (Drs. Bergsten and Waddell). This argument, too, is without 

merit.

In his decision, the ALJ stated that these opinions were given great weight because they 

are “consistent with the record as a whole.” (Tr. 13 at 25, ID 71) Generally, an ALJ is permitted 

to rely on state agency physician’s opinions to the same extent as she may rely on opinions from 

other sources. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527. Thus, an ALJ may provide greater weight to a state 

agency physician’s opinion when the physician’s finding and rationale are supported by evidence 

in the record. Id.; see also Hoskins v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 106 F. App’x 412, 415 (6th Cir. 

2004) (“State agency medical consultants are considered experts and their opinions may be 

entitled to greater weight if their opinions are supported by the evidence.”).

1. The ALJ Gave Appropriate Weight to the Medical Consultants’ Opinions

With regard to Reeves’s physical impairments, the ALJ gave appropriate weight to Dr. 

Caldwell’s and Dr. Torello’s opinions because both were supported by the record as a whole. 

Here, the record repeatedly shows that Reeves suffered from degenerative disc disease, left arm 

and hand radiculopathy, and pain/tenderness in the cervical spine. Despite these limitations, the 

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record also indicates that Reeves has good range of motion in the left arm with no evidence of 

acute fractures, dislocations, disc herniation, or spinal stenosis. 

These limitations were reflected in Dr. Caldwell’s and Dr. Torello’s opinions. Both 

doctors stated that Reeves should be limited to occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, and reaching 

overhead with his left arm. In addition, Dr. Torello stated that Reeves had manipulative 

limitations in his left hand. These limitations, in turn, were incorporated into the ALJ’s RFC 

assessment, which stated that Reeves should be limited to “light work” with some additional 

restrictions. 

Reeves also argues that the ALJ erred by failing to incorporate any balancing, avoidance 

of hazards, avoidance of vibration, and left arm feeling limitations into the RFC assessment. 

However, only Dr. Torello described these limitations, which lack substantial support elsewhere 

in the record. Although the ALJ gave great weight to Dr. Torello’s opinion, he was not required 

to incorporate the entirety of her opinion, especially those findings that are not substantially 

supported by evidence in the record. 

2. The ALJ Gave Appropriate Weight to the Psychological Consultants’ Opinions

With regard to Reeves’s psychological impairments, the RFC assessments by Dr. 

Bergsten and Dr. Waddell were virtually identical. Reeves argues that the ALJ erred by failing 

to include any RFC limitation related to contact with fellow workers or supervisors. 

In their assessments, both psychologists stated that Reeves is moderately limited in his 

ability to interact appropriately with the public and is “able to relate to a few familiar others on a 

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superficial basis.” (Tr. 13 at 118, 135, ID 164, 181) In addition, Dr. Shamberg stated that 

Reeves had marked limitations in his ability to relate to others. The ALJ, in his mental RFC 

assessment, accounted for these limitations in social interaction by limiting Reeves to “only 

occasional interaction with the public.” (Tr. 13 at 20, ID 66) 

Reeves says that the ALJ’s RFC assessment is inconsistent with Dr. Bergsten’s and Dr. 

Waddell’s opinions. This argument is without merit. The ALJ is charged with assessing a 

claimant’s RFC “based on all of the relevant medical and other evidence” of record. 20 C.F.R. 

§ 416.945(a)(3). Even where an ALJ provides “great weight” to an opinion, there is no 

requirement that an ALJ adopt a state agency psychologist’s opinions verbatim; nor is the ALJ 

required to adopt the state agency psychologist’s limitations wholesale. See, e.g., Harris v. 

Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., No. 1:13-CV-00260, 2014 WL 346287, at *11 (N.D. Ohio Jan. 30, 

2014). Here, the ALJ’s mental RFC determination was supported by substantial evidence in the 

record and is not inconsistent with either of the state agency psychologists’ opinions. 

C. The ALJ’s RFC Assessment

Finally, Reeves argues that the ALJ failed to incorporate lumbar spine, cervical spine, 

right hand, and mental health impairments into the RFC assessment. This argument, too, is 

without merit.

Regarding his physical limitations, Reeves relies primarily on Dr. Diaz’s opinion. In Dr. 

Diaz’s range-of-motion testing, he found that Reeves was limited in his dorsolumbar flexion, 

extension, and right and left lateral flexion. (Tr. 13 at 403, ID 449) He also concluded that 

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Reeves had deficits in cervical flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left 

rotation. (Tr. 13 at 402, ID 448) Dr. Diaz also reported that Reeves displayed some grip 

weakness, diminished flexion and extension, and tremors in the right hand. (Tr. 13 at 406, ID 

452) In addition, with respect to Reeves’s cervical impairments, he relied on Dr. Biyani’s 

findings described above. 

The ALJ’s decision, however, only assigned “some weight” to Dr. Diaz’s opinion,3

stating that his conclusion that Reeves would not be suitable for sedentary work was not 

supported by the totality of the evidence or by his own conclusions. Indeed, Dr. Diaz’s own 

report suggested that Reeves’s symptoms might be due to “anxiety/malingering of unclear 

origin” and recommended further evaluation to determine whether his symptoms were caused by 

malingering, neurological changes, or neuropathy caused by his alcoholism. In addition, as 

noted above, Dr. Biyani’s findings on Reeves’s cervical range of motion provided no 

information as to the degree to which his range of motion was diminished. Nor did either state 

agency medical consultant—whose opinions the ALJ provided great weight—conclude that 

Reeves’s cervical range of motion impairments limited his physical capacity to perform workrelated activities. 

With regard to Reeves’s mental impairments, his objections are duplicative of his 

argument that the ALJ erred in giving great weight to the state agency psychological consultants’ 

opinions. See Part III.B.2., supra. As explained above, these arguments are without merit. 

 

3 Reeves does not assert that the ALJ’s assignment of “some weight” to Dr. Diaz’s opinion was 

an error. 

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For these reasons, the ALJ appropriately incorporated all of Reeves’s impairments that 

were credibly established and supported by the totality of the evidence. The ALJ’s RFC 

determination is supported by substantial evidence and must be affirmed. 

IV. CONCLUSION

For the above reasons, we AFFIRM the district court’s judgment upholding the 

Commissioner of Social Security’s denial of disability benefits.

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