Source: https://casetext.com/case/smith-v-commr-of-soc-sec-171
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 20:15:01+00:00

Document:
Smith v. Comm&apos;r of Soc. Sec.
SHERI S. SMITH, Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
Chief Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
Plaintiff, Sheri S. Smith ("Plaintiff"), brings this action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) for review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security ("Commissioner") denying her application for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits. This matter is before the undersigned for a Report and Recommendation on Plaintiff's Statement of Errors (ECF No. 6), the Commissioner's Response in Opposition (ECF No. 12), and the administrative record (ECF No. 5). For the reasons that follow, it is RECOMMENDED that Plaintiff's Statement of Errors be OVERRULED and that the Commissioner's decision be AFFIRMED.
Plaintiff protectively filed her application for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits on January 19, 2014. In her application, Plaintiff alleged a disability onset of September 8, 2008. Plaintiff's application was denied initially on March 31, 2014, and upon reconsideration on August 8, 2014. Plaintiff sought a hearing before an administrative law judge. Administrative Law Judge Paul E. Yerian ("ALJ") held a hearing on March 14, 2016, at which Plaintiff, represented by counsel, appeared and testified. Vocational expert Hermona C. Robinson, Ph.D. (the "VE") also appeared and testified at the hearing. On May 11, 2016, the ALJ issued a decision finding that Plaintiff was not disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act. On August 31, 2017, the Appeals Council denied Plaintiff's request for review and adopted the ALJ's decision as the Commissioner's final decision. Plaintiff then timely commenced the instant action.
In her Statement of Errors (ECF No. 6), Plaintiff advances two contentions of error. First, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ's residual functional capacity ("RFC") determination is not supported by substantial evidence. In Plaintiff's view, the ALJ relied on medical and opinion evidence that he incorrectly interpreted. The thrust of Plaintiff's argument is that the opinion evidence of record comprises a significant portion of the record and is consistent with a more restrictive RFC. Plaintiff further asserts that the ALJ cherry-picked the record "in an effort to support his own opinion." (Pl.'s Statement of Errors 8, ECF No. 6.) Second, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ failed to properly evaluate her statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of her symptoms. More specifically, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ inaccurately summarized Plaintiff's activities of daily living and failed to account for her extensive efforts to seek relief from her pain and other symptoms. Plaintiff concludes, therefore, that the ALJ's decision requires remand because it is not supported by substantial evidence.
1. Is the claimant engaged in substantial gainful activity?
2. Does the claimant suffer from one or more severe impairments?
3. Do the claimant's severe impairments, alone or in combination, meet or equal the criteria of an impairment set forth in the Commissioner's Listing of Impairments, 20 C.F.R. Subpart P, Appendix 1?
4. Considering the claimant's residual functional capacity, can the claimant perform his or her past relevant work?
5. Considering the claimant's age, education, past work experience, and residual functional capacity, can the claimant perform other work available in the national economy?
could frequently climb stairs and ramps, stoop, kneel, or crawl; and occasionally reach overhead.
Considering the criteria enumerated in the regulations for evaluating the claimant's subjective complaints, I conclude that the claimant's testimony is not fully consistent with or fully supported by the objective medical evidence. Moreover, the objective medical evidence does not conform to the severity of the alleged pain and other functional restrictions arising from the claimant's documented condition, and the claimant's objectively established medical condition is not of such severity as to reasonably be expected to produce disabling discomfort or other disabling functional limitations.
When reviewing a case under the Social Security Act, the Court "must affirm the Commissioner's decision if it 'is supported by substantial evidence and was made pursuant to proper legal standards.'" Rabbers v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 582 F.3d 647, 651 (6th Cir. 2009) (quoting Rogers v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007)); see also 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) ("The findings of the Commissioner of Social Security as to any fact, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive . . . ."). Under this standard, "substantial evidence is defined as 'more than a scintilla of evidence but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.'" Rogers, 486 F.3d at 241 (quoting Cutlip v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994)).
Although the substantial evidence standard is deferential, it is not trivial. The Court must "'take into account whatever in the record fairly detracts from [the] weight'" of the Commissioner's decision. TNS, Inc. v. NLRB, 296 F.3d 384, 395 (6th Cir. 2002) (quoting Universal Camera Corp. v. NLRB, 340 U.S. 474, 487 (1951)). Nevertheless, "if substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision, this Court defers to that finding 'even if there is substantial evidence in the record that would have supported an opposite conclusion.'" Blakley v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 581 F.3d 399, 406 (6th Cir. 2009) (quoting Key v. Callahan, 109 F.3d 270, 273 (6th Cir. 1997)).
Finally, even if the ALJ's decision meets the substantial evidence standard, "'a decision of the Commissioner will not be upheld where the SSA fails to follow its own regulations and where that error prejudices a claimant on the merits or deprives the claimant of a substantial right.'" Rabbers, 582 F.3d at 651 (quoting Bowen v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 478 F.3d 742, 746 (6th Cir. 2007)).
As set forth above, Plaintiff maintains that (1) the ALJ's RFC is not supported by substantial evidence and (2) the ALJ erred in evaluating Plaintiff's subjective statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of her symptoms. The undersigned addresses each of these contentions of error in turn.
A plaintiff's RFC "is defined as the most a [plaintiff] can still do despite the physical and mental limitations resulting from her impairments." Poe v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 342 F. App'x 149, 155 (6th Cir. 2009); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(a), 416.945(a). The determination of a claimant's RFC is an issue reserved to the Commissioner. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(e), 416.927(e). Nevertheless, substantial evidence must support the Commissioner's RFC finding. Berry v. Astrue, No. 1:09CV000411, 2010 WL 3730983, at *8 (S.D. Ohio June 18, 2010).
Plaintiff's contention that the ALJ erred by "cherry-picking" the evidence lacks merit. Significantly, Plaintiff does not challenge the ALJ's weighing and consideration of the opinion evidence. Rather, she maintains that the ALJ mischaracterized the evidence, arguing he erred in determining the opinions were inconsistent with the record, even though "the opinions make up a significant part of the record (8 exhibits)." (Pl.'s Statement of Errors 6, ECF No. 6.) The undersigned is not aware of any authority requiring an ALJ to include a particular RFC limitation based upon the quantity of record exhibits that support such a limitation. Regardless, Plaintiff misstates the proportion of the evidence comprised of opinions to which the ALJ gave limited weight. The medical evidence comprises several hundred pages of the greater-than 1,000 page record, whereas the discredited opinions account for fewer than thirty pages. (See R. at 373-77 (opinion from Dr. James Sardo); R. at 387-89 (opinion from Dr. Denise Choice); R. at 422-26 (opinion from Dr. Arvin Gallanosa); R. at 445-48 (opinion from Dr. Robert Stephenson); R. at 478 (opinion from Dr. Ralph Rohner); R. at 503, 506-08 (opinion from physical therapist Alice Moneypenny); R. at 917 (opinion from Dr. Ying Chen); R. at 1011-12, 1017-18 (reports of work ability).) Moreover, other record evidence and opinions (in addition to the opinions of the state agency reviewing physicians) support the ALJ's determination. For example, Dr. H. Tom Reynolds opined that Plaintiff "could possibly perform light duty physical activity levels limiting motion of right upper limb at the shoulder," and physical therapist Joy Atwood opined that Plaintiff could "occasionally lift up to 17.5 lbs . . . [and] carry up to 20 lbs." (R. at 444, 460.) See also 20 C.F.R 404.1567(b) ("Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even 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."). Plaintiff's argument that discredited opinions support a more restrictive RFC does not persuade the undersigned that remand is necessary in view of the countervailing record evidence upon which the ALJ relied. Rather, as set forth above, "there is a zone of choice within which the decision-makers can go either way, without interference by the courts." Blakely, 581 F.3d at 406; Her v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 203 F.3d 388, 389-90 (6th Cir. 1999) ("Even if the evidence could also support another conclusion, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge must stand if the evidence could reasonably support the conclusion reached.").
In summary, the undersigned concludes that the ALJ's RFC determination is supported by substantial evidence. Accordingly, it is RECOMMENDED that Plaintiff's first contention of error be OVERRULED.
For decisions rendered on or after March 28, 2016, the ALJ will evaluate a claimant's statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of symptoms of an alleged disability under SSR 16-3p. SSR 16-3p, 2017 WL 5180304 (Oct. 25, 2017). SSR 16-3p superseded SSR 96-7p, 1996 WL 374186 (July 2, 1996), which required the ALJ to evaluate the overall credibility of a plaintiff's statements. In contrast, SSR 16-3p requires the ALJ to evaluate the consistency of a plaintiff's statements, without reaching the question of overall credibility, or character for truthfulness. See id. at *11 ("In evaluating an individual's symptoms, our adjudicators will not assess an individual's overall character or truthfulness in the manner typically used during an adversarial court litigation. The focus of the evaluation of an individual's symptoms should not be to determine whether he or she is a truthful person."). Although SSR 16-3p supersedes SSR 96-7p, "according to the very language of SSR 16-3p, its purpose is to 'clarify' the rules concerning subjective symptom evaluation and not to substantially change them." Brothers v. Berryhill, No. 5:16-cv-01942, 2017 WL 2912535, at *10 (N.D. Ohio June 22, 2017). The rules were clarified primarily to account for the difference between a credibility determination, which necessarily impacts the entirety of a claimant's subjective testimony, and a consistency determination, which applies only to specific statements regarding symptoms. See SSR 16-3p at *2. It follows, therefore, that the procedures for reviewing an ALJ's credibility assessment under SSR 16-3p are substantially the same as the procedures under SSR 96-7p. Accordingly, the undersigned concludes that existing case law controls to the extent it is consistent with the clarification of the rules embodied in SSR 16-3p's clarification.
Where the symptoms and not the underlying condition form the basis of the disability claim, a two-part analysis is used in evaluating complaints of disabling pain. 20 C.F.R. § 416.929(a); Buxton v. Halter, 246 F.3d 762, 773 (6th Cir. 2001); Felisky v. Bowen, 35 F.3d 1027, 1038-39 (6th Cir. 1994). First, the ALJ will ask whether the there is an underlying medically determinable physical impairment that could reasonably be expected to produce the claimant's symptoms. 20 C.F.R. § 416.929(a). Second, if the ALJ finds that such an impairment exists, then he must evaluate the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of the symptoms on the individual's ability to do basic work activities. Id.
Rogers, 486 F.3d at 247.
The ALJ's credibility determination "with respect to [a claimant's] subjective complaints of pain" is generally given deference. Allen v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 561 F.3d 646, 652 (6th Cir. 2009) (quoting Siterlet v. Sec'y of Health & Hum. Servs., 823 F.2d 918, 920 (6th Cir. 1987)). Despite this deference, "an ALJ's assessment of a claimant's credibility must be supported by substantial evidence." Walters, 127 F.3d at 531. Furthermore, the ALJ's decision on credibility must be "based on a consideration of the entire record." Rogers, 486 F.3d at 247 (internal quotation omitted). An ALJ's explanation of his or her credibility decision "must be sufficiently specific to make clear to the individual and to any subsequent reviewers the weight the adjudicator gave to the individual's statements and the reasons for that weight." Id. at 248; see also Mason v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec. Admin., No. 1:06-CV-1566, 2012 WL 669930, at *10 (N.D. Ohio Feb. 29, 2012) ("While the ALJ's credibility findings 'must be sufficiently specific', Rogers, 486 F.3d at 248, the intent behind this standard is to ensure meaningful appellate review."). In addition, the Regulations list a variety of factors an ALJ must consider in evaluating the severity of symptoms, including a claimant's daily activities; the effectiveness of medication; and treatment other than medication. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3); SSR 16-3p; but see Ewing v. Astrue, No. 1:10-cv-1792, 2011 WL 3843692, at *9 (N.D. Ohio Aug. 12, 2011), adopted, 2011 WL 3843703 (suggesting that although an ALJ is required to consider such factors, he or she is not required to discuss every factor within the written decision).
She testified that she  did not perform any household chores, that she performed most of her personal care with her left arm, with help from her husband with some activities, and that she only drove about two times a week because of her limitations. However, the treatment notes indicate that she could perform her personal care independently, with only some modification due to decreased range of motion. Other notes reflect the ability to do yardwork, drive and lift light to medium weights. Additionally, despite standing two to three times during the hearing, the claimant was able to attend the hearing proceedings closely and fully.
(R. at 68.) The record supports the ALJ's findings. For example, the record supports the ALJ's observation that Plaintiff is able to perform her personal care, generally without assistance. (See, e.g., R. at 462 ("[Plaintiff] is independent with activities of daily living . . . including: dressing, grooming, bathing, hygiene, [and] cooking . . . ."); R. at 505 ("The client reports that she is able to perform her personal care activities independently, although she has had to change the way that she does those activities secondary to her decreased ROM and strength and increasing pain."); R. at 551 (Plaintiff's reports, including "Can wash and bathe myself, [c]an dress myself, can do all my self care . . . ."); R. at 565 ("Can do all my self care . . . .").) The record also supports the ALJ's acknowledgment that Plaintiff has reported the ability to do yardwork, chores, drive, and lift up to medium weights. (See, e.g., R. at 462 (reporting Plaintiff's ability to perform basic chores, although "[m]inimal assistance is required for laundry"); R. at 505 ("The client reports that she is . . . able to lift light to medium weights that are conveniently placed."); R. at 551 (Plaintiff reporting that she "can drive a vehicle, can ride in a vehicle, [and] can do yardwork").) Finally, in performing a "work related" assessment, Ms. Atwood observed that Plaintiff "demonstrated the ability to occasionally lift up to 17.5 lbs. [f]loor to [w]aist, 15 lbs. [w]aist to [s]houlder, carry up to 20 lbs, push 29.6 lbs. of force, and pull 18.6 lbs. of force." (R. at 460.) Thus, although some record evidence support the conclusion that Plaintiff is more limited in her activities of daily living, (see, e.g., R. at 424), the undersigned finds that substantial evidence supports the ALJ's findings with respect to Plaintiff's activities of daily living.
Plaintiff's reliance on the credibility findings of the state agency reviewing physicians is likewise misplaced. Plaintiff correctly notes that Drs. Cacchillo and Das found Plaintiff to be fully credible, reasoning that "[Plaintiff's] statements regarding her impairments are consistent with the objective findings in [the] file and are considered credible." (R. at 135, 150.) As the Commissioner points out, however, Drs. Cacchillo and Das also found that Plaintiff's statements about the intensity, persistence, and functionally limiting effects of her symptoms are not substantiated by the objective medical evidence alone. (R. at 135, 149.) Moreover, even though Drs. Cacchillo and Das found Plaintiff to be credible, they opined that she retained the functional capacity to engage in light work with postural limitations. As discussed above, the ALJ assigned significant weight to the opinions of Drs. Cacchillo and Das, a determination that Plaintiff does not challenge, and essentially mirrored the limitations they opined in his RFC determination. That is, to the extent Plaintiff alleged that she required limitations greater than that they and the ALJ assessed, Drs. Cacchillo and Das clearly did not find such allegations credible.
Finally, contrary to Plaintiff's arguments, the ALJ considered Plaintiff's attempts to find pain relief at length. (See R. at 65-67 (detailing Plaintiff's treatment history, including continuing reports of pain and associated treatments).) Plaintiff fails to acknowledge that the ALJ also observed that following Plaintiff's surgeries, she received only conservative treatments (see R. at 66 ("The claimant did not require any more aggressive treatment measures prior to her date last insured."); R. at 68 ("Follow up imaging studies [of the cervical spine] showed a stable appearance of both the anterior and posterior instrumentation (Exhibit 31F, p.4). She was released to being physical therapy in November 2013.")), and that she displayed some non-compliance with treatment recommendations (see, e.g., R. at 68 ("Despite her pain complaints, she indicated that she was only taking pain medication about every other day." (citation omitted)); R. at 116 (Plaintiff's testimony that "I'm very, very concerned about becoming an addict. I take pain medication very, very rarely.")). Cf. Richendollar v. Colvin, No. 1:13-cv-495, 2014 WL 4910477, at *5 (S.D. Ohio Aug. 7, 2014) ("A claimant's failure to follow treatment can indicate that he is not as disabled as alleged." (citing Mullen v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 535, 547 (6th Cir. 1986))); Tate v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec'y, 467 F. App'x 431, 433 (6th Cir. 2012) (holding that substantial evidence supported ALJ's weighing of treating physician's opinion where there were substantial gaps in treatment); Lester v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 596 F. App'x 387, 389 (6th Cir. 2015) (concluding that ALJ reasonably discounted a doctor's opined limitations where, among other things, the claimant was receiving conservative treatment).
In sum, the undersigned finds that the ALJ properly evaluated the consistency of Plaintiff's statements regarding her symptoms and limitations and that substantial evidence support his credibility assessment. Although substantial evidence may also support an alternative finding, the undersigned agrees with the Commissioner that the ALJ's findings were within the ALJ's permissible "zone of choice." See Blakley, 581 F.3d at 406. Accordingly, it is RECOMMENDED that Plaintiff's second contention of error be OVERRULED.
From a review of the record as a whole, the undersigned concludes that substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision denying benefits. Accordingly, it is RECOMMENDED that the Court OVERRULE Plaintiff's Statement of Errors and AFFIRM the Commissioner of Social Security's decision.
If any party objects to this Report and Recommendation, that party may, within fourteen (14) days of the date of this Report, file and serve on all parties written objections to those specific proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is made, together with supporting authority for the objection(s). A Judge of this Court shall make a de novo determination of those portions of the Report or specified proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is made. Upon proper objections, a Judge of this Court may accept, reject, or modify, in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made herein, may receive further evidence or may recommit this matter to the Magistrate Judge with instructions. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1).
The parties are specifically advised that failure to object to the Report and Recommendation will result in a waiver of the right to have the District Judge review the Report and Recommendation de novo, and also operates as a waiver of the right to appeal the decision of the District Court adopting the Report and Recommendation. See Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140 (1985); United States v. Walters, 638 F.2d 947 (6th Cir. 1981).
See 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(a)(4); see also Henley v. Astrue, 573 F.3d 263, 264 (6th Cir. 2009); Foster v. Halter, 279 F.3d 348, 354 (6th Cir. 2001).

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