Opinion ID: 695581
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Listed Impairment

Text: 7 The ALJ determined that Shannon had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since October 1990, and found that he suffers from degenerative arthritis in both knees. Nonetheless, the ALJ concluded that Shannon does not have a listed impairment as defined by the applicable regulations. Shannon argues that this conclusion is erroneous. In order for Shannon to meet the listing criteria for his knee injury, he must demonstrate, among other things, gross anatomical deformity of his knees, and a markedly limited ability to walk and stand. 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, App. 1, Sec. 1.03. Although Shannon admittedly has knee problems, substantial evidence supports the conclusion that these problems do not rise to the level of the listed impairment. 8 The medical records provided by two of Shannon's consulting physicians, Dr. Hester and Dr. Lopez, support the ALJ's conclusion. In September 1991, Dr. Hester examined Shannon. Dr. Hester found no significant physical disability and did not recommend that Shannon restrict his activities in any way. In December 1991, Dr. Lopez, a physician chosen by Shannon, concluded that Shannon had severe traumatic arthritis of both knees. However, Dr. Lopez opined that Shannon's knee problems should only keep him from doing work which required prolonged standing or walking. From these evaluations, the ALJ could find that Shannon's impairment was not serious enough to meet the listing criteria. 9 In addition, Shannon's encounters with doctors appear to be linked primarily to his quest to obtain benefits, rather than to obtain medical treatment. Shannon has only received medical treatment once since 1990. Given his alleged pain, Shannon's failure to seek medical treatment may be inconsistent with a finding of disability. Johnson v. Bowen, 866 F.2d 274, 275 (8th Cir.1989). Shannon argues that his failure to seek treatment should be relevant only with regards to his subjective complaints of pain, and not to the objective determination as to whether he meets the listing criteria. We reject this argument. While not dispositive, a failure to seek treatment may indicate the relative seriousness of a medical problem. Especially in cases such as this one where medical evidence is conflicting, a claimant's failure to seek treatment may buttress a particular physician's opinion. 10 Our conclusion regarding the medical evidence does not change after considering Dr. Ledbetter's evaluation. Shannon submitted the testimony of Dr. Ledbetter when his claim was before the Appeals Council. Although the ALJ did not have the benefit of Dr. Ledbetter's evaluation, we will consider it when deciding whether there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ's decision. Browning v. Sullivan, 958 F.2d 817, 823 (8th Cir.1992). 11 Dr. Ledbetter's opinion was significantly more pessimistic than that of the other doctors. He concluded that Shannon was totally disabled for any form of productive activity. Admin. Transcript at 6. Even with this conflicting evidence, we find that substantial evidence still supports the conclusion that Shannon does not meet or equal the listed impairment. 12