Opinion ID: 216296
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Propriety of Step Five DeterminationVE Hypothetical

Text: Mr. Krauser has two basic objections regarding the hypothetical question posed to the VE on which the ALJ based his step-five finding of no disability. The first, involving a misunderstanding of our case law, is meritless, while the second is effectively mooted by our disposition of other issues on this appeal. First, citing Winfrey v. Chater, 92 F.3d 1017, 1025 (10th Cir.1996), he objects that by merely relying on the VE's identification of jobs accommodating the functional capacity and restrictions set out in the hypothetical, without a delineation of and explicit comparison with the corresponding demands of the jobs in question, the ALJ improperly delegated the dispositive determination to the VE. That would be a legitimate objection had the determination occurred, as it did in Winfrey, at step four of the sequential analysis, which narrowly focuses on whether the claimant can return to the particular work he has done in the past. But the analysis at step five is different, as we have repeatedly explained: At step five of the sequential analysis, an ALJ may relate the claimant's impairments to a VE and then ask the VE whether, in his opinion, there are any jobs in the national economy that the claimant can perform. This approach, which requires the VE to make his own evaluation of the mental and physical demands of various jobs and of the claimant's ability to meet those demands despite the enumerated limitations, is acceptable at step five because the scope of potential jobs is so broad. Berna, 101 F.3d at 633 (quoting Winfrey, 92 F.3d at 1025). Proceeding by way of hypothetical inquiry to the VE at step five was entirely proper. Second, Mr. Krauser objects that the hypothetical inquiry failed to incorporate all of the impairments and limitations he contends should have been recognized by the ALJ. This objection is obviously mooted by our earlier holding that the case must be remanded for further consideration of the impairments and limitations at issue. The judgment issued by the magistrate judge on behalf of the district court is REVERSED and the cause is REMANDED to the district court with instructions to remand to the Commissioner for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.