Opinion ID: 802092
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Renstrom's Claim for Benefits

Text: Renstrom's application was initially denied on February 1, 2007, and again after reconsideration on March 30, 2007. In a hearing before the ALJ, Renstrom testified he had last worked as a machinist in 2000 or 2001, and had stopped working because of his back and neck pain. Renstrom indicated he was only able to walk for fifteen minutes, and stand and sit for ten to fifteen minutes at a time, with assistance in his car from a TENS unit. He stated he was prescribed a cane to assist with walking, but he was able to walk without it. Renstrom also noted the most he lifted was ten pounds, and he could not raise his left arm overhead. He testified he had bad headaches lasting all day, and he spent a lot of time in home therapy for his neck. Combined with his physical limitations, Renstrom stated the time he spent laying down prevented him from performing a job where he could change positions. On a typical day, Renstrom indicated he showered, ate breakfast, drove himself to therapy or performed therapy at home, and cared for his personal needs. The ALJ also heard testimony from a medical expert, Dr. Andrew Steiner, who concluded Renstrom was not subject to any impairment that met the listings. Dr. Steiner discussed work-related limitations Renstrom would be subject to, pointing toward a light RFC with respect to lifting twenty pounds occasionally, ten pounds frequently, and being on his feet six out of eight hours in a work day with a brief position change hourly. Dr. Steiner also noted there were no neurological symptoms or signs in the record to document a foot drop. Finally, a vocational expert, Steven Bosch, testified in response to hypothetical questions posed by the ALJ. Considering an individual impaired by a number of conditions such as anxiety disorder, blurred vision, degenerative disc disease in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, fusion in the lumbar spine, bilateral shoulder impingement, obstructive sleep apnea, and allegations of pain and fatigue, with the above restrictions and education and work experience similar to Renstrom, Bosch opined an individual would be unable to perform Renstrom's past work, but would be able to perform other jobs existing in the national economy such as bench assembler and parking attendant. Considering an individual with the same restrictions who was limited to sedentary work, Bosch indicated a person could serve as a security monitor, or perform assembly work. If the person was unable to use his hands for handling for up to four hours, had difficulty seeing for up to two hours, or would miss work once a week or more, Bosch testified such restrictions would not be consistent with competitive work. Moreover, Bosch stated a requirement of a position change and walking every fifteen minutes would eliminate a person's ability to perform most jobs, as would the need to lie down for an hour or more each day. The ALJ ultimately denied Renstrom's application. First, the ALJ found Renstrom had the following impairments: (1) degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with past L5-S 1 fusion and subsequent instrument removal and revision and decompression; (2) degenerative disc disease of the cervical and thoracic spine; (3) bilateral shoulder impingement; (4) obstructive sleep apnea; and (5) anxiety. After concluding these impairments were not severe enough to meet any listed impairment, the ALJ found Renstrom had the RFC to perform light work, with the additional requirement of a brief change of position after one hour. Moreover, the ALJ found Renstrom was restricted from overhead work, frequent reaching beyond eighteen inches, frequent bending and twisting, and skilled work. Accordingly, the ALJ found Renstrom was unable to perform his past relevant work as a machinist. However, the ALJ concluded Renstrom's account of the intensity, persistence, and functionally limiting effects of pain was not consistent with the objective medical evidence, and Renstrom could control the severity of his symptoms through prescription medications and other treatment options. Giving significant weight to the testimony of Dr. Steiner, and little weight to Dr. Agre's opinion, the ALJ concluded Renstrom was not disabled because he could perform a significant number of other light and sedentary jobs in the national economy. Renstrom's appeal to the Appeals Council was denied, making the ALJ's determination the final decision of the Commissioner. Renstrom thereafter appealed to the district court, which affirmed after concluding substantial evidence on the record as a whole supported the ALJ's decision. Renstrom now appeals to this court.