Opinion ID: 62183
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Ability to Perform Other Jobs Cited

Text: Hernandez also argues that in finding that he is able to perform other work available in significant numbers in the national economy, the Commissioner erred by identifying jobs that are beyond his residual functional 3 The ALJ was also entitled to discount Dr. Molnar’s and Dr. Arizmendez’s opinions regarding Hernandez’s physical symptoms upon finding that “[t]here are no objective clinical or laboratory findings to support [Hernandez’s] allegations of ongoing physical limitations.” 4 The Regulations define a “treating” physician as a physician who has provided medical treatment or evaluation and “who has, or has had, an ongoing treatment relationship with” the claimant. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1502. Given that Dr. Molnar examined Hernandez only two times during the insured period (and only one time thereafter), the record does not reflect that they had an ongoing treatment relationship. 8 No. 07-51160 capacity. He first contends that a conflict exists between the vocational expert’s testimony regarding sedentary bench assembler positions and the classification of assembly positions as requiring light or medium exertional activities in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (“DOT”). Again, however, as noted by the district court, where a vocational expert’s “unchallenged testimony” indicates that the claimant can perform the jobs identified, the ALJ is entitled to rely upon that testimony despite any conflict with the DOT.5 See Carey v. Apfel, 230 F.3d 131, 146–47 (5th Cir. 2000). In any event, the district court is also correct that Hernandez has failed to introduce evidence that the job of bench assembler requires lifting over ten pounds or is a skilled position. Hernandez further claims that he cannot perform the work of an addresser or a surveillance monitor as defined in the DOT because he is “illiterate in English” and such jobs “require fluency in English.” The record reflects, however, that the ALJ did not find that Hernandez is illiterate; rather, substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s finding that Hernandez is “able to read, write, and understand simple English instructions.” Hernandez completed an initial disability report himself and indicated that he could speak, understand, read, and write in English. He also testified at the hearing that he could speak some English but has trouble understanding English speakers who speak too quickly, and that he was able to understand English speakers who gave simple instructions when he performed his previous work. In addition, the record reflects that the ALJ was aware of Hernandez’s limited English skills, was careful to inquire into the English proficiency required by each job identified by the vocational expert, and was satisfied that Hernandez could perform the work decided upon. Accordingly, substantial evidence supports the Commissioner’s finding that Hernandez possesses the capacity and the English skills to perform the jobs of bench assembler, addresser, and surveillance monitor. 5 Hernandez did not challenge or cross-examine any of the vocational expert’s testimony at the hearing. 9 No. 07-51160