Opinion ID: 772698
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Heston's Medical History

Text: 15 In 1965, Dr. Haun examined Heston and determined she had bronchiectasis. (Id. at 112). Dr. Haun recommended surgery, and Heston had one-third of her left lung removed. (Id.). Dr. Haun remained Heston's physician until February 1992. Over the years, Dr. Haun treated Heston for bronchiectasis, high blood pressure, acute pancreatitis, diverticulitis, a hernia, a hysterectomy, surgery on her ureter, frequent recurrent bronchitis, and chronic purulent sputum production. (Id.). 16 Dr. Haun provided a three-page summary of Heston's medical history on a form provided by the Bureau of Disability Determination. The three-page summary is the only evidence from Dr. Haun in the administrative record. (Id. at 111). In the questionnaire, Dr. Haun indicated that, although he had no current information, he believed Heston would have trouble bending, lifting, and carrying. (Id. at 113). 17 After Dr. Haun retired, Heston became a patient of Dr. Colby. During the period of alleged disability relevant to this litigation, Dr. Colby treated Heston several times for bronchitis. (Id. at 118-34). 18 In December 1993, Heston complained of weakness, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Because Heston had a history of arrhythmia, Dr. Colby administered a stress test, which was terminated after six and a half minutes because of Heston's shortness of breath and fatigue. (Id. at 134). The test revealed normal cardiac activity, and after the test, Dr. Colby discontinued Heston's arrhythmia medication because she had performed so well. He also fitted Heston with a Holter monitor for twenty-four hours, which did not reveal any significant arrhythmia. Heston continued to see Dr. Colby periodically for symptoms of chest congestion and bronchitis, and for recurrent bouts of pancreatitis. (Id. at 118-34). 19 Heston's last visit with Dr. Colby was in March of 1994. In response to a Bureau of Disability Determination questionnaire, Dr. Colby indicated that he could not determine if Heston would have trouble with any of the physical activities indicated on the form. (Id. at 115). 20 Heston became a patient of Dr. Stephen Stansbury in January, 1995. Though Dr. Stansbury did not treat Heston during the disability period at issue, he did continue her treatment for chronic bronchitis. (Id. at 148-50). In December, 1995, Dr. Stansbury ordered a C.T. scan of Heston's lung to determine whether she again had bronchiectasis. (Id. at 151). The scan indicated that the scarring of Heston's left lung had not changed since a previous examination, and that there was no evidence of renewed bronchiectasis. (Id.). 21 On October 15, 1996, Dr. Raj Tripathi conducted an examination of Heston at the request of the ALJ. Dr. Tripathi notedHeston had bouts of upper respiratory tract infection which had been treated successfully, exertional dyspnea, high blood pressure controlled by medication, occasional heart palpitations, and a history of arthritic symptoms. (Id. at 153-54). 22 Dr. Tripathi concluded that Heston's heart had PMI palpable in the 5th intercostal space medial to the midclavicular line. No palpable thrill. S1 and S2 normal quality. No murmurs, no rubs, and no gallops. (Id. at 155). Examining Heston's lungs, Dr. Tripathi found minimal crepitation at the bases. Dr. Tripathi conducted extensive range of motion studies, in which he found Heston's abilities to be normal. (Id. at 157-62). He found that Heston could lift thirty pounds occasionally. (Id. at 160). He found that she could stand for four to five hours in a eight-hour workday, stand for thirty minutes without interruption, and sit for one hour without interruption. (Id. at 160). Dr. Tripathi determined that Heston could never climb, kneel, or crawl, and could balance and stoop only occasionally. (Id.). Finally, he noted that Heston's exposure to heights, moving machinery, temperature extremes, dust, fumes, humidity and vibration should be restricted. (Id. at 161). 23 Dr. Tripathi also conducted a pulmonary functions test from which he concluded that Heston had minimal obstructive lung disease. (Id. at 162).