Opinion ID: 2786992
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Submission of New Evidence

Text: Avery also argues that the new evidence she submitted to the Appeals Council undermines the ALJ’s decision. That evidence allegedly revealed her “need for and her receipt of a second knee surgery, post hearing,” and “support[ed] Dr. Bernauer’s pre-hearing medical opinion which specifically established the effects [Avery’s] condition had on [her] ability to work.” If new evidence is submitted after the Commissioner’s benefits decision and there is “a reasonable probability that the new evidence would change the outcome of the decision, a remand is appropriate so that this new evidence can be considered.” Ripley, 67 F.3d at 555. Avery argues that there is a reasonable probability that, had the new evidence been before the ALJ, it would have ruled differently. We find instead that the “new” evidence supports the ALJ’s findings about disability. The evidence shows that, at an appointment eight days after her second surgery, Avery was “getting along extremely well,” with “[n]o complaints,” and though her knee felt “slightly weak,” she had “no pain.” The same report notes that 9 Case: 14-30830 Document: 00512971802 Page: 10 Date Filed: 03/17/2015 No. 14-30830 Avery had an “excellent [range of motion] and reasonable gait.” The predecision physical therapy reports note that less than three weeks after the second surgery, Avery stated that her knee pain was “slowly decreasing” and that she was “trying to exercise more each day.” Though Avery often received ice after her physical therapy sessions to decrease knee swelling, the reports stated that she “tolerated treatment well” and demonstrated “continued improvement in strength and stability.” In fact, just two weeks after the second surgery, Avery reported to the physical therapist that she had “moved furniture for several hours.” As to Avery’s argument that her need for and receipt of a second surgery would alone have changed the ALJ’s decision, the record reveals the ALJ already knew that a second surgery was being contemplated. We agree with the Appeals Council’s determination that the new evidence submitted by Avery would not have provided a basis for changing the ALJ’s decision. AFFIRMED. 10