Opinion ID: 63376
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Obesity and obesity-related complications

Text: Zimmerman first argues that in determining his RFC at step five, the ALJ failed to properly consider Zimmerman’s obesity and obesity-related complications, as required by Social Security Ruling 02-01p (2002). This argument is without merit. The ALJ acknowledged that Zimmerman was obese and that his obesity was a severe impairment. The ALJ also emphasized the importance of considering Zimmerman’s obesity, stating that Zimmerman’s back pain was likely secondary to his obesity and that “the combined effects of obesity with musculoskeletal impairments can be greater than the effects of each of the impairments considered separately.” In addition, the ALJ discussed Zimmerman’s allegations that he could not stand, sit, or walk for long periods of time, and the opinion of Zimmerman’s treating physician, Dr. Michael Taylor, that Zimmerman had severe limitations. Based on these considerations, many of which were related to Zimmerman’s obesity, the ALJ found that Zimmerman’s RFC was significantly limited. He found that Zimmerman could perform light work but not medium or heavy work; would be “precluded from climbing, working at unprotected heights and on or about moving or dangerous equipment or machinery”; could lift no more than twenty pounds; and could stand or walk 4 No. 07-20766 for six hours in a work day and sit for at least two hours, “compromised by the need to alternate with sitting/standing at will in an 8 hour workday.” The ALJ’s conclusion that Zimmerman’s obesity was not completely debilitating was supported by several pieces of evidence in the record. For example, the State Agency Medical Consultant, Dr. Bonnie Blacklock, concluded based on Zimmerman’s medical records that Zimmerman could occasionally carry fifty pounds and could sit or stand for six hours in an eight-hour workday. In addition, Dr. Hanley examined Zimmerman and reported that Zimmerman had full motor strength in all his muscle groups. Moreover, a July 2004 MRI revealed only slight disc degeneration, and a November 2004 computed tomography scan of Zimmerman’s spine showed early disc degeneration but no bulge or herniation. Also, records showed that Zimmerman’s pain had improved with medication on several occasions. Finally, Zimmerman testified that he was able to perform daily tasks such as shopping and carving ornate wooden canes. Zimmerman contends that the ALJ should have considered the fact that Zimmerman walks with a cane. However, a vocational expert testified that the use of a cane would not have prevented Zimmerman from performing the types of jobs he identified as consistent with Zimmerman’s RFC. Zimmerman also maintains that the ALJ should have identified precisely which of the Zimmerman’s limitations were caused by Zimmerman’s obesity. However, Zimmerman cites no authority suggesting that when considering a claimant’s limitations, the ALJ must describe precisely which medical condition triggered each limitation. Zimmerman further contends that the ALJ improperly relied on Zimmerman’s failure to lose weight. However, even assuming that such reliance would have been improper, there is no evidence that the ALJ actually relied on Zimmerman’s failure to lose weight to find that obesity-related impairments should not be considered; to the contrary, the record shows that the ALJ did consider Zimmerman’s obesity-related impairments. 5 No. 07-20766 In sum, the ALJ properly considered Zimmerman’s obesity in his RFC analysis.