Opinion ID: 20701
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Consideration of the Effect of Newton's Medical Treatment

Text: 67 Newton asserts that the ALJ failed to recognize that her ongoing treatment during the period of claimed disability rendered full-time work impossible. This court has held that if an individual's medical treatment significantly interrupts the ability to perform a normal, eight-hour work day, then the ALJ must determine whether the effect of treatment precludes the claimant from engaging in gainful activity. See Epps v. Harris, 624 F.2d 1267, 1273 (5th Cir. 1980). 68 While Newton did not require daily treatment as did the claimant in Epps, the record indicates that Newton visited the doctor, the hospital, and the emergency room frequently during the period in question. The administrative record also indicates that Newton's illness and its treatment occasionally caused her to sleep for several hours during the day. On remand, the ALJ shall consider the effect of on-going treatment on Newton's ability to remain gainfully employed during the period of claimed disability. 69