Opinion ID: 2978289
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Simpson’s Statements and Testimony

Text: On June 13, 2004, Simpson completed a “Function Report” detailing the limitations resulting from her medical conditions, including right side pain, fatigue and nausea. She admitted that she takes care of a cat, has no problem handling her own personal care, remembering to take her medicine, preparing simple meals daily, handling her finances, reading, spending time with others in person and on the phone and getting along with family, friends, neighbors and people in authority. Simpson noted, however, that she cannot stand or walk for long periods of time and that when she leaves her house, she cannot go alone and rides as the passenger in the car, because her medicine makes her fatigued and dizzy. She also noted that because of the severe pain on the right No. 08-3651 Simpson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Page 3 side of her body, she has difficulty lifting, climbing stairs, standing, kneeling, walking, squatting, sitting or reaching. She can only walk a few steps before needing to stop and rest. Simpson stated that her concentration comes and goes even though she can finish what she starts. She also can follow spoken and written instructions but has some trouble remembering things due to depression. Her memory for things that took place in the past few days or hours is “fine.” She is “tremendously” affected to her detriment by stress and changes in schedule.
During her hearing before the ALJ, Simpson testified about her educational level and her work experience as a housekeeper, dental assistant and home healthcare aide. She also testified to suffering from: chronic right side pain in her right leg, pelvic area and abdomen, endometriosis, daily migraines, diverticulitis, acid reflux, bowel problems, anxiety, and depression. She asserted that the medications she takes cause her to experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision and, sometimes, confusion. Additionally, Simpson explained that the “worst problem[s]” that keep her from working are her hernia and endometriosis, noting that her endometriosis is severe and has required her to undergo surgery every year since 1994. She has bad days, “[f]ive to six days a week,” where she “wake[s] up with a severe headache” and “ache[s] all over.” On such days, she likes to be alone, and “just lay around.” She lives alone in a first-floor apartment. Simpson additionally testified that her doctor has placed restrictions upon her, as a result of her endometriosis, prohibiting her from “heavy lifting, bending. I can’t really walk very far or stand very long. Just minimal everything.” She testified to having “a hard time just lifting a gallon of No. 08-3651 Simpson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Page 4 milk.” Simpson’s method of dealing with her right side pain is to take medicine and “[a] lot of times . . . to lie down and use an ice pack.” She also uses a cane but, even with it, cannot walk a city block.