Opinion ID: 692659
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Knee

Text: 4 Inmon also has a long history of problems with his left knee. It was first injured in a work-related fall in March of 1988. An arthroscopy was performed on the knee in that same year, and Dr. Phillips performed a second arthroscopy in March of 1989. Dr. Phillips then recommended continued rehabilitation of Inmon's knee, but throughout that year Inmon continued to complain of pain and locking up of the joint. Inmon underwent a third arthroscopy on March 1, 1990, and although he continued to complain of pain and swelling, Dr. Phillips concluded that the knee was continuing to improve. 5 On January 16 and 17, 1991, the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation performed a nine-hour evaluation of Inmon's medical condition and his ability to work. During that time, his knee did not give out, although he complained of pain. The Institute found that Inmon had full range of motion in the knee, that he was functioning at Light-Medium level of physical demands which meant that he could frequently lift 10 pounds or less, infrequently lift 35 pounds and walk at three miles per hour with no load or at a slower speed with 20 pounds or less. Tr. 291. Further evaluation of the knee was also recommended. 6 In November 1991, a new doctor, Dr. Kraft, reported that Inmon had a good range of motion in the knee. However, Inmon also still complained of pain, and on January 13, 1992 Dr. Kraft performed another arthroscopy. There is no indication in the record whether Inmon was better or worse after this procedure. In February of 1992 Inmon was evaluated by yet another physician, Dr. Savegnago in Canton, Illinois, who diagnosed him with degenerative joint disease. Dr. Kraft, in March 1992, concluded that Inmon was no better following the last arthroscopy, that he probably would never do much better, and that he can and should be re-evaluated with Work Hardening and retrained to a more sedentary type occupation. The patient is physically able to return to some gainful occupation on a sedentary basis but not in his former job. Tr. 292. Inmon then apparently moved to Canton and continued to see Dr. Savegnago. Dr. Savegnago, in a letter dated September 1992, stated that he agreed with Dr. Kraft's assessment and that the patient might be able to be retrained at a sedentary type occupation, but not to his former job as an iron worker. Tr. 331. 7 Inmon first applied for SSDI benefits in December 1990, alleging disability as of January 10, 1990 due to knee and wrist problems. This application was denied, and the denial was reaffirmed on Inmon's request for reconsideration. Inmon then filed a new application for benefits in December of 1991, this time alleging that he became disabled on January 10, 1989 but listing the same complaints. The ALJ denied this request for benefits, as did the district court. Inmon now appeals that decision.