Opinion ID: 2804487
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: 2011 ALJ Decision and Request for Review

Text: Although Ostborg represented his disability began on August 5, 1996, the ALJ concluded the June 25, 1998, denial of his previous application had the effect of administrative res judicata. Consequently, the relevant period began on June 26, 1998. The ALJ followed the five-step sequential process in evaluating Ostborg’s disability claim. 3 At step two, the ALJ found Ostborg had the severe impairments of scoliosis, leg-length discrepancy, and residuals from a 1996 closed-head injury. In evaluating the effects from Ostborg’s 1996 fall and head injury, the ALJ discussed Dr. Rose’s findings and letter at length. In the analysis at step three, the ALJ acknowledged Ostborg had exhibited deficits on medical examinations with regard to concentration, persistence, or pace, but found he was only mildly impaired, because he was able to drive long distances and navigate to new areas successfully. At step four, the ALJ found Ostborg capable of performing only light work, because of his leg-length discrepancy. Because of his lapses in concentration, the ALJ also determined he could work up to 32 hours per week. 3 Under the five-step sequential process to determine whether a claimant is disabled, the claimant must show (1) he is not currently engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) he has a severe impairment; (3) his impairment meets or equals the criteria in one of the listed impairments in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1; and (4) his impairment prevents him from performing his past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(iv). If the claimant shows he cannot perform his past relevant work, then, at the fifth step, the burden shifts to the Commissioner to show significant numbers of jobs exist in the national economy the claimant can perform. Id. § 404.1520(a)(4)(v). 12 Case: 14-13895 Date Filed: 05/29/2015 Page: 13 of 25 The ALJ found Ostborg’s medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to produce his alleged symptoms but decided his testimony regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of those symptoms to be incredible. The ALJ explained Ostborg was engaged in a far wider variety of hobbies and activities than he originally had represented. While these hobbies and activities did not directly contradict his allegations of disability, the ALJ found they were sufficiently inconsistent with his stated mental limitations and did not support his overall credibility. The ALJ noted various inconsistent statements Ostborg had made elsewhere in the record, including the discrepancy in his statements to his doctors concerning his alcohol consumption. Additionally, the ALJ highlighted Ostborg’s testimony he could not direct his energies toward work, in view of his volunteer and other activities, because he volunteered only randomly and pursued his hobbies, when he was so inclined. The ALJ also found the VA’s disability determination had “little bearing” on Ostborg’s claim for Social Security disability benefits, because the VA used a different standard to assess disability and may not have been aware of his hobbies and activities. R. at 41. Ostborg again requested AC review of the ALJ’s decision. This time, the AC denied review and adopted the ALJ’s decision as the final decision of the Commissioner. Through counsel, Ostborg has appealed that decision to this court. 13 Case: 14-13895 Date Filed: 05/29/2015 Page: 14 of 25