Opinion ID: 22974
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Resulting in at least two of the following:

Text: 3. Deficiencies of concentration, persistence or pace resulting in frequent failure to complete tasks in a timely manner (in work settings or elsewhere); or 4. Repeated episodes of deterioration or decompensation in work or work-like settings which cause the individual to withdraw from that situation or to experience exacerbation of signs and symptoms (which may include deterioration of adaptive behaviors. 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1, listing 12.04. 9 Deterioration or decompensation in work or work-like settings refers to repeated failure to adapt to stressful circumstances which cause the individual either to withdraw from that situation or to experience exacerbation of signs and symptoms (i.e., decompensation) with an accompanying difficulty in maintaining activities of daily living, social relationships, and/or maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace (i.e., deterioration which may include deterioration of adaptive behaviors). 20 C.F.R. pt. 220, app. 1. 10 Residual functional capacity refers to the ability to perform work despite physical or mental impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545a. 11 Since Boyd's hearing, C.F.R. § 404.1520a has been revised and amended. The revisions and amendments became effective on September 20, 2000. 65 Fed. Reg. 50,746 (August 21, 2000). The citations in this paragraph are to the regulations as they existed from 1996 through 1998, when Boyd's case was being heard and considered by the ALJ and the Commissioner. 12 In his summary judgment brief in the district court proceeding, Boyd argued that Finding Eight was inconsistent with Finding Four. The magistrate judge found no conflict between the two findings. In Finding Four, the ALJ stated: Accordingly, the undersigned has completed and attached hereto a Psychiatric Review Technique form based on Listings 12.04 and the B criteria of functional limitations reflecting that claimant has moderate restrictions of [activities of] daily living, moderate difficulties in maintain [sic] social functioning, with never any deficiencies of concentration, persistence or pace and only once or twice having episodes of deterioration or decompensation in work or work-like activities. The magistrate judge found that even if the limitations described in Finding Four were not non severe, the ALJ clearly stated in Finding Four that the limitations failed to satisfy listing 12.04, which made Findings Four and Eight not inconsistent. (Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations of Magistrate Judge, p. 13). This court finds that the magistrate judge's analysis of a lack of inconsistency is supported by the evidence.