Court Opinion

ID: 165034
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2010-08-14 08:43:03+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:25:46.484396
License: Public Domain

F I L E D
                                                                   United States Court of Appeals
                                                                           Tenth Circuit
                     UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                           SEP 15 2004
                            FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT
                                                                      PATRICK FISHER
                                                                               Clerk

    WILLIAM B. EDEN,

                Plaintiff-Appellant,

    v.                                                   No. 04-7019
                                                  (D.C. No. 03-CV-177-WH)
    JO ANNE B. BARNHART,                                 (E.D. Okla.)
    Commissioner, Social Security
    Administration,

                Defendant-Appellee.

                            ORDER AND JUDGMENT            *

Before ANDERSON and BALDOCK , Circuit Judges, and             MARTEN , ** District
Judge.

         After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined

unanimously to grant the parties’ request for a decision on the briefs without oral

argument. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(f); 10th Cir. R. 34.1(G). The case is therefore

ordered submitted without oral argument.

*
      This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the
doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. The court
generally disfavors the citation of orders and judgments; nevertheless, an order
and judgment may be cited under the terms and conditions of 10th Cir. R. 36.3.
**
      The Honorable J. Thomas Marten, District Judge, United States District
Court for the District of Kansas, sitting by designation.
      Plaintiff William B. Eden appeals the district court’s affirmance of the

decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration denying his

applications for disability insurance and supplemental security income (SSI)

benefits. Mr. Eden argues (1) the administrative law judge (ALJ) erred by failing

to find that he suffers from a severe psychological impairment, and (2) the ALJ

failed to properly evaluate his treating physicians’ opinions. We have jurisdiction

to review this appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), and

we affirm.

      In his applications for disability insurance and SSI benefits, Mr. Eden

claimed disability as of May 15, 1998, due to chronic low back pain with

numbness in his left foot, neck and shoulder pain, inability to raise his arm above

his head or to hold his arms above chest level very long, weakness in his hands

causing him to drop things, and depression with a prior suicide attempt. The

claims were denied initially and on reconsideration. After holding a de novo

hearing, the ALJ denied benefits. For several reasons, the Appeals Council

remanded for further proceedings. A new ALJ held a second hearing, and

subsequently decided that Mr. Eden was not entitled to benefits. In doing so,

the ALJ determined at step two of the five-step sequential test for evaluating

disability that Mr. Eden did not have a severe impairment caused by either

substance abuse or depression and at step four that he can perform his past

                                         -2-
relevant work as a dispatcher.   See 29 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920 (setting forth

five-step test).

       The Appeals Council denied Mr. Eden’s request for review, making the

ALJ’s decision the final decision of the Commissioner. Thereafter, Mr. Eden

sought judicial review in the district court, asserting the same claims that he

asserts on appeal. The magistrate judge issued findings and a recommendation to

affirm the denial of benefits, which the district court adopted. Mr. Eden

appealed.

       Like the district court, “[w]e review the Commissioner’s decision to

determine whether the factual findings are supported by substantial evidence in

the record and whether the correct legal standards were applied.”   Watkins v.

Barnhart , 350 F.3d 1297, 1299 (10th Cir. 2003). “Substantial evidence is such

relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a

conclusion.” Doyal v. Barnhart , 331 F.3d 758, 760 (10th Cir. 2003) (quotations

omitted). We will not reweigh the evidence or substitute our judgment for that of

the Commissioner.    Decker v. Chater , 86 F.3d 953, 954 (10th Cir. 1996).

                                            I.

       Mr. Eden argues the ALJ erred in failing to find that he suffers from a

severe psychological impairment. He further contends that in considering

whether he suffers from such an impairment, the ALJ erroneously rejected

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substantial medical evidence showing that he is limited in his ability to do

work-related activities due to an impairment.

       At step two, the claimant must prove that he has a medically severe

impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits his ability to

do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521(a), 416.921(a). “Basic work

activities are ‘abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most jobs.’”      Langley v.

Barnhart , 373 F.3d 1116, 1123 (10th Cir. 2004) (quoting 20 C.F.R.

§ 404.1521(b)); see also 20 C.F.R. § 416.921(b). Basic work activities include

“[u]nderstanding, carrying out, and remembering simple instructions;” “[u]se of

judgment;” “[r]esponding appropriately to supervision, co-workers and usual

work situations;” and “[d]ealing with changes in a routine work setting.”

20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521(b)(3)-(6), 416.921(b)(3)-(6).

       “The step two severity determination is based on medical factors

alone . . . .” Williamson v. Barnhart , 350 F.3d 1097, 1100 (10th Cir. 2003).

Although step two requires only a “de minimis” showing of impairment, a

“claimant must show more than the mere presence of a condition or ailment.”

Hinkle v. Apfel , 132 F.3d 1349, 1352 (10th Cir. 1997). To meet his burden, he

must furnish medical and other evidence to support his claim.          See Bowen v.

Yuckert , 482 U.S. 137, 146 & n.5 (1987).

                                             -4-
      There is evidence in the record that Mr. Eden abuses alcohol and has

depression and anxiety, for which he has received some treatment. Specifically,

the record reflects that in 1997, Dr. Dennis, an internal medicine specialist,

recommended that Mr. Eden see a psychiatrist and abstain from alcohol use.

Dr. Dennis noted that Mr. Eden had been on several medications for depression

and stated that he had been treating Mr. Eden for depression and anxiety.

Dr. Dennis did not indicate that Mr. Eden could not work, and indeed Mr. Eden

was working full time in 1997.

      In 2000, after the Appeals Council remand, Mr. Eden sought mental health

treatment at Mental Health Services of Southern Oklahoma upon his attorney’s

referral. Mr. Eden’s counselor recognized that Mr. Eden has slight depression    1

and alcohol abuse problems, but discontinued treatment after six months, because

Mr. Eden was not compliant with his treatment plan, failed to attend counseling

sessions, actually attended only four sessions and eventually failed to contact his

counselor for more than ninety days. The counselor speculated that Mr. Eden may

have been using counseling to help with his disability case.

      Fourteen months later, in 2002, Mr. Eden began mental health treatment

again at Mental Health Services of Southern Oklahoma. The progress notes from

his counselors confirm that he has mild depression and anxiety and problems with

1
      On one occasion only the counselor noted marked depression.

                                          -5-
alcohol abuse. Nothing in the notes suggested he could not work. Rather, they

indicate that any impairments to his mental functions were slight.

       Mr. Eden points out that he was found to have a Global Assessment of

Functioning (GAF) score of 50. The GAF is used by clinicians to report an

individual’s overall level of functioning.    See American Psychiatric Association,

Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 32 (Text Revision 4th ed.

2000). A score of 41-50 indicates “[s]erious symptoms (e.g., suicidal ideation,

severe obsessional rituals, frequent shoplifting) OR any serious impairment in

social, occupational or school functioning (e.g., no friends, unable to keep a

job).” Id. at 34 (bolding omitted). As the ALJ noted, nothing explains

Mr. Eden’s score. No one who rated Mr. Eden’s GAF indicated that he could not

work. Because a score of 50 may not relate to Mr. Eden’s ability to work, the

score, standing alone, without further explanation, does not establish an

impairment severely interfering with an ability to perform basic work activities.

       Mr. Eden challenges the ALJ’s decision to reject the Medical Source

Statement-Mental form of June 6, 2002 signed by Dr. Zielinski and one of his

mental health counselors.   2
                                Mr. Eden believes Dr. Zielinski’s signature shows his

2
       This Statement indicated Mr. Eden would have moderate difficulty
remembering locations and work-like procedures, understanding and remembering
very short and simple or detailed instructions, carrying out very short and simple
instructions, sustaining an ordinary routine without special supervision, making
                                                                       (continued...)

                                             -6-
agreement with the report. As the ALJ stated, it does not appear from the record

that Dr. Zielinski ever conducted any sessions with Mr. Eden or examined him.

Also, Mr. Eden cannot and does not refute the ALJ’s finding that no explanations

or progress reports support the limits set forth on the form. The reports indicate

that Mr. Eden’s appearance and clothing were always neat, clean and appropriate;

he was calm, attentive and cooperative; he interacted with the counseling staff

and his group therapy peers; he had no problems with intellectual functioning,

thought content, orientation and short term memory; and he had only slight or

occasional problems with remote memory, judgment and insight. In other words,

these reports show that Mr. Eden has “abilities and aptitudes necessary to do most

jobs,” including “[u]nderstanding, carrying out, and remembering simple

2
 (...continued)
simple work-related decisions, asking simple questions or requesting assistance,
maintaining socially appropriate behavior and adhering to basic standards of
neatness and cleanliness, responding appropriately to changes in the work setting,
being aware of normal hazards and taking appropriate precautions, traveling in
unfamiliar places or using public transportation, and setting realistic goals or
making plans independently of others. The Statement also indicated he would
have marked difficulty carrying out detailed instructions, maintaining attention
and concentration for extended periods, performing activities within a schedule,
maintaining regular attendance, being punctual within customary tolerances,
working in coordination with or proximity to others without being distracted by
them, completing a normal workday and workweek without interruptions from
psychologically based symptoms and performing at a consistent pace without an
unreasonable number and length of rest periods, interacting appropriately with the
general public, accepting instructions and responding appropriately to criticism
from supervisors, and getting along with coworkers or peers without distracting
them or exhibiting behavioral extremes.

                                         -7-
instructions;” “[u]s[ing] judgment;” “[r]esponding appropriately to supervision,

co-workers and usual work situations;” and “[d]ealing with changes in a routine

work setting.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521(b), 416.921(b).

       Mr. Eden’s work history is also consistent with the medical evidence and

inconsistent with his claimed inability to work. He worked during much of the

time he alleged he had a severe psychological impairment limiting his ability to

perform basic work activities.     See Orrick v. Sullivan , 966 F.2d 368, 370 (8th Cir.

1992) (per curiam) (deciding that ability to work despite impairment suggests

claimant is not disabled);   Dixon v. Sullivan , 905 F.2d 237, 238 (8th Cir. 1990)

(holding that because claimant worked with his impairments, he could not claim

they are disabling). Specifically, Mr. Eden worked through August of 1998, eight

months in 1999, and six months in 2001.     3

       The record as a whole does not show that Mr. Eden’s inability to work was

caused by psychological factors.      See Williamson , 350 F.3d at 1100;   cf. Coleman

v. Chater , 58 F.3d 577, 580 (10th Cir. 1995) (recognizing that merely because

there is psychological overlay to pain does not mean claimant has mental

impairment preventing him from working). Because Mr. Eden failed to show that

any psychological impairment significantly limited his ability to engage in basic

3
      Mr. Eden testified that he attempted suicide due to pain on December 23,
2001 and never returned to work.

                                            -8-
work activities, there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s decision that

any psychological factors are not severe under step two.

       Mr. Eden argues that the ALJ should have ordered a consultative

examination if he questioned the severity of Mr. Eden’s depression and found the

record inconclusive. “[W]here the medical evidence in the record is

inconclusive, . . . a consultative examination is often required for proper

resolution of a disability claim.”   Hawkins v. Chater , 113 F.3d 1162, 1166

(10th Cir. 1997). But “the ALJ should ordinarily be entitled to rely on the

claimant’s counsel to structure and present claimant’s case in a way that the

claimant’s claims are adequately explored” and “may ordinarily require counsel to

identify the issue or issues requiring further development.”   Id. at 1167. In this

case, counsel was familiar with the record submitted to the ALJ and did not ask

for further development of the record. Because Mr. Eden did not “make sure

there [was], in the record, evidence sufficient to suggest a reasonable possibility

that a severe impairment exists,” the ALJ had no responsibility to order

a consulting examination.     Id.

                                            II.

       Mr. Eden next argues the ALJ erred in failing to fully consider his treating

physicians’ opinions and erroneously rejected them without finding conflicting

evidence. Specifically, Mr. Eden contends that the ALJ (1) failed to discuss

                                            -9-
Dr. Dennis’ medical report, which documented Mr. Eden’s depression as far back

as 1997, and (2) summarily dismissed each of his psychological evaluations,

including those of Dr. Zielinski, as not credible.

       We reject this argument. The ALJ discussed Dr. Dennis’ treatment of

Mr. Eden on page four of his decision. And the ALJ thoroughly discussed the

psychological evaluations on pages six through eight of his decision.

       Dr. Zielinski’s opinions set forth in the Medical Source Statement-Mental

form do not deserve controlling weight because he did not actually treat

Mr. Eden, a fact Mr. Eden does not dispute.        See Doyal , 331 F.3d at 763-64. The

opinions of the counselor, who also signed and probably completed the Statement,

were not entitled to controlling weight because they were not well supported or

consistent with the other substantial evidence in the record.     See McGoffin v.

Barnhart , 288 F.3d 1248, 1252 (10th Cir. 2002).

       Even if the treating sources’ opinions are not entitled to controlling weight,

they “‘are still entitled to deference and must be weighed using all of the factors

provided in 20 C.F.R. §[§] 404.1527 and 416.927.’”         Watkins , 350 F.3d at 1300

(quoting Social Security Ruling 96-2p, 1996 WL 374188, at *4). The factors are

       (1) the length of the treatment relationship and the frequency of
       examination; (2) the nature and extent of the treatment relationship,
       including the treatment provided and the kind of examination or
       testing performed; (3) the degree to which the physician’s opinion is
       supported by relevant evidence; (4) consistency between the opinion
       and the record as a whole; (5) whether or not the physician is a

                                            -10-
      specialist in the area upon which an opinion is rendered; and
      (6) other factors brought to the ALJ’s attention which tend to support
      or contradict the opinion.

Id. at 1301 (quotation omitted).

      The ALJ recognized the timing of Mr. Eden’s treatment for psychological

impairments, his attempt to bolster his disability claims by seeking mental health

treatment, his reluctance to comply with treatment, his denial of substance

addiction while continuing to drink alcohol, the lack of evidence to support the

conclusory opinions expressed in the Statement, and the inconsistency between

the opinions expressed in the Statement and the progress notes. Under the

circumstances, we conclude the ALJ gave specific and legitimate reasons for

giving no weight to the opinions expressed in the Statement.     See id.

      The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.

                                                       Entered for the Court

                                                       Bobby R. Baldock
                                                       Circuit Judge

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