Court Opinion

ID: 9470363
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 03:03:35.729255+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:41:51.311783
License: Public Domain

FAGG, Circuit Judge,
dissenting.
Unlike the majority I question the adequacy of the hypothetical question propounded to the vocational expert by the ALJ. The hypothetical question is of particular importance in view of the fact that the ALJ relied heavily upon the response, this being a case where Vasquez is unable to perform previous work. See Jackson v. Schweiker, 696 F.2d 630, 631 n. 1 (8th Cir.1983); Martin v. Harris, 666 F.2d 1153, 1155 (8th Cir.1981). A vocational expert’s response to a hypothetical question constitutes substantial evidence only where the hypothetical question precisely sets out all of the claimant’s mental and physical limitations. Tenant v. Schweiker, 682 F.2d 707, 711 (8th Cir.1982); Camp v. Schweiker, 643 F.2d 1325, 1333 (8th Cir.1981).
In this case, when the vocational expert was asked to consider Vasquez’ physical impairments — including “depression” and “dizzy spells on the frequency of about 4 to 5 times per week” — she was not told that his spells of depression and dizziness have a duration ranging from one-half hour to two or three days, that they occasionally come on without warning, and that Vasquez has to lay down until a severe spell wears off. In response, the expert testified that Vasquez could do sedentary work such as “small parts assembler, grinding machine operator, clerk, or a crane operator and light work such as checker, examiner, inspector, porter, sexton, or laundry worker.”
I do not believe the hypothetical question propounded to the expert fully and fairly sets forth Vasquez’ limitations. It failed to inform the expert of essential limitations upon Vasquez’ ability to function in the job market.
It is my view that the absence of any reference in the hypothetical question to limitations that go to the heart of whether Vasquez could hold any of the listed jobs renders the question deficient. The response to the incomplete question does not constitute substantial evidence. McGhee v. Harris, 683 F.2d 256, 259 (8th Cir.1982). This requires that we remand the case to the Secretary for additional proceedings.