Court Opinion

ID: 163671
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2010-08-14 07:59:41+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:41:58.197331
License: Public Domain

F I L E D
                                                                   United States Court of Appeals
                                                                           Tenth Circuit
                     UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                           JUL 17 2003
                            FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT
                                                                      PATRICK FISHER
                                                                               Clerk

    ROBERT OSLIN,

                Plaintiff-Appellant,

    v.                                                   No. 02-5116
                                                    (D.C. No. 99-CV-976-J)
    JO ANNE B. BARNHART,                                  (N.D. Okla.)
    Commissioner of Social Security,

                Defendant-Appellee.

                            ORDER AND JUDGMENT            *

Before SEYMOUR , HENRY , and BRISCOE , Circuit Judges.

         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      This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the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.
      Plaintiff-appellant Robert Oslin appeals from the district court’s order

affirming the Commissioner’s denial of his applications for disability benefits and

supplemental security income benefits. Oslin argues the Commissioner should

have given greater weight (1) to his treating physician’s opinions concerning his

physical and mental limitations and (2) to his combination of impairments. “We

review the Commissioner’s decision to determine whether the factual findings are

supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were

applied.” Angel v. Barnhart , 329 F.3d 1208, 1209 (10th Cir. 2003). Because the

correct legal standards were not applied, we reverse and remand for further

proceedings.

      Oslin asserts disability beginning on August 15, 1996 due to depression,

bipolar disorder, and hepatitis B with accompanying liver disease. The

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) denied benefits at step 5 of the five-step

sequential evaluation process,   see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920,   1
                                                                           finding that

although Oslin suffered from severe impairments and could not return to his past

work, he retained the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform sedentary

work, limited by his inability to concentrate. The ALJ decided Oslin could

perform sedentary work requiring only simple one- and two-step instructions and

1
      At step 5, the Commissioner bears the burden of proving the claimant can
perform work existing in the national economy. See Dikeman v. Halter , 245 F.3d
1182, 1184 (10th Cir. 2001).

                                          -2-
occasionally detailed instructions. Relying on the vocational expert’s testimony,

the ALJ determined Oslin could perform work as an assembler, miscellaneous

laborer, and newspaper clipper. The ALJ’s decision became the final decision of

the Commissioner when the Appeals Council denied Oslin’s request for review.

The district court affirmed the Commissioner’s decision.

                                              I

       Before addressing Oslin’s appellate arguments, we first consider the

Commissioner’s contentions that Oslin improperly raises arguments that he did

not present to the district court and improperly cites authority he did not bring to

the attention of the ALJ.   2
                                With respect to the contention that Oslin improperly

raises new arguments, the Commissioner specifically submits Oslin did not argue

before the district court (1) that the ALJ failed to give proper weight to

Dr. Yarborough’s report; (2) that the ALJ improperly discounted Oslin’s

credibility; (3) that Oslin’s medications caused problematic side effects; (4) that

the ALJ should have ordered a consultative examination and therefore failed in

his investigative duty; and (5) that the ALJ should have considered Oslin’s

2
      Also, as an initial matter, we note that neither party has complied with
10th Cir. R. 28.2. Oslin’s brief failed to include copies of the ALJ’s and appeals
council’s decisions, as is required under Rule 28.2(A)(3). Nor, in their absence
from Oslin’s brief, did the Commissioner include these decisions in her brief as
she was required to do by Rule 28.2(B). We remind both parties of their duty to
follow this court’s rules.

                                             -3-
impairments in combination. Extremely liberal reading of Oslin’s district court

brief allows us to conclude Oslin barely sufficiently raised the first, third, and

fifth arguments by implication.    3
                                       Oslin argued without specificity that the ALJ

disregarded his treating physician’s opinions. App. vol. 1, at 30. Although he

listed his medications in his district court brief, he did not expressly assert that

they caused side effects.    Id. at 28-30. While not raised with precise clarity, Oslin

did assert that the ALJ found his allegations not fully credible.     Id. at 27, 28.

Generally, as the district court recognized, Oslin did argue the ALJ’s decision was

not supported by substantial evidence. Prior to this appeal, however, Oslin, who

at all times has been represented by counsel, has never asserted the ALJ should

have ordered a consultative examination and the ALJ failed to fulfill his

investigative duty. We will consider this newly raised argument only if there are

compelling reasons to do so.      See Crow v. Shalala , 40 F.3d 323, 324 (10th Cir.

1994). As we discuss below, there are compelling reasons to deviate from our

general rule.   See id. Thus, we consider all issues Oslin raises on appeal.

       The Commissioner also contends this court should not consider new

exhibits included in Oslin’s appendix that were not presented to the ALJ.

3
       Although the district court recognized that Oslin failed to assert specific
errors, the court decided Oslin generally argued that the ALJ’s decision was not
supported by substantial evidence and that the ALJ ignored certain record
evidence.

                                             -4-
See App. vol. 1, at 62A7-62A26. Our review is limited to the administrative

record. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); see also O’Dell v. Shalala , 44 F.3d 855, 858-59

(10th Cir. 1994) (reviewing evidence presented to Appeals Council and to ALJ).

Even if we were to consider the exhibits, they are merely on-line medical

publications describing some of Oslin’s medications and their possible side

effects. Thus, the exhibits alone cannot establish that Oslin actually suffers side

effects from his medications. Nor does Oslin even cite to them in his appellate

briefs.

                                              II

          Having addressed these preliminary matters, we turn now to Oslin’s first

argument that the ALJ should have given greater weight to the opinions of his

treating physicians. “An ALJ is required to give controlling weight to a treating

physician’s well-supported opinion, so long as it is not inconsistent with other

substantial evidence in the record.”     Drapeau v. Massanari , 255 F.3d 1211, 1213

(10th Cir. 2001); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(d)(2); 416.927(d)(2). “When an

ALJ decides to disregard a medical report by a claimant’s physician, he must set

forth specific, legitimate reasons for his decision.”   Drapeau , 255 F.3d at 1213

(quotation omitted). “In choosing to reject the treating physician’s assessment, an

ALJ may not make speculative inferences from medical reports and may reject a

treating physician’s opinion outright only on the basis of contradictory medical

                                             -5-
evidence and not due to his . . . own credibility judgments, speculation or lay

opinion.” McGoffin v. Barnhart , 288 F.3d 1248, 1252 (10th Cir 2002) (quotations

and italics omitted).

                                            A

      Oslin first contends that although the ALJ agreed with the exertional

limitations set forth by Dr. Yarborough, that Oslin can lift and carry up to ten

pounds and can sit for six hours, stand for two hours, and walk for one hour

during an eight-hour day, the ALJ improperly rejected the opinions of

Dr. Yarborough and Dr. Briggs that he could not work. Dr. Yarborough stated in

an undated letter that Oslin was currently unable to work. Neither this brief,

conclusory letter, nor other record evidence specifically indicated why

Dr. Yarborough believed Oslin could not work. His opinion therefore may be

rejected. See Castellano v. Sec’y of HHS , 26 F.3d 1027, 1029 (10th Cir. 1994)

(“A treating physician’s opinion may be rejected if his conclusions are not

supported by specific findings.”). Further, the exertional limits Dr. Yarborough

set forth do not preclude sedentary work.     Cf. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1567(a),

416.967(a) (defining sedentary work as lifting up to ten pounds, mostly sitting,

and walking and standing occasionally). Dr. Yarborough referred Oslin to

Dr. Briggs for treatment of hepatitis B and liver disease. That treatment included

a short, but discontinued, Interferon treatment. In a letter dated October 23, 1997,

                                            -6-
Dr. Briggs stated that Oslin   could work at a desk job, because he had not

experienced any of the end-stage complications of liver disease.

       Other medical evidence noted Oslin had complained of joint pain of

increasing severity, primarily in his knees, elbows and back, for two years, but he

did have a normal range of motion in his joints. Dr. Yarborough prescribed

medication for the joint pain. At the ALJ’s hearing, Oslin himself testified that

his joint pain is only a 2 or 3 on a scale of 1 to 10 when he takes pain medication.

At the time of the ALJ proceedings, the medical evidence did not establish that

Oslin’s physical impairments limited his ability to perform sedentary work.

Accordingly, we conclude the ALJ correctly assessed the opinions of

Dr. Yarborough and Dr. Briggs.

                                             B

       Oslin next challenges the ALJ’s failure to specifically address the mental

RFC form completed by Dr. Roman and Ms. Snook, his psychiatrist and case

manager at Parkside Clinic. The form indicated that Oslin would have marked to

moderate limitations in performing basic work functions, his depression would

interfere with the activities of daily living, and he cannot maintain a stable living

for more than a few months at a time.   4
                                            Although the ALJ recognized that

4
       The form specifically noted marked limitation in the ability to remember
locations and work-like procedures; the ability to understand and remember
                                                                       (continued...)

                                            -7-
Dr. Roman and Ms. Snook had completed this mental assessment, which indicated

Oslin is unable to function in a work setting,    5
                                                      the ALJ rejected that assessment as

inconsistent with the objective medical evidence, pointing to evidence that Oslin

was doing well and had no problems with sleep or hallucinations. ALJ’s decision

at 5. Also, the ALJ found that Dr. Roman’s diagnosis of a moderate bipolar

disorder was inconsistent with a complete inability to do work-related mental

activities. Instead, the ALJ found on his Psychiatric Review Technique form and

4
 (...continued)
detailed instructions; the ability to carry out detailed instructions; the ability to
maintain attention and concentration for extended periods; the ability to perform
activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within
customary tolerances; the ability to sustain a routine without special supervision;
the ability to work in coordination with or proximity to others without being
distracted by them; the ability to complete a normal workday and workweek
without interruptions from psychologically-based symptoms and to perform at a
consistent pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods; the
ability to accept instruction and respond appropriately to criticism from
supervisors; the ability to respond appropriately to changes in the work setting;
and the ability to travel in unfamiliar places or use public transportation. The
form indicated moderate limitations in the ability to understand and remember
very short and simple instructions; the ability to carry out very short and simple
instructions; the ability to make simple work-related decisions; the ability to
interact appropriately with the general public; the ability to ask simple questions
or request assistance; the ability to get along with coworkers or peers without
distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes; the ability to maintain socially
appropriate behavior and to adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness;
the ability to be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions; and
the ability to set realistic goals or make plans independently of others.
5
      In evidence presented to the Appeals Council, Dr. Roman also reported on
March 19, 1999, on an application for cancellation of Oslin’s student loans, that
Oslin was unlikely to return to work within the next two years.

                                            -8-
recited in his decision that Oslin has a slight limitation in performing daily

activities and in social functioning, he often has problems concentrating, and he

never has episodes of deterioration or decompensation in work settings.

      Contrary to the ALJ’s findings, the totality of the Parkside Progress Notes,

completed by Dr. Roman, Ms. Snook, and others, do not conclusively establish

that Oslin always does well and has no problems. Rather, the progress notes

suggest he experienced changing symptoms and no sustained periods of improved

functioning. The ALJ, however, did not address or explain his rejection of this

evidence. Nor does he assess whether Oslin’s changing symptoms permit him to

perform work on a regular, consistent, or sustained basis.

      Likewise, the ALJ disregarded Oslin’s Global Assessment of Functioning

(GAF) 6 scores, ranging between 45 and 55. A GAF rating between 41 and 50

indicates “[s]erious symptoms (e.g., suicidal ideation . . .) OR any serious

impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g., . . . unable to keep

a job);” whereas a GAF rating between 51 and 60 indicates moderate symptoms or

impairments in these categories. DSM-IV-TR at 34 (bold print omitted).

Although the GAF rating may indicate problems that do not necessarily relate to

6
       The GAF is used by clinicians to report an individual’s overall level of
functioning. See American Psychiatric Assoc., Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders 32 (Text Revision 4th ed. 2000) (DSM-IV-TR). The scale
does not evaluate impairments caused by physical or environmental factors.     See
id. at 32, 34.

                                          -9-
the ability to hold a job, Dr. Roman and Ms. Snook indicated Oslin could not

work or his impairments interfered with his ability to keep a job. GAF scores

of 50 or less do suggest an inability to keep a job.    Id. The ALJ did not discuss

the GAF scores and did not provide a reason to disregard the opinion of

Oslin’s treating source in this respect.     See Frey v. Bowen , 816 F.2d 508, 513

(10th Cir. 1987).

       Although the ALJ did not specifically discuss the complete set of mental

progress notes and the GAF scores in his decision, he did indicate that he had

considered all of the evidence.    7
                                       See Clifton v. Chater , 79 F.3d 1007, 1009-10

(10th Cir. 1996) (“The record must demonstrate that the ALJ considered all of the

evidence, but an ALJ is not required to discuss every piece of evidence.”).

Nonetheless, the ALJ “may not ignore evidence that does not support his decision,

especially when that evidence is significantly probative.”       Briggs ex rel. Briggs v.

7
       The ALJ noted that

       Every exhibit was reviewed carefully for preparation of this decision,
       however, exhibits not cited were omitted for various reasons,
       including, but not limited to the following: relate to a time not
       covered by the claim, illegibility, duplicity, different physicians
       reporting the same diagnoses, physician duplication of
       hospitalization records, failure to state a diagnosis, statement of the
       claimant’s complaints without a diagnosis, prescription of medication
       only, etc.

ALJ’s decision at 3.

                                             -10-
Massanari , 248 F.3d 1235, 1239 (10th Cir. 2001) (quotation omitted);     see also

Clifton , 79 F.3d at 1010 (“[I]n addition to discussing the evidence supporting his

decision, the ALJ also must discuss the uncontroverted evidence he chooses not to

rely upon, as well as significantly probative evidence he rejects.”). Because the

ALJ’s discussion of the mental impairment evidence does not mention the GAF

scores or fully discuss the mental progress notes, it is unclear whether the ALJ

considered or rejected this evidence, favorable to Oslin.

      We agree with Oslin’s assertion that the ALJ failed to properly consider

Oslin’s subjective complaints, which are not inconsistent with the conclusions of

his mental health treating sources. Oslin testified at the hearing that three to four

times a month, and lasting for two to four days, his mental problems preclude him

from functioning and his bipolar disorder is not completely controlled with

medication. He also complained of drowsiness caused by his medication. Oslin’s

complaints of drowsiness, depression, and moodiness were affirmed by the

testimony of Bruce Beggley, who is the Senior Executive Director of the HIV ER

Center where Oslin volunteers three days a week for two to three hours, and who

had allowed Oslin to stay in his home. Lumping all of Oslin’s subjective

complaints together, and using boiler-plate language,   see, e.g. , Angel , 329 F.3d at

1213, the ALJ rejected Oslin’s allegations of limitations as not credible “because,

but not limited to, the objective findings, or the lack thereof, by treating and

                                          -11-
examining physicians, the lack of medication for severe pain, the frequency of

treatments by physicians and the lack of discomfort shown by the claimant at the

hearing.”   8
                ALJ’s decision at 3-4.

       “Although this court ordinarily defers to the ALJ as trier of fact on

credibility, . . . deference is not an absolute rule.”    Thompson v. Sullivan ,

987 F.2d 1482, 1490 (10th Cir. 1993);         see also Briggs , 248 F.3d at 1239

(“Credibility determinations are peculiarly the province of the finder of fact, and

we will not upset such determinations when supported by substantial evidence.”)

(quotation omitted). The ALJ’s analysis was legally insufficient.         See White v.

Barnhart , 287 F.3d 903, 909 (10th Cir. 2001) (recognizing ALJ must give specific

reasons when rejecting claimant’s subjective complaints);        Kepler v. Chater ,

68 F.3d 387, 390-91 (10th Cir. 1995) (rejecting ALJ’s conclusory decision

dismissing claimant’s subjective complaints without explaining reasoning and

specific evidence underlying that determination). Because “[a] significant portion

8
       The ALJ did specifically find that Oslin had diminished credibility because
he failed to report to his treating doctors either joint problems in his legs and
arms or drowsiness resulting from the depression medication. The record does
not support these findings. A treatment note dated November 11, 1998, noted that
Oslin had complained of joint pain of increasing severity, primarily in his knees,
elbows and back, for two years, but Oslin did have a normal range of motion in
his joints. Dr. Yarborough prescribed medication for joint pain. Also, the
Parkside Progress Notes report Oslin complained of continuing drowsiness.

                                               -12-
of the record supports [Oslin’s] testimony,” “the ALJ must explain why he has

determined that the testimony is not credible.”    Briggs , 248 F.3d at 1239.

       The ALJ also failed to explain adequately why he would discredit Oslin’s

testimony concerning his daily activities. Oslin testified that he sometimes cooks,

does dishes, helps with sweeping and vacuuming, does cross-stitch as long as his

concentration continues, collects Barbie dolls, goes to the flea market every three

or four weeks, and volunteers two to three hours three times per week at the HIV

ER Center. Oslin’s minimum daily activities do not establish he can work on a

consistent basis.   See Thompson , 987 F.2d at 1490 (“sporadic performance of

[household tasks or work] does not establish that a person is capable of engaging

in substantial gainful activity”) (quotation omitted).

       Oslin argues the ALJ should have obtained a consultative examination and

fulfilled his investigative duty. “It is the ALJ’s duty to investigate the facts and

develop the arguments both for and against granting benefits.”     Sims v. Apfel ,

530 U.S. 103, 111 (2000). “This duty to develop the record pertains even if the

claimant is represented by counsel.”     Thompson , 987 F.2d at 1492; see also

Hawkins v. Chater , 113 F.3d 1162, 1167 (10th Cir. 1997) (“the ALJ may

ordinarily require counsel to identify the issue or issues requiring further

development”). “In the absence of such a request by counsel, we will not impose

a duty on the ALJ to order a consultative examination unless the need for one is

                                           -13-
clearly established in the record.”     Hawkins , 113 F.3d at 1168. If evidence from

the claimant’s treating doctor is inadequate to determine if the claimant is

disabled, the Commissioner must first recontact the treating doctor to determine if

additional needed information is available.          See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512(e)(1) (“We

will seek additional evidence or clarification from your medical source when the

report from your medical source contains a conflict or ambiguity that must be

resolved, the report does not contain all the necessary information, or does not

appear to be based on medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic

techniques.”); id. § 416.912(e)(1); see also White , 287 F.3d at 905 (“obligation

[to recontact the treating physician] arises whenever the information received

from the treating doctor is inadequate”). Where the medical evidence in the

record is inconclusive, “a consultative examination is often required for proper

resolution of a disability claim.”     Hawkins , 113 F.3d at 1166; see also 20 C.F.R.

§§ 404.1512(f) (“If the information we need is not readily available from the

records of your medical treatment source, or we are unable to seek clarification

from your medical source, we will ask you to attend one or more consultative

examinations at our expense.”);       id. § 416.912(f).

       Here, the Parkside Clinic progress notes are insufficient to draw reliable

conclusions about Oslin’s alleged disability, inasmuch as they indicate at times

that Oslin is improved and doing well, but at other times indicate that he is having

                                              -14-
problems with depression, mania, medication side effects, hallucinations, suicidal

thoughts, anxiety, memory and concentration. The progress notes do, however,

establish that Oslin presented sufficient mental health medical evidence to

warrant further investigation.   See Hawkins , 113 F.3d at 1169. We remand to the

ALJ with directions to obtain a detailed evaluation from Dr. Roman with a clear

assessment of Oslin’s condition and/or a detailed evaluation from a consulting

doctor who personally examines Oslin. The further information should clarify

how Oslin’s mental problems impact his ability to work. Also, in remanding, we

direct the ALJ to make specific findings fully discussing the medical evidence.

                                          C

       Oslin argues the ALJ should have considered his physical and mental

impairments in combination. In light of our decision to remand for further

proceedings, we also direct the ALJ to again consider the totality of the evidence

after more fully developing the record with respect to Oslin’s mental impairments.

       The judgment of the district court is REVERSED, and this case is

REMANDED to the district court with directions to REMAND to the

Commissioner for further proceedings assessing Oslin’s credibility, the effect of

                                         -15-
his mental impairments on his ability to work, and the combined effect of his

physical and mental impairments.

                                                   Entered for the Court

                                                   Robert H. Henry
                                                   Circuit Judge

                                       -16-
No. 02-5116, Oslin v. Barnhart

BRISCOE, Circuit Judge, dissenting:

      “Absent compelling reasons, we do not consider arguments that were not

presented to the district court.” Crow v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 323, 324 (10th Cir.

1994). After reviewing the record, including Oslin’s brief before the district

court, I conclude that Oslin failed to preserve the issues he now raises on appeal.

Throughout the course of these proceedings, Oslin has been represented by

counsel. Indeed, the same counsel who represents him before this court

represented him before the district court. Further, Oslin has not provided this

court with compelling reasons that would justify our departure from the general

rule. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent from the majority’s conclusion. I would

affirm the district court.