Court Opinion

ID: 9474380
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 04:55:50.858212+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:44:03.167842
License: Public Domain

FAGG, Circuit Judge,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent. From a review of the record, I find substantial evidence to support the Secretary’s decision that Camp’s period of disability ended in September 1981. The Secretary held that although Camp occasionally experiences severe pain during episodes of gouty arthritis, “these episodes are brief, occur infrequently, and do not prevent him from engaging in substantial gainful activity for any continuous 12 month period.” This finding is clearly supported by the medical evidence in the record.
The Secretary further observed that Camp suffered from a “depressive neurosis” from December 12, 1977, to September 1981, which resulted in a finding of disability. The Secretary stated, however, that while Camp still suffered from a “conversion reaction” in September 1981, this condition did not prevent him “from performing simple, repetitive tasks and responding appropriately to co-workers or supervisors.” I agree with the court that this finding was based on the psychiatric report submitted by Dr. Robert L. Lewis, dated September 10, 1981.
I do not, however, agree with the court that this report did not constitute substantial evidence to support the Secretary’s decision that Camp’s psychological problems had diminished to the extent that he was able to return to his past relevant work as a tile layer and heavy equipment operator. The Secretary found that by the time of Dr. Lewis’ psychiatric report, “the depression had resolved, and the claimant was observed to be in good humor.” This finding is supported by Dr. Lewis’ report.
The court correctly observes that Dr. Lewis’ psychiatric report “also states that Camp’s abilities to relate to other people, to understand, carry out, and remember instructions, and to perform varied tasks are moderately impaired, and that these limitations can be expected to last for 12 months or longer.” Ante at 722. Irrespective of these limitations, I conclude that the Secretary’s decision is supported by substantial evidence. Indeed, the effect of these limitations on Camp’s ability to perform his previous job tasks were addressed by the vocational expert who, in response to a hypothetical question, concluded that Camp would still be able to perform his past relevant work.
Accordingly, I would affirm the Secretary’s decision.