Court Opinion

ID: 9469565
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 02:44:02.842397+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:41:27.374384
License: Public Domain

MANSFIELD, Circuit Judge:
Domingo Echevarria appeals from a judgment of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, 528 F.Supp. 977, Edward R. Neaher, Judge, affirming a determination of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“Secretary”) denying Echevarria’s application for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) under 42 U.S.C. §§ 402, et seq. and 1382, et seq. The principal issue on appeal is whether the administrative law judge (“ALJ”) fulfilled his special obligation to protect the rights of unrepresented claimants by fully uncovering all the relevant facts. Because in our view there was a failure to develop a full and adequate record, we reverse and remand for a new administrative hearing.
Echevarria was born in 1926 in Puerto Rico and has an eighth grade education obtained there. He reads and writes in Spanish but knows very little English. He was born with a congenital foot deformity that was only partially corrected by surgery in 1952. He claims that this condition still prevents him from walking long distances or standing for long periods of time. He also suffers from a congenitally unstable back. From 1963 to October 1976 he worked in a women’s handbag factory lining and stapling purses. Beginning around 1971, in addition to the pains associated with his congenital ailments, he began to suffer increasingly from arthritic pains affecting his back, knees, shoulders, ankles and hands, leading to frequent absences from work. His employer apparently accommodated Echevarria’s physical problems by assigning him easier work, including tasks that minimized standing, resulting in his job becoming predominantly sedentary.
In October 1976 Echevarria experienced an acute flare-up of active rheumatoid arthritis in his feet and other parts of his body that caused him to leave his job. After receiving treatment he sought to return to work a month later but could not because the factory was closing. For some 39 weeks thereafter he received unemployment compensation while unsuccessfully looking for work.
Echevarria’s application for disability and SSI benefits was denied both initially and upon reconsideration. A hearing was then held before ALJ Forsmith on October 13, 1978. Echevarria was unrepresented by counsel but was accompanied by Eduardo Gonzalez, a social services coordinator for the Community Development Agency, who attended the hearing only to testify on Echevarria’s behalf but was, after a colloquy with the ALJ, pressed into service as *754his representative and did not testify.1 Echevarria answered the ALJ’s questions through an interpreter, but was not questioned by Gonzalez; nor did he call any witnesses.
Echevarria stated that he had difficulty walking and climbing stairs, that he could not bend his knees to squat and was limited to 15-20 pounds. He stated that the pain from his various ailments “bothers [him] a lot” and often left him very tired. He also testified about stomach pains for which he was being treated and for which X-rays had been taken but were not yet available. The ALJ, however, stated that the hearing would proceed without the medical report on his stomach pains since they represent a new condition not included in the original benefits application. Although Echevarria testified that he thought he could perform a sedentary job, which he “would have tried,” and that within 5-6 months after the flareup he probably could have performed his former job, he also pointed to the serious pain he suffered from arthritis, which required his use of strong anti-pain pills, and suggested that at best he could work only if his employer were willing to accommodate his various problems.
After Echevarria testified, the ALJ called the only two witnesses: Dr. Plotz, a medical advisor, and Mrs. Grupsmith, a vocational expert. Dr. Plotz, who had not examined Echevarria, reviewed the reports of the five physicians who had treated him at various times. Of these, only two commented on Echevarria’s ability to do work.2 Dr. Falk, who treated him on a monthly basis from the Fall of 1976 through March 1977, diagnosed mild rheumatoid arthritis, prescribed medication, and stated that Echevarria “may not be able to work until this [arthritic] flare is controlled.” Dr. Bryant, in a letter dated August 2, 1978, diagnosed traumatic arthritis and gave a prognosis that “[t]he patient’s condition will worsen in due time and may result in his disability.”
None of these examining doctors were called to testify or asked to evaluate the reports of the others. Instead, Dr. Plotz, who was reviewing the medical reports for the first time at the hearing, testified as an expert witness that “there are really no medical conditions which would support the diagnosis of disabling arthritis or anything else” and that Echevarria was fully capable of normal walking and of standing on his feet for eight hours a day. Gonzalez questioned Dr. Plotz only briefly, and seemed confused about whether Dr. Plotz or the ALJ would ultimately decide the issue of *755disability. The ALJ also questioned the vocational expert, Mrs. Grupsmith, who, apparently without having examined Echevarria or conducted any tests, presented conclusory testimony based only on her general knowledge of sedentary jobs. Gonzalez, who questioned her only cursorily, focused on the practical difficulties of obtaining work in light of the prevailing unemployment rate, a factor wholly irrelevant to the issue of disability. See 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(B).
In a decision dated November 30, 1978, the ALJ affirmed the denial of benefits on the grounds that Echevarria’s impairment was not severe, that he retained capacity to perform sedentary work, and that he could return to his prior relevant occupation. After the Appeals Council declined to review this determination, rendering it final, Echevarria commenced this action in district court which was referred to Magistrate John L. Caden, who issued a report recommending that this action be remanded in light of new regulations since promulgated.3 20 C.F.R.'§§ 404.1501, et seq. In a Memorandum of Decision and Order dated December 22,1981, Judge Neaher rejected this recommendation and granted judgment for the Secretary, dismissing Echevarria’s complaint.

DISCUSSION

An applicant for disability payments must show that his impairment is of such severity that he cannot perform his previous work or “engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy,” 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(B). However,, in deciding whether the Secretary’s conclusions on this issue are supported by substantial evidence, which is the test on review, 42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3) (incorporating 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)), we must first satisfy ourselves that the claimant has had “a full hearing under the Secretary’s regulations and in accordance with the beneficent purposes of the Act.” Gold v. Secretary of HEW, 463 F.2d 38, 43 (2d Cir. 1972). The need for this inquiry arises from the essentially non-adversarial nature of a benefits proceeding: the Secretary is not represented, and the ALJ, unlike a judge in a trial, must himself affirmatively develop the record. Schauer v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 55 at 57 (2d Cir. 1982); Gold v. Secretary of HEW, supra, 463 F.2d at 43. Where, as here, the claimant is unrepresented by counsel, the ALJ is under a heightened duty “ ‘to scrupulously and conscientiously probe into, inquire of, and explore for all the relevant facts.’ ” Hankerson v. Harris, 636 F.2d 893, 895 (2d Cir. 1980) (quoting Gold v. Secretary of HEW, supra, 463 F.2d at 43). A reviewing court must determine whether the ALJ “adequately protected] the rights of [a] pro se litigant by ensuring that all of the relevant facts [are] sufficiently developed and considered.” Hankerson, supra, 636 F.2d at 895.
Applying these standards, we conclude that Echevarria did not, because of significant “gaps” in the record, receive a “fair and adequate hearing before the Secretary.” Hankerson, supra, 636 F.2d at 897. The ALJ failed adequately to explore the nature and extent of Echevarria’s subjective symptoms. A claimant’s testimony about pain and suffering “is not only probative on the issue of disability, but ‘may serve as the basis for establishing disability, even when such pain is unaccompanied by positive clinical findings or other “objective” medical evidence....’” Hankerson, supra, 636 F.2d at 895 (quoting Marcus v. Califano, 615 F.2d 23, 27 (2d Cir. 1979)). Accord, Aubeuf v. Schweiker, 649 F.2d 107, 113 (2d Cir. 1981). Here, despite numerous references in the medical records and testi*756mony by Echevarría concerning his subjective symptoms of serious pain, the ALJ did not fully inquire into what specifically caused Echevarria to leave his job or the full degree of the pain and the extent to which it prevents him from working. In addition, the ALJ, knowing Gonzalez initially intended only to testify, did not seek corroboration from him about Echevarria’s subjective symptoms; had Echevarria been represented by counsel, this is a subject “[a]ny lawyer prepared for a hearing . . . would realize . .. most required supporting testimony.” Clark v. Schweiker, 652 F.2d 399, 404 (5th Cir. 1981). Finally, rather than summarily dismissing as irrelevant Echevarria’s testimony about his stomach pains, a more diligent inquiry would have revealed that these pains were the adverse effects of the drug (Motrin) prescribed for the arthritis, and thus were directly related to Echevarria’s attempts to control the arthritis that initially forced him to leave his job.
Moreover, as in Hankerson, the proper course would have been to direct Echevarria to obtain a more detailed statement from the treating physicians, Dr. Falk and Dr. Bryant, before rejecting their pessimistic prognosis about his ability to work. Of the five treating physicians’ reports, only two commented on the issue of disability: Dr. Falk stated that Echevarria “may be unable to work until this flare is controlled,” and Dr. Bryant reported that the “traumatic arthritis ... will worsen in due time and may result in his disability.” While these findings are not conclusive, the duty to protect the rights of pro se claimants by developing “all the relevant facts” calls for much more than a reliance on the contrary conclusions of a non-treating medical advisor. As we stated in Hankerson, supra:
“Before the ALJ can reject an opinion of a pro se claimant’s treating physician because it is conclusory, basic principles of fairness require that he inform the claimant of his proposed action and give him an opportunity to obtain a more detailed statement.” 636 F.2d at 896.
This was not done here. “[I]n the absence of substantial contradictory evidence, the opinion of the claimant’s treating physician is binding on the Secretary.” Id. See also McLaughlin v. Secretary of HEW, 612 F.2d 701, 705 (2d Cir. 1980) (contrary views of medical advisor entitled to less weight unless substantial evidence contradicts treating physician’s conclusion); Strickland v. Harris, 615 F.2d 1103, 1109 (5th Cir. 1980) (report of non-examining physician alone does not constitute substantial evidence). Moreover, for reasons already indicated, the ALJ should have requested medical reports concerning Echevarria’s stomach problems, since they are highly relevant to Dr. Falk’s prognosis that Echevarria’s ability to work turns on the effectiveness of treatment.
An inquiry also should have been conducted into whether Echevarria’s former employment was made possible only by special accommodation on the part of his employer that would not be matched by potential future employers. The record fails to disclose the reasons for Echevarria’s increasingly frequent work absences and his having been given easier tasks as his ailments became more serious. Indeed, the record does not reveal what specific tasks Echevarria could and did perform for his former employer, or what tasks he was forced to abandon as his arthritis became more severe. This “gap” in the record makes it impossible to evaluate the vocational expert’s conclusory testimony that Echevarria is able to perform sedentary jobs.
Mr. Gonzalez’ nominal representation of Echevarria did not suspend the ALJ’s special duty to pro se claimants. Gonzalez intended only to testify and not to act as a representative, see note 1, supra, which indicated that if Echevarria had been adequately advised of the advantages of having experienced Legal Aid counsel, as he now has on this appeal, he would have so chosen. Moreover, in light of the confused colloquy the ALJ was under a duty not simply to inquire if Echevarria consented at that moment to Gonzalez’ representation, but also whether Gonzalez was prepared to *757act as a representative. There is no evidence that Gonzalez had studied the file or had any prior experience with disability claims. Furthermore, although Gonzalez tried, he was incapable of providing effective representation due to his apparent unfamiliarity with the disability claims procedure and criteria. In questioning Dr. Plotz he was confused about whether the medical advisor or the ALJ ultimately decided the disability issue, and his questioning of the vocational expert and his closing remarks represent a well-intended but rambling plea, emphasizing Echevarria’s good character and the difficulties of finding employment, but never addressing the only relevant issue: his claim to being legally disabled. It can hardly be doubted that Gonzalez did not and could not provide the type of assistance that a lawyer or a prepared representative would have provided. Clark v. Schweiker, supra, 652 F.2d at 406; Hankerson v. Harris, supra, 636 F.2d at 897.
Therefore, notwithstanding Gonzalez’ nominal representation, the ALJ was under a special duty to protect Echevarria’s rights by ensuring that the hearing be “fair and adequate.” While none of the errors standing alone is sufficient to upset the Secretary’s determination, their total effect deprived Echevarria of a full consideration of his claim.4 Hankerson, supra, 636 F.2d at 987. Accordingly, we vacate the judgment of the district court with instructions to remand the matter to the Secretary for further appropriate proceedings.

. The relevant portions of the colloquy at the hearing are as follows:
“ALJ: You were notified in the notice of hearing that was sent to you that you had the right to be represented by an attorney or any other person. Are you represented today?
CLAIMANT: This gentleman came with me.
ALJ: Is he going to represent you or is he going to testify?
CLAIMANT: Just testify.
MR. GONZALEZ: All depending.
INTERPRETER: It all depends.
MR. GONZALEZ: I’m saying that it all depends if (inaudible) wishes me to represent her [sic].
ALJ: That’s what I’m asking. Is that your decision?
CLAIMANT: Yes.
ALJ: (To Hearing Assistant “HA”) All right. Do you have a statement of representation for the file?
HA: No, I didn’t know. He just said he was going to testify, so I didn’t put his statement in.”
It is unclear why Gonzalez eventually did not testify. His failure to do so might have stemmed from a mistaken belief on his part that his acting as a representative precluded him from testifying.

. There were three other treating physicians whose reports were part of the file. Drs. Lipton and Dinhoffer examined Echevarria on February 10, 1978, after an unexplained 11-month break since Dr. Falk’s last treatment. Dr. Lipton, a surgeon, reported in part:
“There is a 50% loss of flexion and extension of the ankles. The feet are pronated. The arches are depressed and rigid. There is moderate atrophy of both calves. X-rays were reviewed. Neurological examination was normal.
“Impression: (1) low back syndrome, (2) bilateral ankle fusion, (3) rigid pes planus.”
Dr. Dinhoffer reported a congenitally unstable back and a congenital variation of the right foot. Dr. Olivera, who saw Echevarria on April 12, 1978, gave a diagnosis of rheumatoid osteoarthritis.

. Magistrate Caden noted that Echevarria was in the “closely approaching advanced age” category, 20 C.F.R. § 404.1503, had “limited education,” id. § 404.1507, was unable to communicate in English, id. § 404.1506.07, had no vocational training, his work experience was unskilled and limited to sedentary work, id. § 404.1510, and there was some question whether his particular work experience — lining and assembling women’s pocketbooks — was transferable. The Magistrate concluded that these factors, when considered in light of the pessimistic medical reports, required a remand for re-evaluation.

. This disposition obviates the need to reach Echevarria’s claim that the ALJ wrongfully combined what should be two separate inquiries: the severity of the impairment, a physical inquiry, and the ability to pursue gainful activity, a vocational inquiry. See Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 464 at 466 (2d Cir. 1982). In addition, since we hold that a remand is required under the standards announced in Hankerson v. Harris, 636 F.2d 893 (2d Cir. 1980), we do not need to decide whether Echevarria was accorded adequate notice of his right to counsel and the possibility of free legal assistance, and if not, whether an even higher duty would thereby be placed upon the ALJ. See Clark v. Schweiker, 652 F.2d 399 (5th Cir. 1981).