Castillo v. Astrue, No. 2:2008cv01223 - Document 17 (D. Ariz. 2009)

Court Description: ORDER that the decision of the ALJ is affirmed and the Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment accordingly (said judgment shall serve as the mandate in this case). Signed by Judge James A Teilborg on 12/7/09. (DMT, )

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1 WO 2 3 4 5 6 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 7 FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Mark Castillo, o/b/o Christina Kasprick,) ) deceased, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) vs. ) ) Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social) ) Security, ) ) Defendant. ) ) No. CV 08-01223-PHX-JAT ORDER 16 17 18 Pending before the Court is Plaintiff s appeal from the Administrative Law Judge s 19 ( ALJ ) denial of Plaintiff s request for social security disability benefits. For the reasons 20 that follow, the Court affirms the ALJ s decision to deny social security disability benefits. 21 I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY 22 On February 17, 2006, Plaintiff filed an application for Supplemental Security Income 23 benefits, alleging a disability onset date of April 1, 2003. (Record Transcript Tr. 46.) 24 Plaintiff asserts that she is disabled due to, inter alia, fibromyalgia, lumbar scoliosis, 25 cervicalgia, myofascial pain, and depression. (Id. at 138, 145, 281.) The Social Security 26 Administration ( SSA ) denied Plaintiff s application and request for reconsideration. (Id. 27 at 37-45.) Plaintiff timely requested and received a hearing before an ALJ. (Tr. 296-321.) 28 1 On December 7, 2007, the ALJ denied Plaintiff s request for benefits, finding that, 2 despite Plaintiff s restrictions, she still retained the residual functional capacity to engage in 3 substantially gainful activity. (Id. at 13-23.) On May 9, 2008, the Appeals Council denied 4 Plaintiff s request for review and adopted the decision of the ALJ as the final decision of the 5 Commissioner. (Id. at 4-6.) Plaintiff filed this complaint on July 2, 2008, pursuant to 42 6 U.S.C. § 405(g), seeking judicial review of the ALJ s decision. (Doc. # 1.) 7 II. STANDARD OF REVIEW 8 The Court will not set aside the Commissioner s decision unless: (1) the findings of 9 fact are not supported by substantial evidence in the record, or (2) the decision is based on 10 a legal error. Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir. 1989). Substantial 11 evidence means more than a mere scintilla but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant 12 evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Andrews 13 v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 1995). See also Flaten v. Sec y of Health & Human 14 Servs., 44 F.3d 1453, 1457 (9th Cir. 1995) ( Substantial evidence is relevant evidence which, 15 considering the record as a whole, a reasonable person might accept as adequate to support 16 a conclusion. ). In determining whether substantial evidence supports the Commissioner s 17 decision, the court must consider the record as a whole and review evidence both supporting 18 and detracting from the decision. Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1279 (9th Cir. 1996). The 19 ALJ s role is to make credibility determinations and to resolve conflicts in medical 20 testimony. Andrews, 53 F.3d at 1039. If the evidence is susceptible to more than one 21 rational interpretation, one of which supports the ALJ s decision, then the court will uphold 22 the decision. Id. at 1040. However, if the ALJ applied improper legal standards, the court 23 must set aside a decision even if it is supported by substantial evidence. See Ceguerra v. 24 Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 993 F.2d 735, 739 (9th Cir. 1991). 25 The claimant bears the initial burden to prove that he qualifies for disability benefits 26 under the Social Security Act. Andrews, 53 F.3d at 1040. A claimant is disabled if he is 27 unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable 28 -2- 1 physical or mental impairment which . . . has lasted or can be expected to last for a 2 continuous period of not less than twelve months. 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A). 3 Pursuant to 20 C.F.R. § 416.920, the ALJ must perform a five-step analysis to 4 determine whether a claimant is disabled. The questions are posed sequentially until a 5 finding of disability is affirmatively rejected or established. An applicant establishes a prima 6 facie case of disability if he proves the first four of the following five steps: (1) applicant is 7 not currently engaged in substantial gainful activity ; (2) applicant has a medically severe 8 impairment or combination of impairments ; (3) applicant s impairment equals one of a 9 number of listed impairments that the Commissioner acknowledged as so severe as to 10 preclude the applicant from engaging in substantial gainful activity; (4) if the applicant s 11 impairment does not equal one of the listed impairments, applicant is incapable of 12 performing his or her past relevant work; and (5) applicant is unable to perform other work 13 in the national economy considering his or her age, education, and work experience. See 14 Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-41 (1987) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b)-(f)). In 15 analyzing step five, the burden shifts to the Commissioner. The Commissioner can meet 16 this burden through the testimony of a vocational expert or by reference to the Medical 17 Vocational Guidelines at 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 2. Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d 18 947, 955 (9th Cir. 2002) (citing Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1099 (9th Cir. 1999)). See 19 also 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(f). If the Commissioner meets his burden, the claimant has failed 20 to establish disability. Thomas, 278 F.3d at 955. 21 III. FACTUAL BACKGROUND 22 A. 23 Plaintiff claims that she has been unable to work since April 1, 2003. (Tr. 46.) She 24 alleges that she is disabled due to fibromyalgia, lumbar scoliosis, cervicalgia, myofascial 25 pain, and depression. (Id. at 138, 145, 281.) Plaintiff s Disability Claim 26 B. 27 Plaintiff was born on February 26, 1968, stands at 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighs 242 28 pounds. (Tr. 46, 99.) She lived with her fiancé and three of her children. (Id. at 68.) She Plaintiff s Background -3- 1 had completed school up to the eleventh grade. (Id. at 106.) Plaintiff worked as a fast food 2 cashier for the 1987 year, a delivery driver for a photo lab for the 1993 year, again as a fast 3 food cashier from January to April of 2003, and finally creating movie posters from May to 4 July of 2003. (Id. at 101.) 5 On November 7, 2007, Plaintiff testified to the ALJ regarding her alleged disabling 6 conditions. (Id. at 296-321.) Plaintiff testified that she was unable to work because she had 7 panic attacks when around the public and she was depressed. (Id. at 301, 312.) Plaintiff also 8 testified that she had pain all of the time in her back, neck, right arm and right knee in 9 addition to no feeling in both of her legs. (Id. at 301-02.) Plaintiff described her average 10 daily pain as a 9 to 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, with a 10 representing pain that would send her 11 to the hospital. (Id. at 303.) Plaintiff testified that she almost had to crawl home after 12 walking her children to the school bus stop every morning. (Id. at 304). Plaintiff testified that 13 walking aggravated her symptoms, and that neither sitting nor standing nor lying down 14 helped. Plaintiff testified that she was unable to lift five (5) pounds and had problems with 15 postural movements, manipulation and using her arms overhead. (Id. at 305-06.) Plaintiff 16 testified her hands went numb every time she used them. (Id. at 306.) She further testified 17 that she had memory and concentration problems. (Id. at 309). Plaintiff took medication for 18 symptom relief. (Id. at 307-08.) Plaintiff claimed she only did dishes to help with 19 housework, but everything else she largely relied on her children. (Id. at 310). 20 21 C. Record Evidence 1. Physical and Mental Impairments 22 Treatment records from Albert Yeh, M.D., showed that beginning August 2005, 23 Plaintiff subjectively reported that she had numbness and all over body pain rated as an 8 to 24 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, and she received medication management and trigger point 25 injections for her pain complaints. (Tr. 137-85, 271-84.) X-rays of Plaintiff s lumbar spine 26 showed mild degenerative changes, and also showed that Plaintiff s cervical and thoracic 27 spine were normal. (Id. at 178-85.) Dr. Yeh diagnosed myofascial pain and scoliosis. (Id. 28 at 138.) On examination, Dr. Yeh at times noted Plaintiff s complaints of pain and -4- 1 tenderness, lower extremity numbness and unspecified decreased ranges of motion; but Dr. 2 Yeh also documented that Plaintiff had no muscle atrophy, no weakness, no pain with 3 straight leg raising (negative SLR), no radicular signs, as well as normal sensation and 4 reflexes. (Id. at 137-39, 141, 143-45, 147, 150, 154, 156, 158, 160, 163, 165, 168, 170, 175, 5 271, 273, 275, 277, 280, 283.) Dr. Yeh noted in some treatment records that medication was 6 helping to improve Plaintiff s function and quality of life (Id. at 148, 151, 155, 161, 163, 166, 7 174, 272, 274), but sometimes inconsistently reported in the same treatment records that 8 Plaintiff was not improving. (Id. at 168, 171, 176, 276, 278, 281, 283.) 9 On January 16, 2006, Plaintiff went to Mohave Mental Health Clinic ( MMHC ) 10 because she felt stressed over her relationship with her daughter (Id. at 211.) The 11 interviewing therapist described Plaintiff as depressed, but also calm, cooperative, logical 12 and fully oriented. (Id. at 216-17.) The therapist did not perform memory testing. (Id. at 13 217.) The therapist diagnosed a parent-child relational problem and stated that depression 14 needed to be ruled out. (Id. at 218.) The therapist assessed a Global Assessment of 15 Functioning (GAF)1 score of 55. (Id. at 219.) 16 On May 2, 2006, Dr. Yeh opined that Plaintiff had several physical limitations, which 17 would have limited her to sedentary to light work activity, with additional extreme 18 manipulative, postural and environmental restrictions. (Id. at 285-87.) 19 On June 5, 2006, Plaintiff underwent a consultative mental status examination by 20 Lawrence Allen, Ph.D., for complaints of depression and anxiety. (Tr. 236.) Plaintiff stated 21 that she wanted to avoid people. Plaintiff also reported that she lived with her fiancé, who 22 is on disability, spent her days in bed, and that her 11 year old child prepared the family s 23 meals. (Id. at 237.) On mental status examination, Dr. Allen described Plaintiff as well 24 25 26 27 28 1 GAF represents the examiner s judgment of the individual s overall level of psychological functioning. See DSM-IV at 32. A person s GAF score is based on a numerical rating ranging between 0 and 100, with lower numbers representing more severe mental limitations. DSM-IV at 32, 34. A rating of 51-60 indicates moderate symptoms. Id. at 34. -5- 1 groomed and having no unusual mannerisms. Plaintiff was mildly suspicious, but friendly. 2 She was passively cooperative with good eye contact. Plaintiff had full range of effect. 3 Plaintiff answered questions but did not have spontaneous conversation. Plaintiff was fully 4 oriented. (Id. at 239.) Dr. Allen described Plaintiff s difficulty with immediate recall as 5 symptom amplification because she had no difficulty in describing her background and 6 had immediate memory for facts and other information during the interview. (Id.) Dr. Allen 7 also noted some symptom magnification when Plaintiff performed serial seven testing and 8 was asked to spell the word world backwards. Dr. Allen diagnosed social phobia with 9 panic and depressive disorders to be ruled out. Dr. Allen assessed a GAF score of 80.2 Dr. 10 Allen opined that there was no evidence of a limitation in 18 of 20 mental work related 11 activities, and was not significantly limited in the remaining 2 (social interaction with the 12 public and completing a work day or work without interruption). (Id. at 241-45.) 13 On June 17, 2006, Plaintiff underwent a consultative physical examination for 14 complaints of back pain and restless leg syndrome by Jason Taylor, M.D. (Id. at 188.) 15 Plaintiff reported that trigger point injections that Dr. Yeh administered were helping her 16 symptoms. (Id. at 191.) Plaintiff lived with her fiancé and three children, and her 11 year old 17 daughter did most of the housework. (Id. at 188.) On examination, Dr. Taylor stated that 18 Plaintiff does not appear to be in any distress during our conversation or during the 19 examination, and that while she had some difficulty taking off her shoes, she was able to 20 get on and off the examination table without difficulty and was somewhat dramatic during 21 portions of the examination. (Tr. 189.) Dr. Taylor noted that except for her lumbar spine, 22 Plaintiff had normal ranges of motion in all other joints and she had no pain with straight leg 23 raising. (Id. at 190.) Plaintiff could squat and rise without significant difficulty. Plaintiff had 24 normal (5/5) grip strength and flexibility in her knees and ankles. (Id. at 191.) Plaintiff had 25 26 27 28 2 A GAF score of 80 suggests that if symptoms are present, they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial stressors (e.g., difficulty concentrating after family argument); no more than slight impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g., temporarily falling behind in schoolwork). See DSM-IV at 32. -6- 1 intact sensation and reflexes. Dr. Taylor limited Plaintiff to lifting up to 50 pounds 2 occasionally, standing, sitting and walking up to 8 hours each, and performing certain 3 postural movements from occasionally to frequently. Dr. Taylor opined that Plaintiff had no 4 upper extremity limitations. (Id. at 192.) 5 On June 6, 2006, physician s assistant Sharon O Malley evaluated Plaintiff for 6 complaints depression. (Id. at 198.) Plaintiff reported that she lived with her fiancé, who was 7 on disability, and her children. (Id. at 201.) Plaintiff reported feeling stress over her daughter 8 moving out. (Id. at 198.) On mental status evaluation, Plaintiff was alert, fully oriented and 9 cooperative. (Id. at 201.) Plaintiff was depressed, but she also had good eye contact, normal 10 speech and appropriate affect. (Id. at 202.) Plaintiff had average intelligence, good judgment, 11 impulse control and fair insight. Ms. O Malley stated that depressive disorder and panic 12 disorder had to be ruled out, and she prescribed medication. (Id. at 202-04.) 13 On June 28, 2006, Donna DeFelice, M.D., reviewed the record and opined on a 14 Psychiatric Review Technique form that Plaintiff had moderate restrictions in daily activities 15 and concentration, persistence or pace, and a marked limitation in social functioning. (Id. at 16 122-35.) 17 understand, remember and carry out simple mental tasks and could sustain concentration 18 adequately at work that did not involve interacting closely with coworkers and the general 19 public. (Id. at 117-20.) Dr. DeFelice also opined that Plaintiff retained the functional capacity to 20 On August 16, 2007, Plaintiff returned to MMHC. (Id. at 268.) Plaintiff was last seen 21 at the clinic in May 2007, when Ms. O Malley assessed Plaintiff with several moderate and 22 marked limitations. (Id. at 268-70.) Plaintiff reported that she had made amends with her 23 daughter. (Id. at 268.) Plaintiff was described as depressed and sometimes tearful, but she 24 also was pleasant, cooperative, goal oriented and logical, and she had good eye contact and 25 good impulse control. Plaintiff was prescribed medication. (Tr. 268.) 26 2. Vocational Expert 27 The Vocational Expert ( VE ) testified regarding past work history and potential for 28 future employment. (Id. at 315-21.) The ALJ first presented the VE with a hypothetical -7- 1 person with the same age, work experience, and educational background as the claimant, 2 with the ability to do work of medium exertional level with frequent climbing, bending, 3 crouching, crawling and kneeling, minimal contact with the public, supervisors and co- 4 workers, and of the low stress variety. (Id. at 316.) The ALJ added that because of the 5 earnings reported, they would skip to step five and not consider the past work for purposes 6 of the hypotheticals and asked for hypothetical one what unskilled work would be available 7 for that individual. (Id.) 8 The VE estimated that there are 20,000 janitorial positions in Arizona and one million 9 in the United States. (Id. at 316-17.) The VE further estimated at the light level, for the same 10 position, there are 4,500 available in Arizona and 234,000 in the United States. (Id. at 317.) 11 The VE stated these janitorial positions would include night cleaners or similar positions 12 where there would be less contact with people. The VE also found work as an office clerk 13 at the medium level with 280 such jobs in Arizona and 15,700 in the United States. (Id.) For 14 office clerk at the light level, the VE found there are 3,000 such jobs available in Arizona and 15 173,000 in the United States. (Id.) 16 The ALJ s second hypothetical presented the same restrictions as hypothetical one, 17 but changed it to a light exertional level. (Id.) The VE affirmed that the numbers she gave 18 for the same jobs listed in hypothetical one under the light category would satisfy 19 hypothetical two. (Id. at 317-18.) 20 The ALJ s third hypothetical presented the same person who would miss four or more 21 days at work per month and not complete assigned tasks in an eight-hour day, four or more 22 days per month. (Tr. 318.) The VE expressed that this person would be unable to work 23 without special accommodation. (Id.) 24 First, upon examination by Plaintiff s attorney, who presented the VE with an 25 assessment completed by Dr. Yeh, the VE stated those factors would impact her ability to 26 work. (Id. at 318-19.) Second, Plaintiff s attorney then showed the VE an assessment form 27 completed by Sharon O Malley, a physician s assistant, that indicated different work 28 capacities. (Id. at 269-70, 319.) The VE opined that based on that combination of work -8- 1 restrictions the Plaintiff would not be able to work. (Id. at 319) Third, the VE was asked to 2 consider the State agency s reviewing physician s indication that Plaintiff was moderately 3 limited in her ability to maintain concentration, persistence and pace, and having restrictions 4 of daily activities. The VE responded that Plaintiff needs to be able to concentrate, [s]o if 5 moderately limited means that she cannot do that, then she cannot work. (Id.) Finally, the 6 VE was asked if Plaintiff could sustain employment based on Plaintiff s subjective 7 testimony. (Id. at 320.) The VE stated that based on Plaintiff s testimony she could not 8 sustain work. (Id.) 9 IV. THE ALJ S DECISION 10 The ALJ evaluated Plaintiff s alleged disability according to the five-step evaluation 11 process set forth in 20 C.F.R. § 416.920. (Id. at 16-23.) The ALJ first determined that 12 Plaintiff has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date. (Tr. 18.) 13 Next, the ALJ found the following severe combination of impairments: degenerative back 14 disorders, fibromyalgia, and an anxiety disorder. (Id.) However, the ALJ concluded that 15 Plaintiff s impairments failed to meet the criteria of the third step. (Id.) This step requires 16 a claimant s impairment(s) to meet[] or equal[] one of [the SSA s] listings in appendix 1 to 17 subpart P of part 404 of this chapter and meet[] the duration requirement . . . . 20 C.F R. § 18 416.920(a)(4)(iii). Specifically, the ALJ stated that Plaintiff does not have an impairment 19 or combination of impairments that meets or medically equals one of the listed impairments 20 . . . . (Id.) 21 Finally, the ALJ found that Plaintiff has the residual functional capacity ( RFC ) to 22 perform unskilled medium work activity. The RFC is defined as the most [Plaintiff] can 23 still do despite [her] limitations. 20 C.F.R. § 416.945. Before determining the RFC, the ALJ 24 first dismissed Plaintiff s testimony and the opinion of the treating physician, finding they 25 lacked credibility and were inconsistent with the record. (Tr. 19-21.) The ALJ then relied 26 on the opinions of two State agency consulting examiners. (Id. at 21.) The ALJ determined 27 that Plaintiff was capable of lifting/carrying 25 pounds frequently, and 50 pounds 28 occasionally. (Id.) The ALJ further found Plaintiff able to sit, stand, and walk at least six -9- 1 hours in an eight hour workday with some postural restrictions. (Id.) Finally, the ALJ found 2 that claimant needs to work in an environment that requires minimal interaction with the 3 general public, her co-workers, and her supervisors. (Id.) 4 Based on the RFC and the testimony of the VE, the ALJ found that although Plaintiff 5 is incapable of performing her past work, she is capable of performing work as a janitor, 6 night cleaner, or an office clerk. (Id. at 21-23.) The number of such positions available in 7 Arizona is significant. (Id. at 23.) Accordingly, the ALJ held that Plaintiff was not eligible 8 for payments under section 1614(a)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act. (Id.) 9 V. DISCUSSION 10 Plaintiff argues in their opening brief ( OB ) that the ALJ s decision is not supported 11 by substantial evidence and is founded on multiple errors of law. (OB at 2.) Plaintiff asserts 12 four arguments on appeal: (1) the ALJ improperly rejected the opinion of Dr. Yeh, Plaintiff s 13 treating physician; (2) the ALJ improperly rejected MMHC s opinion, which was a treating 14 source, by failing to address their treatments and assessments, including why the ALJ was 15 rejecting their opinions; (3) the ALJ used opinion evidence contrary to the Commissioner s 16 guidelines; and (4) the ALJ used contradictory opinion evidence. (OB at 2-8.) 17 A. 18 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ improperly rejected Dr. Yeh s opinion, who was 19 Plaintiff s treating physician. However, a treating physician s opinion can be discounted 20 based on the results and findings of an independent consultative examination. Batson v. 21 Comm r, 359 F.3d 1190, 1194-55 (9th Cir. 2004). The ALJ could reasonably have found Dr. 22 Taylor s opinion that Plaintiff had few restrictions that would limit her residual functional 23 capacity more credible than the opinion of Dr. Yeh. Treating Physician Opinion 24 While it might be improper to reject a treating physician s opinion solely on the basis 25 of a conflicting consultative examination, it can be rejected when considering the record as 26 a whole. Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir. 1995). In rejecting Dr. Yeh s opinion, 27 the ALJ also relied on the inconsistencies in Dr. Yeh s own records. Dr. Yeh at times noted 28 Plaintiff s quality of life was improving with treatment, and at other times noted there was - 10 - 1 no improvement. Inconsistencies and ambiguities within the treating physicians own 2 opinion or record can be a specific and legitimate reason for rejecting the opinion. Matney 3 on behalf of Matney v. Sullivan, 981 F.2d 1016, 1020 (9th Cir. 1992). Furthermore, this Court 4 agrees with Defendant that Dr. Yeh s records contain relatively few objective findings for 5 the extreme limitations he lists. Whereas Dr. Taylor s findings have substantively more 6 objective findings and detailed reasoning. Dr. Yeh s assessment is largely in the form of a 7 checklist. However, a treating physician s opinion is only entitled to minimal weight when 8 it is conclusory, or it is in the form of a checklist and is not supported by objective evidence. 9 Batson, 359 F.3d at 1194-55 (9th Cir. 2004). Accordingly, in light of the medical record as 10 a whole, the ALJ did not err by discounting Dr. Yeh s opinion. 11 B. Treating Source Opinion 12 Plaintiff next argues the ALJ improperly rejected MMHC s opinion, which was a 13 treating source, by failing to address MMHC s treatments and assessments, including why 14 the ALJ even rejected their opinions. Plaintiff relies on Murray v. Heckler, 722 F.2d 499, 15 502 (9th Cir. 1983), which states [i]f the ALJ wishes to disregard the opinion of the treating 16 physician, he or she must make findings setting forth specific, legitimate reasons for doing 17 so that are based on substantial evidence in the record. 18 In the present case, it is clear that the ALJ s decision did not give specific reasons for 19 discrediting the opinion of MMHC. However, Plaintiff incorrectly analogizes treating source 20 with treating physician. Plaintiff primarily consulted with Sharon O Malley, a physician s 21 assistant, at MMHC. Furthermore, Plaintiff largely relied on Ms. O Malley s assessment 22 when questioning the VE as to whether Plaintiff could sustain employment under Ms. 23 O Malley s listed marked limitations. However, a physician s assistant s opinion, unlike 24 the opinion of a licensed physician, is not an acceptable medical source for establishing a 25 medically determinable impairment. Seltz v. Astrue, 299 Fed.Appx. 666, 668 (9th Cir. 26 2008) (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513). In fact, based on the record, no one at MMHC whom 27 Plaintiff consulted with was an acceptable medical source; but rather, their persons were 28 physician s assistants or therapists of some kind, whom are treated as other sources, and - 11 - 1 given the weight of lay witnesses. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513(d). Accordingly, the ALJ was not 2 required to give specific and legitimate reasons for not crediting the assessments made by 3 MMHC because they were not an acceptable medical source. 4 C. 5 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ used opinion evidence that was contrary to the 6 Commissioner s guidelines set forth in the Program Operations Manual System ( POMS ). 7 Plaintiff states that POMS § DI 22510.016(C) indicates that the consultative examiner must 8 be sent background information on the claimant. Plaintiff notes that the ALJ relied on Dr. 9 Taylor s evaluation, whom expressly acknowledged he did not review claimant s medical 10 records. (Tr. 188.) Defendant argues that POMS § DI 22510.016(C) is an internal policy 11 manual that sets forth guidelines, which encourage background information to be supplied 12 to the consultative examiner for review. Defendant argues that POMS § DI 22510.016(C) 13 does not state that a consultative examiner s report must review medical records before an 14 ALJ can rely on that report. Commissioner Guidelines 15 This Court agrees with Defendant that POMS § DI 22510.016(C) is nothing more than 16 an internal set of guidelines that encourage certain actions (i.e., supplying medical records 17 to consultative examiners). They do not explicitly forbid the ALJ from considering a 18 consultative examiner s report if that report breached POMS guidelines. Accordingly, the 19 ALJ properly considered Dr. Taylor s report because POMS § DI 22510.016(C) merely 20 encourages consultant examiners to review the medical records, but does not require it. 21 D. 22 Finally, Plaintiff argues the ALJ improperly gave controlling weight to the opinion 23 of the psychological State agency reviewing physician, Dr. DeFelice, in spite of her alleged 24 contradictory statements regarding the claimant s concentration. Plaintiff points out that Dr. 25 DeFelice expressed on a Psychiatric Review Technique form ( PRTF ) that Plaintiff had 26 moderate difficulties maintaining concentration.(Tr. 132) Plaintiff then alleges this 27 contradicts Dr. DeFelice s report on a Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment Conflicting Opinion Evidence 28 - 12 - 1 Form ( MRFCAF ), where Dr. DeFelice state that Plaintiff could understand, remember and 2 carry out simple tasks and sustain concentration adequately. (Tr. 119.) Inconsistencies in a 3 physician s own opinion can be a specific and legitimate reason for rejecting the opinion. 4 Sullivan, 981 F.2d at 1020. However, Defendant argues that there is no contradiction 5 because the forms serve different purposes. Defendant asserts that the PRTF is used to assess 6 whether mental impairment is severe (step two of the sequential evaluation) and meets or 7 equals a listed impairment (step three). Defendant states the PRTF outlines the four broad 8 functional areas known as the B criteria: activities of daily living; social functioning; 9 concentration, persistence or pace; and episodes of decompensation. 20 C.F.R. § 10 416.920a(c)(3). Defendant argues this is consistent with the Commissioner s regulations, 11 Social Security Ruling ( SSR ) 96-8p, which indicates that the B criteria are used at steps 12 two and three of the sequential evaluation and should not simply be substituted for an RFC 13 assessment at later steps. 14 This Court agrees with Defendant that the two forms serve different purposes and 15 evaluate different criteria. The adjudicator must remember that the limitations identified 16 in the paragraph B . . . criteria are not an RFC assessment but are used to rate the severity 17 of mental impairment(s) at steps 2 and 3 of the sequential evaluation process. The mental 18 RFC assessment used at steps 4 and 5 of the sequential evaluation process requires a more 19 detailed assessment by itemizing various functions contained in the broad [B criteria 20 categories] . . . . SSR 96-8p, 61 F.R. 34474, 34477 (1996). See also Maier v. Comm r of 21 Soc. Sec., 154 F.3d 913, 915 (9th Cir. 1998) (acknowledging that a MRFCAF does not 22 encompass the same criteria evaluated in a PRTF). Therefore, the ALJ properly considered 23 the opinion evidence of Dr. DeFelice on the MRFCAF for the RFC finding while 24 disregarding the earlier PRTF evaluation. 25 VI. CONCLUSION 26 The Court finds that the ALJ did not commit legal error in discrediting Dr. Yeh s 27 opinion, not discussing reasons for rejecting MMHC s opinion, considering Dr. Taylor s 28 testimony even though he did not review records, and in crediting Dr. DeFelice s opinion. - 13 - 1 For the reasons stated above, 2 IT IS ORDERED that the decision of the ALJ is affirmed and the Clerk of the Court 3 4 shall enter judgment accordingly (said judgment shall serve as the mandate in this case). DATED this 7th day of December, 2009. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 - 14 -

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