Kenneth Sacks v. Michael J Astrue, No. 2:2007cv06580 - Document 29 (C.D. Cal. 2009)
Court Description: MEMORANDUM DECISION by Magistrate Judge Stephen J. Hillman: For the foregoing reasons, the decision of the Commissioner is affirmed and this Complaint is dismissed. (See document for further details.) (pcl)
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA-WESTERN DIVISION 11 12 13 14 15 KENNETH SACKS, 16 17 18 19 ) CV 07-06580- SH ) ) MEMORANDUM DECISION ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiff, v. MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, Commissioner Social Security Administration, 20 Defendant, 21 I. PROCEEDINGS 22 23 Plaintiff filed a Complaint on October 16, 2007, appealing a final 24 administrative decision denying Disability Insurance Benefits ( DIB ) and 25 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Defendant filed an Answer on 26 February 20, 2008. Both parties consented to proceed before the undersigned 27 United States Magistrate Judge on February 28, 2008. The matter has been taken 28 under submission. 1 1 2 II. BACKGROUND Plaintiff applied for SSI benefits on December 9, 2002, asserting a 3 disability onset date of July 22, 2002 due to diabetes and depression. (A.R. 77-8, 4 87). On December 13, 2002, Plaintiff filed an application for DIB, alleging 5 inability to perform his past relevant work. (A.R. 63, 77-8). The Social Security 6 Administration (SSA) denied the claims initially and on reconsideration. 7 Plaintiff filed a request for hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) on 8 September 15, 2003. (A.R. 42). 9 Following the hearing on August 11, 2004, the ALJ concluded that 10 Plaintiff was able to perform past relevant work, and denied benefits. (A.R. 39, 11 48). Plaintiff filed a request for review of the ALJ Decision from the Appeals 12 Council on February 3, 2005, and was granted a review under the substantial 13 evidence and new and material evidence provisions of the Social Security 14 Administration regulations. (A.R. 53, 55). 15 On November 4, 2005, the Appeals Council vacated the hearing Decision 16 and remanded the case for further proceedings, ordering the ALJ to: (1) give 17 further consideration to claimant s residual functional capacity (RFC) and 18 provide rationale with specific references to evidence; (2) obtain additional 19 evidence concerning claimant s alleged impairments in order to complete the 20 administrative record; (3) further evaluate the claimant s mental impairment; and 21 (3) further evaluate the claimant s subjective complaints and provide the 22 rationale for evaluation of symptoms. (A.R. 53-4). 23 A new hearing was held before a second ALJ on November 7, 2006. 24 (A.R. 2006). Following the orders of the Appeals Council, the ALJ concluded 25 that Plaintiff was not and had not been disabled during the period alleged 26 through the date of the Decision. (A.R. 19, 27). The ALJ determined that 27 Plaintiff had impairments from chronic adjustment disorder and obesity, but that 28 Plaintiff did not have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets or 2 1 medically equals one of the listed impairments . Furthermore, the ALJ found 2 that: (1) Plaintiff s subjective statements regarding symptoms were not credible 3 to the extent that they constitute an allegation that the Plaintiff is precluded from 4 engaging in all substantial gainful activity for a period of 12 continuous months 5 or more; (2) Plaintiff retains a residual functional capacity to perform light work 6 activity; and (3) taking into account Plaintiff s education, age, employment 7 experience, and capacity for light work, Plaintiff is able to perform past work as 8 a security guard. (A.R. 26-7). 9 Plaintiff requested review of the second ALJ Decision from the Appeals 10 Council on February 2, 2007, which was denied on August 11, 2007. (A.R. 6, 11 13). This action followed. 12 13 14 III. CONTENTIONS OF THE PARTIES Plaintiff contends that: (1) the ALJ improperly rejected the opinions of 15 treating physicians; (2) the ALJ erred by failing to find that diabetes with 16 neuropathy was a severe impairment at step two of the sequential evaluation; (3) 17 the ALJ failed to consider Plaintiff s obesity in determining the Plaintiff s 18 residual functional capacity (RFC); and (4) the ALJ improperly evaluated the 19 Plaintiff s testimony. 20 Defendant asserts that the ALJ properly weighed the medical opinions of 21 the treating physicians and provided specific, legitimate reasons for not relying 22 on them. Also, Defendant contends that the evidence does not support a claim of 23 neuropathy and, even if Plaintiff did suffer neuropathy, the record does not show 24 that he was severely limited from doing basic work activities. Defendant 25 additionally asserts that the ALJ properly considered the impact Plaintiff s 26 obesity had on his ability to do work related activities. Finally, Defendant 27 maintains that the ALJ properly assessed Plaintiff s testimony and provided clear 28 and convincing reasons for finding Plaintiff s allegations about the severity of 3 1 his symptoms to be less than fully credible. 2 IV. DISCUSSION 3 4 Under 42 U.S.C. §405(g), this court reviews the ALJ s decision to 5 determine if: (1) the ALJ s findings are supported by substantial evidence; and 6 (2) the ALJ used proper legal standards. DeLorme v. Sullivan, 924 F.2d 841 (8th 7 Cir. 1991). Substantial evidence means more than a mere scintilla, Richardson 8 v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971), but less than a preponderance. Desrosiers 9 v. Secretary of Health & Human Servs., 846 F.2d 573, 576 (9th Cir. 1988). This 10 court cannot disturb the ALJ s findings if those findings are supported by 11 substantial evidence, even though other evidence may exist which supports 12 Plaintiff s claim. See Torske v. Richardson, 484 F.2d 59, 60 (9th Cir. 1973), cert. 13 denied, Torske v. Weinberger, 417 U.S. 933 (1974); Harvey v. Richardson, 451 14 F.2d 589, 590 (9th Cir. 1971). 15 It is the duty of this court to review the record as a whole and to consider 16 adverse as well as supporting evidence. Green v. Heckler, 803 F.2d 528, 529-30 17 (9th Cir. 1986). The court is required to uphold the decision of the ALJ where 18 evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation. Gallant v. 19 Heckler, 753 F.2d 1450, 1453 (9th Cir. 1984). The court has the authority to 20 affirm, modify, or reverse the ALJ s decision with or without remanding the 21 cause for rehearing. 42 U.S.C. §405(g). Remand is appropriate where 22 additional proceedings would remedy defects in the ALJ s decision. McAllister 23 v. Sullivan, 888 F.2d 599, 603 (9th Cir. 1989). 24 The ALJ follows a five-step sequential evaluation for determining whether 25 a person is disabled. First, it is determined whether the person is engaged in 26 substantial gainful activity. If so, disability benefits are denied. Second, if the 27 person is not so engaged, it is determined whether the person has a medically 28 severe impairment or combination of impairments. If the person does not have a 4 1 severe impairment or combination of impairments, benefits are denied. Third, if 2 the person has a severe impairment, it is determined whether the impairment 3 meets or equals one of a number of listed impairments. If the impairment 4 meets or equals a listed impairment, the person is conclusively presumed to be 5 disabled. Fourth, if the impairment does not meet or equal the listed 6 impairments, it is determined whether the impairment prevents the person from 7 performing past relevant work. If the person can perform past relevant work, 8 benefits are denied. Fifth, if the person cannot perform past relevant work, the 9 burden shifts to the ALJ to show that the person is able to perform other kinds of 10 work. The person is entitled to disability benefits only if he is unable to perform 11 other work. 20 C.F.R. §416.920; 20 C.F.R. §404.1520 (1994); Bowen v. 12 Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-42 (1987). 13 14 15 A. The ALJ properly considered the opinions of the treating physicians. The Plaintiff contends that the ALJ improperly rejected the medical 16 opinions of Plaintiff s treating doctors and therapists at the Veteran s 17 Administration (VA) Medical Center. In particular, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ 18 did not give specific, legitimate reasons for rejecting the opinions of Dr. Harrison 19 and Dr. Suzuki, contained in separate impairment assessment questionnaires, and 20 did not reference the other consultations on record that supported their opinions. 21 (A.R. 498-503, 505-12). 22 Dr. Harrison, who treated Plaintiff from March 2003 to August 2005, 23 filled out a psychiatric impairment assessment on September 1, 2005, in which 24 she concluded that Plaintiff suffered from depression and had a Global 25 Assessment of Functioning (GAF) of 45, with the highest GAF score in the prior 26 year being 60. (A.R. 504-5). She noted that Plaintiff experienced various mood 27 related symptoms and had marked limitation in his ability to travel, carry out 28 instructions, perform within a schedule, respond appropriately to changes in 5 1 work setting, and could not set realistic goals or make independent decisions. 2 (A.R. 505-10). Similarly, Dr. Suzuki, who began treating Plaintiff in 2001, completed a 3 4 diabetes impairment questionnaire on April 25, 2005. She noted that Plaintiff 5 experienced headaches, fatigue, general malaise, difficulty thinking or 6 concentrating, and had psychological problems. (A.R. 497-499). She stated that 7 Plaintiff was only capable of sitting, standing, and walking two hours during an 8 eight-hour work-day. Additionally, she stated that he could only lift up to ten 9 pounds occasionally and was unable to carry anything over five pounds. (A.R. 10 501). 11 A treating physician s opinion is entitled to greater weight than that of an 12 examining physician. Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 751 (9th Cir. 1989), 13 citing Sprague v. Bowen, 812 F.2d 1226, 1230 (9th Cir. 1987). A treating 14 physician s opinion is given deference because he is employed to cure the 15 claimant and has a greater chance to know and observe the claimant as an 16 individual. Sprague, 812 F.2d at 1230. The treating physician s opinion is not, 17 however, necessarily conclusive as to either a physical condition or the ultimate 18 issue of disability. Magallanes, 881 F.2d at 751, citing Rodriguez v. Bowen, 19 876 F.2d 759. 761-2 n.7 (9th Cir. 1989). The weight given a treating physician s 20 opinion depends on whether it is supported by sufficient medical data and is 21 consistent with other evidence in the records. 20 C.F.R. §§404.1527, 416.927 22 (1994). The [Commissioner] may disregard the physician s opinions whether 23 or not that opinion is contradicted. Magallanes, 881 F.2d at 751, citing Cotton v. 24 Bowen, 799 F.2d 1403, 1408 (9th Cir. 1986). 25 In his decision, the ALJ noted that various medical opinions were 26 inconsistent regarding Plaintiff s severity of depression. (A.R. 21-2). For 27 instance, Dr. Makahani completed a psychiatric consultative examination on July 28 6, 2006 and found that Plaintiff was suffering from chronic adjustment disorder, 6 1 but that he was capable of daily living activities and could handle the stresses 2 and demands of employment. (A.R. 513-7). A physical consultative exam 3 conducted on July 15, 2003 found that Plaintiff could stand and walk with 4 normal breaks for about six hours during a normal work day, and that he could 5 frequently lift and carry 25lbs. (A.R. 293). Additionally, Dr. Warren, a resident 6 at the VA Medical Center, reported that Plaintiff s symptoms were inconsistent 7 with his daily activities and that Plaintiff lacked those symptoms normally 8 associated with severe depression (A.R. 269-70). Dr. Warren noted that he 9 discussed at length [Plaintiff] being able to work and addressed [Plaintiff s] 10 11 resistance to considering that he is actually able to work. (A.R. 270). The ALJ gave specific, legitimate reasons for not relying on the medical 12 opinions of Dr. Harrison and Dr. Suzuki. The ALJ found that Dr. Harrison s 13 opinion simply restated Plaintiff s subjective allegations and was not supported 14 by any objective examination findings or medical reports. (A.R. 22). 15 Additionally, the evidence contradicts Dr. Harrison s opinion and indicates that 16 Plaintiff was able to manage his own financial affairs, shop regularly, keep up 17 his own grooming and household chores, walk daily, and be socially active with 18 friends and family. (A.R. 100-2, 424, 542, 550, 722). 19 In regards to Dr. Suzuki s opinion of Plaintiff s physical limitations, the 20 ALJ found that her conclusions were unsupported by any objective findings and 21 was inconsistent with the record as whole. The medical evidence does not show 22 Plaintiff was severely impaired due to his diabetes. Instead, the evidence 23 indicates that Plaintiff was able to maintain daily activities and that he felt better 24 with proper management of his diabetes. (A.R. 100-2, 542, 549, 551). The ALJ 25 also points out Dr. Suzuki stated in her own treatment notes dated April 25, 26 2005, that she doubted Plaintiff would qualify for benefits. (A.R. 431). 27 28 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ did not take into consideration supporting evidence for the opinions expressed by Dr. Harrison and Dr. Suzuki in the 7 1 questionnaires, namely the psychiatric evaluations conducted by Dr. Syed, Dr. 2 Ganzell, Dr. Cummings, and conclusions noted by Dr. Warren and Dr. Harrison 3 in treatment records. On April 2, 2002 Dr. Syed diagnosed Plaintiff with 4 adjustment disorder and assigned a GAF of 55. (A.R. 188). Dr. Ganzell meet 5 with Plaintiff on March, 28, 2003, observed that Plaintiff exhibited dysthymic 6 mood, and diagnosed depression with a GAF score of 45. (A.R. 412-6). Dr. 7 Cummings examined Plaintiff on July 11, 2005 and diagnosed Plaintiff with 8 chronic adjustment disorder with a GAF score of 60. (A.R. 445-6). Dr. Warren 9 conducted a psychiatry intake on March 28, 2003 and noted that the Plaintiff 10 showed signs of helplessness/worthlessness, amotivation/anxiety, and dysphoric 11 affect. (A.R. 249-50). Dr. Harrison evaluated Plaintiff on March 31, 2005, and 12 observed a depressed mood, poor attention and concentration, and stated the 13 Plaintiff had depression. (A.R. 412-6) 14 The ALJ is not required to discuss every document in the record. In this 15 case, the ALJ discussed the various medical opinions to the extent that they were 16 relevant. In his Decision, the ALJ referenced Dr. Ganzell s assessment on March 17 28, 2003 and Dr. Cumming s assessment on July 11, 2005. (A.R. 20-1). 18 Additionally, the ALJ discussed Dr. Warren s remarks and diagnosis, noting that 19 Dr. Warren observed the signs and symptoms of adjustment disorder and 20 depression. (A.R. 21, 249). However, Dr. Warren reported on June 16, 2009 21 that Plaintiff s reported symptoms were inconsistent with his reported daily 22 activities and what was actually observable. (A.R. 269). Dr. Warren also stated 23 that Plaintiff asked about filing for benefits because of depression, but that he felt 24 Plaintiff s symptoms would not make him eligible at that time. (A.R. 270). The 25 ALJ considered the various GAF scores assigned by Dr. Ganzell and Dr. 26 Cummings, but due to the subjective nature of GAF scores, elected to give 27 greater weight to Dr. Warren s assessment. 28 The ALJ properly weighed the various opinions of Plaintiff s treating 8 1 physicians from the VA Medical Center, including the questionnaires completed 2 by Dr. Harrison and Dr. Suzuki, and gave specific, legitimate reasons for not 3 relying on them. 4 5 B. The ALJ erred in determining that there was no finding of 6 neuropathy, but the evidence does not indicate Plaintiff s neuropathy 7 was a severe impairment and thus the ALJ s error is harmless. 8 Plaintiff argues that the medical evidence shows he suffered from 9 neuropathy and that the ALJ erred in failing to find that diabetes with neuropathy 10 was a severe impairment. During step two of the sequential evaluation, the ALJ 11 determined that Plaintiff suffered from adjustment disorder, chronic and obesity. 12 (A.R. 20). The ALJ found that Plaintiff was not severely impaired by diabetes- 13 related symptoms and that there was no neuropathy. (A.R. 23). 14 Plaintiff points out that an exam on July 22, 2002 found a lack of filament 15 prick sensation in feet and hands and an absence of deep tendon reflexes in the 16 patellar and biceps. (A.R. 198-9). Exam records from October 2, 2002 noted 17 decreased sensation bilaterally of the feet. (A.R. 217). Also, on March 9, 2005, 18 an exam found that the third and fourth digits of Plaintiff s right had diminished 19 sensation to light touch and slight weakness, and that Plaintiff had compromised 20 deep tendon reflexes in his left upper arm. (A.R. 407). Plaintiff contends that 21 these exam records indicate he suffered from peripheral neuropathy and would 22 not be able to perform simple job functions, such as walking and standing. 23 The ALJ erred in finding there was no neuropathy. Plaintiff testified that 24 he frequently experienced numbness in his hands and feet and that sometimes 25 [he] can t feel [his] feet. (A.R. 718-19). The medical evidence discussed above 26 and Plaintiff s testimony support a conclusion that Plaintiff did suffer from 27 neuropathy. 28 However, establishing that the Plaintiff did in fact suffer from neuropathy 9 1 does not necessarily mean that his neuropathy constitutes a severe impairment in 2 step two of the sequential evaluation. A severe impairment or combination of 3 impairments is one which significantly limits the physical or mental ability to 4 perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§404.1521, 416.921 (1994). Basic 5 work activities relate to the abilities and aptitudes necessary to perform most 6 jobs, such as the ability to perform physical functions, the capacity for seeing 7 and hearing, and the ability to use judgment, respond to supervisors, and deal 8 with changes in the work setting. 20 C.F.R. §§404.1521(b), 416.921(b) (1994). 9 An impairment will be considered nonsevere when medical evidence establishes 10 only a slight abnormality or combination of slight abnormalities which would 11 have not more than a minimal effect on the individual s ability to work, even if 12 age, education or work experience were specifically considered. Social 13 Security Ruling 85-28; Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 154 (1987). The 14 Plaintiff has the burden for establishing a prima facie case of disability. Howard 15 v. Heckler, 782 F.2d 1484, 1486 (9th Cir. 1986). 16 The Plaintiff has not met his burden of establishing that his neuropathy 17 had a more than a minimal effect on his ability to function. Plaintiff gave 18 complaints of numbness and tingling in his extremities during his testimony 19 before the ALJ, but did not specify how these sensations impaired his ability to 20 function. (A.R. 677, 717). He stated that he does a lot of walking and 21 sometimes I can t feel my feet, but did not state that the numbness and tingling 22 sensations kept him from walking. Instead, he testified that it took him an hour 23 to walk a mile because I don t have the strength. (A.R. 719). In the hearing 24 before the original ALJ that initially adjudicated Plaintiff s claim, Plaintiff said 25 in regards to the numbness in his legs, it s a symptom, but it s not a major thing 26 with me right now. It s just a contributing headache that I have. (A.R. 678). 27 28 Although the medical record supports a finding of neuropathy, they do not show that Plaintiff was severely limited by symptoms of neuropathy or that 10 1 Plaintiff would not be able to complete basic job functions. As discussed above, 2 the medical evidence shows that Plaintiff was able to manage daily activities and 3 that he felt better with proper management of his diabetes. (A.R. 549, 551). 4 Plaintiff was still able to walk, drive, do daily exercises, complete household 5 chores, and go out to shop. (A.R. 100, 112, 514, 542, 550, 637, 675). 6 The ALJ erred in determining that there was no finding of neuropathy, but 7 the evidence does not indicate Plaintiff s neuropathy resulted in a severe 8 impairment. The error is harmless and Plaintiff is not entitled to a remand. 9 10 C. The ALJ properly considered Plaintiff s obesity in determining 11 Plaintiff s residual functional capacity. 12 During step two of the sequential evaluation, the ALJ determined that 13 Plaintiff s obesity was a severe impairment. (A.R. 20). Plaintiff argues that the 14 ALJ did not consider Plaintiff s obesity when determining his residual 15 functioning capacity (RFC), as required by Social Security Ruling (SSR) 02-1p. 16 Plaintiff also points out that his Body Mass Index (BMI) falls into the SSR 02-1p 17 category of extreme obesity, which the represents the greatest risk for 18 developing obesity-related impairments. In step four of the sequential 19 evaluation, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff had a residual function capacity to 20 perform light work activity, could walk six hours in a normal workday, was able 21 to lift and carry 20 lbs occasionally and 10lbs frequently. (A.R. 25) 22 As obesity is not a separately listed impairment, a claimant will be 23 deemed to meet the requirements if there is an impairment that, in combination 24 with obesity, meets the requirements of a listing. SSR 02-01p (2002). Burch v. 25 Barnhart, 400 F.3d 676 (9th Cir. 2005). SSR 02-01p also states, [An ALJ] will 26 not make assumptions about the severity or functional effects of obesity 27 combined with other impairments. Obesity in combination with another 28 impairment may or may not increase the severity or functional limitations of the 11 1 other impairment [The ALJ] will evaluate each case based on the information in 2 the case record. 3 After determining Plaintiff suffered from obesity as a severe impairment, 4 the ALJ properly found that obesity, in combination with Plaintiff s adjustment 5 disorder, did not equal any listed impairment. (A.R. 23). Next, the ALJ 6 assessed Plaintiff s RFC, taking into account the medical evidence and Plaintiff s 7 testimony and credibility. (A.R. 24). The ALJ considered Plaintiff s allegations 8 of both physical and mental impairments, but also weighed the evidence that 9 Plaintiff was able to care for himself, manage financial affairs, regularly shop, 10 took walks, and rejected medication for his depression. (A.R. 24-5, 100-1, 187, 11 424, 550, 675-6). Although Plaintiff s weight may increase his risk for obesity 12 related impairment, medical test results indicate Plaintiff had good 13 cardiovascular conditioning for age/gender, had adequate blood flow during 14 exercise, and his exercise capacity indicates no/some functional impairment. 15 (A.R. 425-6). Also, as part of his RFC determination, the ALJ found that 16 Plaintiff s allegations regarding the severity of limitations to be less than fully 17 credible. (A.R. 25). The ALJ relied on, instead, the medical evidence on the 18 whole and found that Plaintiff was not limited from performing basic work- 19 related activities by the combination of his obesity and adjustment disorder. 20 The ALJ properly considered obesity during his assessment of Plaintiff s 21 residual functional capacity and determined that Plaintiff was able to perform 22 light work. 23 24 25 26 27 28 D. The ALJ properly evaluated Plaintiff s testimony and gave clear and convincing reasons for finding Plaintiff s allegations about the 12 1 severity of his symptoms less than fully credible. 2 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed to provide clear and convincing reasons 3 for finding Plaintiff s testimony to be less than fully credible. The ALJ s 4 assessment of plaintiff s credibility should be given great weight. Nyman v. 5 Heckler, 779 F.2d 528, 531 (9th Cir. 1985). [I]f the ALJ s decision is based on a 6 credibility assessment, there must be an explicit finding as to whether the 7 plaintiff s testimony was believed or disbelieved and the testimony must not be 8 entirely discounted simply because there was a lack of objective findings. 9 Cotton v. Bowen, 799 F.2d 1403, 1407 (9th Cir. 1986). Furthermore, if the ALJ 10 chooses to disregard plaintiff s testimony, the ALJ must set forth specific cogent 11 reasons for disbelieving it. Lewin v. Schweiker, 654 F.2d 631, 635 (9th Cir. 12 1981). 13 The ALJ provided the following reasons for determining that Plaintiff s 14 allegations about the severity of his symptoms were less than credible: (1) There 15 was no objective findings to support allegations of limitations; (2) Plaintiff does 16 not need assistive devices when walking, despite claims of disabling pain and 17 fatigue; (3) Neither hospitalization or surgery were recommended; (4) Despite 18 alleging disabling pain, Plaintiff does not exhibit any weight change, difficulty 19 moving, or neurological deficits; (5) Plaintiff s course of treatment reflects a 20 conservative approach; (6) Each of Plaintiffs examiners found him to be in no 21 apparent distress; (7) The record does not indicate Plaintiff suffers from any 22 debilitating side effects from his medications; (8) Plaintiff has been oppositional 23 to treatment, as he rejected medication; (9) Plaintiff s activities contradict 24 allegations of disabling limitations. (A.R. 25). 25 Plaintiff argues that these reasons are not specific and cogent, and believes 26 many of them are contradicted by medical evidence. Particularly, Plaintiff 27 argues that the medical record documents a diabetic condition with related 28 disorders of neuropathy, obesity, and adjustment disorder. However, as 13 1 discussed above, the weight of the evidence demonstrates that Plaintiff s diabetes 2 can be managed to improve symptoms, and that Plaintiff is able to perform daily 3 work-related activities. (A.R. 100-2, 293, 466, 542). Plaintiff also points out that he experienced weight changes, which could 4 5 support an allegation of disabling pain. (A.R. 155, 176, 197, 367, 655). But 6 there is no evidence that Plaintiff was experiencing weight changes due to 7 disabling pain, rather than an attempt to manage his weight, as prescribed by his 8 physicians. In fact, his treating doctors encouraged weight loss to help improve 9 his diabetes, but often reported that Plaintiff was having trouble adhering to diet 10 and exercise routines. (A.R. 186, 195-6, 221, 446, 454, 639). Plaintiff also 11 argues that he need not be utterly incapacitated to be disabled and that his ability 12 to engage in occasional activities does not indicate an ability to engage in regular 13 work. However, the ALJ refers to Plaintiff s daily activities in conjunction with 14 the medical evidence to find that Plaintiff was not as severely impaired as 15 alleged. (A.R. 23). Additionally, the ALJ considered that Plaintiff did not need 16 any assistive devises, that doctors prescribed a relatively conservative treatment 17 regimen of medication and lifestyle change, and that no hospitalization or 18 surgery was required, in order to find that Plaintiff s allegations were less than 19 credible. (A.R. 25) The reasons the ALJ set forth for finding Plaintiff s testimony less than 20 21 fully credible were specific, cogent and supported by the record. 22 /// 23 /// 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 27 28 V. CONCLUSION AND ORDER For the foregoing reasons, the decision of the Commissioner is affirmed 14 1 and this Complaint is dismissed. 2 DATED: November 12, 2009 3 4 _______________________________ 5 STEPHEN J. HILLMAN 6 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 15
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