Torrey v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration, No. 6:2013cv01333 - Document 22 (D. Or. 2014)

Court Description: OPINION & ORDER: The Commissioner's final decision denying Torrey's application for disability insurance benefits and social security insurance is Reversed and the case is Remanded for further proceedings. Signed on 11/4/14 by Magistrate Judge Paul Papak. (gm)

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Torrey v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration Doc. 22 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON LINDA M. TORREY, Plaintiff, 6:13-CV-01333-PK OPINION AND ORDER v. CAROLYNW. COLVIN, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Defendant. PAPAK, Magistrate Judge: Plaintiff Linda M. Toney filed this action on August 8, 2013, seeking judicial review of the Commissioner of Social Security's final decision denying her applications for disability insurance benefits ("DIB") and supplemental security income ("SSI") under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the "Act"). This court has jurisdiction over plaintiff's action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and 1383(c)(3). I have considered the pmiies' briefs and the evidence in the Page 1 - OPINION AND ORDER Dockets.Justia.com administrative record. For the reasons set forth below, the Commissioner's decision is reversed and the matter is remanded for fmiher proceedings. DISABILITY ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK To establish disability within the meaning of the Act, a claimant must demonstrate an "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected ... to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(I)(A). The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential process for determining whether a claimant has made the requisite demonstration. See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140 (1987); see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4). At the first four steps of the process, the burden of proof is on the claimant; only at the fifth and final step does the burden of proof shift to the Commissioner. See Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1098 (9th Cir. 1999). At the first step, the Administrative Law Judge considers the claimant's work activity, if any. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 140; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 416.920(a)(4)(i). If the ALJ finds that the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity, the claimant will be found not disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 140; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(i), 404.1520(b), 416.920(a)(4)(i), 416.920(b). Otherwise, the evaluation will proceed to the second step. At the second step, the ALJ considers the medical severity of the claimant's impairments. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 140-41; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impahment is "severe" if it significantly limits the claimant's ability to perf01m basic work activities and is expected to persist for a period of twelve months or longer. See Bowen, 482 U.S. Page 2 - OPINION AND ORDER at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). The ability to perform basic work activities is defined as "the abilities and aptitudes necessmy to do most jobs." 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521(b), 416.921(b); see also Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141. If the ALJ finds that the claimant's impaitments m·e not severe or do not meet the duration requirement, the claimant will be found not disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 404.1520(c), 416.920(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(c). Nevertheless, it is well established that "the step-two inquiry is a de minimis screening device to dispose of groundless claims." Smolen v. Chafer, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996), citing Bowen, 482. U.S. at 153-54. "An impairment or combination of impairments can be found 'not severe' only if the evidence establishes a slight abnonnality that has 'no more than a minimal effect on an individual[']s ability to work." ld, quoting S.S.R. 8528, 1985 SSRLEXIS 19 (1985). If the claimant's impairments are severe, the evaluation will pi'oceed to the third step, at which the ALJ determines whether the claimant's impaitments meet or equal "one of a number of listed impairments that the [Commissioner] acknowledges are so severe as to preclude substantial gainful activity." Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 404.1520(d), 416.920(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(d). If the claimant's impairments are equivalent to one of the impairments enumerated in 20 C.F.R. § 404, subpt. P, app. 1, the claimant will conclusively be found disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 404.1520(d), 416.920(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(d). If the claimant's impairments are not equivalent to one of the enumerated impairments, between the third and the foutth steps the ALJ is required to assess the claimant's residual functional capacity ("RFC"), based on all of the relevant evidence in the claimant's case record. Page 3 - OPINION AND ORDER See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e). The RFC is an estimate of the claimant's capacity to perf01m sustained, work-related physical and/or mental activities on a regular and continuing basis, 1 despite the limitations imposed by the claimant's impairments. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(a), 416.945(a); see also S.S.R. No. 96-Sp, 1996 SSR LEXIS 5 (July 2, 1996). At the fourth step of the evaluation process, the ALJ considers the RFC in relation to the claimant's past relevant work. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(a)(4)(iv). If, in light of the claimant's RFC, the ALJ deteimines that the claimant can still perform his or her past relevant work, the claimant will be found not disabled. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 141; see also 20 C.P.R.§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 404.1520(f), 416.920(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(f). In the event the claimant is no longer capable of performing his or her past relevant work, the evaluation will proceed to the fifth and final step, at which the burden of proof shifts, for the first time, to the Commissioner. At the fifth step of the evaluation process, the ALJ considers the RFC in relation to the claimant's age, education, and work experience to deteimine whether a person with those characteristics and RFC could perform any jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 142; see also 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c), 404.1566, 416.920(a)(4)(v), 416.920(g), 416.960(c), 416.966. If the Commissioner meets her burden to demonstrate the existence in significant numbers in the national economy of jobs capable of being performed by a person with the RFC assessed by the ALJ between the third and foutih steps of the five-step process, the claimant is found not to be disabled. See Bowen, 1 "A 'regular and continuing basis' means 8 hours a day, for 5 days a week, or an equivalent work schedule." S.S.R. No. 96-8p, 1996 SSR LEXIS 5 (July 2, 1996). Page 4 - OPINION AND ORDER 482 U.S. at 142; see also 20 C.P.R.§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c), 404.1566, 416.920(a)(4)(v), 416.920(g), 416.960(c), 416.966. A claimant will be found entitled to benefits if the Commissioner fails to meet that burden at the fifth step. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 142; see also 20 C.P.R.§§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(g), 416.920(a)(4)(v), 416.920(g). LEGAL STANDARD A reviewing court must affinn an Administrative Law Judge's decision if the ALJ applied proper legal standards and his or her findings are supp01ted by substantial evidence in the record. See 42 U.S. C. § 405(g); see also Batson v. Comm 'rfor Soc. Sec. Admin., 359 P.3d 1190, 1193 (9th Cir. 2004). '"Substantial evidence' means more than a mere scintilla, but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable person might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Lingenfolter v. Astrue, 504 P.3d 1028, 1035 (9th Cir. 2007), citing Robbins v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 P.3d 880, 882 (9th Cir. 2006). The court must review the record as a whole, "weighing both the evidence that supports and the evidence that detracts from the Commissioner's conclusion." !d., citing Reddick v. Chater, 157 P.3d 715, 720 (9th Cir. 1998). The court may not substitute its judgment for that of the Commissioner. See id., citing Robbins v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 P.3d 880, 882 (9th Cir. 2006); see also Edlund v. 1\Iassanari, 253 P.3d 1152, 1156 (9th Cir. 2001). If the AU's interpretation of the evidence is rational, it is immaterial that the evidence may be "susceptible [of] more than one rational interpretation." J'vfagallanes v. Bowen, 881 P.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir. 1989), citing Gallant v. Heckler, 753 P.2d 1450, 1453 (9th Cir. 1984). Page 5 - OPINION AND ORDER BACKGROUND Linda Toney was born May 9, 1956. Tr. 23, 95, 151. 2 She attended school through the tenth grade, received average grades, attended no special education classes, did not receive her GED, 3 and has received no subsequent formal education or vocational training. Tr. 66, 364, 429, 499. According to the evidence of record, Toney worked full-time as a cook for various restaurants between 1994 and 2003. Tr. 12, 156-61,200, 364,499-500. She then worked as a housekeeper for Phoenix Inn from 2003 through 2006, prior to her claimed disability onset date of Janumy 4, 2006. Toney was fired in January 2006 for her alleged involvement "in a scheme to get a reward for a ring she had found in a room." Tr. 499; Tr. 67-68, 85, 173, 200, 206, 364. Torrey has been unemployed since her claimed disability onset date. Tr. 67, 222, 364, 499-500. The earliest medical record appearing in the administrative record is a report from February 23, 2005, when Toney sought emergency treatment for persistent chest pains that began after she lifted a heavy mattress in the course of her work at the Phoenix Inn. Tr. 262. A treatment in April 2005 revealed lesions related to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ("CIN"). Tr. 233-44. Follow-up on that examination in July 2005 by Dr. Martha Kim resulted in surgety to remove Toney's lesions, as well as a recommendation for fmiher surgety. Tr. 308,312-13. In the course of her discussions with Dr. Kim during that treatment, Torrey revealed issues with an.xiety, sleep loss, and depression. Tr. 316. 2 Citations to. "Tr." refer to the page(s) indicated in the official transcript of the administrative record filed herein as Docket No. 11. 3 The administrative record contains factual inconsistencies regarding Torrey's GED completion. A psychosocial examination conducted by Christine Rogers in June 2010 indicates Torrey did, in fact, acquire her GED. Tr. 429. Similar evaluations conducted in March 2010 by Dr. Pamela Joffe and in April2012 by Dr. David N011hway state the opposite. Tr. 364,499. Page 6 - OPINION AND ORDER Subsequent repmis in 2005, dated July through December, document Toney's medical treatment for four separate abscesses resulting from her heroin use. Tr. 247, 252, 255, 259, 316. In January 2006, Dr. Kim conducted additional examinations that revealed further signs of CIN and invasive cancer cells. Tr. 304. Dr. Kim determined that Toney required a vaginal hysterectomy, which was conducted on March 20, 2006. Tr. 279. In May 2006, Dr. Audrey Ganett revealed to Torrey that post-surgery pathology reports shoed no evidence of persistent or residual cancer. Tr. 275. In Februmy 2007, Torrey sought a routine physical examination from Dr. Kim, who noted that Torrey was incredibly thin and was using morphine multiple times per week. Tr. 301-02. Toney reported feeling depressed and constantly sick. Tr. 302. In her report, Dr. Kim mentions concerns over polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria, the three hallmark symptoms of diabetes. Tr. 303. In June 2007, Toney visited an urgent care clinic seeking treatment for an abscess from which she had suffered for three months, but claimed she did not use heroin during that period. Tr. 292. In February 2008, Toney visited Dr. Kim seeking treatment for inguinal lymph node inflamation. Tr. 299. Dr. Kim reported that Torrey gained weight and had not used heroin for one year. !d. At that point, Torrey was living with her elderly parents. !d. In November 2008, Torrey sought treatment for recurring acute headaches that began during a period of straining. Tr. 390. The treating physician noted that Toney's affliction was possibly a prolonged sinus infection or cluster headaches, and he informed her of the potentially serious problems relating to each. Tr. 391. After the physician ordered aCT scan, however, Page 7 - OPINION AND ORDER Torrey left through the office's backdoor and did not return. !d. In Februmy 2009, Torrey once again visited Dr. Kim, this time seeking treatment related to bi-weekly headaches. Tr. 296. Dr. Kim tentatively diagnosed Toney with cluster headaches and indicated that Toney repmied she was not using illicit drugs. !d. In 2009, Torrey sought treatment on three separate occasions between July and December for various abscesses. Tr. 356, 375, 379. Two medical reports state that Torrey denied recent drug use. Tr. 375, 379. A third report states that her social history was positive for illicit drug use, yet is unclear as to her use status at the time. Tr. 356. The administrative record contains no other medical records dating from prior to Toney's application for disability insurance benefits. On Janumy 12,2010, Toney protectively filed applications for both DIB and SSI. Tr. 144-55. Her alleged disability onset date was Janumy 2006 and she listed uterine cancer, pain, depression, and anxiety as the primaty limitations on her ability to work. Tr. 172. On Januaty 18,2010, Toney sought treatment for an abscess situated in the same bodily region as the abscess treated in December 2009. Tr. 344. The dictating physician for that visit, Dr. Alexander Morley, noted that Toney's behavior was inappropriate and described her as anxious and tearful. Id. In March 2010, Torrey underwent a physical examination conducted by Dr. De Wayde Peny. During the examination, Toney repmied persistent lower back pain dating 35 years, which was exacerbated by walking more than two blocks or lifting weights. Tr. 358. Toney admitted to occasional marijuana use but denied having used heroin for four years. Tr. 359. Dr. Peny provided a functional assessment limiting Toney's maximum standing and walking to six hours, placing no limits on alternating sitting and standing, and limiting Torrey's lifting and Page 8 - OPINION AND ORDER carrying capacity to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently. Tr. 362. Torrey was diagnosed with intennittent claudication-or pain caused by inhibited bloodflow-in her lower extremities, possible degenerative disc disease, and restrictive lung disease. Tr. 361. On Dr. Peny's recommendation, Ton·ey received a psychological examination later that month. Dr. Pamela Joffe noted that Torrey was in the process of being evicted and Torrey's husband was recently arrested on charges for failure to appear. Tr. 364. To!Tey admitted to weekly marijuana use and monthly heroin use, with her last use in Februmy 2010, one month before the assessment. Tr. 364. Notably, that time frame is inconsistent with her claimed fouryear non-use documented in Dr. Perry's report from the same month. Compare Tr. 359 with Tr. 364. Additionally, Torrey reported general disinterest and deepening depression. Tr. 365. She also mentioned phantasmic hallucinations, paranoid nightmares, and persistent flashbacks. Tr. 366. During To!Tey's psychological examination, Dr. Joffe administered cognitive testing that revealed perfect orientation, no difficulty performing simple addition, some recollection difficulty, and strong spelling and geographical performance. Tr. 366-67. Additional subtests revealed further impairments. On the Woodcock Johnson mental aptitude test, To!Tey tested at a grade equivalent of3.8 and was limited to performing only simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Tr. 367. On both the Beck An.xiety Inventmy as well as the Beck Depression Inventmy, To!Tey placed in the "severe" range based on her perceived fears and hopelessness. !d. To!Tey was fmiher diagnosed with nicotine dependence, cmmabis abuse, opioid abuse, adjustment disorder, and rule out borderline intellectual functioning. !d. In terms ofTo!Tey's concentration and attention, Dr. Joffe noted an inability to understand and comply Page 9 - OPINION AND ORDER with complicated instructions due to low stamina and pyschosocial stressors. Tr. 368. Later in March 2010, Toney underwent a mental residual functional capacity assessment in the care of Megan Nicoloff, Psy.D. Tr. 409-11. Nicoloff recorded few limitations and indicated that Toney had "moderately limited" abilities, including the ability to understand and remember detailed instructions; to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods; to cany out detailed instructions; and to interact appropriately with the general public. Id. Nicoloff s final functional assessment was reported as follows: This clmt is able to understand and follow simple 1-2 step commands. In a routine, slow paced setting not in close contact with the public, she would be able to sustain adequate [attention, concentration, or persistence] for completion of 1-2 step commands. She is able to complete a normal work schedule. Tr. 411. In April2010, Toney reported being diagnosed with Hepatitis Con a disability appeal report. Tr. 208-17. Torrey noted that her illnesses and conditions did not affect her ability to care for her personal needs and, in response to a que1y regarding changes in daily activity since her initial disability rep01i, Torrey wrote "I just sit around and c1y a lot. Depression is getting worse." Tr. 215. In May 2010, Toney underwent another mental and pyschosocial assessment. Christine Rogers, MA, QMHP, noted that Torrey rep01ied feeling depressed and was having trouble sleeping. Tr. 426. Rogers additionally noted that, at the time, Ton·ey was facing significant issues with her housing situation and her husband's incarceration. I d. Rogers documented Toney's heroin use for the preceding seven months at three "hits" daily, costing approximately fmiy dollars per day. Tr. 427. Beyond substance abuse, Rogers classified Toney's social skills Page 10- OPINION AND ORDER as adequate and her attitude as cooperative. Tr. 430. Rogers reported Toney had a depressed, anxious, and apprehensive mood. ld Rogers marked Torrey's thought process as exhibiting suicidal ideas. Tr. 430. Rogers' assessment further revealed that Torrey was alert, oriented, and had unimpaired memory but impaired concentration. Dr. Rogers deemed Toney's abstract thinking as appropriate and estimated that she had notmal intelligence but poor judgment. Tr. 431. In October 2010, Toney received a second mental residual functional capacity assessment. Tr. 459-61. In his report, Dr. Robe1t Hemy found that Toney was moderately limited in her abilities to cany out detailed instructions; work in coordination with or proximity to others without being distracted by them; get along with coworkers and peers without distracting them; respond appropriately to changes in the work setting; be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions; and set realistic goals or make plans independently of others. Tr. 459-60. Beyond that, Dr. Hemy found marked limitation, a more severe rating, in Toney's ability to interact appropriately with the general public. Tr. 460. In Dr. Hemy's summary and explanation of his findings, he recorded Toney "is capable of understanding, remembering and carrying out simple, routine tasks and instructions" but that she "should avoid direct public contact due to her symptoms and substance abuse." Tr. 461. Dr. Hemy futiher recommended that Ton·ey would perform best in an environment with few distractions, a slow pace, and minimal hazards based on her drug use and potential for relapse. ld. In December 2010, Torrey repo1ted depression and inconsistent sciatic pain to Dr. David Phelps. Tr. 566. Dr. Phelps diagnosed her with "acute on chronic" depression related to her alcohol and drug abuse. ld. Page 11 - OPINION AND ORDER On June 1, 2011, Toney was expelled from the Center for Family Development, a multipurpose substance abuse recovery clinic, due to being "caught in a cycle of drug use" and a need for "more sobriety to continue thoughtfully." Tr. 515. On June 29,2011, Toney was hospitalized for an abscess and discharged on July 2, 2011. Tr. 474-75. Later that day, however, Toney was re-hospitalized with acute respiratory failure due to pulmonary edema, possible adrenal insufficiency, and hypotension. Tr. 483. In April 2012, psychologist Dr. David Northway conducted a full neuropsychosocial examination on Torrey. Tr. 498. Toney reported psychological and sexual abuse during her childhood. Tr. 499. She gave inconsistent repmis of both marijuana and heroin use; initially admitting to having used marijuana over one month prior to examination and subsequently stating she had used it less than two weeks prior. ld Regarding her heroin use, Toney reported not having used heroin for five years, which is inconsistent with her repmis of more recent use to Dr. Peny and Dr. Joffe in March 2010 and Christina Rogers in May 2010. Tr. 359, 364, 427. Torrey also repmied hallucinations and paranoia to Dr. Northway, consistent with those reported to Dr. Perry in March 2010. Tr. 359, 501. Dr. Nmihway noted that Torrey used slow, simplistic speech and was prone to confusion. Tr. 501. He also documented Toney's repmied attempt at suicide by overdose in December 20 II. Jd Dr. Nmihway then conducted a series of psychological diagnostic tests, reporting that Toney performed well on a hidden object task, a vigilance task, a spelling test, and a leaming test. Jd. Torrey failed a recollection task. !d. Further tests revealed moderate impahments in simple tracking, sequencing, and mental efficiency tasks; unremarkable performance on an expressive and receptive language test; and umemarkable to better-than-expected perfmmance on Page 12 - OPINION AND ORDER memory tests. Tr. 502. Finally, Torrey showed a lack of judgment, poor decision-making, and limited abstract thinking skills based on an adult intelligence test. Id Dr. Northway reported that TotTey seemed to suffer from depression, an.xiety, and dependency. Tr. 503. Dr. Northway next opined that Torrey struggles in social settings and appeared to have impahments regarding cooperative and collaborative work based on emotional, intellectual, mood, and communicative limitations. Id Dr. N011hway's reported Axis I diagnostic impressions include Opioid Dependence in full remission, Depressive Disorder with psychotic features, Rule Out Schizoaffective Disorder, Rule Out Bipolar I Disorder, Adjustment Disorder with aiL'I:iety, and Pain Disorder with psychological factors. !d. His Axis II diagnostic impression listed Mild Mental Retardation in Torrey's verbal comprehension and perceptual spheres, and Rule Out Personality Disorder with antisocial and dependent features. Tr. 504. Finally, Dr. N011hway's statement of ability to do work related activities showed mild restrictions on understanding and canying out simple instructions, moderate restrictions on making simple work-related judgments, marked restrictions on understanding and carrying out complex instructions, and marked restrictions on making complex work-related judgments. Tr. 506. Regarding social limitations, Dr. N011hway indicated that Torrey has marked limitations in all aspects of dealing with others. Tr. 507. In May 2012, Ton·ey presented herself to Dr. Phelps for an examination related to leg pain she experienced after exercise. Tr. 563. Dr. Phelps noted TotTey's histmy of claudication and issued a diagnosis of the same. Tr. 564. Additionally, he observed TotTey to be well developed, well nourished, and in no acute distress. !d. Page 13 - OPINION AND ORDER Toney's claims for DIB and SSI were denied initially and upon reconsideration. Tr. 98, 122. Toney timely requested an administrative hearing, which was held on June 14, 2012. Tr. 60. In response to the hearing, the ALJ issued an opinion finding Toney had specific impairments that rendered her unable to retum to past work, yet did not preclude perf01mance of less strenuous work. Tr. 23-24. Thus, the ALJ concluded Toney was not disabled. Tr. 25. The Appeal's Council denied Torrey's request to review the ALJ's decision. The ALJ's decision, therefore, became the Administration's final order for purposes of judicial review. See 20 C.P.R. § 422.210(a); see also Sims v. Apfel, 530 U.S. 103, 107 (2000). Torrey then filed this action seeking payment ofDIB and SSI. Tr. 1. SUMMARY OF ALJ FINDINGS At the first step of the five-step sequential evaluation process, the Administrative Law Judge found that Toney did not engage in substantial gainful activity at any time following her claimed disability onset date of January 24, 2006. Tr. 14. The ALJ then proceeded to the second step of the analysis. At the second step, the ALJ found that Torrey suffers from the following severe impairments: lumbar degenerative disc disease, hepatitis C, depression, anxiety disorder, lower extremity claudication, cervical cancer status post hysterectomy, borderline intellectual functioning, restrictive lung disease, substance abuse disorder (heroin), and substance addiction disorder (cannabis). Id The ALJ further noted that Toney has historically received "varying diagnoses for her mental health condition depending on her presentation during different examinations. For example, some medical providers diagnosed adjustment disorder instead of, or in addition to, anxiety and depression." !d. Page 14- OPINION AND ORDER At the third step, the ALJ found that none of Torrey's impairments were the equivalent of any of the impairments enumerated in 20 C.F.R. § 404, subpt. P, app. I. Tr. 15. The ALJ therefore properly conducted an assessment of Toney's residual functional capacity ("RFC"). Specifically, the ALJ found that at all material times Torrey had the residual functional capacity to perfotm light work ... except she can lift 20 pounds occasionally and I 0 pounds frequently. She can sit for 6 hours and stand for 6 hours in an 8-hour workday ... Tr. 17. The ALJ further limited Toney's RFC to simple, low-stress, non-production line work. Id. The ALJ further assessed that Torrey can understand, remember, and cany out simple instmctions that can be learned in 30 days or less. Id. In reaching this finding, the ALJ considered all symptoms and the extent to which these symptoms can reasonably be accepted as consistent with the objective medical evidence and other evidence. ld. At the fourth step of the five-step process, the ALJ found that Toney was unable to perform her past relevant work. Tr. 23. At the fifth step, the ALJ found that, in light of Toney's age, education, work experience, and RFC, there were jobs existing in significant numbers in the national and local economy that she could perfotm. Tr. 23. Because the ALJ had determined Toney was capable of making a successful adjustment to other work, and could perform all or substantially all of the exertional demands of work at a given level of exertion, she stated that, pursuant to Medical-Vocational Rule 201.28, a finding of"not disabled" was appropriate. Tr. 24. On that basis, the ALJ concluded that Toney was not disabled as defined in the Act at any time between January 24, 2006, and July 13, 2012. Tr. 25. Page 15 -OPINION AND ORDER ANALYSIS Torrey contends that the ALJ ened because she: (1) improperly rejected Dr. Northway's opinion regarding Torrey's social limitations; (2) failed to include Dr. Northway's diagnosis of Mild Mental Retardation at step two of the sequential analysis; (3) failed to address Torrey's diagnosed intellectual disability under Listing 12.05C; and (4) failed to fully credit lay witness testimony. Toney fmiher argues that, in light of the alleged errors in the ALI's assessment of her RFC, the Commissioner failed to cany her burden at the fifth step of the five-step process. I address each of Toney's arguments in hll'n. I. Rejection of Medical Evidence A. Medical Opinion of Dr. Northway Toney assetis that the ALJ ened in rejecting the medical evidence provided by examining physician Dr. Northway. The ALJ is responsible for resolving conflicts in the medical record. Benton v. Barnhart, 331 F.3d 1030, 1040 (9th Cir. 2003). Physicians with the most significant clinical relationship with a claimant are generally entitled to more weight than physicians with lesser relationships. Lester v. Chafer, 81 F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir. 1995); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(d), 416.927(d). As such, the ALJ may only reject a treating or examining physician's uncontradicted medical opinion based on "clear and convincing reasons." Lester, 81 F.3d at 830-31. Where such an opinion is contradicted, however, it may be rejected for "specific and legitimate reasons that are supported by substantial evidence in the record." I d. As the Commissioner properly identifies, Dr. Northway's findings with respect to Toney's social limitations, primarily that Ton·ey would "have difficulty interacting with others in any soti of appropriate manner" and that she is markedly limited in all aspects of social Page 16- OPINION AND ORDER functioning, are contradicted by several medical opinions of record. First, Dr. Joffe's opinion is mildly contradictory, explaining that Torrey is "generally avoidant of others" but "[gets] along as much as possible with others in the work setting." Tr. 368. Second, Megan Nicoloffs assessment that Torrey is only moderately, rather than markedly, limited in her ability to act appropriately with the general public also contradicts Dr. Northway's opinion. Tr. 410. Nicoloffs assessment, however, indicated that Torrey has "many antisocial features." Tr. 402. Finally, Dr. Hemy found "no indication that [Torrey] is incapable of working in the vacinity [sic] of others without becoming distracted or distractable [sic]," which constitutes another contradiction of Dr. Notthway's opinion. Tr. 461. Because Dr. Northway's medical opinion is contradicted by other medical evidence in the record, the ALJ must provide specific and legitimate reasons supported by substantial evidence for her rejection to be proper. Lester, 81 F.3d at 830. The ALJ afforded "little weight" to Dr. Northway's medical opinion "because it is largely based on the claimant's histoty regarding her dmg use that was not truthful." Tr. 22. Toney argues, and the Commissioner concedes, that this reason is invalid and not suppotted by substantial evidence. In the record, Dr. Northway notes his apprehensions regarding the subjective infmmation provided by Torrey. Tr. 499. He explained that his psychosocial history summaty "was provided by Ms. Torrey, without corroboration, except where noted" and "could contain significant historical inaccuracies." !d. Nonetheless, in other areas of his opinion, Dr. Northway proceeded to list an anay of objective psychological evaluations, observations, and assessments. Tr. 499-503. Thus, the first reason listed by the ALJ for rejecting Dr. Notthway's opinion is illegitimate. See Ghanim v. Colvin, 763 F.3d 1154, 1162-63 (9th Cir. 2014). Page 17 - OPINION AND ORDER The ALJ futiher considered Dr. Northway's finding of"marked" limitations in social interaction inconsistent with "the claimant's repmied ability to use public transpmiation, attend meetings, sign for money and get along with others." Tr. 22. An ALJ may properly reject the opinion of a medical source if that opinion conflicts with evidence of the claimant's daily activities. lvforgan v. Commissioner, 169 F.3d 595, 601-02 (9th Cir. 1999); see also Bagby v. As/rue, 2012 WL 1114298, *8 (D. Or. Feb. 7, 2012), adopted by Bagby v. As/rue, 2012 WL 1114298 (D. Or. Apr. 3, 2012) (ALJ properly rejected examining doctor's opinion that was inconsistent with the claimant's own prior statements about his ability to function). While the ALI's reliance on several of Toney's daily activities to reject Dr. Notihway's opinion is a legitimate reason, it must still be supported by substantial evidence. Lester, 81 F.3d at 830-31. This issue was recently analyzed in Ghanim v. Colvin, 763 F. 3d 1154 (9th Cir. 2014), where the court expounded on established precedent that"[ a] claimant need not be completely incapacitated to receive benefits," and found that a record revealing extensive social limitations, as here, is not nullified by a claimant's perfotmance of basic daily activities with simple social interaction. Id at 1162, citing Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284, n.7. The evidence in the record does not show that Toney engaged in any of the listed activities in a manner indicative of an ability to function at a level greater than that proposed by Dr. Nmihway. For instance, although the ALJ mentions Torrey can get along with others based on her testimony provided at the hearing, of which the ALJ herself questions the credibility, she omits the fact that Toney qualified her statement to that effect with "there's a lot of hard people to get along with out there." Tr. 83. Ton·ey's subsequent testimony reveals paranoia, regular feelings of being disliked, and allegations of harassment during her interactions with others. Id Page 18- OPINION AND ORDER Other areas of the record include extensive endorsements by Torrey that provide a clearer impression of mental and social impairments that support Dr. Nmihway's marked social limitations findings, such as paranoia, fear, reclusiveness, and depression. Tr. 192. In shoti, the daily activities the ALJ relied on to reject Dr. Nmihway's opinion reveal basic physical functionality, not an obvious lack of social or mentallimitations. 4 On balance, the daily activities noted and described by the ALJ do not serve to illustrate a lack of the limitations described and diagnosed by Dr. Northway, and substantial evidence in the record does not support the ALJ's reasoning for rejecting his medical opinion. The ALJ erred in her reasoning for assigning little weight to Dr. Nmihway's opinion, and this failure affected subsequent analysis regarding the extent to which Torrey's mental limitations would affect her ability to obtain and retain work. Subsequent proceedings should be carried out to resolve this discrepancy. On remand, the ALJ should assign proper weight to Dr. Northway's opinion. B. Global Assessment of Functioning Test Scores Torrey also argues that the ALJ erred in rejecting the Global Assessment of Functioning ("GAF'') test scores provided by Dr. Notihway, Dr. Joffe, and Christine Rogers. I disagree. An ALJ "need not discuss all evidence presented to her. Rather, she must explain why significant probative evidence has been rejected." Vincent v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1393, 1394-95 (9th Cir. 1984). 4 Notably, the ALJ lists an array of Torrey's daily activities in other aspects of her opinion. Tr. 16. Factoring those activities into the ALJ's reasoning for rejecting Dr. Northway's opinion is beyond the scope of this review. Additional analysis of reasons for which those activities contradict Dr. Nmihway's observations, impressions, and diagnoses would fmiher suppoti the ALJ's legitimate reason for rejection, but that reasoning must still be supported by substantial evidence in the record. Murray v. Heckler, 722 F.2d 499, 502 (9th Cir. 1983). Page 19 - OPINION AND ORDER The ALJ explained her reasons for providing little weight to the GAF scores. First, she concluded that the scores provided by various physicians did not clarify whether they purported to rate objective functioning assessments or symptoms, which "are an individual's 'own description' ofhis or her impairments." Tr. 23, citing S.S.R. No. 96-7p, 1996 SSR LEXIS 4 (July 2, 1996). Because she found Torrey unreliable, the ALJ chose not to assign weight to scores she detetmined were derived from subjective symptom reports to treating physicians. Id. Second, the ALJ explained that GAF scores do not have a direct conelation to severity requirements in mental disorder listings, futiher supporting her rejection. Tr. 23, citing 65 Fed. Reg. 50,746 (Aug. 21, 2000). Based on these explanations, the ALJ amply fulfilled her requirements for rejecting the various GAF test results. II. Dr. Northway's Intellectual Disability Diagnosis under Step Two and Listing 12.05C Torrey urges that the ALJ ened in failing to include Dr. Northway's intellectual disability diagnosis at step two of the sequential analysis. Torrey argues that the ALJ repeated this enor in concluding that Torrey did not meet the criteria enumerated in Listing 12.05C. Tr. 16. Because the ALJ did not properly reject Dr. Northway's medical opinion and the diagnoses contained therein, I cannot adequately accept or refute the ALJ's comprehensive determination of Toney's impairments, nor can I do so with regard to the ALJ's grounds for rejecting Toney's conformity to the Listing 12.05C criteria. On remand, the ALJ should address evidence supporting or discrediting Dr. N01ihway's findings regarding Torrey's social and mental limitations in both of those contexts. Page 20 - OPINION AND ORDER III. The ALJ's Consideration of Lay Witness Testimony Toney also argues that the ALJ ened in her consideration of the lay evidence, particularly a function report provided by Karen VerMeer, Torrey's sister. The ALJ must consider competent lay evidence but, in rejecting such evidence, she need only provide reasons for doing so that are "ge1mane to [the] witness." Dodrill v. Shalala, 12 F.3d 915, 919 (9th Cir. 1993); Greger v. Barnhart, 464 F.3d 968, 972 (9th Cir. 2006) (intemal quotation marks omitted). Relevant here, an ALJ may simply "note[] arguably ge1mane reasons for dismissing the [evidence] even if he did not clearly link his determination to those reasons." Lewis v. Apfel, 236 F.3d 503, 512 (9th Cir. 2001). As the ALJ noted, VerMeer "largely reiterated [Toney's] allegations regarding her ability to function." Tr. 18. The ALJ found the lay evidence "credible only to the extent it expresses Ms. VerMeer's observations of[Torrey's] activities and not as a medical opinion." /d. Toney contends that this is reversible enor because the statements in VerMeer's function rep01i regarding Toney's difficulty with concentration, memory, and an.xiety support fmiher mental RFC limitations than those found by the ALJ. In her counterargument, the Commissioner agrees that the ALJ cannot properly discount VerMeer's function rep01i simply because she is related to Toney and not a medical source. The Commissioner contends, however, that the ALJ's failure to provide specific reasons for assigning limited weight to VerMeer's function report is, if erroneous, harmless error. This is because the ALJ found VerMeer's function rep01i to "largely reiterate" Torrey's own function rep01i. Tr. 18. Thus, the Commissioner argues, "the ALJ's reasons for finding Plaintiff not credible apply with equal force to Ms. Vermeer." I agree. An ALI's failure to comment upon lay evidence "is harmless where 'the same evidence Page 21 -OPINION AND ORDER that the ALJ refened to in discrediting [the claimant's] claims also discredits [the lay witness's] claims." lvfolina v. Astrue, 674 F.3d 1104, 1122 (9th Cir. 2012), quoting Buckner v. Astrue, 646 F.3d 549, 560 (8th Cir. 2011). The ALJ's finding that the lay evidence "largely reiterated" Toney's own function report is reflected in the administrative record. For example, both Torrey and VerMeer listed that Torrey can walk only one block, can pay attention for only ten minutes, cannot complete tasks due to forgetfulness, and becomes dizzy when climbing stairs. See Tr. 186, 194. When weighing the credibility of Torrey's own allegations as to her limitations, the ALJ systematically favors the objective medical evidence found in the administrative record over the subjective limitations in Torrey's function report. Tr. 20. Thus, the AU's failure to comment beyond noting the similarities between both function repmis fits into the harmless error framework anticipated in lvfolina, above, and need not be reconsidered on remand. IV. Step Five: Existence of Competitive Jobs in the National Economy Toney argues that the Commissioner did not meet her burden of proof at the step five of the sequential process. Step five requires the Commissioner to demonstrate that, in light of Toney's residual functional capacity, there is a significant number of jobs in the national economy the she is capable of perfmming. Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d I 035, 1043 (9th Cir. 1995). The Commissioner can satisfY this burden by eliciting the testimony of aVE with a hypothetical question that sets forth all of the claimant's limitations and restrictions. 20 C.F .R. § 416.966; Osenbrock v. Apfel, 240 F.3d 1157, 1163-64 (9th Cir. 2001). In this situation, the ALJ relied on aVE's testimony in forming her assessments. Torrey contends that, if Dr. Northway's opinion is properly credited, his findings of "marked" impairment in interacting appropriately with the public would necessarily alter the Page 22 - OPINION AND ORDER ALI's step five findings. She further posits Dr. Northway's assessment declaring Toney unable to adapt to changes in a routine setting, respond to usual work situations, and meet demands associated with competitive work could, if properly credited, alter the ALJ's step five finding. Where aVE has failed to address a claimant's limitations based on improperly discredited evidence or inadequately considered medical opinions, a remand for futiher proceedings is proper. See Harman v. Apfol, 211 F.3d 1172, 1180 (9th Cir. 2000). Thus, upon reconsideration of the medical evidence of record, Toney's RFC should be revised and reconsidered by aVE to determine whether there exist competitive jobs in the national economy suitable to Torrey's limitations. V. Remand for Further Administrative Proceedings The Court may remand this case "either for additional evidence and findings or to award benefits." Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1292. Generally, when an ALI's decision is reversed, "the proper course, except in rare circumstances, is to remand to the agency for additional investigation or explanation." Benecke v. Barnhart, 379 F.3d 587, 595 (9th Cir. 2004) (citations omitted). Thus, it is "the unusual case in which it is clear from the record that the claimant is unable to perform gainful employment in the national economy," that "remand for an immediate award of benefits is appropriate." !d. Benefits may be awarded where "the record has been fully developed" and "further administrative proceedings would serve no useful purpose." Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1292; Holohan v. 1l,fassanari, 246 F.3d 1195, 1210 (9th Cir. 2001). Specifically, benefits should be awarded where: (1) the ALJ has failed to provide legally sufficient reasons for Page 23 - OPINION AND ORDER rejecting [the claimant's] evidence, (2) there are no outstanding issues that must be resolved before a determination of disability can be made, and (3) it is clear from the record that the ALJ would be required to find the claimant disabled were such evidence credited. Smolen, 80 FJd 1273 at 1292; }vfcCartey v. }vfassanari, 298 FJd 1072, 1076-77 (9th Cir. 2002). Because issues still remain regarding plaintiffs mental residual functional capacity as well as her ability to perform other jobs existing in significant numbers in the national economy, remand for further consideration of those issues is warranted. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, the Commissioner's final decision denying Torrey's application for disability insurance benefits and social security insurance is reversed and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. Dated this 4th day ofNovember, 20-14_._------------- _ - ( ') a,Uj - ) J--- V Honorable Paul Papak United States Magistrate Judge Page 24 - OPINION AND ORDER

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