Caroline Hyong Sim Urso v. Carolyn W Colvin, No. 5:2014cv02289 - Document 26 (C.D. Cal. 2015)
Court Description: MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER by Magistrate Judge Gail J. Standish. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, that judgment be entered affirming the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security and dismissing this action with prejudice. (ec)
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Caroline Hyong Sim Urso v. Carolyn W Colvin Doc. 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 EASTERN DIVISION ) Case No. EDCV 14-02289 (GJS) CAROLINE HYONG SIM URSO, ) ) Plaintiff, ) MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ) ORDER v. ) ) CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting ) Commissioner of Social Security, ) ) ) Defendant. ) ) ) 18 I. 19 PROCEEDINGS 20 Plaintiff Caroline Hyong Sim Urso (“Plaintiff”) filed a complaint seeking 21 review of the Commissioner’s denial of her application for Disability Insurance 22 Benefits (“DIB”). The parties filed consents to proceed before the undersigned 23 United States Magistrate Judge, and a Joint Stipulation addressing disputed issues 24 in the case. The Court has taken the Joint Stipulation under submission without 25 oral argument. 26 27 28 II. BACKGROUND Plaintiff applied for DIB on July 14, 2011, alleging disability since August 1, 2010, due to a traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Dockets.Justia.com 1 stress, anger, difficulty being around other people, short-term memory problems, 2 difficulty focusing, inner ear damage, forgetfulness, and migraines. 3 (Administrative Record (“AR”) 159-60, 180). Following the denial of her 4 application initially and on reconsideration, an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) 5 held a hearing at Plaintiff’s request. (AR 35-62, 103-07, 96-101). 6 On March 15, 2013, the ALJ issued a decision applying the five-step 7 sequential evaluation process to find Plaintiff not disabled. (AR 18-31); see 20 8 C.F.R. § 404.1520(b)-(g)(1).1 The ALJ determined that Plaintiff had not engaged 9 in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date, and that Plaintiff suffers 10 from the severe impairments of traumatic brain injury, migraines, vertigo, and 11 affective disorder. (AR 20). The ALJ found that Plaintiff’s conditions did not 12 meet or equal any of the impairments listed in Appendix 1 of the regulations. (AR 13 20). The ALJ assessed Plaintiff with the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to 14 perform medium work (20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(c)), with the following limitations: 15 nonpublic work in a habituated setting; minimal contact with coworkers and 16 supervisors; simple, repetitive, tasks of no more than three steps; no fast paced 17 work; occasional postural activities; no balancing or climbing of ladders, ropes or 18 scaffolds; and no work around hazards. (AR 22). The ALJ determined that 19 Plaintiff is unable to perform her past relevant work, but is capable of making a 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1 To decide if a claimant is entitled to benefits, an ALJ conducts a five-step inquiry. 20 C.F.R. § 416.920. The steps are as follows: (1) Is the claimant presently engaged in substantial gainful activity? If so, the claimant is found not disabled. If not, proceed to step two; (2) Is the claimant’s impairment severe? If not, the claimant is found not disabled. If so, proceed to step three; (3) Does the claimant’s impairment meet or equal the requirements of any impairment listed at 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1? If so, the claimant is found disabled. If not, proceed to step four; (4) Is the claimant capable of performing her past work? If so, the claimant is found not disabled. If not, proceed to step five; (5) Is the claimant able to do any other work? If not, the claimant is found disabled. If so, the claimant is found not disabled. 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(b)-(g)(1). 28 2 1 successful adjustment to other work that exists in significant numbers in the 2 economy. (AR 28-29). Therefore, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not 3 disabled. (AR 29). 4 On November 6, 2014, Plaintiff filed a complaint before this Court seeking 5 review of the ALJ’s decision denying benefits. Plaintiff raises the following 6 arguments: (1) the ALJ failed to properly assess the medical evidence; (2) the ALJ 7 erred in finding Plaintiff can perform other work; and (3) the ALJ failed to provide 8 adequate reasons for discrediting Plaintiff’s subjective complaints. (Joint 9 Stipulation (“Joint Stip.”) at 3-7, 12-14, 17-20, 23). The Commissioner asserts that 10 11 12 the ALJ’s decision should be affirmed. (Joint Stip. at 7-12, 14-17, 20-23). III. STANDARD OF REVIEW Under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), the Court reviews the Administration’s decision 13 to determine if: (1) the Administration’s findings are supported by substantial 14 evidence; and (2) the Administration used correct legal standards. See Carmickle 15 v. Commissioner, 533 F.3d 1155, 1159 (9th Cir. 2008); Hoopai v. Astrue, 499 F.3d 16 1071, 1074 (9th Cir. 2007). Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a 17 reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Richardson v. 18 Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401, 91 S. Ct. 1420, 28 L.Ed.2d 842 (1971) (citation and 19 quotations omitted); see also Hoopai, 499 F.3d at 1074. 20 IV. DISCUSSION 21 A. Medical Opinion Evidence 22 Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred in the consideration of the opinions of 23 two of Plaintiff’s doctors: examining psychologist, Richard Perez, Ph.D. and 24 treating physician, Geetha Paladugu, M.D. (Joint Stip. at 3-7, 12-13). 25 The law is well established that a treating physician’s opinion is entitled to 26 special weight because a treating physician is employed to cure and has a greater 27 opportunity to know and observe the patient as an individual. See McAllister v. 28 Sullivan, 888 F.2d 599, 602 (9th Cir. 1989). “The treating physician’s opinion is 3 1 not, however, necessarily conclusive as to either a physical condition or the 2 ultimate issue of disability.” Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 751 (9th Cir. 3 1989). The weight given a treating physician’s opinion depends on whether it is 4 supported by sufficient medical data and is consistent with other evidence in the 5 record. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2). If the treating physician’s opinion is 6 uncontroverted by another doctor, it may be rejected only for “clear and 7 convincing” reasons. See Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir. 1996)). 8 Where a treating physician’s opinion is controverted, it may be rejected only if the 9 ALJ makes findings setting forth specific and legitimate reasons that are based on 10 the substantial evidence of record. See, e.g., Reddick v. Chater, 157 F.3d 715, 725 11 (9th Cir. 1998) (“A treating physician’s opinion on disability, even if controverted, 12 can be rejected only with specific and legitimate reasons supported by substantial 13 evidence in the record.”); Magallanes, 881 F.2d at 751. 14 Likewise, to reject the uncontradicted opinion of an examining physician, an 15 ALJ must provide “clear and convincing” reasons. Where the examining 16 physicians’ opinions are contradicted by those of other doctors, the ALJ must 17 provide “specific and legitimate” reasons that are supported by substantial 18 evidence in the record. See Regennitter v. Commissioner of Social Sec. Admin., 19 166 F.3d 1294, 1298-99 (9th Cir. 1999); Lester, 81 F.3d at 830-31; Andrews v. 20 Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir. 1995); see also Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 21 1211, 1216 (9th Cir. 2005). 22 1. 23 Dr. Perez Dr. Perez completed a neuropsychological evaluation of Plaintiff in August 24 2011. (AR 283-89). Test results revealed average general intellectual ability, 25 average to high average rote memory and recall, average to very superior attention 26 and executive functioning, intact language abilities, mild to moderate deficits in 27 visual motor processing speed and fine motor speed and dexterity, good impulse 28 control and cognitive flexibility, but weakness on a combined inhibitory-switching 4 1 task, average visual memory with weakness for recall of content/designs, intact 2 verbal recall, and mildly impaired ability to recognize verbal information 3 previously presented. (AR 286-89). Dr. Perez diagnosed Plaintiff with 4 cyclothymic disorder, which he characterized as a chronic, fluctuating mood 5 disturbance involving irritable and hypomanic symptoms as well as depressive 6 symptoms. (AR 288). Dr. Perez stated that Plaintiff’s “persistent and significant 7 mood related difficulties place her at serious risk for engaging in dangerous and 8 harmful behaviors (e.g., impulsive and reactive behaviors when angry) as she 9 attempts to cope in a maladaptive manner.” (AR 288). Plaintiff’s MRI brain scans 10 were normal and the cause of Plaintiff’s mood problems was unknown, but Dr. 11 Perez noted that Plaintiff’s MR spectroscopy results were indicative of mild 12 neuronal loss or dysfunction and evidence of axonal injury involving the bilateral 13 cingulate gyrus. (AR 288). Dr. Perez recommended psychological therapy and 14 medical intervention. (AR 289). The ALJ summarized Dr. Perez’s observations of 15 Plaintiff and the test results in the decision. (AR 20, 24-25). 16 Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ erred by failing to specifically discuss whether 17 Plaintiff’s condition was consistent with a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder and 18 whether Plaintiff’s mood disorder could interfere with Plaintiff’s cognitive 19 functioning. (Joint Stip. at 3-4, 13). Plaintiff also asserts that the ALJ erred by 20 failing to address Dr. Perez’s finding that Plaintiff was at risk of engaging in 21 dangerous and harmful behavior by reacting impulsively and inappropriately when 22 feeling anger. (Joint Stip. at 4, 12). The Court disagrees. 23 In the decision, based on the medical evidence of record, the ALJ concluded 24 that Plaintiff suffered from the severe mental impairment of affective disorder. 25 (AR 20, 25, 27, 70, 83, 315); see Ausman and Snyder, Medical Library, Lawyers 26 Edition, Psychiatry § 8:45 (“Affective disorders are a group of clinical conditions 27 characterized by a disturbance in how a patient acts, thinks, and perceives his or 28 her environment, resulting in great subjective stress to the patient and often 5 1 imparting a feeling of loss of control.”). While the ALJ did not expressly adopt 2 Dr. Perez’s diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder or incorporate verbatim the language 3 used by Dr. Perez in his report, the ALJ assessed significant limitations in 4 functioning based on Plaintiff’s mental impairment and associated work-related 5 problems. In relevant part, the ALJ found that Plaintiff is limited to simple, 6 repetitive tasks of no more than three steps in a nonpublic, habituated setting, with 7 no fast paced work and minimal contact with coworkers and supervisors. (AR 22). 8 The ALJ’s RFC determination, which reasonably accounted for Dr. Perez’s 9 findings, is entitled to deference. Vertigan v. Halter, 260 F.3d 1044, 1049 (9th Cir. 10 2001) (noting that it is the ALJ’s responsibility, not the physician’s, to determine 11 residual functional capacity). 12 Plaintiff further argues that the ALJ erred by ignoring the 2009 MR 13 spectroscopy study. (Joint Stip. at 4; AR 284). The ALJ, however, was not 14 required to discuss every piece of evidence in the medical record. See Howard v. 15 Barnhart, 341 F.3d 1006, 1012 (9th Cir. 2003). Dr. Perez referenced the 2009 MR 16 spectroscopy study while discussing a possible cause for Plaintiff’s mood disorder. 17 (AR 284, 288). As the etiology of Plaintiff’s mental condition was unclear, 18 reversal is not warranted based on the ALJ’s failure to mention the 2009 MR 19 spectroscopy study. (AR 289); see Vincent v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1393, 1394-95 20 (9th Cir. 1984) (only significant probative evidence must be discussed and rejected 21 by ALJ). 22 23 2. Dr. Paladugu Dr. Paladugu, Plaintiff’s treating physician, conducted an initial evaluation 24 of Plaintiff in December 2010, and diagnosed Plaintiff with rule out major 25 depression, recurrent (296.33), versus bipolar disorder (296.53). (AR 298-300). 26 Plaintiff reported moderate symptoms in the following areas: depressed mood; 27 loss of interest/pleasure; agitation/irritability; change in energy; and poor 28 concentration. (AR 298). While Plaintiff’s mental status exam was normal, Dr. 6 1 Paladugu opined that Plaintiff’s behavioral or emotional problems resulted in 2 “severe” functional impairments in regards to family and other primary 3 relationships, and “moderate” functional impairments in Plaintiff’s relationship 4 with her spouse and at work/school. (AR 300). Over the next two years, Dr. 5 Paladugu continued to treat Plaintiff. (AR 291-97, 324-34). Plaintiff reported 6 varying, but ongoing problems with her mood, energy levels, motivation, appetite, 7 impulsivity, and other symptoms. (AR 291-97, 324-34). Dr. Paladugu managed 8 Plaintiff’s condition with prescription medications. (AR 291-97, 300, 324-34). 9 The ALJ properly found that Dr. Paladugu’s findings that Plaintiff has 10 “moderate” functional impairments in her relationship with her spouse and 11 “severe” functional impairments in regards to her family and other primary 12 relationships, were inconsistent with Plaintiff’s own testimony about her daily 13 interactions. (AR 27); see 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(c)(4) (a medical opinion that is 14 inconsistent with the record as a whole is accorded less weight). Plaintiff testified 15 that she and her two children would often visit the homes of her friend, mother, or 16 grandmother, and when she was at home with her children, her mother or brother 17 was usually with them. (AR 53). Plaintiff also stated that her husband usually 18 went to the grocery store with her. (AR 54-55). The apparent conflict between 19 Plaintiff’s admitted social and family activities and Dr. Paladugu’s assessment of 20 moderate to severe limitations in Plaintiff’s relationships constituted a legally 21 sufficient basis for rejecting Dr. Paladugu’s opinion. See Rollins v. Massanari, 22 261 F.3d 853, 856 (9th Cir. 2001) (holding that ALJ properly rejected physician’s 23 opinion that appeared to be inconsistent with the level of activity that the plaintiff 24 engaged in by maintaining a household and raising two young children); Morgan v. 25 Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 169 F.3d 595, 601-02 (9th Cir. 1999) (finding that 26 physician’s opinion of marked limitations conflicted with the plaintiff’s ability to 27 adequately cope with activities of daily living). 28 Plaintiff asserts that the two remaining reasons cited by the ALJ (lack of 7 1 objective evidence to support the opinion and failure to meet the 12-month 2 durational period) did not provide a legally sufficient basis for rejecting Dr. 3 Paladugu’s opinion.2 However, any asserted error was harmless, as the ALJ 4 properly relied on the inconsistency between Plaintiff’s activities and Dr. 5 Paladugu’s opinion to support the decision. See Stout v. Comm’r of Soc. Security, 6 454 F.3d 1050, 1054-56 (9th Cir. 2006) (harmless error is inconsequential to the 7 nondisability determination); Donathan v. Astrue, 264 Fed. Appx. 556, 559 (9th 8 Cir. 2008) (ALJ’s erroneous characterization of treating physicians’ opinions was 9 harmless “because the ALJ provided proper, independent reasons for rejecting 10 these opinions”). Moreover, Dr. Paladugu did not assess any limitations beyond 11 those actually reflected in the RFC. See Stout, 454 F.3d at 1055-56. In discussing 12 Dr. Paladugu’s opinion, the ALJ stated that he considered Plaintiff’s difficulties 13 interacting with people and, therefore, included limitations of “nonpublic work and 14 only minimal contact with coworkers and supervisors” in Plaintiff’s RFC. (AR 15 27). In addition, the ALJ reasonably accounted for Dr. Paladugu’s finding of 16 moderate functional impairments at work/school by restricting Plaintiff to simple, 17 repetitive tasks of no more than three steps in a habituated setting, involving no 18 fast paced work. (AR 22, 288). Thus, any error in the ALJ’s consideration of Dr. 19 Paladugu’s opinion was harmless, given the ALJ’s RFC assessment and other 20 proffered reason, both of which were supported by substantial evidence in the 21 record. Accordingly, reversal is not warranted based on the ALJ’s alleged failure to 22 23 properly consider the opinions of Dr. Perez and Dr. Paladugu. 24 /// 25 26 27 2 The Commissioner essentially concedes that the ALJ erred in finding that Plaintiff’s impairments did not satisfy the 12-month durational requirement because Dr. Paladugu treated Plaintiff for two years. (Joint Stip. at 11; AR 25, 27, 291-300); see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii). 28 8 1 B. Reasoning Level 2 Plaintiff contends the ALJ erred at step five of the sequential evaluation 3 because her RFC limitation to performing simple, repetitive tasks of no more than 4 three steps precludes her from performing the other work identified by the 5 vocational expert (“VE”), including work as a hand packager, store labor person, 6 and small parts assembler. (Joint Stip. at 13-14, 16; AR 28-29, 59-60). Plaintiff 7 asserts that the descriptions for these jobs in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles 8 (“DOT”) require her to perform at a higher reasoning level, (Level 2), than is 9 permitted by her RFC. 10 11 The DOT separates reasoning levels into six categories. Reasoning Levels 1, 2, and 3 are defined as follows: Level 1: Apply commonsense understanding to carry out simple one- 12 13 or two-step instructions. Deal with standardized situations with occasional 14 or no variables in or from these situations encountered on the job. 15 Level 2: Apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but 16 uninvolved written or oral instructions. Deal with problems involving a few 17 concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Level 3: Apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions 18 19 furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Deal with problems 20 involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations. 21 See DOT, App. C. The DOT descriptions of the hand packager, store labor person, 22 and small parts assembler jobs require Level 2 reasoning. See DOT §§ 920.587- 23 018 (hand packager), 922.687-058 (store labor person), 706.684-022 (small parts 24 assembler). 25 In the assessment of Plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ found that Plaintiff could only 26 perform simple, repetitive tasks of no more than three steps, in a habituated 27 nonpublic work setting, with limited contact with coworkers and supervisors and 28 no fast paced work. (AR 22). Plaintiff contends these limitations are inconsistent 9 1 with jobs with Level 2 reasoning, which require the ability to carry out “detailed 2 instructions.” (Joint Stip. at 14); see DOT, App. C. Plaintiff’s argument lacks 3 merit. 4 The Ninth Circuit recently explained that a limitation to simple, routine tasks 5 was “more consistent” with Level 2 reasoning than Level 3 reasoning. See Zavalin 6 v. Colvin, 778 F.3d 842, 846-47 (9th Cir. 2015) (quoting Hackett v. Barnhart, 395 7 F.3d 1168, 1176 (10th Cir. 2005)). While the Zavalin court did not expressly find 8 that a limitation to simple, routine tasks was in fact consistent with Level 2 9 reasoning, there is a general consensus within the Ninth Circuit and elsewhere that 10 such a limitation is consistent with the ability to perform jobs requiring Level 2 11 reasoning. See, e.g., Hackett, 395 F.3d at 1176 (holding Level 2 reasoning to be 12 consistent with a limitation to simple, routine work tasks); Meissl v. Barnhart, 403 13 F.Supp.2d 981, 984-85, (C.D. Cal. 2005) (finding that a limitation to simple, 14 repetitive tasks was consistent with Level 2 reasoning ability); Salazar v. Astrue, 15 No. EDCV 07-00565-MAN, 2008 WL 4370056, at *7 (C.D. Cal. Sept. 23, 2008); 16 Xiong v. Commissioner of Social Sec., No. 1:09-cv-00398-SMS, 2010 WL 17 2902508 (E.D. Cal. July 22, 2010); Isaac v. Astrue, No. CIV S-07-0442 GGH, 18 2008 WL 2875879, *3-*4 (E.D. Cal. July 24, 2008); Gilbert v. Colvin, 6:14-cv- 19 00394-AA, 2015 WL 1478441, at *7 (D. Or. Mar. 31, 2015). The Court finds the 20 reasoning of these cases persuasive. 21 Accordingly, this Court concludes the ALJ’s assessment of Plaintiff’s RFC 22 is consistent with the jobs identified by the VE requiring Level 2 reasoning. 23 Plaintiff is not entitled to reversal or remand on this issue. 24 C. Plaintiff’s Credibility 25 Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ failed to state sufficient reasons for discounting 26 her credibility. (Joint Stip. at 17-20, 23). 27 If a claimant produces objective medical evidence of an underlying 28 impairment that could reasonably be expected to produce the symptoms alleged 10 1 and there is no affirmative evidence of malingering, the ALJ must offer “clear and 2 convincing” reasons to reject the claimant’s testimony. Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 3 1273, 1281-82 (9th Cir. 1996); see also Reddick, 157 F.3d at 722 (“Unless there is 4 affirmative evidence showing that the claimant is malingering, the Commissioner’s 5 reasons for rejecting the claimant’s testimony must be ‘clear and convincing.’” 6 (quoting Lester, 81 F.3d at 834)). Moreover, “[t]he ALJ must state specifically 7 which symptom testimony is not credible and what facts in the record lead to that 8 conclusion.” Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284; Holohan v. Massanari, 246 F.3d 1195, 9 1208 (9th Cir. 2001) (the ALJ must “specifically identify the testimony [the ALJ] 10 finds not to be credible and must explain what evidence undermines the 11 testimony”); Bunnell v. Sullivan, 947 F.2d 341, 345-46 (9th Cir. 1991). In addition 12 to the “ordinary techniques of credibility evaluation,” Bunnell, 947 F.2d at 346, the 13 following factors may be considered in assessing credibility: (1) the claimant’s 14 reputation for truthfulness; (2) inconsistencies in the claimant’s testimony or 15 between his testimony and his conduct; (3) claimant’s daily living activities; (4) 16 claimant’s work record; and (5) testimony from physicians or third parties 17 concerning the nature, severity, and effect of claimant’s condition. See Thomas v. 18 Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 958-59 (9th Cir. 2002). 19 Plaintiff testified that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2007, 20 which resulted in changes in her personality and a number of other symptoms, 21 including migraines, light sensitivity, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, sweating, and loss 22 of balance. Plaintiff also claimed she had difficulties with her relationships, had 23 experienced episodes of rage, and was unable to prepare meals, perform household 24 chores, or maintain a checking account. (AR 22-23, 39, 41-49, 53-54). Plaintiff 25 reported that her family usually helps her care for her two young children, and she 26 does not like to go out because she is afraid that someone might have a gun and 27 start shooting. (AR 49-50, 53). 28 The ALJ found that although Plaintiff’s medically determinable impairments 11 1 could reasonably be expected to cause some of Plaintiff’s alleged symptoms, 2 Plaintiff’s allegations concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of 3 her symptoms were not credible to the extent alleged. (AR 24). As discussed 4 below, the ALJ offered legally sufficient reasons to support the adverse credibility 5 determination. 6 Significantly, the ALJ found that medication helped to control Plaintiff’s 7 symptoms. (AR 23-24, 52); see 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3)(iv); see also Warre v. 8 Comm’r, 439 F.3d 1001, 1006 (9th Cir. 2006) (explaining that impairments that 9 can be controlled effectively with medication are not disabling for purposes of 10 determining eligibility for benefits); Tidwell v. Apfel, 161 F.3d 599, 601-02 (9th 11 Cir. 1999) (in assessing claimant’s credibility, ALJ did not err in considering that 12 medication “aided” claimant’s symptoms). Plaintiff does not challenge this 13 rationale, and the Court finds that Plaintiff’s testimony and the medical record 14 support the ALJ’s conclusion. At the hearing, Plaintiff testified that her current 15 medication (Lamotrigine) was “probably the best” medication Dr. Paladugu had 16 prescribed. (AR 23, 52). Plaintiff explained that the medication stopped the 17 prolonged feeling of anger that she had been experiencing. (AR 23, 52). The 18 medical record also shows that another medication (Effexor) helped with 19 Plaintiff’s moods, impulsivity, and migraine headaches. (AR 24, 284, 297, 320). 20 Thus, the effectiveness of medications in controlling Plaintiff’s mental symptoms 21 was a valid reason for discrediting Plaintiff’s testimony. (AR 52, 54); see Warre, 22 439 F.3d at 1006. 23 The ALJ also properly observed that Plaintiff’s subjective complaints and 24 alleged limitations are inconsistent with her ability to engage in ordinary daily 25 activities. (AR 23-24); Bunnell, 947 F.2d at 346 (An ALJ may consider a 26 claimant’s daily activities when weighing credibility); Burch v. Barnhart, 400 F.3d 27 676, 680 (9th Cir. 2005) (upholding an ALJ’s rejection of a claimant’s credibility 28 in partial reliance on the claimant’s daily activities of cooking, cleaning, shopping, 12 1 interacting with others and managing her own finances and those of her nephew). 2 Plaintiff reported that she interacted and cared for her two young children, changed 3 diapers, drove her children to and from school, prepared simple meals, took her 4 son to karate class two times a week, and occasionally shopped, drove to the bank, 5 and performed some household chores. (AR 23-24, 223-30). Based on Plaintiff’s 6 admitted activities, the ALJ reasonably inferred that Plaintiff’s testimony regarding 7 her extreme limitations in functioning was not fully credible. (AR 23-24, 43-49, 8 223-30). See, e.g., Burch, 400 F.3d at 680-81; Thomas, 278 F.3d at 958-59; see 9 Rollins v. Massanari, 261 F.3d 853, 857 (9th Cir. 2001) (claimant’s testimony 10 regarding daily domestic activities undermined the credibility of her pain-related 11 testimony). Although Plaintiff asserts that the evidence of her daily activities is 12 susceptible to a different and more favorable interpretation, the ALJ’s analysis was 13 nonetheless reasonable, and should be upheld. See Batson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. 14 Admin., 359 F.3d 1190, 1198 (9th Cir. 2004) (“When the evidence before the ALJ 15 is subject to more than one rational interpretation, we must defer to the ALJ’s 16 conclusion.”); Thomas, 278 F.3d at 959 (Where “the ALJ’s credibility finding is 17 supported by substantial evidence in the record, [the Court] may not engage in 18 second-guessing.”). 19 Finally, the ALJ found that the objective medical evidence did not support 20 greater limitations than assessed in the RFC. (AR 24). Plaintiff challenges this 21 finding as error, noting there was significant evidence in the record to substantiate 22 her impairments, including evidence of fluctuating mood, uncontrolled outbursts, 23 and the need for assistance from family members. (Joint Stip. at 19, 23). Even if 24 the ALJ erred in relying on the lack of objective evidence in support of the adverse 25 credibility determination, such error did not affect the ALJ’s decision because the 26 ALJ’s remaining reasons and ultimate credibility determination were adequately 27 supported by substantial evidence in the record. See Carmickle, 533 F.3d at 1162- 28 63 (finding an error by the ALJ with respect to one or more factors in a credibility 13 1 determination may be harmless if the ALJ’s “remaining reasoning and ultimate 2 credibility determination were adequately supported by substantial evidence in the 3 record” (citing Batson, 359 F.3d at 1197)). 4 5 Accordingly, reversal is not warranted based on the ALJ’s adverse credibility determination. CONCLUSION AND ORDER 6 7 Based on the foregoing, IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, that judgment be 8 entered affirming the decision of the Commissioner of Social Security and 9 dismissing this action with prejudice. The Clerk of the Court shall serve this 10 Memorandum Opinion and Order and the Judgment herein on all parties or 11 counsel. 12 13 14 15 DATED: October 26, 2015 __________________________________ GAIL J. STANDISH UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 14
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