(SS) Copeland v. Commissioner of Social Security, No. 2:2008cv02464 - Document 29 (E.D. Cal. 2010)
Court Description: MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Craig M. Kellison on 4/7/10 ORDERING that Plaintiff's MOTION for Summary Judgment 24 is GRANTED; Defendant's CROSS-MOTION for Summary Judgment 28 is DENIED. CASE CLOSED. (Mena-Sanchez, L)
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 11 WILLIAM W. COPELAND, 12 Plaintiff, 13 14 No. CIV S-08-2464-CMK vs. MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, 15 Defendant. 16 / 17 18 Plaintiff, who is proceeding with retained counsel, brings this action for judicial 19 review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). 20 Pursuant to the written consent of all parties, this case is before the undersigned as the presiding 21 judge for all purposes, including entry of final judgment. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). Pending 22 before the court are plaintiff s motion for summary judgment (Doc. 24) and defendant s cross- 23 motion for summary judgment (Doc. 28). 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 1 1 I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY 2 Plaintiff applied for social security benefits on November 22, 2005. In the 3 application, plaintiff claims that disability began on October 1, 2005. Plaintiff claims that 4 disability is caused by a combination of: Bipolar I; Bipolar Mixed; Bipolar II, recurrent major, 5 with depressive and hypomania episodes; personality disorder; and borderline personality traits. 6 Plaintiff s claim was initially denied. Following denial of reconsideration, plaintiff requested an 7 administrative hearing, which was held on December 14, 2007, before Administrative Law Judge 8 ( ALJ ) James A. Mitchell. In a April 23, 2008, decision, the ALJ concluded that plaintiff is not 9 disabled based on the following relevant findings: 10 1. The claimant has the following severe impairments: bipolar disorder, alcohol abuse, and substance abuse disorder; 2. The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets or medically equals an impairment listed in the regulations; 3. The claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform the full range of work at all exertional levels but with the following non-exertional limitations: his attention, concentration, understanding, and memory are slightly limited; his ability to do simple routine repetitive tasks is slightly limited; he requires occasional close supervision for more than two hours on a work shift due to his non-compliance with his medication regime and drug and alcohol abuse; he is able to lift up to fifty pounds occasionally and twenty five pounds frequently; 4. Considering the claimant s age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity, and based on vocational expert testimony, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy that the claimant can perform. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 After the Appeals Council declined review on August 19, 2008, this appeal followed. 21 /// 22 /// 23 /// 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 2 1 2 3 4 II. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE The certified administrative record ( CAR ) contains the following evidence, summarized chronologically below: October 3, 2005 A contact sheet completed by staff at San Joaquin County 5 Mental Health reflects that plaintiff s current GAF was 50. On mental status examination, 6 plaintiff s mood was depressed, thought content was clear, and memory was intact. Plaintiff 7 reported having used methamphetamine three weeks prior and marijuana four days prior. 8 October 11, 2005 Notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that 9 plaintiff reported initially complaining of insomnia but then added he needs an antidepressant. 10 He reported mood swings and intermittent suicidal ideation. Plaintiff said he had recently broken 11 up with a physically abusive boyfriend. 12 October 25, 2005 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate 13 that plaintiff reported Depakote was making him dizzy and oversedated. However, he also stated 14 that he does not sleep well at night despite being tired all day. The diagnosis indicated on the 15 chart note is Mood D/O NOS R/O Bipolar II. Plaintiff was prescribed Zyprexa. 16 November 23, 2005 Records from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate 17 that plaintiff failed to attend his appointment the day before with his treating physician, Dr. 18 Graff, and that he walked in because he ran out of medication. Plaintiff reported that he was 19 doing good and that medication was helping him sleep. Plaintiff said that he was experiencing 20 increased depression, but firmly denied any suicidal ideation. Plaintiff was cooperative and 21 denied any acute distress. Plaintiff was provided medication. 22 January 2, 2006 The CAR contains a Function Report Adult Third Party 23 submitted by plaintiff s sister, Jamie Copeland. She stated that plaintiff spends most of his day 24 sleeping and, when not sleeping, he eats and watches television. Ms. Copeland stated that 25 plaintiff is dependent on others to cook, due to tiredness and side effects [of medication]. She 26 added that he needs help remembering to take his medication because he forgets track of time. 3 1 Ms. Copeland also stated that plaintiff cannot cook for himself because of drowsiness, muscle 2 aches, lack of motivation. She stated that plaintiff does his own laundry once a month, but 3 doesn t go out to do any kind of shopping. She also stated that he is moody with highs & lows 4 and that plaintiff is emotional and depressed. 5 As to functional capabilities, Ms. Copeland stated that plaintiff s impairments 6 make it difficult for him to lift, talk, complete tasks, concentrate, understand, and get along with 7 others. She stated that plaintiff could maybe walk a mile before needing rest. She added that he 8 is easily distracted and cannot pay attention for long, though she stated he had no problems 9 following written or spoken instructions. Ms. Copeland stated that plaintiff does not handle 10 11 stress well. January 4, 2006 The CAR contains a Contact Sheet prepared by staff at San 12 Joaquin County Mental Health. The document indicates that, at that time, plaintiff s GAF score 13 was 50 and had remained unchanged over the past year. On mental status examination, it was 14 noted that plaintiff was cooperative. His mood was reported as tired. Plaintiff had a nervous 15 affect. Thought content was appropriate. Memory and abstraction were both good. Plaintiff 16 denied drug and/or alcohol use. Plaintiff reported suicidal ideation, but no plan, and that he 17 wants to cut himself. 18 January 6, 2006 Plaintiff provided responses on a Function Report Adult 19 submitted with his application for benefits. Plaintiff stated that he lives with his family. For 20 daily activities, plaintiff stated: I wake up and watch T.V. and eat if some one cooks. He added 21 that lately he hadn t been feeling good do to my meds. He stated that he needs reminders to 22 take his medications. He also stated that he bathes once a week, does laundry once every other 23 week with assistance, doesn t do anything with his hair, does not shave, and his mother cooks 24 meals for him. Plaintiff stated that, before the onset of disability, he was more energetic and able 25 to think more clearly. He states his impairments cause him to get dizzy and drozie. When 26 asked, however, to check boxes next to various activities his impairments prevent or limit (such 4 1 as lifting, stooping, sitting, etc.), plaintiff did not check any boxes or otherwise indicate any 2 limitations.1 Plaintiff added that he does not handle stress well due to anxieties and panic 3 attacks. Plaintiff concluded his statement by adding: I am trying to fix these problems. 4 5 January 11, 2006 San Joaquin County Mental Health records reflect that plaintiff failed to attend this scheduled appointment. 6 February 22, 2006 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect 7 that plaintiff had missed at least four of his last appointments. The notes refer to chronic missed 8 MD appts. 9 February 28, 2006 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect 10 that plaintiff had stopped taking his medications. The notes also state: Pt. was drinking a couple 11 weeks ago. 12 13 April 27, 2006 Agency examining doctor David C. Richwerger, Ed.D., reported on a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. The doctor reported the following history: 14 The claimant denies ever being admitted to a psychiatric hospital. The claimant states he has gone to the Crisis Center at Mental Health when he was sixteen to see a counselor. The claimant states he began some outpatient psychiatric treatment in October 2005. He states his friends referred him because he was climbing the walls, crying, and getting angry. He states his last visit was with Dr. Graff in earlier April 2006. 15 16 17 The claimant states he has difficulty concentrating and difficulty with his memory. He states, Not always. It just depends. The claimant states in the past he thought he heard voices. He states, For a while I did, but I don t hear them now. The claimant then stated he was not actually hearing it. The claimant may have been referring to his own thoughts. The claimant states he has troubling thoughts. The claimant states he often feels anxious and depressed. The claimant states he is not always depressed but often has anxiety in public. The claimant denies suicidal ideation but says he had suicidal thoughts about a month ago. He states at the age of 17 or 18 he tried to get hit by a car. The claimant denied homicidal ideation in the past but none at this time just when he gets very angry. The claimant states he had seen Dr. Graff once a month and now his appointments with him are p.r.n. The claimant states he was prescribed Depakote and Prozac. The claimant states the Depakote makes 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 26 It appears that plaintiff may have neglected to answer any of the questions on page 8 of 10 of the pre-printed form questionnaire. 5 1 him more stable than before. 2 Plaintiff told the doctor that he used to drink a lot at the age of 16 but does not drink at all now. 3 He last used drugs when he was 16. As to current functioning, Dr. Richwerger reported: 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The claimant lives in a house with his family. The claimant states he does not sleep very well. He has often had problems sleeping and he does not know why. He states his appetite varies a lot. The claimant states he does household chores such as washing clothes and drying them on the line. He takes care of his own personal needs. The claimant states he has no outside activities or hobbies. The claimant states he handles his own financial affairs. The claimant states he usually gets around by getting a ride. The claimant is able to move about alone. The claimant s mother drove him to this evaluation. The claimant states he does not interact that well with family and relatives. Things vary a lot. He avoids friends and neighbors. The claimant states what he does just depends on the day. Nothing is consistent. The claimant states, Lately, I have been cleaning a lot. Sometimes, I am depressed. Sometimes, I have a lot of energy. The claimant states his last schooling was last year. 11 12 Based on mental status examination results, Dr. Richwerger diagnosed bipolar II, mixed, and 13 assigned a GAF of 55. The doctor outlined the following functional assessment: 14 The claimant appears to have a moderate impairment in his ability to perform detailed and complex tasks. 15 16 The claimant appears to have no impairment in his ability to perform simple and repetitive tasks. 17 The claimant appears to have a slight impairment in his ability to perform work activities on a consistent basis. 18 19 20 21 22 The claimant appears to have no impairment in his ability to perform work activities without special supervision. The claimant appears to have a moderate impairment in his ability to complete a normal workday or workweek without interruption from a psychiatric condition. The claimant appears to have a slight impairment in his ability to understand and accept instructions from supervisors. 23 24 The claimant appears to have a slight impairment in his ability to interact with co-workers and the public. 25 The claimant appears to have a slight impairment in his ability to maintain regular attendance in the workplace. 26 6 1 The claimant appears to have a slight impairment in his ability to deal with the usual stresses encountered in competitive work. 2 3 July 26, 2006 Agency consultative doctor V.M. Meenakshi, M.D., submitted a 4 psychiatric review technique form. Plaintiff was assessed with mild difficulties in activities of 5 daily living and social functioning. The doctor opined that plaintiff is moderately limited in 6 ability to maintain concentration, persistence, and pace. There was insufficient evidence to 7 establish episodes of decompensation. The doctor also completed a mental residual functional 8 capacity assessment. Dr. Meenakshi opined that plaintiff was moderately limited in ability to 9 understand, remember, and carry out detailed instructions. In all other categories of functioning, 10 11 plaintiff was assessed as not significantly limited. September 12, 2006 Records from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate 12 that plaintiff reported using marijuana at age 15 and later methamphetamines. Plaintiff stated 13 that he last used methamphetamine in September 2005. 14 November 27, 2006 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health 15 indicate that, on mental status examination, plaintiff appeared to be very intelligent. His attitude 16 was angry, speech normal, mood depressed, and thought content clear. Plaintiff denied 17 hallucinations. He said he had not been sleeping and admitted to suicidal ideation. The notes 18 indicate that, at the time, plaintiff was taking Zoloft, Seroquel, and Hydraxine. 19 20 21 December 21, 2006 Plaintiff reported to a case worker from San Joaquin County Mental Health that his medications were working well and he denied any depression at the time. January 12, 2007 Progress noted from San Joaquin County Mental Health reveal 22 the following comment by plaintiff s case manager: He admits to struggling with 23 methamphetamine abuse, but has been clean for several months. 24 January 19, 2007 Records from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that 25 plaintiff called in to cancel his therapy appointment because he had the flu. He denied any 26 psychiatric problems. 7 1 January 30, 2007 Plaintiff reported to a case manager from San Joaquin County 2 Mental Health that he had been feeling depressed and that he reported to a crisis center the week 3 before because he started cutting himself. He denied feeling suicidal. 4 February 9, 2007 Plaintiff told a case manager from San Joaquin County Mental 5 Health that he felt his medications had been effective since being changed the week prior. 6 Plaintiff denied experiencing any anxiety attacks or episodes of self-abuse. 7 February 13, 2007 Plaintiff reported to a case manager from San Joaquin County 8 Mental Health that he had not taken his medications for a few days and that he was not good. 9 Plaintiff stated that he did not feel his medications were working. 10 11 February 15, 2007 Notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate the following: 12 14 Case manager met with client at HEART Office. He was appropriately groomed, alert, and oriented x 3. He said he was feeling much better today. He denied feeling depressed and denied any desire to harm himself. He said he went home Tuesday and slept after taking his meds. He is continuing his med regime now. He also attended group today. . . . 15 February 22, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health 13 16 17 18 19 indicate: Case manager met with client at HEART Office. He was well groomed, alert, and oriented x 3. He reported he is doing much better. He started taking his meds as prescribed and denies adverse effects. He said he feels much calmer and has slept much better since taking his meds. Case manager engaged him in conversation about med education. He said he wants to change his meds to better stabilize his meds. . . . 20 21 22 Plaintiff was encouraged to continue working on recovery for his mental illness and drugs. February 27, 2007 Plaintiff reported to mental health staff at San Joaquin 23 County Mental Health that he finds himself crying for hours on end about my flashbacks. 24 Plaintiff also reported feeling insulted that his sister s boyfriend, Brendan, wants to have sex 25 with him. Chart notes indicate that plaintiff and his case manager discussed employment and 26 plaintiff said he wanted to try the moving crew. 8 1 2 February 28, 2007 Progress notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reveal as follows: 3 4 Case manager met with client when we were done moving. He said he is going well and his mood has been stable. Right now his meds are working and he has no complaints. . . . 5 March 20, 2007 Progress notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect 6 that plaintiff had stopped attending the community skills building group class and that plaintiff 7 gives many somatic complaints . . . as reasons not to work toward his goal at this time. 8 9 10 March 23, 2007 Progress notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reveal that plaintiff was feeling good because he just had a good session with his therapist. Plaintiff s case manager helped him move his belongings to Sutter Manor. 11 March 27, 2007 Progress notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health 12 indicate that plaintiff attended a hockey game with staff from and other members of the HEART 13 Program. Plaintiff appeared to enjoy the game and was observed interacting with staff and peers 14 appropriately. 15 April 2, 2007 Notes from a group therapy session reflect the following: 16 18 Client was late to group and very disruptive. Client came into group apologizing for being late and talked over the person who was speaking. After sitting down the client continued to respond to internal stimuli, and then got up to get a drink and began talking louder. Client was asked to leave group and was escorted to Crisis by Security. 19 April 3, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect: 20 24 Case manager met with client at HEART Office. He appeared in better spirits as he was smiling and laughing with his friends. He said he was feeling much better today because he prayed and did push ups last night. He feels this helped center his mind. Case manager engaged him in conversation about the importance of taking care of oneself physically. Case manager also encouraged him to attend the Spirituality Group on Wednesdays with Allies. He stated he would try to make it and expressed his desire to learn more spirituality. He appeared neutral in mood and stable. 25 April 6, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that 17 21 22 23 26 plaintiff had been arrested several months ago for shoplifting. 9 1 May 18, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect that 2 plaintiff admitted not taking his medications as prescribed. Plaintiff also reported that he felt 3 attending group sessions was helping, though he feels stuck sometimes. 4 May 21, 2007 Notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate: 5 12 Case manager met with William at his room at Sutter Manor. He was appropriately groomed, alert, and oriented x 3. He said he is feeling ok today but continues to battle with his depression. He stated he is committed to trying his Tegretol as prescribed for two weeks to see if it helps his depression. He said he is in a new relationship and was having some problems with him. Case manager listened and provided supportive counseling emphasizing med education, and boundaries. He said he is trying to focus on himself as much as possible. Case manager also counseled him regarding med education. William said he realizes when he gets depressed, he begins to isolate. Case manager encouraged him to commit to attending a minimum of one group a week to help him break the cycle of isolating. He said he would either come on Tuesday or Friday. We also discussed where he was in applying for his SSI. He said he is waiting for a letter from SSI regarding a court date for appeal. William appears depressed, but stable. Will continue to follow up as needed. 13 June 21, 2007 San Joaquin County Mental Health progress notes reveal the 14 following comment by the staff case manager: Client has difficulty taking responsibility for 15 himself and uses his mental health issues as a means to get what he wants. 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 July 3, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that 17 plaintiff was assaulted while attending a gay pride parade two weeks earlier. Plaintiff reported 18 that he thinks someone put something in his drink of ETOH. 2 He said he woke up with no one 19 around and in severe pain. He reported rectal bleeding since the incident. Plaintiff was tearful 20 and stated he felt ashamed. Plaintiff s mood was reported as severely depressed. Vegetative 21 symptoms of lack of appetite and excess sleep were also reported. Plaintiff was referred to the 22 hospital for a physical evaluation. 23 /// 24 /// 25 26 2 ETOH is a medical abbreviation referring to alcohol. 10 1 July 25, 2007 The CAR contains chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental 2 Health reflecting that plaintiff s speech was low and soft, his mood was calm, and plaintiff 3 denied hallucinations or suicidal ideation. Memory and abstraction were both good. 4 August 7, 2007 The CAR contains a psychiatric admission note prepared by 5 Muhammad Zia, M.D, a psychiatrist with San Joaquin County Mental Health. Dr. Zia reported 6 the following history: 7 The patient is currently under the care of Dr. Rizvi in the Outpatient Clinic. It appears that there have been rapid med changes, initiated at patient s request with vague complaints of side effects and intolerability. He took an overdose on his medication and was medically cleared at St. Joseph s Medical Center. The patient says, I m tired of my life and don t want to live; don t know what I will do after I go home. The patient is vague about any precipitating factors to his depression. There is no clear indication of vegetative symptoms of depression recently. The patient tends to be vague, somewhat confused, ambivalent, and paranoid. He does not express his emotions well. He had difficulty in answering my questions adequately. The patient said that he is living at Sutter Manor and is on G.R. His SSI Disability is pending. The patient has been declining in his functioning over the last few years. He has not been able to graduate from high school and has no ability for gainful employment. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 The patient is vague about his past history of suicidal attempts. He denies hearing voices. 15 16 On mental status examination, the doctor reported the following: 17 On admission the patient is oriented and alert but rather sullen and concrete with minimal verbalization. He is vague and evasive in his presentation. His affect is restricted; his mood is depressed. He denied any further suicidal impulses at this time. His cognitive and intellectual functions are grossly intact. 18 19 20 Plaintiff was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Type I, recurrent severe as well as personality 21 disorder NOS. Plaintiff s GAF was Poor, 20/40. 22 August 20, 2007 Notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that 23 plaintiff had been put on weekly med-compliance due to failure to take his medications as 24 prescribed. Despite plaintiff s stated refusal to participate in drug rehabilitation, therapy, or 25 support groups, the notes reflect that plaintiff was making some progress. 26 /// 11 1 2 August 27, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect as follows: 3 Client was on time and neatly dressed and groomed for his appointment. Client reported that he had a good weekend. That one of his nephews came and spent the night. Client sees being involved in his niece and nephews lives as a positive and that he is able to set appropriate boundaries and limits with them. Client also states that his mother, sister, and aunt fought and that instead of trying to be the peace maker he did not get involved and let them work things out and that this was much less stressful for him. 4 5 6 7 8 The notes indicate that plaintiff was making some progress towards his mental health goals. 9 August 28, 2007 Notes following plaintiff s attendance at a group therapy 10 session indicate: Clt. was appropriate & an active participant in the group discussion. He 11 appeared to understand the concepts being presented. 12 September 7, 2007 Notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health state: 13 . . . Client reported things had gone well this week and though the only group he attended was the Spirituality Group which he really enjoyed. Client reports that he has been going to the gym for 6-8 hours a day to work out, use the sauna and then work out again. Client stated that he liked how it made him feel. . . . 14 15 16 Plaintiff stated that he felt he has made many changes. The notes reflect problems with 17 medication compliance. The notes also reflect that, generally, plaintiff was making some 18 progress. 19 September 11, 2007 Notes from San Joaquin County Mental health indicate: 20 . . . Client reported doing well. Client reported that he often goes to the gym during the week and feels calmer each time. . . . 21 22 The chart notes indicate that plaintiff was making clear progress. 23 /// 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 12 1 September 19, 2007 Plaintiff walked in to San Joaquin County Mental Health 2 after missing his doctor s appointment the day before. Plaintiff stated that he had run out of 3 medication. Plaintiff s speech was flat, his mood was depressed and tired, and plaintiff denied 4 any hallucinations or suicidal ideation. Additional chart notes indicate as follows: 5 . . . Client expressed frustration with feeling pressured to attend several groups each week and two individual therapy sessions per week as suggested by his therapist. Client described himself as being bored, impulsive, and having made decisions lately that he regrets. . . . 6 7 8 The chart notes indicate that plaintiff was making some progress. 9 10 September 21, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that plaintiff did not show up for his appointment. 11 12 October 1, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health indicate that plaintiff did not show up for his appointment. 13 October 25, 2007 Chart notes from San Joaquin County Mental Health state: 14 Client stopped by the office looking for conversation while waiting to pick up his medication. Client reports that he has not been attending groups or therapy but has been spending time learning about Borderline Personality Disorder. Client shared that it has helped him to understand why he does some of his behaviors that are impulsive and risky. Client states that overall he has been feeling okay. He has had a few times that he has thought about suicide but he talks about it to someone he trusts and does not act on it. Client processed feelings about how the information is helping him to view his mother in a different light. 15 16 17 18 19 The notes indicate that plaintiff was having problems with medication compliance. The notes 20 also indicate that plaintiff was making some progress towards his mental health goals. 21 November 21, 2007 Records from San Joaquin County Mental Health reflect 22 that plaintiff reported ongoing suicidal thoughts but has been unable to control them. Plaintiff 23 requested placement in a facility that could provide a structured environment. 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 13 1 III. STANDARD OF REVIEW 2 The court reviews the Commissioner s final decision to determine whether it is: 3 (1) based on proper legal standards; and (2) supported by substantial evidence in the record as a 4 whole. See Tackett v. Apfel, 180 F.3d 1094, 1097 (9th Cir. 1999). Substantial evidence is 5 more than a mere scintilla, but less than a preponderance. See Saelee v. Chater, 94 F.3d 520, 521 6 (9th Cir. 1996). It is . . . such evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to 7 support a conclusion. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 402 (1971). The record as a whole, 8 including both the evidence that supports and detracts from the Commissioner s conclusion, must 9 be considered and weighed. See Howard v. Heckler, 782 F.2d 1484, 1487 (9th Cir. 1986); Jones 10 v. Heckler, 760 F.2d 993, 995 (9th Cir. 1985). The court may not affirm the Commissioner s 11 decision simply by isolating a specific quantum of supporting evidence. See Hammock v. 12 Bowen, 879 F.2d 498, 501 (9th Cir. 1989). If substantial evidence supports the administrative 13 findings, or if there is conflicting evidence supporting a particular finding, the finding of the 14 Commissioner is conclusive. See Sprague v. Bowen, 812 F.2d 1226, 1229-30 (9th Cir. 1987). 15 Therefore, where the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, one of 16 which supports the Commissioner s decision, the decision must be affirmed, see Thomas v. 17 Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 954 (9th Cir. 2002), and may be set aside only if an improper legal 18 standard was applied in weighing the evidence, see Burkhart v. Bowen, 856 F.2d 1335, 1338 (9th 19 Cir. 1988). 20 21 IV. DISCUSSION 22 Plaintiff summarizes his arguments as follows: 23 The ALJ committed four principal errors in finding Mr. Copeland not disabled. First, Mr. Copeland s psychiatric impairment met or equaled the requirements under 12.04 of the listing of impairments. Second, the ALJ failed to accurately characterize the medical evidence and credit the opinions of the treating psychiatrists without a legitimate basis for so doing. Third, the ALJ rejected Mr. Copeland s and third party statements regarding his functional limitations without providing clear and 24 25 26 14 1 convincing reasons for so doing. Fourth, the ALJ failed to properly assess Mr. Copeland s residual functional capacity (RFC) and pose a legally adequate hypothetical to the vocational expert. 2 3 4 A. Evaluation of Medical Opinions The weight given to medical opinions depends in part on whether they are 5 proffered by treating, examining, or non-examining professionals. See Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 6 821, 830-31 (9th Cir. 1995). Ordinarily, more weight is given to the opinion of a treating 7 professional, who has a greater opportunity to know and observe the patient as an individual, 8 than the opinion of a non-treating professional. See id.; Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1285 9 (9th Cir. 1996); Winans v. Bowen, 853 F.2d 643, 647 (9th Cir. 1987). The least weight is given 10 to the opinion of a non-examining professional. See Pitzer v. Sullivan, 908 F.2d 502, 506 & n.4 11 (9th Cir. 1990). 12 In addition to considering its source, to evaluate whether the Commissioner 13 properly rejected a medical opinion the court considers whether: (1) contradictory opinions are 14 in the record; and (2) clinical findings support the opinions. The Commissioner may reject an 15 uncontradicted opinion of a treating or examining medical professional only for clear and 16 convincing reasons supported by substantial evidence in the record. See Lester, 81 F.3d at 831. 17 While a treating professional s opinion generally is accorded superior weight, if it is contradicted 18 by an examining professional s opinion which is supported by different independent clinical 19 findings, the Commissioner may resolve the conflict. See Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 20 1041 (9th Cir. 1995). A contradicted opinion of a treating or examining professional may be 21 rejected only for specific and legitimate reasons supported by substantial evidence. See Lester, 22 81 F.3d at 830. This test is met if the Commissioner sets out a detailed and thorough summary of 23 the facts and conflicting clinical evidence, states her interpretation of the evidence, and makes a 24 finding. See Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 751-55 (9th Cir. 1989). Absent specific and 25 legitimate reasons, the Commissioner must defer to the opinion of a treating or examining 26 professional. See Lester, 81 F.3d at 830-31. The opinion of a non-examining professional, 15 1 without other evidence, is insufficient to reject the opinion of a treating or examining 2 professional. See id. at 831. In any event, the Commissioner need not give weight to any 3 conclusory opinion supported by minimal clinical findings. See Meanel v. Apfel, 172 F.3d 1111, 4 1113 (9th Cir. 1999) (rejecting treating physician s conclusory, minimally supported opinion); 5 see also Magallanes, 881 F.2d at 751. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Regarding medical opinion evidence from treating, examining, and consulting sources, the ALJ stated: As for the opinion evidence, progress notes reported on January 27, 2006, that the claimant had a GAF of 35 and on August 7, 2007, and November 21, 2007, a GAF of 40. (Exhibit 9F pages 3, 31, and 125). On August 7, 2007, Dr. Zia reported that the claimant had a GAF of 20/40 on admission to the hospital. (Exhibit 9F page 30). Progress notes reported on August 23, 2006, January 24, 2007, July 2, 2007, that the claimant had a GAF of 45. (Exhibit 9F pages 47, 101, and 151). A San Joaquin County Mental Health Services psychiatric intake assessment on September 12, 2006, reported that the claimant had a GAF of 45. (Exhibit 9F page 132). Pursuant to 20 CFR § 404.1527 and Social Security Ruling 96-2p, the undersigned assigns significant weight to these opinions, as they are wellsupported by the medical evidence finding that the claimant s symptoms are aggravated when he is non-compliant with his medication regime and abuses alcohol and drugs. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Progress notes reported on October 3, 2005, January 4, 2006, June 12, 2006, that the claimant had a GAF of 50. (Exhibit 1F pages 2 and 11, 9F page 158). Dr. Richwerger reported on April 27 2006, that the claimant had a GAF of 55. (Exhibit 2F page 5). Progress notes reported on March 31, 2006, that the claimant had a GAF of 55. (Exhibit 9F page 160). Pursuant to 20 CFR § 404.1527 and Social Security Ruling 96-2p, the undersigned assigns significant weight to these opinions, as they are wellsupported by the medical evidence finding that the claimant had moderate mental impairment symptoms when he is compliant with his medication regime and abstains from alcohol and drugs. Scott Harrison, MHC-1, reported on September 9, 2007, September 11, 2007, September 19, 2007, September 24, 2007, September 28, 2007, that the claimant s symptoms limited his ability to maintain regular employment and put him at a significant risk of being exploited and for physical injury. (Exhibit 9F pages 10, 14, 17, 20, and 22). A treating physician s medical opinion, on the issue of the nature and severity of an impairment, is entitled to special significance; and, when supported by objective medical evidence and consistent with otherwise substantial evidence of record, entitled to controlling weight. (citation omitted). However, statements that a claimant is disabled , unable to work can or cannot perform a past job, meets a listing, or the like are not medical 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 opinions but are administrative findings dispositive of a case, requiring familiarity with the Regulations and legal standards set forth therein and in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Such issues are reserved to the Commissioner. (citation omitted). Furthermore, Mr. Harrison is not a physician or psychologist, apparently only the claimant s therapist and the record fails to support the therapist s opinion that the claimant is incapable of work. A Psychiatric Review Technique dated July 26, 2006, by V.M. Meenakshi, M.D., a State psychiatric consultant, found that the objective medical evidence supported a finding that the claimant had medically determinable bipolar disorder. The claimant was found to be mildly limited in activities of daily living and maintaining social functioning and have moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace, and have no episodes of decompensation. The claimant was not found to have a history of chronic organic mental disorder. (Exhibit 5F). 9 10 11 12 A Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment of the same date by Dr. Meenakshi found that the objective medical evidence supported a finding that the claimant was moderately limited in his ability to understand, remember, and carry out detailed instructions. The claimant was found not [to] be significantly limited in all other areas of mental activity. The claimant was found to have the ability to carry out simple tasks. (Exhibit 6F). 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 The State psychiatric consultant opined that the claimant functions in a generally independent fashion and can meet various personal needs from a mental standpoint. The claimant is capable of completing daily living functions with the constraints of their medical condition. The claimant manages with a basic routine. The claimant can relate to others and is capable of showing socially appropriate behaviors and negotiating in the community. The claimant is capable of functioning in a competitive work environment. The undersigned . . . has assigned significant weight to these opinions because they were based upon a thorough review of the evidence and familiarity with Social Security Rules and Regulations and legal standards set forth therein. They are well-supported by the medical evidence, including the claimant s medical history and clinical and objective signs and findings aswell as detailed treatment notes, which provides a reasonable basis for claimant s chronic symptoms and resulting limitations. Moreover, the opinions are not inconsistent with other substantial evidence of record. 22 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred because: (1) no doctor ever concluded that plaintiff s problems 23 were attributable to either non-compliance with medication or substance abuse; and (2) the 24 record documents plaintiff s diagnosis of bipolar disorder and related symptoms. In sum, 25 plaintiff argues that the ALJ played doctor and substituted his medical opinions and 26 conclusions for those of the treating sources. 17 1 Plaintiff was treated for his mental health problems at San Joaquin County Mental 2 Health. Plaintiff worked primarily with a therapist who is not a medical doctor or licensed 3 psychologist. The record also reflects that plaintiff was treated by Dr. Zia. In particular, Dr. Zia 4 reported on an August 7, 2007, 5150" hospitalization. The ALJ references Dr. Zia s discussion 5 only briefly in the hearing decision by noting that Dr. Zia assigned a GAF score of Poor, 20/40" 6 upon admission. The ALJ does not specifically reject any of Dr. Zia s conclusions. Of note, Dr. 7 Zia characterized his ongoing treatment of plaintiff as follows: The patient has been declining in 8 his functioning over the last few years. As the ALJ notes, this observation about plaintiff s 9 mental condition is entitled to special significance and controlling weight when not 10 contradicted by other evidence in the record. However, the ALJ appears not to have assigned 11 controlling weight to this observation and the ALJ does not provide any specific or legitimate 12 reasons for ignoring or rejecting it. 13 The record reflects that plaintiff s case was reviewed by two agency doctors Dr. 14 Richwerger, who examined plaintiff, and Dr. Meenakshi, who reviewed records. Given that Dr. 15 Meenakshi s opinion is based entirely on Dr. Richwerger s conclusion, essentially the only state 16 agency doctor to render an independent opinion is Dr. Richwerger, whose opinion the ALJ gave 17 significant weight. In doing so, however, the ALJ did not provide any specific analysis other 18 than to say that Dr. Richwerger s assessment is consistent with evidence that plaintiff s condition 19 is aggravated with non-compliance with medication and/or substance abuse. 20 The court does not finds that these reasons are supported by substantial evidence 21 in the record. While there appears to be some history of non-compliance with medication, as 22 plaintiff notes no doctor ever stated that plaintiff s problems are aggravated by non-compliance 23 or made better with compliance. A review of the entire record suggests instead that plaintiff s 24 medications were often changed due to complaints of adverse side effects. The treatment records 25 tend to describe this process as stabilization. There are indications in the treatment records 26 that, at times, plaintiff s condition was improved with medication and, at other times, his 18 1 condition worsened while on medication. As to substance use, the court can find no indication in 2 the record of an instance where a doctor familiar with plaintiff s case opined that plaintiff s 3 mental impairments are the result of substance abuse. 4 A remand is appropriate in order to allow the ALJ to further evaluate the medical 5 opinions. Specifically, it would be helpful to have more analysis as to Dr. Zia s conclusions. It 6 may be necessary to obtain a medical source statement from Dr. Zia in which the doctor sets 7 forth a specific functional assessment and supporting objective findings. 8 9 B. Lay Evidence 1. Plaintiff s Statements 10 The Commissioner determines whether a disability applicant is credible, and the 11 court defers to the Commissioner s discretion if the Commissioner used the proper process and 12 provided proper reasons. See Saelee v. Chater, 94 F.3d 520, 522 (9th Cir. 1996). An explicit 13 credibility finding must be supported by specific, cogent reasons. See Rashad v. Sullivan, 903 14 F.2d 1229, 1231 (9th Cir. 1990). General findings are insufficient. See Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 15 821, 834 (9th Cir. 1995). Rather, the Commissioner must identify what testimony is not credible 16 and what evidence undermines the testimony. See id. Moreover, unless there is affirmative 17 evidence in the record of malingering, the Commissioner s reasons for rejecting testimony as not 18 credible must be clear and convincing. See id.; see also Carmickle v. Commissioner, 533 F.3d 19 1155, 1160 (9th Cir. 2008) (citing Lingenfelter v Astrue, 504 F.3d 1028, 1936 (9th Cir. 2007), 20 and Gregor v. Barnhart, 464 F.3d 968, 972 (9th Cir. 2006)). 21 If there is objective medical evidence of an underlying impairment, the 22 Commissioner may not discredit a claimant s testimony as to the severity of symptoms merely 23 because they are unsupported by objective medical evidence. See Bunnell v. Sullivan, 947 F.2d 24 341, 347-48 (9th Cir. 1991) (en banc). As the Ninth Circuit explained in Smolen v. Chater: 25 26 The claimant need not produce objective medical evidence of the [symptom] itself, or the severity thereof. Nor must the claimant produce objective medical evidence of the causal relationship between the 19 1 2 medically determinable impairment and the symptom. By requiring that the medical impairment could reasonably be expected to produce pain or another symptom, the Cotton test requires only that the causal relationship be a reasonable inference, not a medically proven phenomenon. 3 4 80 F.3d 1273, 1282 (9th Cir. 1996) (referring to the test established in Cotton v. Bowen, 799 F.2d 1403 (9th Cir. 1986)). 5 The Commissioner may, however, consider the nature of the symptoms alleged, 6 including aggravating factors, medication, treatment, and functional restrictions. See Bunnell, 7 947 F.2d at 345-47. In weighing credibility, the Commissioner may also consider: (1) the 8 claimant s reputation for truthfulness, prior inconsistent statements, or other inconsistent 9 testimony; (2) unexplained or inadequately explained failure to seek treatment or to follow a 10 prescribed course of treatment; (3) the claimant s daily activities; (4) work records; and (5) 11 physician and third-party testimony about the nature, severity, and effect of symptoms. See 12 Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284 (citations omitted). It is also appropriate to consider whether the 13 claimant cooperated during physical examinations or provided conflicting statements concerning 14 drug and/or alcohol use. See Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 958-59 (9th Cir. 2002). If the 15 claimant testifies as to symptoms greater than would normally be produced by a given 16 impairment, the ALJ may disbelieve that testimony provided specific findings are made. See 17 Carmickle, 533 F.3d at 1161 (citing Swenson v. Sullivan, 876 F.2d 683, 687 (9th Cir. 1989)). 18 As to plaintiff s testimony, the ALJ stated: 19 After considering the evidence of record, the undersigned finds that the claimant s medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to produce the alleged symptoms; however, the claimant s statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of these symptoms are not credible to the extent they are inconsistent with the residual functional capacity assessment for the reasons explained below. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 In terms of the claimant s alleged disabling impairments, the record fails to document any objective clinical findings establishing that the claimant was not able to perform work in light of the reports of the treating and examining practitioners and the findings made on examination. Dr. Richwerger reported on April 27, 2006, that the claimant s thought processes were clear, rational, and not disorganized or tangential. He was oriented in all spheres and understanding of instructions was within 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 normal limits. His reality contact was within normal limits and there was no evidence of hallucinations, delusions, bizarre behavior, or response to internal stimuli. (Exhibit 2F pages 3 and 5). Progress notes reported on February 15, 2007, that the claimant denied feeling depressed and denied any desire to harm himself. On February 22, 2007, it was reported that the claimant was alert and oriented in all spheres and that he had been taking his medications as prescribed with no adverse effects. He stated that he felt calmer and slept much better since taking his medications. On March 23, 2007, the claimant was feeling good because he had a good session with this therapist and he stated that he felt hopeful and more relaxed. On March 27, 2007, it was reported that the claimant laughed and cheered at a hockey game and socialized with peers and staff appropriately. On April 3, 2007, it was reported that the claimant was smiling and laughing with his friends. The claimant was very social and enjoyed himself when he participated at a monthly AA speaker meeting. It was reported that the claimant was five months sober. On September 7, 2007, it was reported that the claimant was going to the gym for 6-8 hours a day to use the sauna and workout. (Exhibit 9F pages 21, 67, 69, 75, 55, and 90-91). It is specifically noted that on June 21, 2007, it was reported that the claimant had difficulty taking responsibility for himself and used his mental health issues as a means to get what he wanted. (Exhibit 9F page 50). These findings are indicative that the claimant s complaints are not fully substantiated by the objective medical conclusions and his symptoms may not have been as limiting as the claimant has alleged in connection with this application. Despite his testimony to the contrary, the record documents an extensive history of drug and alcohol abuse. Progress notes reported on October 3, 2005, [indicate] that the claimant had used methamphetamine three weeks previously and marijuana four days previously. (Exhibit 1F page 12). On January 23, 2006, progress notes reported that the claimant had drank a small amount of vodka a week previously. Progress notes reported on February 26, 2006, [indicate] that the claimant took up to four Benadryl and drank alcohol to sleep. On January 12, 2007, it was reported that the claimant had been struggling with methamphetamine abuse, but had been clean for several months. It was reported on July 2, 2007, that the claimant drank alcohol and [was] found to have a GAF of 45. (Exhibit 9F pages 47-38, 102, 106, and 162). 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 The record also documents that the claimant has a repeated history of failure to comply with or follow-up on recommendations made by his treating physicians. Progress notes on November 23, 2005, January 14, 2006, February 26, 2006, March 31, 2006, February 9, 2007, September 19, 2007, September 21, 2007, and October 1, 2007, reported that the claimant had missed numerous doctor s appointments and counseling appointments. On March 20, 2007, it was reported that the claimant had stopped his community skills building class and gave many somatic complaints as reasons not to work toward his goal at that time. It was reported on May 18, 2007, that the claimant had not been taking his medication as prescribed. On August 20, 2007, it was reported that the claimant refused to do UDS and refused drug rehabilitation, therapy, and 21 1 support group. (Exhibit 9F pages 9, 15-16, 27, 58, 79, 93, and 161-164). Progress notes reported on February 26, 2006, that the claimant had missed four doctor s appointments since November 22, 2005, and cancelled other appointments and did not take his medications. On February 13, 2007, it was reported that he had not taken his medications for a few days. (Exhibit 9F pages 92 and 162). 2 3 4 The record fails to document that the claimant has been hospitalized for his impairments or show that the claimant has received significant active care other than for conservative routine maintenance. After a close and longitudinal examination of the record, including those documented above, there emerges a clear pattern that when the claimant is compliant with his medication regime and abstains from drug and alcohol abuse, he improves considerably. When he fails to take his medications and abuses drugs and alcohol, his symptoms are aggravated. (Exhibit 9F pages 58, 90, 92, and 162). A review of the claimant s work history shows that the claimant worked only sporadically prior to the alleged disability onset date. This raises a question as to whether the claimant s continuing unemployment is actually due to medical impairments. There have been no significant increase or changes in prescribed medication reflective of an uncontrolled condition, nor did the claimant describe side effects from his medication that would prevent him from substantial gainful activity. Furthermore, no treating or examining source determined that the claimant s impairments were totally debilitating or rendered the claimant completely unemployable. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 The record includes evidence strongly suggesting that the claimant has exaggerated symptoms and limitations. The record includes statements by doctors suggesting the claimant was engaging in possible malingering or misrepresentation. It is clear that the claimant is a manipulator and seeks to avoid working and getting what he wants. (Exhibit 9f page 50). He has no physical problems, per his testimony, and will try anything to avoid working. Despite reporting that the claimant was in remission, they continued to report that the claimant drank alcohol as late as July 2, 2007. (Exhibit 9F page 48). 15 16 17 18 19 The claimant has admitted certain abilities which provide support for part of the residual functional capacity conclusion in this decision. As noted above, the claimant, his sister, and his examining physicians have described daily activities which are not limited to the extent one would expect, given the complaints of disabling symptoms and limitations. The overall evidence suggests that the claimant has the ability to care for himself and maintain his home. Furthermore, the performance of the claimant s daily activities as described is not inconsistent with the performance of many basic work activities. 20 21 22 23 24 *** 25 26 . . . The claimant s testimony is given no credibility. /// 22 1 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ mischaracterized the evidence, picking and choosing only those 2 portions from the record which support the conclusion that plaintiff is not disabled. 3 The court tends to agree. While the ALJ describes times when plaintiff was happy 4 and doing well, the record clearly demonstrates other times when plaintiff was not doing well. 5 This type of swing from a manic state to a depressed state is the hallmark of bipolar disorder and 6 appears to have been ignored by the ALJ who focused only on plaintiff s manic phases. The ALJ 7 also erred in at least one respect in his characterization of the record. Specifically, the ALJ states 8 in the hearing decision that there is no evidence that plaintiff has ever been hospitalized. To the 9 contrary, the CAR establishes that plaintiff was admitted for psychiatric hospitalization on 10 August 7, 2007, on a 5150" by Dr. Zia. 11 The ALJ also cited plaintiff s sporadic working history pre-application as 12 evidence that plaintiff s mental impairment is not the cause of his alleged current inability to 13 work. This observation seems somewhat unfair given that plaintiff was a young adult when the 14 application for benefits was filed and, as such, one would expect a sporadic work history pre- 15 application regardless of any mental impairment. Further, it is just as likely that plaintiff s 16 mental impairments affected his ability to work prior to filing his application for benefits. 17 The ALJ also cites alcohol use in July 2007 as a reason not to believe plaintiff s 18 testimony. This, again, strikes the court as unfair given that the only references to alcohol use in 19 the record are a time in February 2006 when plaintiff stated he had a drink to help him sleep and 20 the incident in July 2007 when plaintiff claims someone at a parade spiked his drink and 21 thereafter assaulted him, possibly sexually. There is no other evidence of alcohol use during the 22 times covered by the record before the court. Two occasions of alcohol use cannot be fairly 23 characterized as abuse. 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 23 1 The ALJ also states that plaintiff does not describe adverse side effects of 2 medication. Again, this is not consistent with the record. Specifically, plaintiff s treatment 3 records from San Joaquin County Mental Health repeatedly refer to constant adjustments to 4 plaintiff s medication due to complaints of adverse side effects such as drowsiness. Plaintiff also 5 described such adverse side effects in a function report submitted with his application. 6 While, as discussed above, the court tends to agree with plaintiff that the ALJ may 7 have been somewhat unfair in his characterization of plaintiff s testimony, the ALJ may properly 8 reject testimony as not credible where there are inconsistencies or apparent lies. Such is the case 9 here. The ALJ noted that plaintiff has stated several times that he stopped using 10 methamphetamine in September 2005. However, treatment notes from January 2007 reflect that 11 plaintiff had been struggling with methamphetamine abuse and had been clean for a few months. 12 This suggests that, contrary to his statements that he stopped using methamphetamine in 13 September 2005, plaintiff was still using the drug as late as the end of 2006. The ALJ was 14 entitled to discredit all of plaintiff s testimony based on this one inconsistency. 15 2. Third-Party Statements 16 In determining whether a claimant is disabled, an ALJ generally must consider lay 17 witness testimony concerning a claimant's ability to work. See Dodrill v. Shalala, 12 F.3d 915, 18 919 (9th Cir. 1993); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1513(d)(4) & (e), 416.913(d)(4) & (e). Indeed, lay 19 testimony as to a claimant's symptoms or how an impairment affects ability to work is competent 20 evidence . . . and therefore cannot be disregarded without comment. See Nguyen v. Chater, 100 21 F.3d 1462, 1467 (9th Cir. 1996). Consequently, [i]f the ALJ wishes to discount the testimony 22 of lay witnesses, he must give reasons that are germane to each witness. Dodrill, 12 F.3d at 23 919. 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 24 1 As to Ms. Copeland s statement, the ALJ stated: 2 . . . Jamie Copeland, the claimant s sister, reported in a third-party adult function report that the claimant is able to watch television, take care of his personal care, prepare meals, do laundry, pay bills, count change, handle a savings account, use a checkbook and money orders, walk to the corner store, listen to music, sing, and follow written and spoken instructions. (Exhibit 3E). . . . [¶] The claimant s sister reported that the claimant visits and converses with family that he lives with. (Exhibit 3E). 3 4 5 6 *** 7 . . . As noted above, the claimant, his sister, and his examining physicians have described daily activities which are not limited to the extent one would expect, given the complaints of disabling symptoms and limitations. 8 9 The court finds that this discussion falls short of setting forth reasons germane to Ms. Copeland 10 for rejecting her statements as to plaintiff s functional abilities. A remand is appropriate to allow 11 the ALJ to consider Ms. Copeland s statements in more detail. 12 C. 13 Listing 12.04 The Social Security Regulations Listing of Impairments is comprised of 14 impairments to fifteen categories of body systems that are severe enough to preclude a person 15 from performing gainful activity. Young v. Sullivan, 911 F.2d 180, 183-84 (9th Cir. 1990); 20 16 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d). Conditions described in the listings are considered so severe that they are 17 irrebuttably presumed disabling. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(d). In meeting or equaling a listing, all 18 the requirements of that listing must be met. Key v. Heckler, 754 F.2d 1545, 1550 (9th Cir. 19 1985). 20 Regarding applicability of the Listing of Impairments, the ALJ stated: 21 The record does not report the existence of any functional limitations and/or diagnostic test results, which would suggest that the impairments meet or equal the criteria of any specific listing. In addition, no treating or examining physician has reported findings, which either meet or are equivalent in severity to the criteria of any listed impairment, nor are such findings indicated or suggested by the medical evidence of record. 22 23 24 25 26 The claimant s mental impairments, considered singly and in combination, do not meet or medically equal the criteria of listings 12.04 or 12.09. In making this finding, the undersigned has considered whether the paragraph B criteria are satisfied. To satisfy the paragraph B criteria, 25 1 the mental impairments must result in at least two of the following: marked restriction of activities of daily living; marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration. A marked limitation means more than moderate but less than extreme. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration, means three episodes within 1 year, or an average of once every 4 months, each lasting for at least 2 weeks. 2 3 4 5 6 Regarding daily living, the ALJ stated: 7 In activities of daily living, the claimant has no restriction. The claimant reported in his adult function report on January 6, 2006, that he is able to watch television, take care of his personal care, do laundry, pay bills, count change, handle a savings account, use a checkbook and money orders, read, and listen to music. (Exhibit 4E). . . . 8 9 10 The ALJ then discussed Ms. Copeland s third-party statement (outlined above) and continued as 11 follows: 12 . . .Dr. Richwerger reported on April 27, 2006, that the claimant stated that he had been cleaning a lot. (Exhibit 2F page 3). The claimant testified at the hearing that he lived at Heart House and is able to prepare meals 2 times a day, wash dishes once a week, vacuum/dust 3 times a week, do laundry twice a month, go shopping with his sister once a month, change sheets once a month, make the bed daily, use a cell phone making 9-20 calls a day, and use a computer 1-2 hours a week. 13 14 15 16 As to social functioning, the ALJ stated: 17 In social functioning, the claimant has mild difficulties. The claimant reported that he lived with his family. (Exhibit 4E). . . . Progress notes reported on October 3, 2005, that the claimant lived with his mother and sister. (Exhibit 1F page 12). Dr. Richwerger reported on April 27, 2006, that the claimant lived with his family and had friends. (Exhibit 2F page 3). The claimant testified that he lived in Heart House, worked in daily activites with his sister, and watches his nephew when his sister is out. 18 19 20 21 The ALJ next addressed concentration, persistence, and pace: 22 With regard to concentration, persistence, or pace, the claimant has moderate difficulties. His cognitive ability and memory are intact and the medical reports indicate that he functions at a higher level that would allow him to do basic work activity. The undersigned notes that the claimant went into great detail answering his adult function report and disability report. This is indicative of an ability to maintain an acceptable level of concentration to perform at least simple tasks. 23 24 25 26 /// 26 1 2 3 Finally, the ALJ addressed episodes of decompensation: As for episodes of decompensation, the claimant has experienced no episodes of decompensation. Although there are reports of overdose in the record, (exhibit 9F page [omitted in original]), there is no real indication that this was a deliberate suicide attempt to permanently end his life. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 As to the paragraph B criteria, the ALJ concluded: Because the claimant s mental impairments do not cause at least two marked limitations or one marked limitation and repeated episodes of decompensation, the paragraph B criteria are not satisfied. The ALJ also addressed whether the evidence established any of the paragraph C criteria: The undersigned has also considered whether the paragraph C criteria are satisfied. In this case, the evidence fails to establish the presence of the paragraph C criteria. There are no extended episodes of decompensation and the claimant is not expected to decompensate with an increase in mental demands. Moreover, he does not need to live in a highly structured living arrangement. 12 13 For many of the reasons discussed above, the ALJ s listing analysis is flawed. For 14 example, while the ALJ stated that plaintiff experienced no episodes of decompensation, the 15 record reflects at least one hospitalization in 2007. As to daily living, the court finds that a 16 remand is necessary to allow the ALJ to consider statements from plaintiff and third party 17 sources as to plaintiff s daily activities. In this regard, the current hearing decision appears to 18 focus only on those times when plaintiff was in a manic phase and ignores those times when 19 plaintiff reported severe depression. As to concentration, persistence, and pace, the ALJ noted 20 that plaintiff s ability to provide detailed answers on an adult function report is indicative of an 21 ability to maintain an acceptable level of concentration to perform at least simple tasks. This 22 strikes the court as pure speculation given that the ALJ does not also state how long it took 23 plaintiff to complete his application. For example, if it took plaintiff several days working only 24 minutes at a time to complete the paper work, such evidence could indicate an inability to 25 maintain concentration, persistence, or pace. As to the paragraph C criteria, the ALJ stated that 26 there is no evidence that plaintiff requires a structured living environment. However, the CAR 27 1 2 3 indicates that plaintiff lived in various structured and assisted living facilities over the years. D. Hypothetical Questions Hypothetical questions posed to a vocational expert must set out all the 4 substantial, supported limitations and restrictions of the particular claimant. See Magallanes v. 5 Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 756 (9th Cir. 1989). If a hypothetical does not reflect all the claimant s 6 limitations, the expert s testimony as to jobs in the national economy the claimant can perform 7 has no evidentiary value. See DeLorme v. Sullivan, 924 F.2d 841, 850 (9th Cir. 1991). While 8 the ALJ may pose to the expert a range of hypothetical questions based on alternate 9 interpretations of the evidence, the hypothetical that ultimately serves as the basis for the ALJ s 10 determination must be supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole. See Embrey v. 11 Bowen, 849 F.2d 418, 422-23 (9th Cir. 1988). 12 Because the ALJ concluded that plaintiff has non-exertional limitations, a 13 vocational expert was called to testify. The following exchange took place between the ALJ and 14 the vocational expert: 15 16 17 18 Q: For purpose of the following hypotheticals you should assume your region is defined as the entire state of California. Hypothetical number one will be a medium FRC. Assume an individual 21 years of age, limited education, no work history and the following restrictions. He can lift, push/pull 25 frequently, 50 occasionally; walk, stand, stoop, bend frequently, sit occasionally; could one return of the previously, are there jobs in the regional economy such a person could perform? If so, what kind and how many? 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 A: Yes, jobs such as, if a person has just general medium restrictions as you Q: Right. A: hypothetically say, Judge, then they could do jobs such as auto detailer, 915.687-034, it d be medium SVP 2, about 15,000 in the State of California. They could do a job such as kitchen helper, 318.687010, medium SVP 2, 14,000; and hand packager, 920.587-018, it d be medium SVP 2, about 14,000 again, Judge. Q: Assume for hypothetical number two these non-exertionals. He is, he is slightly limited in attention, concentration, understanding, and memory. Vision, hearing, reaching, fine and gross manipulative abilities 28 1 2 are all unlimited and intact. He is slightly limited in the ability to do a simple, routine task. Environmentally no restrictions, unlimited contact with public, occasional supervision, physical pain slight at most. Of the previously mentioned what percent erosion? 3 A: No significant erosion, Judge. 4 5 6 7 Q: Assume for hypothetical number 2A that he is going to be moderately limited in understanding and memory but only slightly limited in attention and concentration. Of the previously mentioned other jobs what percent erosion? A: These are pretty basic jobs. I would say no significant impact on these basic jobs, Judge. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Q: Assume for hypothetical number 2B that he is going to be also moderately limited in attention, concentration as well as understanding and memory but would remain only slightly limited in the ability to do SRT. Of the previously mentioned what percent erosion? A: Probably eliminate the kitchen helper. Hand packager would be intact, very basic job. Auto detailer I d probably eliminate about half the jobs, Judge. Q: Assume for hypothetical number 2C that he is going to be moderately limited in the ability to do a simple, routine repetitive task and would require close supervision, close being two hours or more per shift. Of the previously mentioned what percent? 15 A: I d eliminate the work at that level, Judge. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Q: Assume for hypothetical number three a light RFC. Assume an individual 21 years of age, limited education, work history as described and the following restrictions. He can lift, push, pull 20 occasionally, 10 frequently; walk/stand frequently; sit, stoop, or bend occasionally. Are there jobs in the regional economy? If so, what kind and how many? A: If a person has just a general light restriction they would be able to do jobs such as fast food worker, 311.472-010, light SVP 2, about 32,000. A job such as mail clerk would fit with a general light restriction, Judge. Let s see, that is DOT 209.687-026, light SVP 2, about 10,000; and let s say housekeeping job, 323.687-014, light SVP 2, about 75,000, Judge. 23 24 25 26 Q: Assume for hypothetical number four these nonexertionals. He is slightly limited in attention, concentration, understanding and memory. Vision, hearing, reaching, fine and gross manipulative abilities are all intact and unlimited. He is slightly limited in the ability to do SRT. Environmentally no restriction; unlimited contact with public; occasional supervision; pain slight at most. Of the previously 29 1 mentioned other jobs what percent erosion? 2 A: I would not see a significant erosion at the slight level, Judge. 3 Q: Assume for hypothetical number 2A that he s going to be moderately limited in understanding and memory but remain only slightly limited in attention and concentration and slightly limited in the ability to do SRT. Of the previously mentioned what percent erosion? 4 5 6 A: [Under]standing and memory, I d probably eliminate about half the fast food work. I think mail clerk and housekeeping would still be intact. 7 8 Q: Assume for hypothetical number 2B that he is also moderately limited in attention and concentration as well as understanding and memory but again remains only slightly limited in the ability to do SRT. Of the previously mentioned what percent? 9 10 A: I d eliminate the fast food work I think. Mail clerk, let me look at these. I d eliminate all except the housekeeping. Probably eliminate half of those. 11 12 Q: Assume for hypothetical number 4C that he is going to require close supervision, close being two hours or more per shift and would be moderately limited in the ability to do SRT. Of the previously mentioned what percent? 13 14 15 16 A: I d eliminate the work at that level, Judge. Plaintiff s attorney did not ask the vocational expert any questions. 17 For the reasons discussed above, the court finds that the hypothetical questions 18 posed to the vocational expert did not necessarily accurately describe plaintiff s limitations. It is 19 possible that on remand the ALJ will reach different conclusions as to plaintiff s daily activities 20 and/or ability to maintain persistence, concentration, and pace. 21 /// 22 /// 23 /// 24 /// 25 /// 26 /// 30 1 2 V. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, this matter will be remanded under sentence four of 42 3 U.S.C. § 405(g) for further development of the record and/or further findings addressing the 4 deficiencies noted above. 5 Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: 6 1. Plaintiff s motion for summary judgment (Doc. 24) is granted; 7 2. Defendant s cross-motion for summary judgment (Doc. 28) is denied; 8 3. The matter is remanded for further administrative proceedings consistent 9 10 with this opinion; and 4. The Clerk of the Court is directed to enter judgment and close this file. 11 12 13 14 DATED: April 7, 2010 ______________________________________ CRAIG M. KELLISON UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 31
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