Neeley v. SSA, No. 6:2012cv00027 - Document 12 (E.D. Ky. 2012)

Court Description: MEMORANDUM OPINION & ORDER: (1) that Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment DE 10 is DENIED; and (2) that Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment DE 11 is GRANTED. Signed by Judge Joseph M. Hood on 08/27/2012.(KJA)cc: COR

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DIVISION OF KENTUCKY SOUTHERN DIVISION at LONDON RHONDA NEELEY, ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiff, v. MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant. Civil Case No. 6:12-cv-27-JMH MEMORANDUM OPINION & ORDER *** This matter is before the Court upon cross-motions for summary judgment Commissioner's insurance reviewed denial benefits. the record on of [Tr. and Plaintiff's her appeal application 13-20].1 being for The otherwise of the disability Court, having sufficiently advised, will deny Plaintiff's motion and grant Defendant's motion. I. OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS AND THE INSTANT MATTER The Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"), in determining disability, conducts a five-step analysis: 1. An individual who is working and engaging in substantial gainful activity is not disabled, regardless of the claimant's medical condition. 1 These are not traditional Rule 56 motions for summary judgment. Rather, it is a procedural device by which the parties bring the administrative record before the Court. 2. An individual who is working but does not have a "severe" impairment which significantly limits his physical or mental ability to do basic work activities is not disabled. 3. If an individual is not working and has a severe impairment which "meets the duration requirement and is listed in appendix 1 or is equal to a listed impairment(s)", then he is disabled regardless of other factors. 4. If a decision cannot be reached based on current work activity and medical facts alone, and the claimant has a severe impairment, then the Secretary reviews the claimant's residual functional capacity and the physical and mental demands of the claimant's previous work. If the claimant is able to continue to do this previous work, then he is not disabled. 5. If the claimant cannot do any work he did in the past because of a severe impairment, then the Secretary considers his residual functional capacity, age, education, and past work experience to see if he can do other work. If he cannot, the claimant is disabled. Preslar v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 14 F.3d 1107, 1110 (6th Cir. 1994) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 (1982)). "The burden of proof is on the claimant throughout the first four steps disabled." Id. of this process to prove that he is "If the analysis reaches the fifth step without a finding that the claimant is not disabled, the burden transfers to the Secretary." In the instant matter, the Id. ALJ determined that Plaintiff did not engage in substantial gainful activity during the relevant time period under step one. [Tr. 15]. 2 Under step two, the ALJ found that while Plaintiff had four medically determinable osteopenia, irritable impairments bowel - fibromyalgia, syndrome ( IBS ), and generalized anxiety disorder, respectively only the first three impairments were severe as defined by the agency s regulations. [Tr. 15-16]; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521. During step three of the analysis, the ALJ considered all of Plaintiff s impairments and decided that none of them met the criteria listed in 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1. [Tr. 16-17]. After further review of the entire record, the ALJ concluded at step four that Plaintiff had the residual functional capacity ( RFC ) to do light work, and was fully capable of performing her past relevant work as a receptionist and/or retail store manager. [Tr. 18-19]. Thus, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff is not disabled under the Social Security Act. [Tr. 19]. In this appeal, Plaintiff primarily argues that the Commissioner s decision evidence of record. not give is not supported by substantial Plaintiff contends that the ALJ did appropriate deference to the opinion of Plaintiff s treating physician throughout her analysis nor adequate reasoning for discounting the treating physician s medical opinion. She also argues that the ALJ failed to consider the combined effects of her impairments on the 3 overall severity of her condition. Specifically, she argues that the ALJ failed to consider the combination of her impairments during step three of the analysis when she concluded that Plaintiff s ailments were insufficient to meet a listed impairment. Finally, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ inappropriately discounted Plaintiff s credibility when considering her testimony concerning her physical and emotional problems and pain. The Court has considered arguments by Plaintiff and the Commissioner, as well as the administrative record, and, for the reasons stated below, affirms the Commissioner s decision. II. STANDARD OF REVIEW In reviewing benefits, the the Court ALJ's may decision not try the to deny case de disability novo, nor resolve conflicts in the evidence, nor decide questions of credibility. Cutlip v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994). Instead, judicial review of the ALJ's decision is limited to an inquiry into whether the ALJ's findings were supported by substantial evidence, 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), Foster v. Halter, 279 F.3d 348, 353 (6th Cir. 2001), and whether the ALJ employed the proper legal standards in reaching his conclusion, see Landsaw v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 803 F.2d 211, 213 (6th Cir. 1986). "Substantial evidence" is "more than a scintilla of 4 evidence, relevant but less evidence than as a a preponderance; reasonable adequate to support a conclusion." mind it might is such accept as Cutlip, 25 F.3d at 286. III. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND Plaintiff is currently forty-eight years old with a high school education. [Tr. 151, 183]. She has past work experience as a receptionist in a doctor s office and as a retail store disability manager. under [Tr. Title II 202]. on Plaintiff July 7, filed 2009, for alleging disability beginning on May 14, 2009. [Tr. 13]. The claim was denied both initially on October 28, 2009, and upon reconsideration on February 5, 2012. [Tr. 13]. Plaintiff requested place a hearing with the November 17, 2010. [Tr. 13]. ALJ, which took on The ALJ issued an unfavorable decision denying disability on December 28, 2010. [Tr. 20]. The ALJ considered Plaintiff s claim in accordance with the five-step sequential evaluation process. [Tr. 1320]. At steps two and three, the ALJ found that Plaintiff had three severe medical impairments, namely fibromyalgia, osteopenia, and Plaintiff s allegations symptoms, treating her IBS. daily physicians, [Tr. of 13-14]. pain, activities, and the After subjective the medical considering reports opinions opinions of of of her State agency consultants, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was 5 capable of performing past relevant work as a receptionist or retail store manager, despite her impairments. [Tr. 19]. Therefore, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff was not had the disabled under the Social Security Act. [Tr. 15]. In benefit evaluating of the Plaintiff s treatment claims, records of the two ALJ of Plaintiff s treating physicians, Dr. David Hays and Dr. Manoj Kohli. [Tr. 252-317; 348-58; 389-530]. Additionally, Dr. Athy, Dr. Ann Demaree, and Dr. P. Saranga, three agency medical consultants, and Dr. Naushad Jay State Haziq, a consultative examiner, also assessed Plaintiff s condition and created reports for the ALJ s benefit. [Tr. 326-38; 359-71; 373-77]. Notably, Plaintiff worked as a receptionist in Dr. Hays office from 2001 through 2009. IV. Analysis Plaintiff first argues that the ALJ did not give appropriate deference to Dr. David Hays opinion, adequate reasons for refusing to accept the opinion. Court finds that Plaintiff s first contention nor This is unwarranted. While it is true that a treating physician s opinion is normally entitled to substantial deference, it is also true that the ALJ is not bound to give that opinion controlling weight. Jones v. Comm r of Soc. Sec., 336 F.3d 6 469, 477 (6th Cir. 2003)(citing Shelman v. Heckler, 821 F.2d 316, 321 (6th Cir. 1987)); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2). Rather, controlling weight should only be given to a treating physician when his opinion is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the] case record. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2); see also Bogle v. Sullivan, 998 F.2d great 342, 347-48 weight (6th only Cir. 1993)( such if they are opinions supported by receive sufficient clinical findings and are consistent with the evidence. ). Indeed, in Jones, 336 F.3d at 477, the Sixth Circuit held that the statements ALJ by may a even completely treating discredit physician if he conclusory sets forth a reasoned basis for the rejection. Jones, 336 F.3d at 477 (citing Shelman, 821 F.2d at 321); see also Hall v. Bowen, 837 F.2d 272, 276 (6th Cir. 1988)(citing King v. Heckler, 742 F.2d 968, 973 (6th Cir. 1984))( the ALJ is not bound by conclusory statements of a treating physician that a claimant is disabled, but may reject determinations of such a physician when good reasons are identified for not accepting them. ). Because substantial Dr. Hays evidence in opinion the case is inconsistent record, this with Court is satisfied that the ALJ did in fact give Dr. Hays opinion appropriate deference. First, 7 Dr. Hays opinion is inconsistent with that physician, Dr. Kohli. neither an of Frankly, other treating Dr. Hays treatment notes display improvement condition. Plaintiff s nor his a worsening notes of concerning Plaintiff s Plaintiff are skeletal at best, oftentimes only listing the date of the appointment and displaying the any medicine evidence of prescribed, diagnostic and expertise therapeutic decision-making. [Tr. 528-31]. Dr. Kohli s detailed treatment notes rarely or In contrast, reflect a gradual improvement in Plaintiff s ailments to the point where Dr. Kohli reported in March 2009 that Plaintiff showed marked improvement of generalized pain. [Tr. 267-74; 310]. Second, Dr. Hays opinion is also inconsistent with Plaintiff s allegations of her daily activities. In Plaintiff s Function Report, completed on August 5, 2009, she admits to engaging in activities such as cleaning her house, sweeping, mopping, doing laundry, taking care of her personal hygiene, preparing meals daily, shopping for groceries weekly, going to church three times weekly, and taking care of her personal finances. [Tr. 192-98]. level of activity does not suggest that This Plaintiff is incapable of working and is inconsistent with Dr. Hays extreme opinion that Plaintiff 8 must take a break from working every five minutes to walk around for five minutes. [Tr. 246]. Third, and finally, Dr. Haziq s physical examination of Plaintiff in September 2009 supports a conclusion that Plaintiff is not disabled and is capable of working. 319-23]. [Tr. For example, he observed that Plaintiff was able to perform all requested range of motion exercises without any difficulty Although Dr. or Haziq complaints agreed of that pain. [Tr. Plaintiff 321-33]. suffers from moderate to severe fibromyalgia and hypertension, he noted that her condition was largely controlled with medication and that she had no more than a moderate limitation on her ability to work. See Houston v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 736 F.2d 365, 367 (6th Cir. 1984)(finding that the medical impairments of hypertension and osteoarthritis were controlled with medication and therefore not disabling); Hanson v. Astrue, No. 11-34-JBC, 2012 WL 405007 at *2 (E.D. Ky. Feb 7, 2012)(explaining that the ALJ was entitled to disregard plaintiff s the treating impairments physician s were opinion controlled by because the medication). The Plaintiff also freely admitted at the hearing that her medications alleviate her pain. [Tr. 43]. While Plaintiff also maintains that the ALJ did not adequately explain why she discounted Dr. Hays opinion, 9 this contention is also without merit. As previously noted, the ALJ correctly observed that Dr. Hays provides little objective medical evidence in his treatment notes of Plaintiff, as they oftentimes only include the date of the visit and the medication prescribed. [Tr. 528-31; 304-07]. Moreover, the ALJ also clearly pointed out that Dr. Hays overall assessment of Plaintiff was internally inconsistent, as he claimed on one page that Plaintiff s limitations would allow her to engage in light work activity, but then later claimed she had limitations that would preclude full time work. [Tr. 244-48]. In any event, when there is not detailed corroborating medical evidence for a treating physician s opinion, deference to the ALJ s assessment is appropriate. See Blacha v. Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 927 F.2d 228, 230 (6th Cir.1990)( Without detailed corroborating medical evidence, this court will generally defer to the ALJ s assessment. ). Given that Dr. Hays opinion lacks the requisite detailed evidence, such deference is appropriate here. Next, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ did not consider the cumulative effect of her impairments when determining her RFC. The Sixth Circuit has recognized that [i]n reaching a determination as to disability, the ALJ is to consider the combined effect 10 of all of the claimant s impairments without regard to whether any such impairment, if considered separately, would be of sufficient severity to render the claimant disabled. Walker v. Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 980 F.2d 1066, 1071 (6th Cir. 1992) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1523). However, [a]n ALJ s individual discussion of multiple impairments does not imply that he failed to consider combination, where the the effect ALJ of the impairments specifically refers to in a combination of impairments . Loy v. Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 901 F.2d 1306, 1310 (6th Cir. 1990) (citing Gooch v. Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 833 F.2d 589, 592 (6th Cir. 1987))(noting that an ALJ s reference to a combination of impairments was sufficient evidence that he considered all decision-making, of the because plaintiff s [t]o require ailments a more in his elaborate articulation of the ALJ s thought processes would not be reasonable. ). Plaintiff fails to explain in what regard the ALJ did not consider the combined effects of her impairments, nor did she specifically explain how her combined impairments would render her disabled. Generally, this Court is not required to formulate arguments on the Plaintiff s behalf or engage in an open-ended review of the entirety of the administrative record to determine 11 ... whether it might contain evidence that arguably is inconsistent with the Commissioner's decision. Hollon ex rel. Hollon v. Comm r of Soc. Sec., 447 F.3d 477, 491 (6th Cir. 2006). a brief review demonstrates that Plaintiff s However, contention lacks merit. For example, the ALJ stated that Plaintiff did not have an impairment significantly or limited combination her activities. [Tr. 16]. ability of to impairments perform basic that work She also specifically noted that she considered all symptoms and the extent to which those symptoms can reasonably be accepted as consistent with the objective medical evidence. [Tr. 17]. that the ALJ did not specifically While it is true discuss Plaintiff s osteopenia or IBS impairments in detail, Plaintiff herself did not even mention these impairments during her hearing, instead concentrating solely on her fibromyalgia pain. [Tr. 27-63]. also A review of Plaintiff s medical treatment notes reveals problems that during her Plaintiff did office visits not of complain late, of but these instead reported these issues as part of her medical history. [Tr. 267]. The fact that the ALJ spent the majority of her analysis on Plaintiff s fibromyalgia pain is, quite simply, reflective of Plaintiff s complaints in the record. Thus, 12 the ALJ sufficiently considered the cumulative effect of Plaintiff s impairments. Plaintiff s adequately final explain contention, the level of that the ALJ not that credibility did was assigned to Plaintiff s own testimony concerning her pain, also falls short. While an ALJ must consider a plaintiff s statements about her pain when determining whether she is disabled, [d]iscounting credibility to a certain degree is appropriate where an ALJ finds contradictions among the medical reports, claimant s testimony, and other evidence. Walters v. Comm r of Soc. Sec., 127 F.3d 525, 531 (6th Cir. 1997). Furthermore, credibility of the an ALJ s applicant findings are to be based on accorded the great weight and deference, particularly since an ALJ is charged with the duty credibility. of observing a witness s demeanor and Id. at 531 (citing Villareal v. Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 818 F.2d 461, 463 (6th Cir. 1987)). In this partially case, discounted the ALJ clearly Plaintiff s explained credibility that she because the pain and symptoms that she alleged are inconsistent with both Plaintiff s testimony and the evidence in the record. [Tr. 17-18]. objective medical For example, while Plaintiff claims on one hand that she has such pain that she cannot engage in any type of work whatsoever, she also 13 readily admits to cleaning her house, taking care of her personal hygiene, preparing meals, shopping for groceries, going to church, visiting family, and taking care of her personal finances. [Tr. 192-98]. The ALJ appropriately discounted Plaintiff s credibility to the extent that her involvement in these daily activities are inconsistent with her complaints of pain. See Walters, 127 F.3d at 532 (citing Blacha, 927 F.2d at 231; Crisp v. Sec y of Health & Human Servs., 790 F.2d 450, 453 (6th Cir. 1986)) ( An ALJ may also consider household and social activities engaged in by the claimant in evaluating a claimant s assertions of pain or ailments. ). Moreover, any contention that Plaintiff is completely incapable of light work is inconsistent with the objective medical evidence. administrative Quite record does persuasively, any nowhere physician, in treating the or otherwise, claim that Plaintiff is completely incapable of light work such as that required by her past relevant work as a receptionist and retail store manager. For example, Dr. Hays opines in the May 21, 2010 questionnaire that Plaintiff is capable of low stress jobs , and his analysis of Plaintiff s limitations in the questionnaire supports a conclusion that she can work so long as she is permitted to take breaks throughout the day. [Tr. 244-48]. 14 Dr. Kohli, Plaintiff s other treating physician, provided no opinions as to whether Plaintiff was capable of working or not in his treatment consultative notes. [Tr. examiner, 266-74]. noted during Dr. his Haziq, examination the of Plaintiff that she had no difficulty standing, sitting, or walking, and opined that she would limitations on her ability to work. Plaintiff s assertions, have moderate Therefore, contrary to Plaintiff s ignored in this matter. only testimony was not Rather, it was appropriately considered in light of the entire administrative record. [Pl. Br. at 5]. In conclusion, the objective evidence in this case did not establish that Plaintiff is disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act, and substantial evidence supports the ALJ s decision. IT IS ORDERED: (1) that Plaintiff s Motion for Summary Judgment [DE 10] is DENIED; and (2) that Defendant s Motion for Summary Judgment [DE 11] is GRANTED. This the 27th day of August, 2012. 15

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