PHILLIP J. GREEN, Magistrate Judge.
This is a social security action brought under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) seeking review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security denying plaintiff's claim for disability insurance benefits (DIB). On December 23, 2010, plaintiff protectively filed her application for DIB benefits.
Plaintiff's claim for DIB benefits was denied on initial review. On February 29, 2012, she received a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), at which she was represented by counsel. (Page ID 65-85). On March 6, 2012, the ALJ issued his decision finding that plaintiff was not disabled. (Page ID 51-61). On July 29, 2013, the Appeals Council denied review (Page ID 32-34), and the ALJ's decision became the Commissioner's final decision.
On November 15, 2013, plaintiff filed a complaint seeking judicial review of the Commissioner's decision denying her claims for benefits.
(Statement of Errors, Plf. Brief at 4, Dkt. 15, Page ID 410). I recommend that the Commissioner's decision be affirmed.
When reviewing the grant or denial of social security benefits, this court is to determine whether the Commissioner's findings are supported by substantial evidence and whether the Commissioner correctly applied the law. See Elam ex rel. Golay v. Commissioner, 348 F.3d 124, 125 (6th Cir. 2003); Buxton v. Halter, 246 F.3d 762, 772 (6th Cir. 2001). Substantial evidence is defined as "`such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.'" Heston v. Commissioner, 245 F.3d 528, 534 (6th Cir. 2001) (quoting Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971)); see Rogers v. Commissioner, 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007). The scope of the court's review is limited. Buxton, 246 F.3d at 772. The court does not review the evidence de novo, resolve conflicts in evidence, or make credibility determinations. See Ulman v. Commissioner, 693 F.3d 709, 713 (6th Cir. 2012); Walters v. Commissioner, 127 F.3d 525, 528 (6th Cir. 1997). "The findings of the [Commissioner] as to any fact if supported by substantial evidence shall be conclusive. . . ." 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); see McClanahan v. Commissioner, 474 F.3d 830, 833 (6th Cir. 2006). "The findings of the Commissioner are not subject to reversal merely because there exists in the record substantial evidence to support a different conclusion.... This is so because there is a `zone of choice' within which the Commissioner can act without fear of court interference." Buxton, 246 F.3d at 772-73. "If supported by substantial evidence, the [Commissioner's] determination must stand regardless of whether the reviewing court would resolve the issues of fact in dispute differently." Bogle v. Sullivan, 998 F.2d 342, 347 (6th Cir. 1993); see Gayheart v. Commissioner, 710 F.3d 365, 374 (6th Cir. 2013) ("A reviewing court will affirm the Commissioner's decision if it is based on substantial evidence, even if substantial evidence would have supported the opposite conclusion."). "[T]he Commissioner's decision cannot be overturned if substantial evidence, or even a preponderance of the evidence supports the claimant's position, so long as substantial evidence also supports the conclusion reached by the ALJ." Jones v. Commissioner, 336 F.3d 469, 477 (6th Cir. 2003); see Kyle v. Commissioner, 609 F.3d 847, 854 (6th Cir. 2010).
The ALJ found that plaintiff met the disability insured requirement of the Social Security Act from May 24, 2007, through June 30, 2009, but not thereafter. (Page ID 53). Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity on or after May 24, 2007.
(Page ID 57). The ALJ found that plaintiff's testimony regarding her subjective functional limitations was not fully credible:
(Page ID 57-59). The ALJ found that plaintiff was unable to perform any past relevant work. (Page ID 59). Plaintiff was 52-years-old as of her date last disability insured. She was classified as an individual closely approaching advanced age. (Page ID 59). Plaintiff has at least a high-school education and is able to communicate in English. (Page ID 60). The transferability of job skills was not material to a disability determination. (Page ID 60). The ALJ then turned to the testimony of a vocational expert (VE). In response to a hypothetical question regarding a person of plaintiff's age, and with her RFC, education, and work experience, the VE testified that there were approximately 14,000 jobs in Michigan's Lower Peninsula that the hypothetical person would be capable of performing. (Page ID 82-83). The ALJ found that this constituted a significant number of jobs. Using Rule 202.14 of the Medical-Vocational Guidelines as a framework, the ALJ held that plaintiff was not disabled. (Page ID 60-61).
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ made an erroneous credibility determination. (Plf. Brief at 5-9, Page ID 411-15). Specifically, she argues that the ALJ failed to "properly consider the factors set forth in SSR 96-7p and 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3)" and that "the medical records in this case show a progression of Plaintiff's symptoms and consistent complaints of pain before, during, and after the relevant period in this case." (Plf. Brief at 6, Page ID 412). Plaintiff concedes that "there is a gap in the medical records" that she submitted in support of her claim. (Id. at 7, Page ID 413). She argues that the ALJ should have found that her subjective complaints were credible and that he placed too much emphasis on the lack of medical evidence generated "during the short period between her onset date and Date Last Insured." (Id. at 9, Page ID 415).
It is not sufficient for plaintiff to point to "pieces of evidence" on which the ALJ could have based a finding in her favor. Her burden on appeal is much higher. She must "demonstrate that the ALJ's determination that [s]he was not disabled is not supported by substantial evidence." Peterson v. Commissioner, 552 F. App'x 533, 540 (6th Cir. 2014). Substantial evidence is "such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Heston v. Commissioner, 245 F.3d at 534.
SSR 96-7p is a social security ruling addressing the process for assessing the credibility of a claimant's statements regarding his or her symptoms. See Policy Interpretation Ruling Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Symptoms in Disability Claims: Assessing the Credibility of an Individual's Statements, SSR 96-7p (SSA July 2, 1996) (reprinted at 1996 WL 374186). "Social Security Rulings do not have the force and effect of law, `but are binding on all components of the Social Security Administration' and represent `precedent final opinions and orders and statements of policy and interpretations' adopted by the Commissioner." Ferguson v. Commissioner, 628 F.3d 269, 272 n. 1 (6th Cir. 2010) (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 402.35(b)(1)). The Sixth Circuit has "refrained from ruling whether Social Security Rulings are binding on the Commissioner in the same way as Social Security Regulations, but assume[s] that they are." Ferguson, 628 F.3d at 272 n. 1. In addition to the objective evidence, the ALJ is to consider the following factors when assessing the credibility of a claimant's statements regarding her symptoms:
1996 WL 374186 at * 3. Under SSR 96-7p the ALJ is required to "consider" the seven-listed factors, but there is no requirement that the ALJ discuss every factor. See White v. Commissioner, 572 F.3d 272, 287 (6th Cir. 2009); see also Coleman v. Astrue, No. 2:09-cv-36, 2010 WL 4094299, at * 15 (M.D. Tenn. Oct. 18, 2010) ("There is no requirement [ ] that the ALJ expressly discuss each listed factor."); Roberts v. Astrue, No. 1:09-cv-1518, 2010 WL 2342492, at * 11 (N.D. Ohio June 9, 2010) ("[T]he ALJ need not analyze all seven factors contained in SSR 96-7p to comply with the regulations."). SSR 96-7p sets forth a list of factors for the ALJ to consider in addressing the claimant's credibility. See White v. Commissioner, 572 F.3d at 287; see also Reynolds v. Commissioner, 424 F. App'x 411, 417 (6th Cir. 2011); Parsons v. Astrue, No. 1:09-cv-2695, 2011 WL 887618, at * 6 (N.D. Ohio Feb. 17, 2011) ("The ALJ conducted the appropriate analysis pursuant to SSR 96-7p, although not articulated in the manner Plaintiff would prefer."). The ALJ's discussion of plaintiff's credibility began with the relevant regulations and social security rulings, including SSR 96-7p. (Page ID 57). The ALJ's reference to SSR 96-7p indicates that he "considered" all the ruling's factors. Brown v. Commissioner, No. 1:10-cv-705, 2012 WL 951556, at * 5 (W.D. Mich. Feb 27, 2012).
Credibility determinations concerning a claimant's subjective complaints are peculiarly within the province of the ALJ. See Gooch v. Secretary of Health & Human Servs., 833 F.2d 589, 592 (6th Cir. 1987). The court does not make its own credibility determinations. See Walters v. Commissioner, 127 F.3d at 528. The court's "review of a decision of the Commissioner of Social Security, made through an administrative law judge, is extremely circumscribed . . . ." Kuhn v. Commissioner, 124 F. App'x 943, 945 (6th Cir. 2005). The Commissioner's determination regarding the credibility of a claimant's subjective complaints is reviewed under the "substantial evidence" standard. This is a "highly deferential standard of review." Ulman v. Commissioner, 693 F.3d 709, 714 (6th Cir. 2012). "Claimants challenging the ALJ's credibility determination face an uphill battle." Daniels v. Commissioner, 152 F. App'x 485, 488 (6th Cir. 2005); see Ritchie v. Commissioner, 540 F. App'x 508, 511 (6th Cir. 2013) ("We have held that an administrative law judge's credibility findings are `virtually unchallengeable.'"). "Upon review, [the court must] accord to the ALJ's determinations of credibility great weight and deference particularly since the ALJ has the opportunity, which [the court] d[oes] not, of observing a witness's demeanor while testifying." Jones, 336 F.3d at 476. "The ALJ's findings as to a claimant's credibility are entitled to deference, because of the ALJ's unique opportunity to observe the claimant and judge her subjective complaints." Buxton v. Halter, 246 F.3d at 773; accord White v. Commissioner, 572 F.3d 272, 287 (6th Cir. 2009); Casey v. Secretary of Health & Human Servs., 987 F.2d 1230, 1234 (6th Cir. 1993).
The Sixth Circuit recognizes that meaningful appellate review requires more than a blanket assertion by an ALJ that "the claimant is not believable." Rogers v. Commissioner, 486 F.3d 234, 248 (6th Cir. 2007). The Rogers court observed that Social Security Ruling 96-7p requires that the ALJ explain her credibility determination and that the explanation "must be sufficiently specific to make clear to the individual and to any subsequent reviewers the weight the adjudicator gave to the individual's statements and the reasons for that weight." Rogers, 486 F.3d at 248.
It was plaintiff's burden on her claim for DIB benefits to submit evidence demonstrating that she was disabled on or before June 30, 2009. See Moon, 923 F.2d at 1182. The period at issue ran from plaintiff's amended onset of disability date, May 24, 2007, through her date last disability insured, June 30, 2009. Documents generated outside the period at issue are "minimally probative," and are considered only to the extent that they illuminate a claimant's health before the expiration of her insured status. See Higgs v. Bowen, 880 F.2d 860, 863 (6th Cir. 1988); see also Van Winkle v. Commissioner, 29 F. App'x 353, 358 (6th Cir. 2002). Here, the ALJ considered all the evidence presented, including the evidence generated before, during, and after the period at issue. (Page ID 52, 54, 55, 58). Among other things, the evidence generated during all three periods documented plaintiff's failure to comply with medical advice to stop smoking cigarettes. (Page ID 54-55, 59). It was appropriate for the ALJ to draw an adverse inference from plaintiff's failure to follow medical advice regarding smoking cessation. Social security regulations make pellucid that the claimant bears the burden of demonstrating good reasons for her failure to follow prescribed treatment: "If you do not follow the prescribed treatment without good reason, we will not find you disabled." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530(b). The Sixth Circuit recognizes that a claimant's failure to follow prescribed treatment is evidence supporting an ALJ's factual finding that the claimant's testimony was not fully credible. See Sias v. Secretary of Health & Human Servs., 861 F.2d 475, 480 (6th Cir. 1988); Cartwright v. Commissioner, No. 1:12-cv-957, 2014 WL 4063873, at * 4 (W.D. Mich. Aug. 14, 2014); accord Moore v. Commissioner, 573 F. App'x 540, 542-43 (6th Cir. 2014).
The ALJ observed that the objective medical evidence failed to provide strong support for the claimant's allegations of disabling symptoms and limitations prior to June 30, 2009. (Page ID 54, 59). Plaintiff "underwent a surgical fusion of C5-6 in November 2006." (Page ID # 54). The ALJ observed that plaintiff testified that she had "good results from her cervical fusion in 2006 and while she does have back pain, MRI studies have not shown any serious pathology prior to June 30, 2009, her date last insured." (Page ID 59; see Page ID 73-74). Plaintiff "presented to the emergency room on March 24, 2009, with complaints of low back pain with radiculopathy. An MRI of the claimant's lumbar spine demonstrated mild degenerative change through the lower spine, but more significant at L5-S1." (Page ID 55; see Page ID 244). "An MRI of the claimant's lumbar spine was also performed on May 4, 2010, which is subsequent to her date last insured[,] but again only showed only multilevel degenerative changes." (Page ID 55; see Page ID 246). The ALJ found that the evidence generated after June 30, 2009, "fail[ed] to establish that plaintiff was disabled prior to her date last insured." (Page ID 55). The ALJ found that the evidence generated after June 30, 2009, suggested that plaintiff's health had deteriorated after her date last disability insured. (Page ID 59). I find that the ALJ gave sufficient explanation of his factual finding regarding plaintiff's credibility, and that his finding is supported by more than substantial evidence.
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed to make an accurate RFC assessment. (Plf. Brief at 9-12, Page ID 415-18). Specifically, she argues that the ALJ's factual findings should have included more significant restrictions on her ability to stand. RFC is an administrative issue reserved to the Commissioner. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1527(d)(2), (3). RFC is the most, not the least, a claimant can do despite her impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a)(1); Branon v. Commissioner, 539 F. App'x 675, 677 n.3 (6th Cir. 2013); Griffeth v. Commissioner, 217 F. App'x 425, 429 (6th Cir. 2007). The ALJ's factual finding that plaintiff was capable of performing a limited range of light work through her date last insured (Page ID 57) is supported by more than substantial evidence.
Plaintiff makes a passing argument that the hypothetical question posed to the VE was deficient. (Plf. Brief at 12, Page ID 418). A hypothetical question is not required to list the claimant's medical conditions, but is only required to reflect the claimant's limitations. Webb v. Commissioner, 368 F.3d 629, 633 (6th Cir. 2004). The ALJ found that plaintiff's testimony was not fully credible. It is well settled that a hypothetical question to a VE need not include unsubstantiated complaints. See Casey v. Secretary of Health & Human Servs., 987 F.2d 1230, 1235 (6th Cir. 1993); see also Parks v. Social Security Admin., 413 F. App'x 856, 865 (6th Cir. 2011) ("Hypothetical questions [ ] need only incorporate those limitations which the ALJ has accepted as credible."); Carrelli v. Commissioner, 390 F. App'x 429, 438 (6th Cir. 2010) ("[I]t is `well established that an ALJ may pose hypothetical questions to a vocational expert and is required to incorporate only those limitations accepted as credible by the finder of fact.'") (quoting Casey, 987 F.2d at 1235). The ALJ's hypothetical question included all the limitations he found to be credible.
For the reasons set forth herein, I recommend that the Commissioner's decision be affirmed.
Any objections to this Report and Recommendation must be filed and served within fourteen days of service of this notice on you. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C); FED. R. CIV. P. 72(b). All objections and responses to objections are governed by W.D. MICH. LCIVR 72.3(b). Failure to file timely and specific objections may constitute a waiver of any further right of appeal. See Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140 (1985); Keeling v. Warden, Lebanon Corr. Inst., 673 F.3d 452, 458 (6th Cir. 2012); United States v. Branch, 537 F.3d 582, 587 (6th Cir. 2008). General objections do not suffice. See McClanahan v. Comm'r of Social Security, 474 F.3d 830, 837 (6th Cir. 2006); Frontier Ins. Co. v. Blaty, 454 F.3d 590, 596-97 (6th Cir. 2006).
