HUBEL, United States Magistrate Judge:
Plaintiff Shane Costs brings this action for judicial review of the Commissioner's final decision to deny Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This Court has jurisdiction under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (incorporated by 42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3)). Both parties have consented to entry of final judgment by a Magistrate Judge in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 73 and 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). I reverse the Commissioner's decision and remand for additional proceedings.
Plaintiff applied for SSI on April 6, 2004, alleging an onset date of November 1, 1997.
On September 19, 2007, plaintiff appeared, with counsel, for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Plaintiff alleges disability based on bi-polar disorder, eating disorder, spinal pain, agoraphobia, and anxiety. Tr. 106. At the time of the September 19, 2007 hearing, plaintiff was forty-two years old. Tr. 311. Plaintiff has a GED. Id. Plaintiff has past relevant work as a kitchen helper. Tr. 28.
On April 30, 2004, a few weeks after he filed his second SSI application, plaintiff underwent a psychological evaluation by psychologist Joseph Balsamo, Psy. D. Tr. 188-93. In addition to an interview, Dr. Balsamo administered the following tests: (1) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test—III (WAIS-III); (2) Psychological Assessment Inventory (PAI), (3) Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Trials A and B; and (4) a mental status exam. Tr. 188.
Plaintiff's mental status exam was normal. Tr. 190. However, he was agitated and restless during the interview, made several unnecessary verbalizations, and often complained that he had "been through this before" and just wanted help. Id. The WAIS-III measures current intellectual functioning. Id. Plaintiff seemed resistant to taking the test and was somewhat uncooperative. Id. He struggled on items and frequently gave up without trying to solve the problem. Id. Plaintiff's full scale IQ was an "extremely low" 66. Tr. 191. His verbal IQ was 84, indicative of borderline intellectual functioning. Id. His performance IQ was 63, also an extremely low score. Id.
Dr. Balsamo explained that the scores indicated difficulty in cognitive thought and understanding as well as a "very slow processing speed." Id.; Tr. 192 (completion time on "Trails A and B" also showed slow processing speed). He noted that the previous WAIS given in March 2001, by Dr. Charlotte Higgins-Lee, Ph.D., showed an overall IQ Of 74. Id.; see also Supp'l Tr. 469-77 (March 23, 2001 report by Dr.
But, Dr. Balsamo also noted that given that the PAI indicated that plaintiff scored high on negative impression management, a validity test designed to determine the presence of malingering, it is "likely that Costa was deliberately trying to portray himself in a negative way to get services that he otherwise may not be qualified for." Id. According to Dr. Balsamo, "[t]his may also be a pervasive pattern on the other tests indicating that he was worse off that [sic] he actually is. His decline in his WAIS from the last time may be due to mental deterioration or from intentional manipulation of the test." Id.
Nonetheless, Dr. Balsamo thought the test indicated that there were several areas in which plaintiff may be legitimately experiencing severe emotional and psychological issues. Id. As Dr. Balsamo explained, "[t]he PAI indicated the presence of multiple diagnoses given that he may have been trying to exaggerate his symptoms, however, it is likely that the majority of problems that he is experiencing are likely to have some validity." Id. He stated:
Id.
Dr. Balsamo's diagnostic impressions were Axis I diagnoses of Bi-polar II Disorder and Cognitive Disorder, NOS, and Axis II diagnoses of R/O Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline Intellectual Functioning. Tr. 192. He noted in the conclusion section of his report that plaintiff appeared to have problems with severe depression, anxiety, and hostility. Id. He had few social skills, was socially isolated, may have problems thinking and concentrating, and may have a thought or psychotic disorder. Id. He reported that plaintiff's psychiatric diagnoses were for bi-polar disorder, characterized by cycling between a depressive state and hypomania, and an agitated state, which usually follows a depression episode. Id. Given the results of the WAIS-III and other tests, Dr. Balsamo opined that plaintiff most likely suffered from a cognitive disorder. Id. He concluded that plaintiff's "intellectual functioning along with the psychiatric symptoms make it likely that he will never be able to maintain gainful employment, as even the tasks of low skilled labor are probably too much of a cognitive strain for him." Id. Additionally, Dr. Balsamo noted, plaintiff's "violent temper and labile emotional state make it likely that he may pose a danger to others in a structured
Disability Determination Services (DDS) psychologist Paul Rethinger, Ph.D., completed a mental residual functional capacity (RFC) form on July 14, 2004. Tr. 198-201. He found plaintiff moderately limited in the following abilities: (1) to understand and remember detailed instructions; (2) to sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision; (3) to work in coordination with or proximity to others without being distracted by them; (4) to interact appropriately with the general public; (5) to get along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes; (6) to be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions; and (7) to set realistic goals or make plans independently of others. Tr. 198-99.
Also on July 14, 2004, Dr. Rethinger completed a Psychiatric Review Technique Form (PRTF) in which he indicated that plaintiff had a drug induced mood disorder, a personality disorder with narcissistic histrionic and borderline features, and polysubstance abuse. Tr. 202-10. In the accompanying functional limitation ratings, Dr. Rethinger assessed plaintiff as having mild restrictions of activities of daily living, moderate difficulties in social functioning, and moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, and pace, "exclusive of DA & A [drug abuse and alcoholism]." Tr. 212. Dr. Rethinger assessed plaintiff as having moderate restrictions of activities of daily living, marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning, and marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, and pace, "inclusive of DA & A." Id.
On September 17, 2004, clinical psychologist Nina Dominy, Ph.D., of the Linn County Department of Health Services, wrote a letter supporting plaintiff's disability claim. Tr. 218-19. The letter noted that plaintiff had been treated at Linn County Mental Health from September 2002 to February 2003. Tr. 218. During that time, he was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and rule out bipolar disorder. Id. He displayed the following symptoms: anaerobia (loss of interest in almost all activities), appetite disturbance (noting his weight of 148 pounds and his height of 6'5"), daily insomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to think or concentrate, recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, and social anxiety or panic attacks. Id.
Dr. Dominy stated that plaintiff had displayed a history of one or more years of the inability to function outside a highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued need for such an arrangement. Tr. 219. She noted that he had lived in homeless shelters, roamed the streets, or lived in a small metal structure on his grandmother's property. Id. Dr. Dominy noted that during his treatment at Linn County Mental Health, plaintiff displayed documented use of alcohol and drugs. Id. It was her opinion, however, that the drugs and alcohol were not a causal factor in his mental illness, but were instead an attempt to "self medicate" as a way to relieve his mental anguish. Id. Dr. Dominy noted that plaintiff made progress with consistent therapy, but services were discontinued in February 2003 due to the termination of his medical insurance. Id.
Finally, Dr. Dominy stated that she was not currently seeing plaintiff as a patient. Id. But, she noted that plaintiff's family members were expressing serious concerns about him to her and that she would be surprised if he were not deteriorating without access to treatment. Id. She urged defendant to reconsider plaintiff's condition and noted that his documented inability to function effectively in society was supported by several medical staff as
On November 18, 2004, plaintiff underwent an evaluation by psychiatrist Dr. Gale Smolen, M.D. Tr. 222-27. In addition to an interview with plaintiff, who was accompanied by his mother, the information Dr. Smolen had available included (1) a "Development Summary Workshop" (no date given); (2) a 2003 decision by the Social Security Administration Office of Hearing and Appeals; (3) notes from Sharon DeHart, PAC dated July 15, 2003; (4) Dr. Balsamo's April 30, 2004 psychological evaluation; (5) notes from Linn County Mental Health dated April 1, 2002 through February 28, 2003; and (6) a note from David Ogle, M.D., dated April 21, 1999. Tr. 222.
In the section regarding plaintiff's education, Dr. Smolen remarked on the WAIS-III scores obtained by Dr. Balsamo. Id. Dr. Smolen considered those results "highly suspect" based on Dr. Balsamo's report that while taking the test, "plaintiff struggled on items and frequently gave up without trying to solve the problem." Id. She also noted plaintiff's previous WAIS-III scores from March 2001 which indicated his overall IQ was 74, his verbal IQ was 80, and his performance IQ was 70. Id.
Plaintiff reported that he had started taking Remeron/mirtazapine, an antidepressant medication, the previous week. Tr. 223. He also reported having been on lots of medications in the past, but stated that Klonopin/clonazepam, a medication used to treat panic attacks, and Ativan/lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication, worked the best for him. Id.
In the section describing plaintiff's mental illness, Dr. Smolen refers to the "excellent mental health history" available in the documents from ALJ Stewart, who adjudicated plaintiff's previous SSI claim. Id. Dr. Smolen then recited much of plaintiff's history herself including prior treatment at Linn County Mental Health in 2002, his eight days in the Salem Hospital Psychiatric Unit in 2001, followed by a three-day stay in 2002, and his psychological dependence on Klonopin noted in 2003. Id.
In the section on substance abuse, Dr. Smolen noted that plaintiff reported that he never had a problem with alcohol and never had a problem with illegal drugs. Tr. 2224. She wrote that records indicated he was not telling her the truth. Id. She noted a report in 2001 by Dr. Oxenhandler that he was addicted to marijuana, Dr. Higgins-Lee's report that he smoked marijuana regularly, and notes from Salem Hospital in September 2002 in which plaintiff described himself as a binge drinker and said he used whatever drugs he could get his hands on, including methamphetamines, uppers, downers, and quaaludes. Id. She also noted a report from Dr. Robert Vandiver, M.D., of Linn County Mental Health on September 26, 2002, when plaintiff stated he had been drinking and "ate a morphine pill." Id.
Plaintiff told Dr. Smolen that he had been homeless and lived at a mission, but was presently living on his mother's property in a small trailer with no cooking or bathroom facilities. Tr. 223, 224. He has a driver's license and a vehicle. Tr. 224. He tries to shower regularly, but sometimes does not care. Id. He does not do a substantial amount of housework and does not do his own cooking except to heat soup. Id. Dr. Smolen wrote that plaintiff "does not do anything on a regular basis." Id. He used the phone, "sometimes," if he wasn't too depressed. Id. He had no cash source of income, but did receive food stamps and recently obtained an Oregon
Plaintiff weighed between 150 and 160 pounds at the time, and stood 6'5". Id. He reported being depressed a lot, hardly leaving his house, and sometimes getting frustrated and angry. Id. He eats one meal a day on a good day, and none on a bad day. Id. His concentration depends on his state of mind. Id. He reported that his energy level is way down and never gets up to where he feels content. Tr. 225. He does not go out for weeks at a time. He has panic attacks that vary. Id. He indicated he felt better on medication. Id.
In the diagnosis section, Dr. Smolen listed plaintiff's Axis I diagnoses as "polysubstance dependence with marijuana and alcohol being mentioned the most, highly suspected," and "malingering, suspected." Id. Her Axis II diagnoses were rule out personality disorder nos with narcissistic and borderline traits. Id. Her GAF score was listed as "50? ? ?" Id.
Dr. Smolen explained that, she believed, looking at all the evidence, and including the fact that plaintiff denied in his interview ever having a problem with alcohol and illegal drugs, that there was strong possibility that plaintiff was malingering. Id. She thought he might have some degree of depression which responded well to antidepressants. Id. She thought that the diagnosis of personality disorder nos with narcissistic and borderline traits, which she stated came from Salem Hospital, seemed to be the best diagnosis and most fitting plaintiff. Id. She opined that plaintiff would be able to remember and understand with mild difficulty. Tr. 226. She found his concentration only mildly impaired. Id. She stated that with his present attitude, he would probably not be able to relate well to people, but he probably could relate to people if he wanted to. Id.
DDS psychologist Robert Henry, Ph.D, completed a mental RFC and a PRTF on November 22, 2004. Tr. 228-31, 233-44. In the mental RFC, he assessed plaintiff as being moderately limited in the following abilities: (1) to understand and remember detailed instructions; (2) to carry out detailed instructions; (3) to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods; and (4) to interact appropriately with the general public. Tr. 228-29. In the summary section, he noted that plaintiff was "able to maintain concentration and attention for simple 1, 2, step tasks duties, but would be unable to for more detailed, complex work assignments." Tr. 230. He also stated that while plaintiff was restricted from working with the public, he was capable of interacting appropriately with supervisors and coworkers. Id.
In the PRTF, Dr. Henry noted that plaintiff had a drug induced mood disorder, a personality disorder with narcissistic and borderline features, and polysubstance dependence. Tr. 236, 240, 241. He found that plaintiff had a moderate degree of limitation in maintaining social functioning, and mild limitations in activities of daily living and maintaining concentration, persistence, and pace. Tr. 243.
On July 31, 2006, plaintiff was screened by mental health specialist Samara Wiley of Linn County Mental Health. Tr. 267. Plaintiff reported to Wiley that he was tired of feeling "this way, anxiety, anger, frustrated, can't eat, not sleeping well, lonely, depressed." Id. He noted that previously, he had been stable with therapy and medications at Linn County Mental Health for a couple of years, but he lost his Oregon Health Plan coverage in 2003 and had been doing very "badly" since that time. Id. Wiley noted that plaintiff was tearful, focused, mostly appropriate, agitated, depressed, and appeared to have average intelligence and good memory, both recent and remote. Id.
In discussing his drug and alcohol history, plaintiff equivocated a bit before finally admitting to previously using a lot of street drugs and doing them in various combinations. Id. He also reported having stopped doing these years ago. Id. He denied having a problem with alcohol and stated that he occasionally has a glass of beer. Id.
Dr. Vandiver noted that plaintiff's speech was rapid, but that his thought processes were coherent, focused, and relevant. Id. His seemed to abstract information well, his judgment and insight appeared intact, and his intelligence was at least average. Id.
Dr. Vandiver's Axis I diagnosis was major depression, recurrent and moderate in intensity. Id. He assessed plaintiff's GAF as 54. Tr. 266. He stated that plaintiff presented with complaints of major depression with an anxious component. Tr. 266. Dr. Vandiver noted that while plaintiff reported that his treatment in the past of taking Klonopin and Remeron was effective, Dr. Vandiver had trouble with the fact that plaintiff had a strong tendency to be "philosophical in all his answers" rather than telling Dr. Vandiver how he was feeling. Id. This made Dr. Vandiver "mildly suspicious that there is a bit of factitious disorder here, in particular, a campaign to try and get disability." Id. However, Dr. Vandiver stated, it would easily just be plaintiff's personality style and Dr. Vandiver could be wrong about his supposition. Id. Dr. Vandiver also thought it was unusual that there was "not more substance abuse going on." Id. Again, however, he noted that this may be his suspiciousness at work. Id.
Dr. Vandiver concluded it was reasonable to restart treatment, providing plaintiff could afford it. Id. But, he wanted to avoid substances that were potentially abusable, like Klonopin, and consequently, he started plaintiff on Remeron, with instructions to take one-half of a thirty milligram pill at night, and then work up to a full pill in about one week. Id. Dr. Vandiver was to see plaintiff again in about one month. Id.
In an initial assessment by Wiley on August 22, 2006, plaintiff appeared anxious and depressed and reported he was homeless. Tr. 259. In a checklist type form, she noted that he was unkempt and disheveled, but was cooperative, with primarily appropriate affect. Id. She also checked boxes indicating poor personal hygiene and self care, underweight, average intellect, depressed, tearful, anxious, rambling speech, rapid and pressured speech, and normal and paranoid thought processes. Id. Additional boxes checked were for normal behavior, but also restless and agitated, oriented to time, place, person and purpose, and fair insight. Tr. 260. Her Axis I diagnosis was of a major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, with possible psychotic features, with a current GAF of 45. Id.
Plaintiff reported to Wiley that he had a medical marijuana card and that the marijuana improved his appetite and decreased his anxiety. Tr. 261. He reported poor appetite, denying himself food, being mistrustful of other people, not sleeping, and
On September 5, 2006, plaintiff and Wiley both signed a mental health treatment plan that included the goal of improving the quality and stability of plaintiff's mood by attending regular therapy appointments and attending scheduled psychiatric evaluations and medical monitoring appointments. Tr. 258.
Plaintiff saw Dr. Vandiver again on September 15, 2006. Tr. 257. Plaintiff reported that the Remeron was helping, but that he had some recent stressors making things difficult for him lately. Id. In particular, someone had recently broken into his pickup truck and stolen many of his possessions, including his fishing pole. Id. Dr. Vandiver noted that plaintiff liked to go fishing a lot and it was his main activity for amusement and maybe food. Id. Plaintiff was discouraged. Id.
Plaintiff appeared somewhat animated with rapid speech and body language. Id. Dr. Vandiver noted the need to rule out hypomania. Id. For the present, Dr. Vandiver planned to continue plaintiff's current treatment, but he also noted that he should consider the possibility that plaintiff actually had a bipolar mood disorder. Id. He planned to see plaintiff again in twelve weeks. Id.
The next record from Linn County Mental Health is dated February 6, 2007. Tr. 254. On that date, Dr. Vandiver appears to have spoken with Dr. Lance Large, who is noted to be plaintiff's primary care provider, about transferring plaintiff's medications to Dr. Large. Id.
On February 20, 2007, Wiley completed a discharge summary which indicated that plaintiff's last date of billable service and contact was February 6, 2007. Tr. 250. The termination type was noted to be "client termination w/o clinic agreement (i.e., client left w/o explanation). Id. His GAF at discharge was rated as 40. Id. Wiley noted that while plaintiff initially engaged with treatment, he then discontinued follow through with appointments and did not reschedule or respond to a letter sent to him. Tr. 251. His medications were transferred to his primary care provider. Id. She believed his prognosis was poor based on his lack of follow through and the family's input regarding his recent behaviors at home. Id. In a final checklist form, Wiley noted that plaintiff was unable to work based on physical or psychological reasons, and that he was involved with the criminal justice system during his course of treatment. Tr. 252.
On June 27, 2007, plaintiff was seen by Dr. Daniel Hoagland, M.D., at Sweet Home Family Medicine, for complaints of abdominal pain persisting for several months. Tr. 273. Dr. Hoagland noted that plaintiff's symptoms were "fairly nondescript," and he thought it could be lactose intolerance. Id. He ordered various blood tests, and tested for other organisms such as giardia. Id. He told plaintiff to try a lactose free diet for one week, and return to the clinic in two weeks. Id.
At his next visit, on July 10, 2007, plaintiff reported that the lactose free diet was not particularly helpful. Tr. 271. Plaintiff also reported pain in his back for the prior four days. Id. He told Dr. Hoagland that he had back spasms frequently in the past. Id. On physical examination, plaintiff's back showed some mild low lumbar spinous process tenderness and definite left paraspinous lumbar spasm. Id. However, a straight leg raise test was negative and
For his continued abdominal pain, Dr. Hoagland prescribed Zantac/ranitidine, used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Id. For his back pain, he prescribed Salsalate, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and Flexeril, a muscle relaxant, and advised plaintiff to apply heat and to stretch. Id. On July 24, 2007, plaintiff reported that the ranitidine had helped his abdominal pain considerably, although he still had some heartburn in the morning. Tr. 259. He also reported that his back pain was much better. Id. He was not having spasms, but he still had some pain when he did too much. Id.
Dr. Hoagland indicated that based on plaintiff's response to the ranitidine, plaintiff's complaints of abdominal pain were almost certainly peptic related. Id. He substituted over-the-counter Prilosec/omeprazole for the ranitidine, instructing plaintiff to take twenty milligrams daily for two to three months and then discontinue "if tolerating." Id. For plaintiff's back, he urged plaintiff to walk and stretch and noted that plaintiff could use medications on an as-needed basis. Id.
Plaintiff gave testimony regarding his depression, back pain, eating disorder, use of medical marijuana, and his activities. As to his depression, plaintiff said he was too depressed to look for work, but that he had not taken medication for depression for the prior five months due to stomach problems. Tr. 315-16. He stated that his depression had been severe since 2004, that he has suicidal thoughts all the time, and that lately he has been "real bad." Tr. 316-19. Plaintiff testified that he gets to a point where he does not care too much, and then does not eat. Tr. 319. He does not take care of himself because he is so "down spirited." Id.
He described that his eating disorder, noted in the transcript as "gloxmia," is part of his depression which is a form of self-destruction. Tr. 329-30. He explained that it was not directly suicidal, but he just does not care enough to eat. Tr. 330. Some days he does not eat at all and other days he forces himself to eat a sandwich. Id.
As for his back pain, plaintiff stated that he was taking "60 pain pills" and "30 Flexeril" each month for severe back pain. Tr. 315. He claims that Dr. Hoagland put him on these medications. Id.; Tr. 324. His back makes it so he "can't do much of anything." Tr. 324. He stated that he has had this "condition" of suffering back pain on and off, since he was twenty years old. Id. Plaintiff testified that a couple of hours of bending over pulling weeds or hoeing in the yard causes muscle spasms in his back. Id. Plaintiff stated that his doctor told him to walk, but he cannot walk more than one mile without taking a break. Tr. 327. He estimated that lifting anywhere between twenty-five and forty pounds can trigger spasms. Tr. 328.
Plaintiff testified that he had been clean of illegal drug use for three years. Tr. 315; see also Tr. 333 (testifying that he had been clean for "three, four, five years"). He also testified that he had a medical marijuana card. Tr. 331. He said he smoked marijuana for medical purposes, but he did not have his medical marijuana card with him, and could not remember the doctor who originally prescribed it for him. Tr. 331-32. Plaintiff stated that he used marijuana because of severe pain, severe nausea, and his eating disorder. Tr. 332.
In addition to the depression and back pain, plaintiff testified he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, for which he was prescribed a medication. Tr. 320. He did not name the medication. Tr. 321. He also
At the time of the hearing, plaintiff stated he was homeless other than the fact that his mother let him stay on her property. Tr. 316-17. He stays in a sixteen-foot camper on her property, which has no power, no water, and no facilities. Id. He described sleeping out in the open a lot, but conceded that this was his choice because he could sleep in the camper. Tr. 318. He often stays in bed all day in the camper. Tr. 319, 323. He reads a little bit, but mostly sleeps a lot and does "pretty much nothing." Tr. 323.
Vocational Expert (VE) Vernon Arne testified at the hearing. The ALJ presented the VE with the following hypothetical: a forty-two year old individual with a GED and past work as performed by plaintiff, with no exertional limitations, but with the limitations of no public interaction, no complex tasks, and no hazardous work locations. Tr. 340. The ALJ responded that plaintiff could perform his past relevant work as a kitchen helper. Tr. 342.
With an additional limitation of medium exertion, the VE identified positions as a labeler. Tr. 342-43. When the limitation was increased to sedentary, the VE identified the positions of document preparer and eyeglass assembler. Tr. 343.
In response to a question by plaintiff's counsel, the VE stated that if the individual would be absent two to four days per month because of combined effects of mainly psychological issues, the individual would be unable to sustain competitive employment. Tr. 345.
ALJ Kingery began her discussion of the claim by concluding that because plaintiff had not appealed from the Appeals Council's denial of plaintiff's request to review his claim filed on October 10, 2002, the prior ALJ's March 17, 2004 decision on that claim was final and binding. Tr. 18. Next, after reciting the five steps of the sequential analysis, the ALJ noted two additional concerns in this case: (1) whether, if plaintiff is presumptively found disabled, alcoholism or drug addiction is a contributing factor material to a determination of disability; and (2) the application of Chavez v. Bowen, 844 F.2d 691 (9th Cir.1988) in light of the fact that a previous ALJ decision had been issued in this case. Tr. 20.
Next, in a section entitled "Earlier Administrative Law Judge Findings," which appears before the section entitled "Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law," ALJ Kingery discusses and quotes portions of the March 17, 2004 decision issued by ALJ Stewart. Tr. 21. First, ALJ Kingery noted that ALJ Stewart's decision found that no severe physical impairments were supported by the evidence of record, but that severe psychological impairments in the nature of a "`history of polysubstance abuse, a mood disorder variously described as marijuana induced, alcohol induced and possibly bipolar, a personality disorder with narcissistic, histrionic and borderline features, and possible malingering'" were reflected in the evidence of record. Id. (quoting ALJ Stewart's decision but no citation given).
Next, ALJ Kingery quoted four findings from ALJ Stewart's decision including that plaintiff's allegations were not totally credible and that plaintiff's past relevant work as a production worker, kitchen helper, forest products harvester, production line worker, and produce harvester did not require the performance of work-related activities precluded by his RFC. Id. Additionally, ALJ Kingery quoted ALJ Stewart's RFC:
Id. (quoting ALJ Stewart's decision but no citation given).
Next, ALJ Kingery quoted two long paragraphs from ALJ Stewart's decision supporting ALJ Stewart's determination that plaintiff was not fully credible. Tr. 21-22. ALJ Stewart cited several reasons in support of his negative credibility finding, including the following: (1) plaintiff repeatedly contradicted himself and outright lied about his past and present substance abuse histories such that his own statements and/or denials regarding his substance abuse, were "utterly unreliable"; (2) plaintiff's acknowledgment that his substance abuse likely contributed to his emotional difficulties but being unwilling to give up "his marijuana," which ALJ Stewart stated was known to be sedating and de-motivating; (3) plaintiff's failure to comply with prescribed medical treatment which the record showed produced a positive response and improvement in symptoms as to his mental conditions; and (4) Dr. Higgins-Lee's suspicion of malingering based on her extensive evaluation.
Next, in the "Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law" section, ALJ Kingery found that plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since April 30, 2004, the most recent application date. Tr. 22. She further found that plaintiff has a severe combination of the follow impairments: a personality disorder, a substance abuse disorder, and a drug-induced mood disorder. Tr. 23.
In this portion of her opinion, ALJ Kingery noted that in his current Disability Report, plaintiff contended that his ability to work was limited by bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, depression, mental problems, agoraphobia, and spinal pain. Id. She explained, however, that several medical practitioners that the claimant listed as having provided recent medical services to him, indicated that they did not have any recent records regarding plaintiff. Id. She noted that on June 29, 2004, claimant's own representative confirmed to a DDS "staffer" that claimant had not sought any treatment since Judge Stewart's unfavorable March 17, 2004 decision. Id. (citing Tr. 217).
ALJ Kingery cited to an October 29, 2004 note made by Dr. Mary Ann Westfall, M.D., in a Development Summary Worksheet that based on her review of the evidence, although there was a record of an ear pain complaint, the most recent psychological examination noted that plaintiff did not complain of back pain. Id. (citing Tr. 232). ALJ Kingery noted Dr. Westfall's conclusion that plaintiff had no severe physical impairment. Id. Additionally, ALJ Kingery noted that on August 18, 2006, plaintiff told Dr. Vandiver that other than problems with his teeth, he was unaware of other health problems and "feels he is fairly physically healthy." Id. Based on this, ALJ Kingery concluded that plaintiff had not met his burden of demonstrating that he had a severe physical impairment. Id.
As to his mental impairments, ALJ Kingery noted that on July 14, 2004, DDS psychologist Dr. Rethinger found that
Next, she discussed Dr. Smolen's November 12, 2004 report including Dr. Smolen's diagnosis of polysubstance dependence with a strong suspicion of malingering. Id. ALJ Kingery then noted the limitations assessed by Dr. Smolen which were limited to mild impairments in the abilities to concentrate, remember, and understand, as well as Dr. Smolen's noting the possibility that plaintiff could relate to people if he wanted to. Id. ALJ Kingery then cited to DDS psychologist Dr. Henry's November 22, 2004 assessment where he concluded that plaintiff had severe impairments of an affective disorder (drug induced mood disorder), a personality disorder, and polysubstance dependence. Tr. 23-24. ALJ Kingery gave greater weight to Dr. Henry's opinions regarding plaintiff's limitations which over Dr. Rethinger's which had a greater degree of limitation in some areas, because Dr. Henry "had a more complete record from which to draw his conclusions."
ALJ Kingery noted plaintiff's report that he has an eating disorder and that he is dependent on medical marijuana to treat the disorder. Id. Then, she noted that Dr. Vandiver had never heard of the type of eating disorder plaintiff claimed to have. Id. Additionally, ALJ Kingery noted that given that plaintiff reported on August 22, 2006, that he had no regular doctor, the lack of evidence in the record that any physician or psychiatrist had actually prescribed medical marijuana, that claimant could not remember at the hearing which doctor had prescribed it for him, and that while on probation, plaintiff failed a urinalysis and was placed back in jail, his reporting that he was certified for marijuana use was questionable. Id. Thus, ALJ Kingery found that he had not met his burden of proving that he had an eating disorder. Id.
Next, the ALJ found that plaintiff did not have an impairment or combination of impairments that met or equaled a listed impairment. Id. ALJ Kingery considered whether plaintiff met or equaled three different listed impairments: 12.04 (affective disorders), 12.08 (personality disorders), and 12.09 (substance addiction disorders). Id. She found that he did not establish the presence of the required "B" or "C" criteria. Tr. 24-25. She relied on Dr. Henry's assessment of plaintiff's limitations and noted that no treating or examining physician had mentioned findings equivalent in severity to the criteria of any listed impairment. Tr. 25. Then, in concluding this part of her decision, ALJ Kingery stated that
Id.
Following this paragraph, ALJ Kingery states that the presumption of continuing nondisability under Chavez has been rebutted by changed circumstances. Id. She further stated that plaintiff has reported that his substance abuse has been in sustained remissions and the overall evidence of record suggested that "his limitations have concurrently been reduced." Id.
If I understand this correctly, ALJ Kingery found the presumption of nondisability created by ALJ Stewart's prior determination, rebutted by the fact that plaintiff was no longer abusing drugs. But, Chavez indicates that the presumption of nondisability created by a prior determination must show changed circumstances "indicating a greater disability." Chavez, 844 F.2d at 693. Plaintiff's sustained remission from drug abuse does not appear to be a qualifying "changed circumstance" under Chavez because it does not indicate a "greater disability."
Following her comments about plaintiff's drug use, ALJ Kingery then assessed plaintiff's RFC as being able to perform a full range of work at all exertional levels, but with limitations of no public interaction and no complex tasks. Id. She found that while plaintiff's impairments could reasonably be expected to produce some of his alleged symptoms, his statements concerning the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of his symptoms were not entirely credible. Tr. 26.
First, she determined that plaintiff's allegations were disproportionate to the objective findings in the medical record, including a lack of physical impairments accounting for his back or ear pain, and a lack of record by his practitioners of reports of panic attacks or agoraphobia. ALJ Kingery noted the inconsistency between plaintiff's statements that he cannot or does not leave the trailer on his mother's property, and the report to Dr. Vandiver that he likes to go fishing a lot. Tr. 26-27.
Next, ALJ Kingery rejected written submissions by plaintiff's mother describing plaintiff's symptoms and limitations because they were inconsistent with medical
ALJ Kingery then noted that plaintiff had sometimes been prescribed psychotropic medications, sometimes was noncompliant with his medications, and sometimes was not prescribed medications. Id. Counseling records indicated that counseling was generally nonproductive. Id. She found that based on this combination of factors, plaintiff's statements concerning his impairments and their impact on his ability to work were accepted only to the extent that they are consistent with the RFC she assessed. Id.
Based on the RFC, ALJ Kingery then found, based on Arne's testimony, that plaintiff could perform his past relevant work as a kitchen helper. Tr. 28. Alternatively, she found that if plaintiff had no past relevant work or could not perform it, he could still perform the jobs of labeler, document preparer, or eyeglass assembler. Tr. 28-29. Thus, ALJ Kingery concluded that plaintiff was not disabled. Tr. 29.
A claimant is disabled if unable to "engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which . . . has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months[.]" 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). Disability claims are evaluated according to a five-step procedure. Baxter v. Sullivan, 923 F.2d 1391, 1395 (9th Cir.1991). The claimant bears the burden of proving disability. Swenson v. Sullivan, 876 F.2d 683, 687 (9th Cir.1989). First, the Commissioner determines whether a claimant is engaged in "substantial gainful activity." If so, the claimant is not disabled. Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140, 107 S.Ct. 2287, 96 L.Ed.2d 119 (1987); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). In step two, the Commissioner determines whether the claimant has a "medically severe impairment or combination of impairments." Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 140-41, 107 S.Ct. 2287; see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). If not, the claimant is not disabled.
In step three, the Commissioner determines whether the impairment meets or equals "one of a number of listed impairments that the [Commissioner] acknowledges are so severe as to preclude substantial gainful activity." Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 141, 107 S.Ct. 2287; see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If so, the claimant is conclusively presumed disabled; if not, the Commissioner proceeds to step four. Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 141, 107 S.Ct. 2287.
In step four the Commissioner determines whether the claimant can still perform "past relevant work." 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e). If the claimant can, he is not disabled. If he cannot perform past relevant work, the burden shifts to the Commissioner. In step five, the Commissioner must establish that the claimant can perform other work. Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 141-42, 107 S.Ct. 2287; see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e) & (f), 416.920(e) & (f). If the Commissioner meets its burden and proves that the claimant is able to perform other work which exists in the national economy, he is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1566, 416.966.
The court may set aside the Commissioner's denial of benefits only when the Commissioner's findings are based on
Plaintiff contends that the ALJ made several errors: (1) failing to fully develop the record; (2) failing to properly consider all medical evidence, including treating and examining doctors; (3) failing to make complete findings at step 2; (4) failing to consider certain impairments when considering the listed impairments at step 3; (5) formulating an incomplete RFC; and (6) formulating an incomplete hypothetical to the VE.
In her opening memorandum, plaintiff notes that ALJ Kingery cited the previously unfavorable decision by ALJ Stewart, and commented on the res judicata effect of that unfavorable decision based on Chavez.
Plaintiff complains that none of the record pertaining to the first decision was made part of the record in this case. She contends that to comply with due process, defendant needed to produce the entire record compiled as part of the previous decision. Plaintiff argues that the failure of the ALJ to ensure that all pertinent records were part of the file, and the failure of the Appeals Council to ensure that these records were made available for the appeal to this Court, violated the duty to fully and fairly develop the record.
In response to plaintiff's argument contained in plaintiff's opening memorandum, defendant obtained the complete record from the prior unfavorable determination and provided it to plaintiff. I allowed plaintiff time to review that record and file a supplemental opening memorandum. While it is not entirely clear who should have provided the record to plaintiff or her counsel, and when, any error is harmless because plaintiff has now had full access to all the evidence cited and relied on by ALJ Kingery and has had the opportunity to supplement her legal arguments here.
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred by failing to even mention the April 30, 2004 evaluation by Dr. Balsamo, and the information contained in Dr. Dominy's September 17, 2004 letter. Defendant argues that the ALJ was not required to discuss Dr. Dominy's letter because it was not probative or relevant evidence. Defendant further argues that the ALJ was not required to specifically discuss Dr. Balsamo's opinion because her careful consideration of the record was sufficient.
For an ALJ
Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1211, 1216 (9th Cir.2005) (citation omitted).
Defendant argues that the ALJ did not err in failing to specifically discuss Dr. Dominy's September 14, 2004 letter to the Agency because in that letter, Dr. Dominy admits that she had not seen plaintiff since February 2003, predating ALJ Stewart's decision by over one year. Additionally, defendant notes that the record reflects that defendant's attempt to obtain updated medical records from Linn County Mental Health was met with a response indicating that there were no records for the period beginning June 2004 through October 2004. Tr. 220-21. Defendant also notes that a review of all of the records plaintiff has submitted from Linn County Mental Health indicates that Dr. Dominy saw plaintiff only one time, on May 23, 2001. Tr. 612.
In Vincent v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1393, 1394-95 (9th Cir.1984), the Ninth Circuit explained that while the Commissioner must "make fairly detailed findings in support of administrative decisions to permit courts to review those decisions intelligently," the Commissioner "need not discuss all evidence presented[.]" Id. The Commissioner must explain why "significant, probative evidence has been rejected," and must explain why uncontroverted medical evidence is rejected. Id. at 1395.
Here, Dr. Dominy's opinion regarding plaintiff's mental status is controverted by other medical evidence in the record, including Dr. Vandiver's, Dr. Rethinger's, and Dr. Henry's reports. Additionally, because Dr. Dominy had not seen plaintiff for more than three years before writing the letter, and more importantly, had not seen him at all during the period under review, the evidence from Dr. Dominy was not significant or probative. Under Vincent, the ALJ was not required to discuss Dr. Dominy's letter. Id. at 1395 (ALJ did not err in not mentioning letter by psychiatrist when it was controverted and offered an "after-the-fact" diagnosis).
Defendant argues that ALJ Kingery "properly rejected Dr. Balsamo's opinion by preferring the opinions of Dr. Higgins-Lee, Gale Smolen, M.D., and Robert Henry, Ph.D." Deft's Mem. at p. 7. First, defendant notes that ALJ Kingery engaged in a "careful consideration of the entire record" and included a summary of evidence as well as her interpretation of the evidence. Id. Defendant specifically refers to ALJ Kingery's "explicit[] endorse[ment] of Dr. Higgins-Lee's extensive evaluation in 2001, as well as Dr. Higgins-Lee's suspicion that plaintiff was malingering. Deft's Mem. at p. 8. The problem with this argument, however, is that ALJ Kingery herself never discusses Dr. Higgins-Lee's evaluation. Rather, ALJ Kingery's decision quotes portions of ALJ Stewart's opinion regarding Dr. Higgins-Lee's evaluation.
As discussed above in the section detailing the ALJ's decision, ALJ Kingery's citations to, and quotes from, ALJ Stewart's opinion is not at all clear. ALJ Kingery makes no express statement that she finds any of ALJ Stewart's findings preclusive and controlling and, given that ALJ Kingery herself made a finding of Chavez changed circumstances and then did her own credibility analysis, it appears that
Next, defendant argues that the "ALJ also properly gave more weight to the opinion[ ] of State agency psychologist, Dr. Henry, `who had a more complete record from which to draw his conclusions.'" Id. (quoting ALJ Kingery decision at Tr. 24). Here, the problem is that the ALJ's endorsement of Dr. Henry's opinion because he had a "more complete record from which to draw his conclusions" came in the context of her discussion of why she adopted Dr. Henry's opinion over that of Dr. Rethinger. Tr. 24. This endorsement of Dr. Henry's opinion makes no mention of Dr. Balsamo's opinion and offers no reason why she accepts the opinion of non-examining Dr. Henry over examining Dr. Balsamo.
Third, defendant makes the same argument regarding Dr. Smolen. Deft's Mem. at pp. 8-9. That is, defendant argues that the ALJ credited Dr. Smolen's opinion over Dr. Balsamo's as evidenced by the ALJ's discussion of Dr. Smolen's November 12, 2004 evaluation. Defendant spends an entire page discussing the contents of Dr. Smolen's report in an effort to show why it is entitled to more weight than Dr. Balsamo's report. Deft's Mem. at p. 9. But, that is precisely what ALJ Kingery should have done and did not do. This type of analysis is ALJ Kingery's job, not defense counsel's job.
ALJ Kingery mentions Dr. Smolen's report a single time in her twelve-page decision. Tr. 23. She noted Dr. Smolen's assessment of plaintiff's impairments, including the strong possibility of malingering, and her assessment of plaintiff's limitations. Id. There is no discussion whatsoever of why Dr. Smolen's report is to be credited over that of Dr. Balsamo.
The ALJ, although entitled to disagree with Dr. Balsamo's report and to reject it for specific, legitimate reasons in the record, is not entitled to simply disregard it. Unlike Dr. Dominy's letter, Dr. Balsamo's evaluation of plaintiff occurred during the alleged disability period under review and thus, it is relevant and probative. Because it is probative, the ALJ must offer specific and legitimate reasons to reject it. While there may be specific and legitimate reasons supported by substantial evidence in the record to support a rejection of Dr. Balsamo's opinion, it is the ALJ who must engage in this discussion, not defense counsel, and not this Court. It was error for ALJ Kingery to ignore Dr. Balsamo's report. Flores v. Shalala, 49 F.3d 562, 571 (9th Cir.1995) (Secretary may not reject significant probative evidence without explanation).
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred at steps two and three of the sequential analysis because she failed to consider any of Dr. Balsamo's evaluation, or the information in Dr. Dominy's letter, in determining plaintiff's severe impairments and the listings. For the reasons explained above, there is no error regarding Dr. Dominy's letter.
Step two of the five-step sequential analysis "consists of determining whether a claimant has a `medically severe impairment or combination of impairments.'" Vasquez v. Astrue, 572 F.3d 586, 594 (9th Cir.2009) (quoting Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 140-41, 107 S.Ct. 2287). A severe impairment is one that limits a plaintiff's ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). "An impairment. . . may be found not severe only if the evidence establishes a slight
Plaintiff argues that ALJ Kingery's step two evaluation, in which she found that plaintiff had the combined severe impairments of a personalty disorder, a substance abuse disorder, and a drug-induced mood disorder, is incomplete because, having completely ignored Dr. Balsamo's report, she failed to include his assessed impairments of Bi-polar II Disorder and Cognitive Disorder NOS, and failed to mention his opinion that plaintiff would likely never be able to maintain gainful employment and may pose a danger to others in a structured work setting. I agree that the ALJ's error in not mentioning Dr. Balsamo's report at any time in her opinion, is an error at step two.
A step two error may be harmless if the ALJ accounts for the impairment later in the sequential evaluation process. Lewis v. Astrue, 498 F.3d 909, 911 (9th Cir.2007) (step two error harmless because ALJ considered limitations at step four). ALJ Kingery discussed plaintiff's bipolar disorder in her opinion. Tr. 26. She noted that at the hearing, when plaintiff testified that he had panic attacks, agoraphobia, sleep apnea, and bipolar disorder, she pointed out to plaintiff that the "file evidence does not support many of these diagnoses." Tr. 26. She further noted that in response, plaintiff stated that eight years previously, a doctor had told him he had bipolar disorder. Tr. 26. ALJ Kingery also noted that while plaintiff was invited to submit medical records after the hearing to support these claims, he did not. While not exceptionally well-articulated, I understand ALJ Kingery's discussion here to be a rejection of plaintiff's testimony regarding these alleged impairments because of a lack of supporting medical evidence.
Because ALJ Kingery rejected plaintiff's testimony regarding his bipolar disorder, it could be argued that her failure to discuss Dr. Balsamo's assessed impairments in her step two analysis was harmless error. That is, if the ALJ subsequently properly found that bipolar disorder was not an impairment, there is no harm arising from her failure to discuss it at step two. The problem, however, is that in this case, the ALJ rejected plaintiff's testimony regarding bipolar disorder because, she said, there was no "file evidence" to support his testimony. But, Dr. Balsamo's report, which was in "the file" concludes that plaintiff suffers from "Bi-polar Disorder II." While there may be legitimate reasons to disregard that opinion, the ALJ did not offer any in her decision. Therefore, I cannot say that her step two error was harmless.
Additionally, the ALJ's RFC does not appear to include any limitations ascribable to Dr. Balsamo's assessed impairments of bipolar disorder or a cognitive disorder. Although ALJ Kingery did limit plaintiff to no public interaction and to no complex skills, there is no discussion in her opinion that these limitations relate to bipolar disorder or cognitive impairments and thus, I cannot say that the step two error is harmless.
At step three, the ALJ determines whether a claimant's impairment meets or equals "one of a number of listed impairments that the Secretary acknowledges are so severe as to preclude substantial gainful activity." Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 141, 107 S.Ct. 2287. While ALJ Kingery discussed several possible listed impairments for mental disorders, plaintiff argues that the ALJ's failure to discuss Dr. Balsamo's
Listed Impairment 12.05 addresses mental retardation. As explained in the regulation:
20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1. The regulation then sets forth four separate ways to establish the required severity, including "C," relied on by plaintiff, which provides: "A valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70 and a physical or other mental impairment imposing an additional and significant work-related limitation of function[.]" Id.
Plaintiff argues that because Dr. Balsamo tested plaintiff's full scale IQ at 66, the ALJ, had she discussed Dr. Balsamo's report, should have found that plaintiff met the requirements for Listed Impairment 12.05C. Defendant notes that plaintiff never mentioned mental retardation as a disabling condition in the disability report filed with the current SSI application. Tr. 106. More importantly, defendant argues that there is no evidence in the record to show that plaintiff's mental retardation, if any, was apparent before age 22.
To qualify as presumptively disabled under § 12.05, the claimant must "satisf[y] the diagnostic description in the introductory paragraph [§ 12.05] and any one of the four sets of criteria [outlined in paragraphs A, B, C, or D]." 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, § 12.00(A) (noting that § 12.05 is an exception to the general rule of applying the "paragraph B criteria" to claims of mental disorder under § 12.00). Thus, it is not enough to show that at the time Dr. Balsamo evaluated plaintiff, he may have had a full scale IQ of 66. Here, any error by the ALJ in failing to discuss Dr. Balsamo's opinion in evaluating whether plaintiff met the requirements for Listed Impairment 12.05C, is harmless because even if Dr. Balsamo's opinion is credited as true, it does not establish any cognitive impairment for any time period other than the time of evaluation, when plaintiff was thirty-nine years old.
Plaintiff contends that ALJ Kingery erred by failing to include limitations assessed by Dr. Rethinger into the RFC. Plaintiff argues that while ALJ Kingery rejected the portion of Dr. Rethinger's opinion suggesting that plaintiff was disabled, with DA & A material to that disability, Tr. 25, she never addressed certain limitations.
Specifically, plaintiff points to Dr. Rethinger's July 14, 2004 mental RFC evaluation finding plaintiff moderately limited in his ability to sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision, and in his ability to get along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes. Tr. 198-99.
Additionally, plaintiff points to Dr. Rethinger's assessment in his July 14, 2004 PRTF, that even exclusive of his DA & A, plaintiff was moderately limited in maintaining concentration, persistence, and pace. Tr. 212. As to this particular limitation, plaintiff argues that the ALJ's restriction to work that is not "complex," does not adequately account for this limitation.
While the ALJ did not specifically refer to Dr. Rethinger's limitations in the abilities to sustain an ordinary routine and to get along with coworkers or peers, she did discuss several other of Dr. Rethinger's limitations and specifically stated that she
Nonetheless, given the ALJ's failure to discuss Dr. Balsamo's report, the RFC and the hypothetical presented to the VE may well be incomplete. Thus, upon remand, the ALJ must determine what weight, if any, to give to Dr. Balsamo's report, and not only consider it at step two, but also in determining plaintiff's RFC, which forms the basis of the hypothetical to the VE. The ALJ may credit the opinion of a non-examining practitioner like Dr. Henry, over an examining practitioner like Dr. Balsamo, only by giving "specific and legitimate reasons that are supported by substantial evidence in the record." Moore v. Commissioner, 278 F.3d 920, 924 (9th Cir. 2002) (ALJ may reject an opinion of an examining physician, if contradicted by a non-examining physician, as long as the ALJ gives specific and legitimate reasons supported by substantial evidence).
Plaintiff argues that this case should be remanded for a determination of benefits. The decision whether to remand for further proceedings or for immediate payment of benefits is within the discretion of the court. Harman v. Apfel, 211 F.3d 1172, 1178 (9th Cir.2000). The issue turns on the utility of further proceedings. A remand for an award of benefits is appropriate when no useful purpose would be served by further administrative proceedings or when the record has been fully developed and the evidence is insufficient to support the Commissioner's decision. Rodriguez v. Bowen, 876 F.2d 759, 763 (9th Cir.1989).
Under the "crediting as true" doctrine, evidence should be credited and an immediate award of benefits directed where "`(1) the ALJ has failed to provide legally sufficient reasons for rejecting such evidence, (2) there are no outstanding issues that must be resolved before a determination of disability can be made, and (3) it is clear from the record that the ALJ would be required to find the claimant disabled were such evidence credited.'" Harman, 211 F.3d at 1178 (quoting Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1292 (9th Cir.1996)). The "crediting as true" doctrine is not a mandatory rule in the Ninth Circuit, but leaves the court flexibility in determining whether to enter an award of benefits upon reversing the Commissioner's decision. Connett v. Barnhart, 340 F.3d 871, 876 (9th Cir.2003) (citing Dodrill v. Shalala, 12 F.3d 915, 919 (9th Cir.1993)); Nguyen v. Chater, 100 F.3d 1462, 1466-67 (9th Cir.1996); Bunnell v. Sullivan, 947 F.2d 341, 348 (9th Cir.1991).
I do not find remanding for an award of benefits appropriate in a case such as this where the ALJ failed to even consider an examining physician's report. The ALJ is the factfinder and the appropriate adjudicator to sift through and weigh all of the evidence of record in the first instance. Additionally, in this case, the ALJ's opinion needs clarification. It remains unclear if she gave res judicata effect to ALJ Stewart's prior findings. It is also unclear how the ALJ applied Chavez given that
The Commissioner's decision is reversed and the case is remanded for additional proceedings.
There are two problems with the following sentence. First, she states that "[s]ubsequent examination by mental health specialists, including evaluation by non-examining psychologist Henry, . . ." How can a non-examining practitioner be included as one of the mental health specialists who examined a claimant? Second, she states, essentially, that subsequent examination by specialists, including Henry, support Henry's lesser restrictions. Relying on Henry's "examination" to support Henry's restrictions is circular reasoning.
Finally, I do not understand what ALJ Kingery meant when she said that "[t]hese findings" are consistent with her following RFC. I do not understand which "findings" she refers to, and I do not understand how findings at step three are consistent with a later developed RFC.
