ORDER

MICHELLE H. BURNS, Magistrate Judge.

Pending before the Court is Plaintiff Nicholas Rose's appeal from the Social Security Administration's final decision to deny his claim for disability insurance benefits. After reviewing the administrative record and the arguments of the parties, the Court now issues the following ruling.

I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On November 6, 2013, Plaintiff filed an application for disability insurance benefits alleging disability beginning August 1, 2013. (Transcript of Administrative Record ("Tr.") at 11, 134-35.) His application was denied initially and on reconsideration. (Tr. at 11, 58-77.) Thereafter, Plaintiff requested a hearing before an administrative law judge. (Tr. at 11, 91-92.) A hearing was held on July 8, 2015, (Tr. at 11, 24-57), and the ALJ issued a decision finding that Plaintiff was not disabled (Tr. at 8-23). The Appeals Council denied Plaintiff's request for review (Tr. at 1-7), making the ALJ's decision the final decision of the Commissioner. Plaintiff then sought judicial review of the ALJ's decision pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

The Court must affirm the ALJ's findings if the findings are supported by substantial evidence and are free from reversible legal error. See Reddick v. Chater, 157 F.3d 715, 720 (9th Cir. 1998); Marcia v. Sullivan, 900 F.2d 172, 174 (9th Cir. 1990). Substantial evidence means "more than a mere scintilla" and "such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971); see Reddick, 157 F.3d at 720.

In determining whether substantial evidence supports a decision, the Court considers the administrative record as a whole, weighing both the evidence that supports and the evidence that detracts from the ALJ's conclusion. See Reddick, 157 F.3d at 720. "The ALJ is responsible for determining credibility, resolving conflicts in medical testimony, and for resolving ambiguities." Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 1995); see Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir. 1989). "If the evidence can reasonably support either affirming or reversing the [Commissioner's] conclusion, the court may not substitute its judgment for that of the [Commissioner]." Reddick, 157 F.3d at 720-21.

III. THE ALJ'S FINDINGS

In order to be eligible for disability or social security benefits, a claimant must demonstrate an "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or 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). An ALJ determines a claimant's eligibility for benefits by following a five-step sequential evaluation:

See Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-42 (1987) (citing 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920). At the fifth stage, the burden of proof shifts to the Commissioner to show that the claimant can perform other substantial gainful work. See Penny v. Sullivan, 2 F.3d 953, 956 (9th Cir. 1993).

At step one, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity during the period from his alleged onset date of August 1, 2013, through his date last insured of December 31, 2014. (Tr. at 13.) At step two, she found that Plaintiff had the following severe impairments: history of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and attention deficit/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (Tr. at 13-14.) At step three, the ALJ stated that through the date last insured, Plaintiff did not have an impairment or combination of impairments that met or medically equaled an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 of the Commissioner's regulations. (Tr. at 14-15.) After consideration of the entire record, the ALJ found that, through the date last insured, Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity "to perform a full range of work at all exertional levels but with the following nonexertional limitations: the claimant could have not public contact and was limited to performing simple, routine and repetitive work tasks involving simple work-related decisions and simple instructions. He could have occasional contact with coworkers and supervisors. The claimant was unable to do fast paced production rate work, but he was able to perform goal oriented work that allows for some variability in work pace."1 (Tr. at 15-18.) The ALJ found that Plaintiff has no past relevant work, but, considering his age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform. (Tr. at 18-19.) Thus, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff "was not under a disability . . . from August 1, 2013, the alleged onset date, through December 31, 2014, the date last insured . . . ." (Tr. at 19.)

IV. DISCUSSION

In his brief, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred by: (1) failing to properly weigh medical source opinion evidence; (2) failing to provide valid reasons for discounting the opinions from the Department of Veteran Affairs ("VA"); and (3) failing to make a proper finding at step five of the sequential evaluation process.

A. Medical Source Opinion Evidence

Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred by failing to properly weigh medical source opinion evidence. Specifically, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ failed to give appropriate weight to Mary Oakley, Psy.D., and Daniel Schulte, Ph.D.

"The ALJ is responsible for resolving conflicts in the medical record." Carmickle v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 533 F.3d at 1164. Such conflicts may arise between a treating physician's medical opinion and other evidence in the claimant's record. In weighing medical source opinions in Social Security cases, the Ninth Circuit distinguishes among three types of physicians: (1) treating physicians, who actually treat the claimant; (2) examining physicians, who examine but do not treat the claimant; and (3) non-examining physicians, who neither treat nor examine the claimant. See Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir. 1995). The Ninth Circuit has held that a treating physician's opinion is entitled to "substantial weight." Bray v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 554 F.3d 1219, 1228 (9th Cir. 2009) (quoting Embrey v. Bowen, 849 F.2d 418, 422 (9th Cir. 1988)). A treating physician's opinion is given controlling weight when it is "well-supported by medically accepted clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the claimant's] case record." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2). On the other hand, if a treating physician's opinion "is not well-supported" or "is inconsistent with other substantial evidence in the record," then it should not be given controlling weight. Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 624, 631 (9th Cir. 2007).

If a treating physician's opinion is not contradicted by the opinion of another physician, then the ALJ may discount the treating physician's opinion only for "clear and convincing" reasons. See Carmickle, 533 F.3d at 1164 (quoting Lester, 81 F.3d at 830). If a treating physician's opinion is contradicted by another physician's opinion, then the ALJ may reject the treating physician's opinion if there are "specific and legitimate reasons that are supported by substantial evidence in the record." Id. (quoting Lester, 81 F.3d at 830).

Since Drs. Oakley and Schulte were contradicted by other objective medical evidence of record, the specific and legitimate standard applies.

Historically, the courts have recognized the following as specific, legitimate reasons for disregarding a treating or examining physician's opinion: conflicting medical evidence; the absence of regular medical treatment during the alleged period of disability; the lack of medical support for doctors' reports based substantially on a claimant's subjective complaints of pain; and medical opinions that are brief, conclusory, and inadequately supported by medical evidence. See, e.g., Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1211, 1216 (9th Cir. 2005); Flaten v. Secretary of Health and Human Servs., 44 F.3d 1453, 1463-64 (9th Cir. 1995); Fair v. Bowen, 885 F.2d 597, 604 (9th Cir. 1989).

In her consideration of the objective medical evidence, the ALJ first addressed the opinion of Plaintiff's treating psychologist, Dr. Oakley. According to the record, Plaintiff presented for evaluation to Dr. Oakley on July 3, 2013. He had a GAF of 55, and he reported anxiety and depression. He was diagnosed with anxiety, rule out ADHD, and borderline personality disorder. (Tr. at 389.) On September 12, 2013, Plaintiff presented for a follow-up to Dr. Oakley. His GAF was 50 or below, and his prognosis was guarded with significant anxiety and struggling with his identity. (Tr. at 385.) On February 11, 2014, Plaintiff's GAF was 45, and he reported anxiety triggered by "anything and everything." (Tr. at 384.) Dr. Oakley evaluated Plaintiff again on March 3, 2014. He had a GAF of 45, and did not feel ready to resume classes or employment. (Tr. at 383.) On May 6, 2014 and August 27, 2014, Plaintiff's GAF was 50. He expressed frustration with the VA and trying to cope with anxiety. (Tr. at 381-82.) On November 13, 2014, Plaintiff reported that he dropped his courses as it proved to be too much for him. He was frustrated with instructor and felt he did not get the help he needed. His anxiety was very high, but his medication was decreased as he reported medical marijuana helps with his symptoms. (Tr. at 380.)

On January 7, 2015, Dr. Oakley authored a letter on Plaintiff's behalf. The letter discussed the diagnosis of major depression disorder and generalized anxiety disorder with traits of ADHD. Dr. Oakley described Plaintiff's history of enrolling in classes stating that although he is intelligent enough to do the work, even minor stressors are insurmountable and force him to withdraw. Dr. Oakley stated that Plaintiff's symptoms began in January 2010, subsequent to his military service, and that one of his major stressors is dealing with the VA and his financial situation. (Tr. at 390.)

Dr. Oakley completed a Mental Residual Functional Capacity Statement and reported Plaintiff's highest GAF in the last year was approximately 50. (Tr. at 392.) In nearly every category of Understanding and Memory, Sustained Concentration, Social Interaction and Adaptation, Dr. Oakley stated that Plaintiff is estimated to have impairment that will preclude performance ten to fifteen percent of an eight hour workday. It is estimated that Plaintiff would be "off task" more than thirty percent of the time, and absenteeism is estimated more than five days per week. (Tr. at 393-94.) Dr. Oakley also completed a therapy session with Plaintiff the same day and the session is consistent with her authored letter. (Tr. at 395.)

The ALJ gave partial weight to the medical opinions of Dr. Oakley stating that she has essentially performed the role of treating "counselor" with significant gaps in treatment. The ALJ found that much of Dr. Oakley's opinions are based on Plaintiff's subjective reports of symptoms and functional limitations. Moreover, Dr. Oakley opined that the conclusion that Plaintiff cannot sustain any work is inconsistent with other opinion evidence of record. The ALJ found it significant that Plaintiff reported that if the issue of obtaining benefits could be resolved he would be more likely better able to deal with his symptoms and receive relief. The ALJ also noted that Plaintiff had been receiving benefits from the Veteran's Administration since July 2013, and that he had managed his symptoms without medication for significant time periods. The ALJ concluded, "the undersigned is unable to find the claimant more limited than found in this decision based on the information provided by Dr. Oakley."

Next, the ALJ evaluated the opinion of Dr. Schulte. On February 13, 2014, Plaintiff was evaluated for a consultative exam by Dr. Schulte. Plaintiff reported his inability to function in a work environment related to his anxiety accompanied by decreased appetite and insomnia, all which significantly reduced his concentration and motivation. He reported acute anxiety episodes at least once daily accompanied by increased heart rate, nausea, and sweaty hands. He also reported occasional suicidal ideation. (Tr. at 359.) He was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and had a GAF of 52. His prognosis for improvement of symptoms was poor. As far as work capability, Dr. Schulte noted that although psychological factors would not prevent Plaintiff from being able to function entirely in a work environment, it would require flexible work requirements and limited social engagement. (Tr. at 363.) On the medical source statement, Dr. Schulte opined that Plaintiff's understanding and memory would not be impaired although his symptoms would periodically impair his ability to sustain concentration and persistence, limiting his ability to carry out instructions. Dr. Schulte stated that appropriate social interactions in work settings would be significantly impaired as well as limitations in ability to respond to appropriate changes in the work setting, maintaining awareness of normal hazards, and taking appropriate action. (Tr. at 364.)

The ALJ gave the opinions Dr. Schulte "some weight." Specifically, the ALJ stated that Dr. Schulte recognized the symptoms of Plaintiff's anxiety disorder, which require that Plaintiff has "somewhat flexible work requirements," including the need for limited social contact in the work place. However, the ALJ found that Dr. Schulte also noted that the claimant "demonstrated no significant impairment in his ability to understand and remember simple instructions, detailed instructions and work like procedure."

Lastly, the ALJ addressed the opinions of the state agency medical consultants. In February 2014, state agency psychologist, Eugene Campbell, Ph.D., reviewed the medical record, including approximately 25 mental health appointments between January 2011 and July 2011, as well as the consultative psychologist's examination. (Tr. at 63-64.) Dr. Campbell concluded Plaintiff did not even have a severe mental impairment. (Tr. at 64.) In November 2014, state agency psychologist, Raymond Novak, M.D., reviewed the record and concurred with Dr. Campbell's opinion. (Tr. at 72-73.) The ALJ stated: "the undersigned assigns partial weight to the medical opinions of the state agency medical consultants' opinions found within exhibits 2A and 3A. The two psychological consultants determined the claimant had an anxiety disorder and believed the claimant's alleged mental impairments were not severe. The undersigned does not agree that the claimant's only mental impairment is a non-severe anxiety disorder. The totality of the evidence shows the claimant has multiple mental impairments, which are severe. However, the undersigned agrees with the conclusion of the consultants that the claimant has not met his burden to proof in order to establish disability."

The Court finds that the ALJ properly weighed the medical source opinion evidence related to Plaintiff's alleged impairments, and gave specific and legitimate reasons, based on substantial evidence in the record to support her findings. The ALJ properly discredited the opinions of Drs. Oakley and Schulte due to inconsistencies with Plaintiff's medical evidence as a whole. The ALJ also reasoned that said opinions lacked supporting clinical findings, and were primarily based on Plaintiff's self-reports. See, e.g., Morgan v. Comm'r Soc. Sec. Admin., 169 F.3d 595, 602 (9th Cir. 1999) (citing Fair, 885 F.2d at 605) (An ALJ may reject a treating physician's opinion if it is based "to a large extent" on a claimant's self-reports that have been properly discounted as incredible.); Tommasetti v. Astrue, 533 F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir. 2008) (incongruity between treating doctor's questionnaire responses and her medical records provided a specific and legitimate reason for rejecting the doctor's opinion of claimant's limitations); Connett v. Barnhart, 340 F.3d 871, 875 (9th Cir. 2003) ("We hold that the ALJ properly found that [the physician's] extensive conclusions regarding [the claimant's] limitations are not supported by his own treatment notes. Nowhere do his notes indicate reasons why [the physician would limit the claimant to a particular level of exertion]."); Tonapetyan v. Halter, 242 F.3d 1144, 1149 (9th Cir. 2001) (holding that the ALJ properly rejected a physician's testimony because "it was unsupported by rationale or treatment notes, and offered no objective medical findings to support the existence of [the claimant's] alleged conditions"); Batson v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 359 F.3d 1190, 1195 (9th Cir. 2004) (ALJ may discredit treating physicians' opinions that are conclusory, brief, and unsupported by the record as a whole, or by objective medical findings); Molina v. Astrue, 674 F.3d 1104, 1111 (9th Cir. 2012) ("We have held that the ALJ may permissibly reject check-off reports that do not contain any explanation of the bases of their conclusions.").

Therefore, the Court finds no error.

B. The VA's Disability Rating

Plaintiff next contends that the ALJ erred by failing to provide valid reasons for discounting the opinions from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The ALJ "must ordinarily give great weight to a VA determination of disability." McCartey v. Massanari, 298 F.3d 1072, 1076 (9th Cir. 2002). Less weight may be afforded to such a determination only by providing "persuasive, specific, valid reasons for doing so that are supported by the record." Id.

According to the record, Plaintiff received a 100% disability rating from the VA with "total occupational and social impairment." The evaluation discusses major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder documenting "feeling sad, isolating, lack for motivation, irritability, guilt, trouble sleeping." The anxiety is described as "significant worry, variety of triggers, sweaty hands, increased heart rate, mind goes blank." The VA agrees that "both occupational and social impairment are caused by both anxiety and depression" and establishes that the Global Assessment of Functioning is between 45 to 50.

The ALJ's entire discussion of the VA's disability rating is as follows:

The Court finds that the ALJ's discussion of the VA disability rating was insufficient. The ALJ first gives "no weight" to the VA's 100% disability rating stating that the disability award documented in these letters is not supported by any explanation of the evidence. However, as Plaintiff states in his brief, the VA cited to a previous mental disorder disability benefits questionnaire and the service treatment record. Further, Plaintiff states that the VA file as a whole is full of mental health treatment for anxiety and depression citing to Tr. 248, 259, 260, 262, 275, 277, 284, 290, 293, 309, 313, 315, 317, 322, and 323.

Then, although the ALJ purported to have read and considered the VA's disability determination, the ALJ dismisses Plaintiff's "total occupational and social impairment" caused by anxiety and depression — by simply stating that "depression and anxiety interfere with the claimant's occupational and educational goals." Finally, the ALJ states for "reasons previously discussed," she gives "little weight" to the unknown evaluator. The ALJ completely fails to specify which "reasons previously discussed" apply to the VA's 100% disability rating.

Thus, the ALJ erred by failing to articulate any persuasive, specific, and valid reasons for rejecting the VA's disability rating. Furthermore, the error was not harmless because the ALJ's rejection of the VA disability rating was not "inconsequential to the ultimate nondisability determination." Molina, 674 F.3d at 1121-22.

In light of the fact that the Court finds that the ALJ erred by failing to articulate any persuasive, specific, and valid reasons for rejecting the VA's disability rating, the Court declines to reach Plaintiff's remaining argument regarding the ALJ's step five analysis. The Court will order that the decision of the ALJ be vacated and the case be remanded.

"[R]emand for further proceedings is appropriate where there are outstanding issues that must be resolved before a determination can be made, and it is not clear from the record that the ALJ would be required to find claimant disabled if all the evidence were properly evaluated." Hill v. Astrue, 698 F.3d 1153, 1162 (9th Cir. 2012) (citing Vasquez v. Astrue, 572 F.3d 586, 593 (9th Cir. 2009)). "[T]he proper course, except in rare circumstances, is remand to the agency for additional investigation or explanation." INS v. Ventura, 537 U.S. 12, 16 (2002) (per curiam). The Ninth Circuit has held that when "additional proceedings can remedy defects in the original administrative proceeding, a social security case should be remanded." Marcia, 900 F.2d at 176 (remanding "to the Secretary for proper consideration of step three equivalence"). Here, the record contains an unresolved issue regarding the ALJ's proper determination of the VA's disability rating that make an award of benefits inappropriate and require further evaluation on remand. While a VA disability rating ordinarily is entitled to great weight, it "does not necessarily compel the SSA to reach an identical result," and it is not clear that social security disability benefits must be awarded in this case. See Hiler v. Astrue, 687 F.3d 1208, 1211-12 (9th Cir. 2012) (holding that a remand for further administrative proceedings is appropriate where the ALJ deviated from the claimant's VA disability ratings and gave no reason for dong so). On remand, the ALJ shall develop the record as needed and issue a new decision containing appropriate findings.

V. CONCLUSION

For the reasons discussed in this Order, the Commissioner's decision will be vacated and this matter will be remanded for further administrative proceedings consistent with this Order.

Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED that the Commissioner's decision is VACATED and this matter is REMANDED to the Commissioner for further administrative proceedings as set forth in this Order;

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED directing the Clerk of the Court to enter judgment accordingly.