PER CURIAM:
Paula Felton-Miller appeals the district court's order affirming the Commissioner of Social Security's denial of her application for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income. We must uphold the decision to deny benefits if the decision is supported by substantial evidence and the correct law was applied. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) (2006);
Felton-Miller "bears the burden of proving that [s]he is disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act."
Felton-Miller contends that the ALJ did not properly analyze her subjective complaints of pain. Relying on our decision in
"[T]he determination of whether a person is disabled by pain or other symptoms is a two-step process."
Felton-Miller contends the ALJ's reasons for discrediting her subjective complaints at step two of the pain analysis were inaccurate and insubstantial. First, the ALJ found that Felton-Miller's sarcoidosis has been well controlled with various medication regimens. Felton-Miller asserts that this statement is at odds with a treatment note that her symptoms were not well controlled with prednisone and subsequent notes that she stopped taking Plaquenil and methotrexate. However, we conclude that substantial evidence supports the ALJ's conclusion because the record shows that, although Felton-Miller's medication occasionally required adjustment, her symptoms were successfully controlled at various times.
Second, Felton-Miller contends that the ALJ's reliance on the absence of clinical signs of persistent joint inflammation, joint deformity, or limitation of joint motion is erroneous. She argues that sarcoidosis is a disease that, by definition, primarily involves a kind of inflammation, that she at times presented and was assessed with joint problems, and that she was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, medical conditions alone do not entitle a claimant to disability benefits; "[t]here must be a showing of related functional loss."
Third, Felton-Miller asserts that the ALJ erroneously relied on an irrelevant finding that her carpal tunnel syndrome was mild. We conclude that no such error occurred. In evaluating symptoms, including pain, an ALJ is to "consider all of the evidence presented." 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(3), 416.929(c)(3) (2011). Consideration of the limiting effects of Felton-Miller's carpal tunnel syndrome led the ALJ to a residual functional capacity ("RFC") assessment precluding her from performing tasks requiring the constant use of her hands.
Fourth, the ALJ concluded that Felton-Miller's degenerative disc disease was mild. Felton-Miller asserts that this finding is not supported by substantial evidence because treatment notes indicate that she has a history of severe degenerative disc and joint disease. However, the ALJ reviewed the records Felton-Miller cites in addition to evidence that Felton-Miller enjoyed full strength, had no neurological deficits indicating nerve root compression, and had normal motor nerve function with no evidence of cervical myopathy. Additionally, contrary to Felton-Miller's assertions, the ALJ's finding that Felton-Miller's degenerative disc disorder was a severe impairment at step two of the sequential evaluation does not contradict the ALJ's conclusion that the disorder's impact on her functioning was mild. Step two of the sequential evaluation is a threshold question with a de minimis severity requirement.
Fifth, Felton-Miller argues that the ALJ erroneously rejected her pain testimony on the ground that she has not required aggressive measures for pain relief such as ongoing use of steroid medication. Felton-Miller has waived review of this issue by failing to raise it below.
Turning to Felton-Miller's argument that the ALJ's RFC finding is not supported by substantial evidence because the ALJ is a layman and did not obtain an expert medical opinion, we conclude this argument is without merit.
Felton-Miller also argues that the ALJ did not make a valid mental RFC assessment because he did not apply the proper standards. In evaluating mental impairments, the ALJ employs a specific technique that considers four functional areas essential to the ability to work: activities of daily living; ability to maintain social functioning; concentration, persistence, and pace in performing activities; and deterioration or decompensation in work or work-like settings (Psychiatric Review Technique "PRT" findings). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520a, 416.920a (2011). The ALJ's decision must show the significant history and medical findings considered and must include a specific finding as to the degree of limitation in each of the four functional areas. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520a(e)(4), 416.920a(e)(4) (2011).
The ALJ concluded that Felton-Miller's depressive disorder was a severe impairment at step two of the sequential process without discussion of the special technique. At step three, the ALJ listed the four functional areas and analyzed the impact of Felton-Miller's depressive disorder on these areas. The decision discusses the medical records relevant to Felton-Miller's treatment for depression in assessing her mental RFC. We conclude that the ALJ assessed Felton-Miller's mental RFC in accordance with regulations.
Based on the foregoing, we find that substantial evidence supports the agency decision, and we affirm the judgment of the district court. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.