WILLIAM H. ORRICK, United States District Judge.
The parties have filed cross-motions for summary judgment in this Social Security appeal. Plaintiff Alonzo Phillips suffers from a variety of impairments and believes that the Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") erred in several respects. Substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision, however, and so the plaintiff's motion is DENIED and defendant's motion is GRANTED.
On May 14, 2010, Phillips filed an application for Supplemental Social Security Income ("SSI") under Title XVI of the Social Security Act. Administrative Record ("AR") 20. His application was denied initially and again on reconsideration. AR 77-81, 84-89. Phillips requested a hearing and appeared before an ALJ on August 3, 2011. AR 91, 111. During this hearing, the ALJ rescheduled the hearing date so Phillips could obtain representation. AR 72. Phillips retained an attorney and a second SSI hearing was held on November 2, 2011. A R. 127, 129. On November 15,
At the age of seven, Phillips suffered head trauma which resulted in loss of vision in his left eye. AR 220. When he applied for SSI in 2010, he indicated that he had been blind since January 1, 1975. AR 154. He suffers light sensitivity in his right eye and gets headaches. AR 220. His other ailments include a 2002 fracture in his right fibula and ankle which required pin stabilization. AR 42, 239. He also suffers from anxiety, particularly when he is around people. AR 41, 316.
Phillips's highest grade of school completed is 11th grade. AR 174. He has been incarcerated three times, for ten years, one year, and four months, respectively. AR 37-38, 251, 265. His only reported work was as a full-time cashier at Goodwill in 2000 and then as a full-time food service worker at University of California, Berkeley from 2000-2003. AR 179. He periodically lives with his sister-in-law and sometimes helps by doing house chores and watching her young grandchildren. AR 46-49. Phillips has also lived in homeless shelters, although he prefers not to live in a shelter because he has "a problem with too many people." AR 39.
Several medical professionals have reviewed Phillips physical impairments. On July 16, 2007, Dr. Kala Swamynathan, an examining physician, conducted an ophthalmological examination on Phillips and concluded that there was no light perception on Phillips's left eye and 20/20 vision in his right eye. AR 220, 222. Phillips's right eye had pigmentation of the bulbar conjunctiva, and cysts and concretions in the inferior palpebral conjunctiva. AR 220. On August 3, 2007, state agency consultative physician Dr. Eskander determined that Phillips has limited overall vision and should avoid work requiring "good depth perception" and commercial driving. AR 228-29. On September 16, 2010, Dr. Eskander completed another assessment and noted that Phillips's field of vision was unlimited, but again concluded that Phillips should not participate in work requiring good depth perception, or commercial driving. AR 272-73. Dr. Eskander also determined that Phillips has no exertional or postural limitations. AR 271-72. On February 15, 2011, Dr. Spitz, a consultative physician, completed a physical RFC assessment and determined that Phillips's RFC precludes work requiring "good depth perception" such as "driving, work at unprotected heights or with hazardous machinery" in light of his limited depth perception and limited field of vision. AR 296. Dr. Spitz also determined that Phillips has no other exertional limitations. AR. 290.
Medical professionals have also reviewed Phillips psychological impairments. On February 22, 2010, a team of mental health treatment members at the California Department of Corrections found that Phillips suffers from depression. AR 250.
On February 22, 2011, Dr. Harinder Auluck, an examining psychiatrist, completed an evaluation and concluded that "[Phillips's] ability to interact effectively with coworkers, supervisors and members of the public is clearly compromised because of his increased anxiety levels. His ability to maintain an eight-hour workday or forty-hour workweek, on consistent basis, is also compromised at the present time." AR 317. Phillips has "chemical diathesis for anxiety and depressive disorder" and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. AR 316. Furthermore, Phillips is "likely to experience difficulty dealing with changes in routine work setting based on his psychiatric and physical problems." AR 317. Dr. Auluck also concluded that Phillips "is able to understand, carry out and remember simple instructions." AR 317. Moreover, Phillips's "thought processes were coherent ... insight and judgment intact... intelligence is average...." AR 316. Also, Dr. Auluck determined that Phillips's GAF score is 55 which indicates "moderate symptoms (e.g., flat affect and circumstantial speech, occasional panic attacks) OR moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning (e.g., few friends, conflict with peers or coworkers)." AR 316; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 34 (4th ed.2000).
In evaluating Phillips's disability claim, the ALJ determined that Phillips has the following severe impairments: left eye blindness and depressive disorder. AR 22. The ALJ found no evidence to show that claimant's 2002 ankle injury or bulging left eye represents a severe impairment. AR 22, 42. At step three, the ALJ found that Phillips did not suffer from an impairment or combination of impairments that met or equaled one of the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. AR 23. With respect to his mental impairment ("paragraph B" criteria), the ALJ determined that "[i]n activities of daily living, claimant has mild restriction. In social functioning, claimant has mild difficulties. With regard to concentration, persistence or pace, claimant has moderate difficulties. As for episodes of decompensation, claimant has experienced no episodes of decompensation, which have been of extended duration." AR 23. The ALJ noted that "[t]he limitations identified in the `paragraph B' criteria are not a residual functional capacity assessment ... [t]he mental residual functional capacity assessment used at steps 4 and 5 of the sequential evaluation process requires a more detailed assessment...." AR 23.
At step four, the ALJ found that Phillips has the residual functional capacity
In light of these findings, the ALJ found that Phillips was not disabled and not entitled to SSI. AR 26-27.
A claimant is "disabled" as defined by the Social Security Act if: (1) "he is unable 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 twelve months," and (2) the impairment is "of such severity that he not only unable to do his previous work but cannot, considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy." 42 U.S.C. §§ 1382c(a)(3)(A)-(B); Hill v. Astrue, 698 F.3d 1153, 1159 (9th Cir.2012). To determine whether a claimant is disabled, an ALJ engages in a five-step sequential analysis as required under 20 C.F.R § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)-(v).
In the first two steps of the evaluation, the claimant must establish that he or she (1) is not performing substantial gainful activity, and (2) is under a "severe" impairment. Id. § 416.920(a)(4)(i)-(ii). An impairment must have lasted or be expected to last 12 months in order to be considered severe. Id. § 416.909. In the third step, the claimant must establish that his or her impairment meets or medically equals a listed impairment described in the administrative regulations. Id. § 416.920(a)(4)(iii). If the claimant's impairment does not meet or equal one of the listed impairments, before proceeding to the fourth step, the ALJ is to make a residual functional capacity determination based on all the evidence in the record; this determination is used to evaluate the claimant's work capacity for steps four and five. Id. § 416.920(e). In step four, the claimant must establish that his or her impairment prevents the claimant from performing relevant work he or she did in the past. Id. § 416.920(a)(4)(iv). The claimant bears the burden to prove steps one through four, as "[a]t all times, the burden is on the claimant to establish [his] entitlement to disability insurance benefits." Id. (alterations in original). Once the claimant has established this prima facie case, the burden shifts to the Commissioner to show at the fifth step that the clamant is able to do other work, and that there are significant number of jobs in the national economy that the claimant can do. Id. §§ 416.920(a)(4)(v),(g); 416.960(c).
Under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), this Court reviews the ALJ's decision to determine
This Court must review the record as a whole and consider adverse as well as supporting evidence. See Robbins v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 882 (9th Cir.2006). Where evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, the ALJ's decision must be upheld. See Morgan v. Comm'r of the Soc. Sec. Admin., 169 F.3d 595, 599 (9th Cir.1999). "However, a reviewing court must consider the entire record as a whole and may not affirm simply by isolating a `specific quantum of supporting evidence.'" Robbins, 466 F.3d at 882 (quoting Hammock v. Bowen, 879 F.2d 498, 501 (9th Cir.1989)); Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625, 630 (9th Cir.2007). If the legal error is harmless, then a reversal is unwarranted. See Molina v. Astrue, 674 F.3d 1104, 1111 (9th Cir.2012) ("We may not reverse an ALJ's decision on account of an error that is harmless."). An error is harmless when it is "inconsequential to the ultimate nondisability determination." Molina, 674 F.3d at 1115 (citing Carmickle v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 533 F.3d 1155, 1162 (9th Cir. 2008)).
Phillips seeks summary judgment based on a number of arguments: (1) the ALJ erred in relying on the VE's testimony that conflicts with the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT); (2) the ALJ's discussion of the VE's and Phillips's testimony is inaccurate; (3) the ALJ improperly rejected opinions of Dr. Auluck; (4) the ALJ improperly rejected opinions of Dr. Eskander; (5) the ALJ failed to include in her RFC finding her own determination that Phillips has moderate difficulties in concentration, persistence, or pace and other limitations; (6) the ALJ failed to fully develop the record; and (7) the ALJ improperly rejected Phillips's testimony. Each will be addressed in turn below.
Phillips argues that the ALJ failed to resolve a conflict between the VE's testimony and the DOT which is a reversible error. Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment ("Pl.'s Mot.") at 8-9. The ALJ found that Phillips is limited "to simple routine 1-2 step unskilled tasks." Phillips contends that this aligns with the DOT General Educational Development ("GED") Reasoning Level one which states, "Apply commonsense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions." DOT 323.687-014. The VE, on the other hand, concluded that Phillips could work as an office helper which requires GED Reasoning Level two and surveillance-system monitor which requires GED Reasoning Level three. DOT 379.367-010, 239.567-010. The Commissioner argues that the RFC limitations do not need to directly coincide with the GED reasoning levels and there were no conflicts between the VE's testimony and the DOT that required an inquiry and explanation
In Massachi v. Astrue, the Ninth Circuit held that an ALJ may not "rely on a vocational expert's testimony regarding the requirements of a particular job without first inquiring whether the testimony conflicts with the Dictionary of Occupational Titles." 486 F.3d 1149, 1152 (9th Cir.2007). This holding stems from SSR 00-4p, which requires an ALJ to identify and provide an explanation for any conflict between the VE's testimony and information in the DOT. Id. at 1152. Since Phillips alleges multiple conflicts, I will assess each job and corresponding reasoning level.
I agree with Phillips that there appears to be a conflict between the requirements of the surveillance-systems monitor job, as described in the DOT as requiring a GED Reasoning Level of three, and Phillips's limitation to "simple routine 1-2 step unskilled tasks." The Commissioner cites three cases to support the notion that a claimant limited to simple and repetitive work could perform a job with a Reasoning Level of three. Two are inapplicable because they involved a nondetailed work restriction instead of simple, routine 1-2 step work. See Pipkin v. Astrue, 2013 WL 572079 (C.D.Cal. Feb. 13, 2013), Gallo v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 2010 WL 545848 (N.D.Cal. Feb. 12, 2010). The third is not persuasive because "[a] lthough the Ninth Circuit has yet to directly address the question, the majority of courts in this circuit have held that there is an apparent conflict when an ALJ determines that a person limited to simple, repetitive tasks can perform a job with a reasoning development level of 3."
The other two jobs identified by the VE do not pose any conflict. Phillips's restriction to "simple routine 1-2 step unskilled tasks" does not conflict with an office helper job because it requires a GED Reasoning Level of two. AR 23; see Barrios v. Astrue, 2010 WL 3825684 (E.D.Cal. Sept. 28, 2010) ("[T]here was no conflict that required resolution given the non-exertional limitation to `simple one-and two step instructions' does not inherently preclude or conflict with performance of jobs which the DOT identifies as Reasoning Level Two."); Meissl, 403 F.Supp.2d at 984 (holding that a limitation of "simple, repetitive tasks" does not conflict with the GED Reasoning Level of 2); Smith v. Astrue, 2011 WL 6749803 (E.D.Cal. Dec. 22, 2011) (holding that an office helper job with a DOT Reasoning Level two is consistent with the ALJ's RFC of "simple, repetitive tasks"); see also Abrew v. Astrue, 303 Fed.Appx. 567, 569 (9th Cir.2008) ("[T]here was no conflict between the ALJ's step five determination that [claimant] could complete only simple tasks and the vocational expert's testimony that [claimant] could do jobs that the U.S. Department of Labor categorizes at `Reasoning Level 2.'"); Lara v. Astrue, 305 Fed.Appx. 324, 326 (9th Cir. 2008) ("[S]omeone able to perform simple, repetitive tasks is capable of doing work requiring more rigor and sophistication — in other words, Reasoning Level 2 jobs."). Nor does "cleaner, housekeeper" present any conflict since it is a GED Reasoning Level one job.
Since two of the three jobs identified by the VE do not contain any conflicts with the DOT, there continues to be substantial support for the ALJ's determination that "the claimant is capable of making a successful adjustment to other work that exists in the significant numbers in the national economy." AR 27. The VE testified that "housekeeper (323.687-014), light, of which there are 250,000 jobs in the national economy and 3,700 jobs in the Bay area economy, and office helper (239.567-010), of which there are 100,000 jobs in the national economy and 2,500 jobs in the Bay area economy." AR 26. This constitutes "significant numbers." See Moncada v. Chater, 60 F.3d 521, 524 (9th Cir.1995) (2,300 jobs in the county and 64,000 nationwide are sufficient). Accordingly, the failure of the ALJ to inquire about the conflict between the VE's testimony and the DOT regarding the surveillance-system job is harmless. See Molina, 674 F.3d at 1115 ("[L]egal errors [are] harmless where it was clear they did not alter the ALJ's decision."); Barrios v. Astrue, 2010 WL 3825684 (E.D.Cal. Sept. 28, 2010) ("Following [claimant's] argument to its natural conclusion would leave this Court in the odd position of ordering a case remanded for further hearing to clarify a semantic conflict despite the fact that the end result would remain unchanged...."); Smith, 2011 WL 6749803, at *8 (holding that the ALJ's reliance on the VE's testimony was proper despite the conflict between the VE testimony and the DOT regarding one of
Phillips argues that the ALJ mischaracterizes the VE's testimony in her decision when she said:
AR 27. Phillips contends that "the VE did not testify that depth perception means distinguishing near and far and that the DOT does not utilize that definition." Pl. Mot. 12. Instead, Phillips asserts that the VE defined depth perception as "being able to see items at various distances and differentiate between those distances" and this is the standard used in the DOT. Pl. Mot. 12; AR 63-64. The Commissioner responds that the ALJ was referring to the VE's "extraneous discussions of the VE's own interpretation of what it means to have limited depth perception," but, ultimately, the VE provided the DOT definition of depth perception and identified jobs that do not require depth perception according to the DOT. Def. Mot. 18.
The VE made some confusing and conflicting initial comments about depth perception. The VE initially indicated, "All jobs require some depth perception if there is reaching. Some depth perception is involved because if you're reaching for something, you need to be able to obtain it." AR 61. The VE testified that "I would say that there are no DOT codes at the light or medium level or heavy level that don't require some depth perception because lifting and carrying is part of the job." AR 63.
The ALJ acknowledged that "[depth perception is] a difficult thing to quantify" but then redirected the VE to use the DOT categories of depth perception which are described as "constant," "frequent," "occasional" or "none at all." AR 63-64. The VE then explained that according to the DOT, "[d]epth perception is a vocational term [that] means simply being able to see items at various distances and differentiate between those distances. It requires binocular vision." AR 63-64. After being redirected, the VE correctly identified office helper, cleaner/housekeeping, and surveillance-system monitor as jobs where depth perception is "[n]ot present — [a]ctivity or condition does not exist." DOT 239.567-010, 323.687-014, 379.367-010; AR 63-64. Since the ALJ only relied on the VE's statements based on the DOT, there is no reversible error and no conflict that needs to be resolved.
Phillips also argues that the ALJ misinterpreted his testimony and relied on improper evidence in determining that Phillips had an adequate level of depth perception to work in the three jobs identified by the VE. In rejecting the VE's initial statement that all of the jobs would require depth perception — and in support of the ALJ's reliance on the fact that the DOT did not require specific depth perception for the jobs identified by the VE — the ALJ relied on evidence that Phillips was able to work after his eye injury and was able to drive. Specifically, the ALJ concluded that "claimant worked successfully subsequent to his left eye injury as a material handler and food service worker...." AR 26. The ALJ also stated, "[Claimant] also testified that he drove regularly without any restrictions
Plaintiff argues the ALJ ignored evidence that Phillips's eyesight has progressively gotten worse, specifically, that his right eye is stressed and sensitive to light. Pl. Mot. 13; AR 39. However, there is no evidence from either Phillips or any physician regarding how his right eye has "gotten worse" or evidence that problems with the right eye further limited Phillips's ability to work in terms of his depth perception.
While it is true that Phillips testified that he had a license, it was suspended three years ago, and there is no testimony about whether he drove regularly (AR 46). However, the ALJ's mischaracterization (that Phillips testified he had been driving regularly) is a harmless error because there is other ample evidence in the record that ALJ relied on to determine that Phillips's eye issues did not preclude him from working in any of the three jobs identified by the VE. See Molina, 674 F.3d at 1115 (holding "errors harmless where the ALJ misstated the facts about the claimant, but we were able to conclude from the record that the ALJ would have reached the same result absent the error.").
Phillips argues that the ALJ did not properly incorporate or reject Dr. Auluck's opinions that Phillips's ability to maintain an eight-hour workday or a forty-hour workweek, or his ability to deal with changes in a routine work setting were "compromised."
The Ninth Circuit classifies the three types of physicians that can provide information on a claimant as: "(1) those who treat the claimant (treating physicians); (2) those who examine but do not treat the claimant (examining physicians); and (3) those who neither examine nor treat the claimant (nonexamining physicians)." Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 821, 830 (9th Cir.1995). In order to properly reject an uncontradicted opinion of a treating or examining doctor, the ALJ must state clear and convincing reasons that are supported by substantial evidence. Id. at 830-31. An ALJ may reject a doctor's opinion that is contradicted by another doctor by stating specific and legitimate reasons that are supported by substantial evidence. Id.
In this case, the ALJ did not improperly reject Dr. Auluck's, an examining
Dr. Auluck's concern over Phillips's ability to maintain an eight-hour workday or a forty-hour workweek and deal with changes in a routine work setting appears to stem from Phillips's anxiety, in which case minimal direct contact with others is a plausible way to address Dr. Auluck's concerns about Phillips's "compromised" abilities. See Sample v. Schweiker, 694 F.2d 639, 642 (9th Cir.1982) ("In reaching his findings, the law judge is entitled to draw inferences logically flowing from the evidence."). Moreover, since Dr. Auluck's use of "compromised" was ambiguous, the ALJ is responsible for resolving discrepancies. Morgan v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 169 F.3d 595, 603 (9th Cir.1999) ("The ALJ is responsible for resolving conflicts in medical testimony, and resolving ambiguity."); see also Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir.1995). I must uphold the ALJ's decision where the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation. Morgan, 169 F.3d at 599. Here, the ALJ expressly addressed Dr. Auluck's concerns by limiting Phillips's work to simple routine 1-2 step unskilled tasks and limiting him from working with the general public and preclusion from tandem work with coworkers. That determination is supported by the evidence in the record as a whole. In the absence of any other medical opinion restricting Phillips's ability as to the duration of his work days and weeks or changes to a work schedule, substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision.
Phillips contends that the ALJ improperly rejected Dr. Eskander's opinion that Phillips has a limited field of vision. Pl. Mot. 16. Phillips notes that "[a]lthough the ALJ's RFC finding included limitations in depth perception and hazards, it did not include limitations in Mr. Phillips's field of vision." Mot. 17. I conclude that the ALJ properly considered and addressed the totality of Dr. Eskander's opinions.
Additional support for the ALJ's conclusion that Phillips was limited primarily in terms of depth perception and related issues from his left eye blindness comes from Dr. Spitz who explained that there is no pathology showing that the right eye suffered from severe visual loss. AR 296. Dr. Spitz concluded that because of the left eye blindness, Phillips's RFC "precludes work requiring good depth perception such as driving, work at unprotected heights or with hazardous machinery (limited depth perception, limited field of vision, avoid concentrated exposure to hazards)." AR 296. In sum, the ALJ properly considered Dr. Eskander's 2007 and 2010 opinions and, in light of other evidence, properly considered Phillips's limitations based on his impaired depth perception from his left eye blindness. Edlund v. Massanari, 253 F.3d 1152, 1156 (9th Cir.2001) ("The ALJ is responsible for determining credibility, resolving conflicts in medical testimony, and resolving ambiguities."); Morgan, 169 F.3d at 601 ("Where medical reports are inconclusive, `questions of credibility and resolution of conflicts in the testimony are functions solely of the Secretary.'") (quoting Sample, 694 F.2d at 642).
Phillips argues that the ALJ failed to include in her RFC that Phillips has moderate difficulties in concentration, persistence, or pace which the ALJ noted at step three of her analysis. Pl. Mot. 17; AR 23. The Commissioner responds that a finding of a moderate limitation at step three does not require a particular RFC finding since the assessment used at steps four and five uses a more detailed assessment of the claimant's limitations. Def. Mot. 13. Furthermore, the Commissioner asserts that the ALJ's "limitation to simple routine 1-2 step unskilled tasks" sufficiently addresses Phillips's moderate limitation in concentration, persistence, or pace. Def. Mot. 13-14.
Phillips misconstrues the RFC assessment. Moderate limitations do not have to be exactly mirrored in the RFC determination. See Brink v. Astrue, 2013
The relevant inquiry is whether the medical evidence supports a particular RFC finding. "[A]n ALJ's assessment of a claimant adequately captures restrictions related to concentration, persistence, or pace where the assessment is consistent with restrictions identified in the medical testimony." Stubbs-Danielson v. Astrue, 539 F.3d 1169, 1174 (9th Cir.2008). In Stubbs-Danielson, the court determined that the plaintiff's difficulties in concentration, persistence, and pace translated to a RFC of "simple tasks" in accordance with the medical evidence which included "Dr. McCollum's 2005 MRFCA, which found [plaintiff] is `not significantly limited' in her ability to `carry out very short simple instructions'...." 539 F.3d at 1174. This is analogous to this case. Although the ALJ noted that the Phillips had moderate difficulty in concentration, persistence, and pace, the medical evidence supports the ALJ's RFC limitation to "simple routine 1-2 step unskilled tasks." During a mental status examination in 2010, Phillips's treatment team at the CDC determined that his concentration, attention, and memory were within normal limits. AR 249. Dr. Auluck also concluded that Phillips "is able to understand, carry out and remember simple instructions." AR 317. Dr. Davis conducted a psychiatric review in 2011 and also determined that Phillips did not have any difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace. AR 308. See Osenbrock v. Apfel, 240 F.3d 1157, 1165 (9th Cir.2001) (holding that it is "proper for an ALJ to limit a hypothetical to those impairments that are supported by substantial evidence in the record."); Dupree v. Astrue, 2011 WL 651886 (C.D.Cal. Feb. 10, 2011) ("[A] limitation must be included in the RFC determination only where the record provides substantial evidence of such limitations.") (emphasis in the original).
Phillips does not cite to any medical evidence to the contrary. Instead, Phillips relies on Brink v. Commissioner SSA where the court found that a restriction to "simple, repetitive work" did not accurately depict the plaintiff's restrictions in concentration, persistence, and pace based on the medical evidence provided in that
Phillips argues the ALJ failed to fully develop the record pertaining to his ankle injury. Pl. Mot. 18. Phillips testified to this injury and his inability to walk for long periods of time, but the ALJ found that there was "insufficient evidence that claimant's alleged old right ankle injury represents a severe impairment." AR 22. The Commissioner asserts that the ALJ does not have a duty to further develop the record when the record is clear and the ALJ gave specific reasons why she did not find that Phillips's injury represents a severe impairment. Def. Mot. 23.
An ALJ has a duty to fully and fairly develop the record in certain situations. See Brown v. Heckler, 713 F.2d 441, 443 (9th Cir.1983) ("In Social Security cases the ALJ has a special duty to fully and fairly develop the record and to assure that the claimant's interests are considered."). "An ALJ's duty to develop the record further is triggered only when there is ambiguous evidence or when the record is inadequate to allow for proper evaluation of the evidence." Mayes v. Massanari, 276 F.3d 453, 459-60 (9th Cir. 2001). There is a heightened duty to develop the record when the claimant is not represented by a lawyer. Tonapetyan v. Halter, 242 F.3d 1144, 1150 (9th Cir.2001) ("When the claimant is unrepresented, however, the ALJ must be especially diligent in exploring for all the relevant facts.").
In the present case, Phillips was represented by a lawyer so there was no heightened duty to develop the record. The evidence about his ankle injury was not ambiguous or inadequate. Dr. Auluck noted that Phillips "alleges chronic pain and anxiety ... [a]s described, he has difficulty walking more than a half block or so. He also has difficulty standing for prolonged periods of time." AR 317. These observations were the results of Phillips's statements, not medical evidence. Two State agency physicians determined that Phillips had no exertional or postural limitations. AR 271-70, 290-91. A medical assessment completed in 2010 did not indicate any physical disabilities. AR 245. Additionally, as the ALJ explained, Phillips did not allege any orthopedic impairments on his initial disability report, appeals disability report, or 2011 brief. AR 22, 174, 192, 194, 202, 207-10. Since the evidence is not ambiguous, it was Phillips's duty to provide evidence of a severe impairment. See Mayes, 276 F.3d at 459 ("It was [claimant's] duty to prove that she was disabled."); 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5) (Supp. 2001) ("An individual shall not be considered to be under a disability unless he furnishes such medical and other evidence of the existence thereof as the Secretary may require."). Phillips presents no evidence that his injury represents a severe impairment beyond his subjective testimony in the hearing and his subjective comments,
Phillips also challenges the ALJ's rejection of his testimony regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of his symptoms arguing that the ALJ's reasons were not clear and convincing. Pl. Mot. 20. Phillips testified that his impairments include inability to be around others because of anxiety and inability to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time because of an ankle injury. AR 42, 52-53. The ALJ held that "claimant's medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms; however, claimant's statements concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects of these symptoms are not credible...." AR 24. The Commissioner contends that the ALJ properly supported Phillips's credibility findings by discussing Phillips's lack of medical treatment, inconsistent statements, GAF score, and reported daily living activities. Def. Mot. 19-23.
An ALJ may discredit the testimony of a claimant because "[a]n ALJ cannot be required to believe every allegation of disabling pain, or else disability benefits would be available for the asking, a result plainly contrary to 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5)(A)." Fair v. Bowen, 885 F.2d 597, 603 (9th Cir.1989). Even if a claimant provides "medical evidence showing that he has an ailment reasonably expected to produce some pain; many medical conditions produce pain not severe enough to preclude gainful employment." Id. However, the "ALJ may reject the claimant's testimony regarding the severity of her symptoms only if he makes specific findings stating clear and convincing reasons for doing so." Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284; SSR 96-7p (credibility finding "must be sufficiently specific to make clear to the individual and to any subsequent reviewer the weight the adjudicator gave to the individual's statements and the reasons for that weight."). "Factors that an ALJ may consider in weighing a claimant's credibility include reputation for truthfulness, inconsistencies in testimony or between testimony and conduct, daily activities, and unexplained, or inadequately explained, failure to seek treatment or follow a prescribed course of treatment." Orn, 495 F.3d at 636 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). However, if the ALJ provides an adequate reasons for discrediting claimant's testimony and "the ALJ's finding is supporting by substantial evidence, the court may not engage in second-guessing." Tommasetti v. Astrue, 533 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir.2008). (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
The ALJ gave four reasons for rejecting Phillips's testimony. I will consider each reason in turn.
First, the ALJ found that "claimant's lack of recent health care indicative that his alleged impairments are not as severe as alleged. Notwithstanding claimant's testimony that he had just recently obtained CMSP coverage, the undersigned notes that claimant was released from prison in April 2010 and has sought relatively minimal medical treatment through the date of the hearing." AR 24-25. Phillips argues that "he had no insurance until just before the hearing" and that "the inability of a claimant to afford the cost of treatment is not a valid reason for finding that person not disabled." Pl. Mot. 21. Phillips testified that he obtained medical insurance three weeks before the hearing. AR 36. Phillips also testified that he had health insurance for less than a year, but
Phillips alleges that the ALJ improperly relied on medical evidence, specifically the GAF score provided by Phillips's examining physician in prison. Phillips contends that this score does not correlate to disability severity requirements. That may be true. See McFarland v. Astrue, 288 Fed.Appx. 357, 359 (9th Cir.2008) ("The Commissioner has determined the GAF scale `does not have a direct correlation to the severity requirements in [the Social Security Administration's] mental disorders listings.'" (quoting 65 Fed.Reg. 50,746, 50,765)). However, an ALJ can still consider a claimant's GAF score when considering claimant's general functional abilities. See Graham v. Astrue, 385 Fed.Appx. 704, 706 (9th Cir.2010) ("[Claimant] correctly points out that the GAF scores are not dispositive ... [b]ut the GAF scores are nonetheless relevant."). It was permissible for the ALJ to consider Phillips's GAF level as evidence that Phillips's impairments are not as severe as he alleges. See Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284 ("In evaluating the credibility of the symptom testimony, the ALJ must also consider the factors set out in SSR 88-13. Those factors include the claimant's work record and observations of treating and examining physicians ... functional restrictions caused by the symptoms ....") (internal citations omitted).
Phillips testified during the hearing that he would be able to perform a job the ALJ described as one "where you could sit and it was a job where you could do it alone for the most part, you wouldn't have to lift or carry anything heavy" as long as he knew what he was doing. AR 50. Moreover, the ALJ noted that "claimant testified that he has been looking for work online." AR 25. Phillips argues that his willingness to engage in the ALJ's hypothetical does not mean that he can actually participate in such an activity. Pl. Mot. 22. Additionally, Phillips contends that his job search is not inconsistent with allegations of disability since it is required by the general assistance program. Id. The Commissioner responds that the ALJ appropriately relied on Phillips's statements regarding ability and intent to work when determining the
It is permissible for the ALJ to consider the totality of the claimant's testimony, especially testimony that indicates that the claimant is willing to and thinks he is able to engage in some types of work that contradict his application for disability benefits. The ALJ is allowed to consider conflicting statements when determining whether or not the claimant is being truthful in describing the severity of his disability. See Light v. Soc. Sec. Admin., 119 F.3d 789, 792 (9th Cir.1997) (holding that the ALJ may properly consider inconsistencies within testimony or between testimony and conduct in weighing credibility); Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1284 ("To determine whether the claimant's testimony regarding the severity of her symptoms is credible, the ALJ may consider, for example: (1) ordinary techniques of credibility evaluation, such as the claimant's reputation for lying, prior inconsistent statements concerning the symptoms, and other testimony by the claimant that appears less than candid....").
The ALJ found "claimant's activities of daily living, including doing some housework, laundry, preparing simple meals for himself, watching movies daily and going to NA meetings indicative of a greater capacity for work activity than he is willing to acknowledge." AR 25. Phillips contends that his ability to do home activities does not preclude a finding of disability since these activities are not transferable to work activities. Pl. Mot. 22-23. The Commissioner responds that the ALJ properly considered these daily activities and these activities show that the claimant was exaggerating his limitations. Def. Mot. 21.
A claimant's ability to complete household activities does not preclude a finding of disability. See Vertigan v. Halter, 260 F.3d 1044, 1050 (9th Cir. 2001) ("This court has repeatedly asserted that the mere fact that a plaintiff has carried on certain daily activities, such as grocery shopping, driving a car, or limited walking for exercise, does not in any way detract from her credibility as to her overall disability."). A claimant does not need to be "utterly incapacitated" in order for the ALJ to find the claimant disabled. Fair, 885 F.2d at 603. There are two ways, however, that an ALJ can use daily activities to form the basis of an adverse credibility determination: if the claimant's activity contradicts his testimony or if the claimant's activity meets the threshold for transferable work skills. Orn, 495 F.3d at 639. Id.
Phillips's testimony about his activities of daily living is in conflict. He contends that he cannot work because of his anxiety. AR 41. He alleges that he is prevented from working because "if someone is too close" claimant finds himself "angry and then to lash out." AR 41. Despite this, he testified that he goes weekly NA meetings, spends time with his sister-in-law, and watches her grandchildren multiple days a week. AR 47, 49. The ALJ did not err in relying on these admitted activities to discount Phillips's credibility as to the severity of his anxiety and inability to maintain close proximity to others. Molina, 674 F.3d at 1113 ("The ALJ could reasonably conclude that [claimants'] activities, including walking her two grandchildren to and from school, attending church, shopping, and taking walks, undermined her claims that she was incapable of being around people...."). Additionally, Phillips contends that he cannot walk or stand for prolonged periods of time, yet he also testified that he makes himself simple meals, washes some dishes, and picks up around the house after the children. AR 47-48. The ALJ appropriately
In sum, the ALJ properly considered Phillips's lack of medical treatment and Phillips's inconsistent testimony to support an adverse credibility finding.
For the reasons above, Phillips's motion for summary judgment is DENIED, and the Commissioner's motion for summary judgment is GRANTED.
