ROBINSON, District Judge.
Alonzo Morris ("plaintiff") appeals from a decision of Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security ("defendant"), denying his application for Disability Insurance Benefits ("DIB") and supplemental security income (SSI) under Title II of the Social Security Act (the "Act"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 401-434, 1381-1383f. The court
Currently before the court are the parties' cross-motions for summary judgment. (D.I.15, 20) For the reasons set forth below, plaintiff's motion will be denied and defendant's motion will be granted.
Plaintiff filed applications for DIB and SSI on March 8, 2002,
Plaintiff again appealed. The Appeals Council vacated the 2010 decision and remanded the case for further review because the recording of the hearing could not be located. (Id. at 472, 597-99) After a third administrative hearing, the ALJ issued another partially favorable decision on January 19, 2012 ("the 2012 decision"),
Plaintiff underwent a left total hip replacement on July 22, 2003 after a history of left hip osteoarthritis. (D.I. 15 at 207-08, 215-16, 313-18) On August 11, 2003, plaintiff's primary care physician, Domingo G. Aviado, M.D. ("Dr. Aviado"), noted plaintiff was doing "fairly well" after his hip replacement. (Id. at 200) On September 4, plaintiff complained to Dr. Aviado of "muscle spasm[s] especially in left leg," with pain in the "left calf, ankle and foot." (Id. at 199) On September 10, 2003, at six weeks post-operative, plaintiff followed up with orthopedic specialist Wilson Choy,
On November 21, 2003, approximately four months post hip replacement, Dr. Choy's notes indicate that plaintiff was doing "very well," was no longer taking any narcotic pain medication, and was "walking well with no assistive device." Plaintiff had some pain in his left groin and walked with a "little limp." (Id. at 205) Plaintiff had excellent passive hip range of motion, full leg extension, and no pain to the thigh or groin with knee strike. (Id.) Dr. Choy again recommended aquatic therapy, but prescribed no medications and advised activity as tolerated. (Id.)
On January 14, 2004, plaintiff was doing "very well" and his tendinitis was improving. (Id. at 302) An examination revealed "no pain at all" for passive left hip range of motion, no thigh or groin pain with knee strike, and some groin pain and tenderness along the iliopsoas tendon. The x-rays showed a well fixed femoral and acetabular implant in excellent alignment. (Id.) Dr. Choy recommended stretching the iiopsoas muscle with warm compresses, did not prescribe any medication and advised activity as tolerated. (Id.)
On March 16, 2004, plaintiff consulted Dr. Aviado for a cold and cough. Dr. Aviado noted that plaintiff "[s]till [had] difficulty ambulating with [l]eft hip" and plaintiff requested that Dr. Aviado complete a state disability form. (Id. at 195) Dr. Aviado indicated on the disability form that plaintiff had left hip surgery in 2003 and was unable to work because of "hip arthritis, asthma, and [hypertension]." (Id. at 204) Plaintiff consulted Dr. Aviado for other medical issues on April 12, 2004, May 3, 2004, and June 29, 2004, and did not complain of issues or pain with his hips. (Id. at 192-95)
On June 30, 2004, Dr. Choy noted plaintiff was doing "very well," and his groin pain was "much improved." (Id. at 300) Plaintiff was able to achieve full leg extension and had "no pain at all to the thigh or groin with knee strike." (Id.) Plaintiff's x-rays revealed "excellent" in growth of the left hip prosthesis. (Id.) Dr. Choy prescribed no medications, advised that no further intervention was required, and recommended a follow-up in one year. (Id.)
On January 12, 2005, plaintiff reported "excruciating" hip pain at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA). (Id. at 401) Treatment notes indicate the pain was actually in the lower back and plaintiff had shooting pain down the back of his leg. (Id.) On physical examination, plaintiff exhibited pain in his left groin, low back, and leg when performing a straight leg raise. (Id. at 402) The physician ordered x-rays. (Id.)
On March 29, 2005, state agency physician Vinad Katareo, M.D. ("Dr. Katareo") reviewed the record and opined that plaintiff retained the ability to lift and carry 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently; stand and/or walk for about six hours and sit for about six hours during an eight-hour workday; push and pull consistent with his lifting and carrying abilities, except for the operation of foot controls with his left leg; occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; and avoid concentrated exposure to extreme
X-rays taken on August 11, 2005 revealed "[m]ild degenerative hypertrophic spurring involving all of the lumbar vertebral bodies," and an intact hip prosthesis with no evidence of loosening. (Id. at 397-98) On that date, plaintiff was fitted for a straight cane. (Id. at 391-92)
On October 24, 2005, during a VA visit, plaintiff reported a history of chronic low back pain for several years, which he treated with a heating pad, Tylenol, and balm. (Id. at 387-88) Plaintiff did not do his back exercises, as he was afraid of hurting his back. (Id. at 388) On physical examination, plaintiff had limited lumbar spine range of motion, but a negative straight leg raising test, full motor strength throughout, intact sensation, and symmetric reflexes. (Id.) Plaintiff was ambulating independently. (Id.) The VA physician provided instructions for simple back stretching exercises and ordered a back brace at plaintiff's request. (Id. at 387-88)
On February 22, 2006, a lumbar spine CT scan revealed disc bulging at L3-4 and L4-5 with no focal disc herniation, mild bilateral facet joint degenerative changes from L3-4 through L5-S1, and no evidence of spinal stenosis. (Id. at 381) On March 21, 2006, plaintiff was issued a cane. (Id. at 377)
On November 12, 2009, Jay Freid, M.D. ("Dr. Freid") evaluated plaintiff at the request of the state agency. (Id. at 564-76) Plaintiff reported that he had hip pain, but took no medications for it. (Id. at 564) He continued to smoke a pack of cigarettes every two days despite his diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ("COPD"). (Id.) On examination, plaintiff walked slowly without an assistive device and exhibited full (5/5) motor strength in his arms and legs, normal sensation in his legs, good range of motion in all joints and both hips, and only mild pain with left hip movement. (Id. at 565) Dr. Freid noted that plaintiff seemed to be "subjectively limited with more physical activities." (Id.) Dr. Freid opined that plaintiff could lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently; sit for eight hours, stand for two hours, and walk for one hour during an eight-hour day, with additional postural and environmental restrictions; only occasionally reach with either arm; and should never perform postural activities, like balancing, kneeling, or stooping. (Id. at 571-76)
Plaintiff has a history of sinus issues. (Id. at 192-201) Through June 2004, Dr. Aviado treated plaintiff for chronic sinusitis and prescribed medication, including a bronchodialator on March 16, 2004.
Plaintiff underwent several diagnostic studies during the relevant period. On October 29, 2003, x-rays of plaintiffs paranasal sinuses were negative. (Id. at 213) On March 19, 2004, plaintiff underwent a pulmonary function study and Dr. Aviado diagnosed COPD. (Id. at 211) On November 30, 2004, sinus x-rays revealed bilateral frontal and bilateral ethmoid sinusitis. (Id. at 250, 252) On January 9, 2005 a pulmonary physician at the VA diagnosed plaintiff with mild obstructive airways disease after testing on December 17, 2004. (Id. at 234) On March 23, 2006, a maxillofacial CT scan revealed mild to moderate thickening in plaintiff's sinuses. (Id. at 378)
An administrative hearing was held on November 15, 2011. (Id. at 702-03) Plaintiff appeared, represented by counsel. Plaintiff was born on April 17, 1951 and was sixty on the date of the hearing. (Id. at 706) He is divorced and has adult children. (Id. at 706, 716) He lives by himself and does housework when he is able. (Id. at 713, 720-21) He has a driver's license, but does not drive a lot. (Id. at 706-07) He completed ninth grade and obtained a GED. (Id. at 707) He took some college courses (including asbestos courses) for two years at the University of Delaware and DelTech. (Id. at 715-16) He served in the military from 1968-70. (Id. at 707) He wears glasses to read. (Id. at 721)
His past work history included welder, painter, asbestos removal, and shipping and receiving. (Id. at 708) He has not worked since 1998, when he worked doing maintenance for Dunkin Donuts for a week. (Id. at 707-08) He draws a VA pension of approximately $985 per month,
Prior to his hip surgery, plaintiff testified he had arthritis and could barely walk. (Id. at 708-09) He could only lift about three to five pounds, as he could not bend or squat. (Id. at 717-18) He could not stand or sit for longer than about twenty minutes, before starting to get pain. (Id. at 718-19) He could not walk more than a block. (Id. at 718) He used a cane. (Id. at 722) He did not injure his back, however, it started hurting at the same time as his hips began hurting. (Id. at 723)
Plaintiff had his left hip replaced in 2003. (Id. at 708-09) He testified that he improved somewhat after surgery, he was a little better, but still had problems walking long distances or staying on his feet. (Id. at 709) He could continuously walk for about twenty minutes. (Id. at 709-10) He was still only able to walk about a block. (Id. at 720) He could not sit for long. (Id. at 720) He had back problems and problems sitting for long periods. (Id. at 710) He has to keep moving from side to side and move around while sitting. (Id. at 712) Post surgery, he was instructed to not lift over ten or twenty pounds. (Id. at 712) His hip and back pain were about a six on a scale of one through ten. (Id. at 712-13) He was on pain medication, but now takes over-the-counter medication. (Id. at 711, 719) He was sometimes able to sleep through the night. (Id. at 713) He continued to use a cane post-surgery. (Id. at 722) He does not recall when he was given a back brace, but continues to use it. (Id.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1980s and received some treatment. (Id. at 710, 719) He testified he had no problems with alcohol and has not been arrested for drugs or alcohol. (Id. at 719)
When asked about a typical day after hip surgery, plaintiff testified he went to "rehab" in the morning, watched a lot of TV and read. (Id. at 713-14) He testified that his improvement after surgery was pain related. (Id. at 714) His pain went from a ten to twelve before surgery, to less severe after surgery. (Id.) He did not feel that he could have handled a job which required standing for most of the day, as the doctor told him no prolonged standing and his hip was only guaranteed for ten years. (Id. at 714-15) He could no longer perform hands-on jobs. (Id. at 715)
At the hearing, the VE testified that plaintiff's vocational background consisted of work as a painter, a welder, and asbestos worker, which are at a heavy exertional level with a special vocational preparation ("SVP") of 2. (Id. at 724-25) The VE opined that there were no transferable skills to a lower level of exertion. (Id. at 728)
The ALJ posed the following to the VE:
(Id. at 725-27) The VE responded: "Yes, Your Honor.... [a]t the light exertional level,
(Id. at 728-29) The VE responded, "[n]o. That amount of breaks would be excessive in the employer's opinion and would certainly preclude any type of employment." When asked about the impact of using a cane, "necessary for pain and for balance," the VE opined that it would preclude the light positions. (Id. at 729)
Based on the factual evidence and the testimony of plaintiff and the VE, the ALJ determined that the plaintiff was not disabled from November 1, 2003 through April 17, 2006. (Id. at 486) The ALJ's findings are summarized as follows:
(Id. at 476-87)
Findings of fact made by the ALJ, as adopted by the Appeals Council, are conclusive if they are supported by substantial evidence. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g), 1383(c)(3). Judicial review of the ALJ's decision is limited to determining whether "substantial evidence" supports the decision. See Monsour Med. Ctr. v. Heckler, 806 F.2d 1185, 1190 (3d Cir.1986). In making this determination, a reviewing court may not undertake a de novo review of the ALJ's decision and may not re-weigh the evidence of record. See id. In other words, even if the reviewing court would have decided the case differently, the ALJ's decision must be affirmed if it is supported by substantial evidence. See id. at 1190-91.
The term "substantial evidence" is defined as less than a preponderance of the evidence, but more than a mere scintilla of evidence. As the United States Supreme Court has noted, substantial evidence "does not mean a large or significant amount of "evidence, but rather such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565, 108 S.Ct. 2541, 101 L.Ed.2d 490 (1988). The Supreme Court also has embraced this standard as the appropriate standard for determining the availability of summary judgment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56. "The inquiry performed is the threshold inquiry of determining whether there is the need for a trial—whether, in other words, there are any genuine factual issues that properly can be resolved only by a finder of fact because they may reasonably be resolved in favor of either party." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 250, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986).
This standard mirrors the standard for a directed verdict under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50(a), "which is that the trial judge must direct a verdict if, under the governing law, there can be but one reasonable conclusion as to the verdict. If "reasonable minds could differ as to the import of the evidence, however, a verdict should not be directed." See Id. at 250-51, 106 S.Ct. 2505 (internal citations omitted). Thus, in the context of judicial review under § 405(g), "[a] single piece of evidence will not satisfy the substantiality test if [the ALJ] ignores, or fails to resolve, a conflict created by countervailing evidence. Nor is evidence substantial if it is overwhelmed by other evidence-particularly certain types of evidence (e.g., that offered by treating physicians)—or if it really constitutes not evidence but mere conclusion." See Brewster v. Heckler, 786 F.2d 581, 584 (3d Cir.1986) (quoting Kent v. Schweiker, 710 F.2d 110, 114 (3d Cir.1983)). Where, for example, the countervailing evidence consists primarily of the plaintiffs subjective complaints of disabling pain, the ALJ "must consider the subjective pain and specify his reasons for rejecting these claims and support his conclusion with medical evidence in the record." Matullo v. Bowen, 926 F.2d 240, 245 (3d Cir.1990).
"Despite the deference due to administrative decisions in disability benefit cases, `appellate courts retain a responsibility to scrutinize the entire record and to reverse or remand if the [Commissioner]'s decision is not supported by substantial evidence.'" Morales v. Apfel, 225 F.3d 310, 317 (3d Cir.2000) (quoting Smith v. Califano, 637 F.2d 968, 970 (3d Cir. 1981)). "A district court, after reviewing the decision of the [Commissioner] may, under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) affirm, modify, or reverse the [Commissioner]'s decision
Title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 423(a)(1)(D), "provides for the payment of insurance benefits to persons who have contributed to the program and who suffer from a physical or mental disability." Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140, 107 S.Ct. 2287, 96 L.Ed.2d 119 (1987). A "disability" is defined as the inability to do 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. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). A claimant is disabled "only if his physical or mental impairment or impairments are of such severity that he is 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. § 423(d)(2)(A); Barnhart v. Thomas, 540 U.S. 20, 21-22, 124 S.Ct. 376, 157 L.Ed.2d 333 (2003).
In determining whether a person is disabled, the Commissioner is required to perform a five-step sequential analysis. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520; Plummer v. Apfel, 186 F.3d 422, 427-28 (3d Cir.1999). If a finding of disability or non-disability can be made at any point in the sequential process, the Commissioner will not review the claim further. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4). At step one, the Commissioner must determine whether the claimant is engaged in any substantial gainful activity. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(1) (mandating finding of non-disability when claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity). If the claimant is not engaged in substantial gainful activity, step two requires the Commissioner to determine whether the claimant is suffering from a severe impairment or a combination of impairments that is severe. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii) (mandating finding of non-disability when claimant's impairments are not severe). If the claimant's impairments are severe, the Commissioner, at step three, compares the claimant's impairments to a list of impairments that are presumed severe enough to preclude any gainful work. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii); Plummer, 186 F.3d at 428. When a claimant's impairment or its equivalent matches an impairment in the listing, the claimant is presumed disabled. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iii). If a claimant's impairment, either singly or in combination, fails to meet or medically equal any listing, the analysis continues to steps four and five. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e).
At step four, the Commissioner determines whether the claimant retains the RFC to perform his past relevant work. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(iv) (stating claimant is not disabled if able to return to past relevant work); Plummer, 186 F.3d at 428. A claimant's RFC is "that which an individual is still able to do despite the limitations caused by his or her impairment(s)." Fargnoli v. Massanari, 247 F.3d 34, 40 (3d Cir.2001). "The claimant bears the burden of demonstrating an inability to return to h[er] past relevant work." Plummer, 186 F.3d at 428.
If the claimant is unable to return to his past relevant work, step five requires the Commissioner to determine whether the claimant's impairments preclude him from adjusting to any other available work. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(g) (mandating finding of non-disability
On January 19, 2012, the ALJ found that plaintiff was not under a disability within the meaning of the Act from November 1, 2003 to April 17, 2006 ("the relevant time period"). The ALJ concluded that, despite plaintiffs severe impairments (degenerative disc disease, bilateral osteoarthritis of the hips with a July 2003 total left hip replacement, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability, and substance abuse), as of November 1, 2003, he had the residual functional capacity to perform light work except that he could sit for 20 to 30 minutes and stand for 20 to 30 minutes consistently on an alternate basis for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week; he would need to avoid heights and hazardous machinery; he required jobs with no prolonged climbing, ropes, ladders and like devices. The claimant was limited to simple, routine, unskilled, SVP 1-2 jobs with low stress, low concentration, and low memory; no production rate pace work; jobs with little interaction with the public, co-workers, and supervisors; jobs working with things and not people; and jobs with little decision making, changes in the work setting, or judgment. After considering the VE's testimony, the ALJ concluded that, while plaintiff could no longer perform his past work, there were a significant number of other jobs in the national economy, including inspector, filler, and hand bander at the light exertional level, as well as dial marker, bench hand, and table worker at the sedentary exertional level.
Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred in finding that his COPD was no longer a severe impairment; finding medical improvement with respect to his bilateral hip impairment; and finding that plaintiff could perform a range of light, not sedentary work. Defendant disagrees and contends that substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision that plaintiff was not disabled under the Act from November 1, 2003 to April 17, 2006.
Plaintiff argues that the medical evidence does not support the finding that his COPD was no longer a severe impairment as of November 1, 2003. The ALJ found that plaintiff's primary care physician treated his COPD through June 2004, after which the VA treated plaintiff. The ALJ cited the medical records reflecting that plaintiff's respiratory impairment was under control with medication, no hospitalizations were required, and a pulmonary function test in January 2005 confirmed mild obstructive disease. The ALJ noted that plaintiff continued smoking and did not testify as to his pulmonary symptoms at an administrative hearing in 2011.
A "severe" impairment is one that significantly limits a claimant's physical or mental ability to do basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). Examples
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ should have compared plaintiff's medical condition before and after November 1, 2003, in order to find "medical improvement." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1594(b)(7). Medical improvement must be proven by "changes (improvement) in the symptoms, signs and/or laboratory findings associated with [the claimant's] impairment." 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1594(b)(1), 416.994(b)(1)(l). Plaintiff points to the fact that a prior pulmonary function study had shown similar values (no medical source compared the two tests), thus there was no significant medical changes beginning on November 1, 2003. Nor were there any changes to his chest x-rays.
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in finding medical improvement of his bilateral hip impairment, as the ALJ focused only on a short period of time immediately following plaintiff's surgery and did not take into account his continued reports of pain. To support his argument that his hip pain did not improve, plaintiff points to various complaints throughout the record.
An ALJ is free to choose one medical opinion over another where the ALJ considers all of the evidence and gives some reason for discounting the evidence he rejects. See Diaz v. Commissioner of Soc. Sec., 577 F.3d 500, 505-06 (3d Cir.2009); Plummer, 186 F.3d at 429 ("An ALJ ... may afford a treating physician's
The ALJ based his conclusion of medical improvement on Dr. Choy's evaluations of plaintiff following his left hip replacement on July 22, 2003. Dr. Choy's treatment notes indicate plaintiff was no longer taking narcotic pain medication as of November 21, 2003 and was doing "very well" in June 2004. The ALJ explained that plaintiff still experienced some pain, causing some limitation to his standing and walking. The ALJ also discussed plaintiff's continued reports of pain to the VA and Dr. Aviado, including plaintiff's reported pain in his left low back, hip, and leg in January 2005. While plaintiff was given a cane in August 2005, the ALJ noted that there is no mention of plaintiff using the cane when he returned to the VA in October 2005 for a back brace. Plaintiff admitted that he was not doing recommended back exercises.
The ALJ detailed his reasons for affording little weight to Dr. Aviado's opinion regarding plaintiffs inability to work in March 2004: (1) it was not consistent with the opinion of the state agency reviewing consultant who opined that plaintiff could perform a range of light work based on a review of the evidence; (2) it was not supported by Dr. Aviado's contemporaneous treatment notes which did not document the severity of symptoms or examination findings to support his conclusion; (3) the form Dr. Aviado completed did not explain his conclusions or refer to any objective tests; (4) Dr. Aviado was not a specialist in orthopedics or rehabilitative medicine, and Dr. Choy, plaintiff's treating orthopedist, did not note any work restrictions; and (5) opinions regarding a claimant's ability to work are administrative findings reserved to the Commissioner.
After a careful review of the evidence of record and considering plaintiff's and defendant's positions, the court finds that the ALJ did not err in giving less weight to the opinions of Dr. Aviado. Moreover, the court concludes that substantial evidence supports the ALJ's decision that plaintiff's bilateral hip impairment was medically improved as of November 1, 2003.
Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in finding that plaintiff could perform a range of light, not sedentary work. Plaintiff argues that the ALJ gave "considerable weight" to Dr. Fried's opinion, but then ignored crucial restrictions therein without explanation, including the standing and walking limitations, reaching occasionally,
The ALJ stated that, based upon the medical evidence as of November 2003, a limitation to lifting twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds frequently was reasonable. The ALJ concluded this was consistent with plaintiff's testimony at the 2010 hearing, of being able to lift twenty pounds and his testimony at the 2006 hearing of lifting up to twenty-five pounds.
The ALJ gave significant weight to the March 2005 state agency physical assessment indicating a capacity for light work, consistent with the residual functional capacity beginning November 1, 2003. The state agency found that the record supported limiting plaintiff to lifting twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds frequently. The ALJ explained that the medical evidence supported additional limitations on sitting and standing, as discussed above.
The ALJ gave considerable weight to Dr. Fried's opinion in November 2009, which stated that plaintiff could lift twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds frequently, stating that this was consistent with the medical evidence beginning in November 2003. The ALJ gave less weight to Dr. Fried's opinion regarding plaintiff's ability to sit eight hours a day, stand for two hours a day and walk for one hour a day, as the medical evidence supported the limitations discussed by the ALJ above.
The ALJ indicated that he did not find the plaintiff's statements concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects of his symptoms as of November 1, 2003 credible, to the extent that they were inconsistent with the residual functional capacity assessment determined from the medical evidence. An ALJ must give great weight to a claimant's testimony only "when this testimony is supported by competent medical evidence," and an ALJ may "reject such claims if he does not find them credible." Schaudeck v. Commissioner of Soc. Sec., 181 F.3d 429, 433 (3d Cir.1999). The ALJ "has the right, as the fact finder, to reject partially, or even entirely, such subjective complaints if they are not fully credible." Baerga v. Richardson, 500 F.2d 309, 312 (3d Cir.1974). The ALJ took into account plaintiff's complaints, however, the ALJ assigned more weight to Dr. Choy's treatment notes as plaintiff's orthopaedic specialist, than to Dr. Aviado's as plaintiff's primary care physician.
The ALJ also noted that while plaintiff was given a cane in August 2005, there is no mention of his using the cane when he returned to the VA in October 2005 for a back brace.
The ALJ considered all the relevant evidence and adequately discussed the bases for his RFC determination in his findings and evaluation of the evidence. The court concludes that a careful review of the entire record provides substantial evidence, sufficient to support the ALJ's finding that plaintiff could perform a limited range of light work and that jobs existed in significant numbers in the national economy that he could have performed, and that he was not disabled from November 1, 2003 to April 17, 2006.
For the reasons stated, plaintiffs motion for summary judgment will be denied and defendant's motion for summary judgment will be granted. An appropriate order shall issue.
At Wilmington this 26th day of February, 2014, consistent with the memorandum opinion issued this same date;
IT IS ORDERED that:
1. Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment (D.I.15) is denied.
2. Defendant's motion for summary judgment (D.I.20) is granted.
3. The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in favor of defendant and against plaintiff.
20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(b)
20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a).
