MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER

RONALD E. BUSH, Magistrate Judge.

Now pending before the Court is Albert E. Buzby's Complaint/Petition for Review (Docket No. 1), seeking review of the Social Security Administration's final decision to deny his claim for supplement security income benefits. The action is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Having carefully reviewed the record and otherwise being fully advised, the Court enters the following Memorandum Decision and Order:

I. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS

On February 19, 2009, Albert E. Buzby ("Petitioner") filed an application for supplemental security income benefits, alleging a disability onset date of September 2, 2008. Petitioner's claim was initially denied on June 18, 2009 and, again, on reconsideration on September 1, 2009. On September 29, 2009, Petitioner timely filed a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"). On November 9, 2010, ALJ John T. Molleur held a hearing in Boise, Idaho, at which time Petitioner, represented by attorney David Banks, appeared and testified. An impartial vocational expert, Anne F. Aastum, also appeared and testified.

On February 1, 2011, the ALJ issued a decision denying Petitioner's claims, finding that Petitioner was not disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act. Petitioner timely requested review from the Appeals Council on March 3, 2011. On June 8, 2012, the Appeals Council denied Petitioner's request for review, making the ALJ's decision the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security.

Having exhausted his administrative remedies, Petitioner timely files the instant action, arguing that (1) the ALJ's mental functional capacity determination is based on an improper disregard of the uncontradicted findings from examining and non-examining psychologists, and (2) the ALJ erred in rejecting the residual functional capacity assessment of treating family practitioner, Dr. Shappard. See Pet.'s Brief, pp. 13-16 (Docket No. 14). Petitioner therefore requests that the Court reverse the ALJ's decision or, alternatively, remand the case for further proceedings. See id. at pp. 2 & 16.

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

To be upheld, the Commissioner's decision must be supported by substantial evidence and based on proper legal standards. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Matney ex. rel. Matney v. Sullivan, 981 F.2d 1016, 1019 (9th Cir. 1992); Gonzalez v. Sullivan, 914 F.2d 1197, 1200 (9th Cir. 1990). Findings as to any question of fact, if supported by substantial evidence, are conclusive. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). In other words, if there is substantial evidence to support the ALJ's factual decisions, they must be upheld, even when there is conflicting evidence. Hall v. Sec'y of Health, Educ. & Welfare, 602 F.2d 1372, 1374 (9th Cir. 1979).

"Substantial evidence" is defined as such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971); Tylitzki v. Shalala, 999 F.2d 1411, 1413 (9th Cir. 1993); Flaten v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 44 F.3d 1453, 1457 (9th Cir. 1995). The standard requires more than a scintilla but less than a preponderance (see Sorenson v. Weinberger, 514 F.2d 1112, 1119 n. 10 (9th Cir. 1975); Magallanes v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 747, 750 (9th Cir. 1989)), and "does not mean a large or considerable amount of evidence." Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988).

With respect to questions of fact, the role of the Court is to review the record as a whole to determine whether it contains evidence that would allow a reasonable mind to accept the conclusions of the ALJ. See Richardson, 402 U.S. at 401; see also Matney, 981 F.2d at 1019. The ALJ is responsible for determining credibility and resolving conflicts in medical testimony (see Allen v. Heckler, 749 F.2d 577, 579 (9th Cir. 1984)), resolving ambiguities (see Vincent ex. rel. Vincent v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1393, 1394-95 (9th Cir. 1984)), and drawing inferences logically flowing from the evidence (see Sample v. Schweiker, 694 F.2d 639, 642 (9th Cir. 1982)). Where the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation in a disability proceeding, the reviewing court may not substitute its judgment or interpretation of the record for that of the ALJ. Flaten, 44 F.3d at 1457; Key v. Heckler, 754 F.2d 1545, 1549 (9th Cir. 1985).

With respect to questions of law, the ALJ's decision must be based on proper legal standards and will be reversed for legal error. Matney, 981 F.2d at 1019. The ALJ's construction of the Social Security Act is entitled to deference if it has a reasonable basis in law. See id. However, reviewing federal courts "will not rubber-stamp an administrative decision that is inconsistent with the statutory mandate or that frustrates the congressional purpose underlying the statute." Smith v. Heckler, 820 F.2d 1093, 1094 (9th Cir. 1987).

III. DISCUSSION

A. Sequential Processes

In evaluating the evidence presented at an administrative hearing, the ALJ must follow a sequential process in determining whether a person is disabled in general (see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920) — or continues to be disabled (see 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1594, 416.994) — within the meaning of the Social Security Act.

The first step requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity ("SGA"). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(I), 416.920(a)(4)(I). SGA is defined as work activity that is both substantial and gainful. "Substantial work activity" is work activity that involves doing significant physical or mental activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1572(a), 416.972(a). "Gainful work activity" is work that is usually done for pay or profit, whether or not a profit is realized. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1572(b), 416.972(b). If the claimant has engaged in SGA, disability benefits are denied, regardless of how severe his physical/mental impairments are and regardless of his age, education, and work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If the claimant is not engaged in SGA, the analysis proceeds to the second step. Here, the ALJ found that Petitioner has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since February 19, 2009, Petitioner's application date (AR 15).

The second step requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment, or combination of impairments, that is severe and meets the duration requirement. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii), 416.920(a)(4)(ii). An impairment or combination of impairments is "severe" within the meaning of the Social Security Act if it significantly limits an individual's ability to perform basic work activities. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). An impairment or combination of impairments is "not severe" when medical and other evidence establish only a slight abnormality or a combination of slight abnormalities that would have no more than a minimal effect on an individual's ability to work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1521, 416.921. If the claimant does not have a severe medically determinable impairment or combination of impairments, disability benefits are denied. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). Here, the ALJ found that Petitioner had the following severe impairments: (1) status post bacterial endocarditis with mitral valve replacement, (2) degenerative disc disease, (3) cognitive impairment, (4) history of substance abuse, and (5) obesity. (AR 15).

The third step requires the ALJ to determine the medical severity of any impairments; that is, whether the claimant's impairments meet or equal a listed impairment under 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iii), 416.920(a)(4)(iii). If the answer is yes, the claimant is considered disabled under the Social Security Act and benefits are awarded. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If the claimant's impairments neither meet nor equal one of the listed impairments, the claimant's case cannot be resolved at step three and the evaluation proceeds to step four. Id. Here, the ALJ concluded that Petitioner's above-listed impairments, while severe, do not meet or medically equal, either singly or in combination, the criteria established for any of the qualifying impairments. (AR 15).

The fourth step of the evaluation process requires the ALJ to determine whether the claimant's residual functional capacity is sufficient for the claimant to perform past relevant work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(iv), 416.920(a)(4)(iv). An individual's residual functional capacity is his ability to do physical and mental work activities on a sustained basis despite limitations from his impairments. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545, 416.945. Likewise, an individual's past relevant work is work performed within the last 15 years or 15 years prior to the date that disability must be established; also, the work must have lasted long enough for the claimant to learn to do the job and be engaged in substantial gainful activity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1560(b), 404.1565, 416.960(b), 416.965. Here, the ALJ determined that Petitioner has the residual functional capacity to perform sedentary work as defined in 20 C.F.R. § 416.967(a), except he should avoid workplace hazards and he is limited to simple 1-2 step instructions. (AR 17-21). Due to these limitations, the ALJ further concluded that Petitioner is unable to perform any past relevant work. (AR 21).

In the fifth and final step, if it has been established that a claimant can no longer perform past relevant work because of his impairments, the burden shifts to the Commissioner to show that the claimant retains the ability to do alternate work and to demonstrate that such alternate work exists in significant numbers in the national economy. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(a)(4)(v), 416.920(a)(4)(v), 404.1520(f), 416.920(f); see also Matthews v. Shalala, 10 F.3d 678, 681 (9th Cir. 1993). If the claimant is able to do other work, he is not disabled; if the claimant is not able to do other work and meets the duration requirement, he is disabled. Here, the ALJ found that Petitioner is capable of performing sedentary work found in significant numbers within the relevant national/regional economy, including addressor, escort vehicle driver, document preparer, and final assembler. (AR 22). Therefore, based on Petitioner's age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity, the ALJ concluded that Petitioner was not under a disability as defined in the Social Security Act since February 29, 2009, the date his application was filed. (AR 22-23).

B. Analysis

1. The ALJ's Mental Functional Capacity Determination

Only two mental health specialists examined Petitioner and rendered opinions regarding the functional impacts of Petitioner's cognitive disorder: Dr. David Starr (AR 458-462) and Dr. Michael Dennis (AR 463-465). Dr. Starr's June 15, 2009 report indicated that Petitioner "demonstrated some difficulty with concentration, attention, visual scanning, and executive functioning." (AR 461). Three days later, after reviewing the medical evidence in the record, Dr. Dennis conducted a "Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment," summarily concluding, inter alia, that Petitioner had "moderate" limitations in his (1) ability to understand and remember detailed instructions; (2) ability to carry out detailed instructions; (3) ability to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods; and (4) ability to complete a normal workday and workweek without interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and to perform at a consistent pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods. (AR 463-464).1 Through this appeal, Petitioner argues that the ALJ ignored Dr. Dennis's latter two findings — namely, that Petitioner is "moderately limited in his ability to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, to complete a normal workday and workweek, and perform at a consistent pace." See Pet.'s Brief, p. 14 (Docket No. 14).2 The undersigned disagrees.

The consideration of Petitioner's above-referenced "moderate" limitations takes place specifically at step three of the sequential evaluation process to determine the medical severity of Petitioner's impairments — whether they meet or equal a listed impairment. See supra. Analyzing the "paragraph B" criteria of Listings 12.02 (organic mental disorders) and, relatedly, 12.09 (substance addiction disorders), a claimant's mental impairment must result in at least two of the following: (1) marked restriction of activities of daily living; (2) marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or (3) marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or (4) repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration. In turn, at step three of the sequential evaluation process (and consistent with Dr. Dennis' findings), the ALJ found in no uncertain terms that, "[w]ith regard to concentration, persistence, or pace, [Petitioner] has moderate difficulties." (AR 16) (emphasis added).3 The ALJ went on to explain that such noted limitations "are not a residual functional capacity assessment, but are used to rate the severity of mental impairments at steps two and three of the sequential evaluation process." (AR 17). In other words, it cannot be said (as Petitioner's counsel does here) that the ALJ ignored the medical opinions speaking to Petitioner's above-mentioned moderate limitations. To the contrary, the ALJ expressly referenced them in finding that Petitioner's impairments do not meet or medically equal a qualified impairment. (AR 15-17).

Further, at step four of the sequential evaluation process, the ALJ then took into account these limitations in arriving upon Petitioner's residual functional capacity. (AR 17) ("Therefore, the following residual functional capacity assessment reflects the degree of limitation the undersigned has found in the "paragraph B" mental function analysis."). In turn, the ALJ recited and analyzed the opinions and treatment notes of Petitioner's medical providers, including Dr. Starr who, as to Petitioner's functional capacity assessment, flatly concluded: "Claimant would do best with simple, repetitive work activity. He would likely have difficulty understanding, remembering and carrying out detailed instructions." (AR 20) (citing (AR 465)) (emphasis added).4 Far from disregarding Dr. Dennis's opinions, the ALJ gave them "significant weight" because Dr. Dennis was able to examine the entire medical evidence of record and he is familiar with Social Security Regulations. (AR 20). Seemingly taking Dr. Dennis's opinions squarely into account, the ALJ thus concluded that, due to his cognitive impairment, Petitioner is capable of only sedentary work involving simple, 1-2 step instructions. (AR 17-21). See, e.g., Stubbs-Danielson v. Astrue, 539 F.3d 1169, 1173-74 (9th Cir. 2008) (upholding ALJ's residual functional capacity finding that petitioner was able to perform simple, routine, repetitive sedentary work despite petitioner's moderate mental limitations in particular areas).

Accordingly, the undersigned finds that, in assessing Petitioner's residual functional capacity, the ALJ adequately took into consideration the opinions of Drs. Starr and Dennis dealing with Petitioner's limitations concerning attention, concentration, attendance, and pace. Petitioner's argument to the contrary is overstated when examining the actual record itself.

2. Dr. Shappard's Opinions

Opinions of treating physicians, like Dr. Shappard, are entitled to greater weight than the opinion of a non-examining physician. See Pitzer v. Sullivan, 908 F.2d 502, 506 (9th Cir. 1990); Gallant v. Heckler, 753 F.2d 1450 (9th Cir. 1984). The treating physician's opinion is given that deference because "he is employed to cure and has a greater opportunity to know and observe the individual." Rodriguez v. Bowen, 876 F.2d 759, 761 (9th Cir. 1989). However, a treating physician's opinion is not necessarily conclusive. See id. at 762. The ALJ must provide "clear and convincing" reasons for rejecting the uncontradicted opinion of an examining physician. See Pitzer, 908 F.2d at 506. Even if the opinion of an examining doctor is contradicted by another doctor, it can only be rejected for specific and legitimate reasons that are supported by substantial evidence in the record. See Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1043 (9th Cir. 1995). A lack of objective medical findings, treatment notes, and rationale to support a treating physician's opinions is a sufficient reason for rejecting that opinion. See Tonapetyan v. Halter, 242 F.3d 1144, 1149 (9th Cir. 2001).

Dr. Shappard began seeing and treating Petitioner since 2006. (AR 680). Part and parcel with Petitioner's application for supplemental security income benefits, Dr. Shappard authored two, nearly identical letters — one on April 28, 2009, the other on June 7, 2010 — relating to Petitioner's physical limitations. Compare (AR 441) ("His chronic low back pain limits his lifting and standing for any period fo time.") with (AR 688) ("In addition, his chronic low back pain limits his ability to stand, lift, push, or pull for any period of time.").5 Through this appeal, Petitioner argues that the ALJ improperly granted little or no weight to Dr. Shappard's physical functional capacity assessments. See Pet.'s Brief, p 14 (Docket No. 14). The undersigned disagrees.

First, these letters (the second of which came after Dr. Shappard's completion of the May 10, 2010 "Multiple Impairment Questionnaire" (see supra)) did not correlate Petitioner's physical limitations with his ability to perform work; rather, Dr. Shappard concluded only that Petitioner was unable to work due to his understood mental limitations:

(AR 688); see also (AR 441) (same).6 This comports with the fact that Petitioner's physical limitations (largely, if not exclusively associated with degenerative disc disease/lower back pain) pre-dated his February 19, 2009 application date and alleged September 2, 2008 onset date. (AR 452-457); see also (AR 686) (Dr. Shappard acknowledging that Petitioner's "cognitive impairment" began in "late 2008" whereas his "low back pain" has been ongoing for "15-20 years"). Here, there is no question that Petitioner experiences significant back pain that has more than a minimal effect on his ability to do basic work activities — to be sure, the ALJ found that Petitioner's degenerative disc disease represents a severe impairment. See supra. However, there is no evidence in the record (beyond reports speaking simply to Petitioner's condition and related treatment)7 suggesting that Petitioner is unable to perform sedentary work owing to his physical limitations.8

Second, Dr. Shappard's treatment notes over time do not align with the very restrictive limitations given in his opinions. For example, while repeatedly discussing Petitioner's medical condition over the years, his treatment notes never actually speak to Petitioner's capacity to perform (or not perform, as the case may be) certain physical tasks. To the contrary, although Dr. Shappard opines in the "Multiple Impairment Questionnaire" that "sitting" and "maintaining any one position for a prolonged period of time" would bring about Petitioner's pain, Shappard's treatment record includes notes that Petitioner was medically stable to (1) go on "a long road trip to New Jersey" for a funeral around August 10, 2009 (AR 668); (2) "travel[ ] to California . . . for a period of two weeks to see his grandmother who is about to pass away" around December 7, 2009 (AR 664-665); and (3) "head[ ] to California . . . as his uncle is having a coronary artery bypass graft" around March 18, 2010 (AR 658-659). Such situations combine to warrant the calling into question Dr. Shappard's opinion that Petitioner's physical limitations prevent him from performing sedentary work.9

Again, there is no question that Petitioner suffers from several severe impairments (acknowledged by the ALJ (see supra)) that no doubt impact his ability to work; however, it is incorrect to state, as Petitioner's counsel does, that the ALJ improperly discounted Dr. Shappard's medical opinions. See Pet.'s Brief, p. 16 (Docket No. 14). While Dr. Shappard's assessments may not have been given the weight Petitioner would have preferred, they were not given independent of the surrounding medical record or the applicable standards of law. At this stage of the proceedings it is not this Court's duty to resolve the conflicting opinions and ultimately decide whether Petitioner is once-and-for-all disabled as that term is used within the Social Security regulations. Rather, this Court must decide whether the ALJ's decision in determining that Petitioner is not disabled is supported by the record. Given the conflicting medical opinions and inconsistent treatment notes, the ALJ need only offer specific and legitimate reasons, supported by substantial evidence in the record, for rejecting Dr. Mueller's medical opinion. See supra. Because the evidence can reasonably support the ALJ's conclusion in this respect, this Court will not substitute its judgment for that of the ALJ's. See Richardson, 402 U.S. at 401; see also Matney, 981 F.2d at 1019.

IV. CONCLUSION

The ALJ is the fact-finder and is solely responsible for weighing and drawing inferences from facts and determining credibility. Allen, 749 F.2d at 579; Vincent ex. rel. Vincent, 739 F.2d at 1394; Sample, 694 F.2d at 642. If the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, one of which is the ALJ's, the Court may not substitute its own interpretation for that of the ALJ. Key, 754 F.2d at 1549.

The evidence upon which the ALJ relied can reasonably and rationally support his well-formed conclusions, despite the fact that such evidence may be susceptible to a different interpretation. Accordingly, the ALJ's decisions concerning the opinions of Dr. Starr and Dr. Dennis (relative to Petitioner's mental functional capacity determination), along with Dr. Shappard's opinions (relative to Petitioner's physical functional capacity determination) are based on proper legal standards and supported by substantial evidence. Therefore, the Commissioner's determination that Petitioner is not disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act is supported by substantial evidence in the record and is based upon an application of proper legal standards.

V. ORDER

Based on the foregoing, the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED and this action is DISMISSED in its entirety with prejudice.