TOM SCHANZLE-HASKINS, Magistrate Judge.
Plaintiff Susan Marie Osing appeals from the denial of her application for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits ("Disability Benefits") under Title II of the Social Security Act. 42 U.S.C. §§ 416(i), 423. This appeal is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g). Osing filed a Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum of Law in Support of Remand/Vacate of Decision denying Disability (d/e 15) (Osing Motion), and Defendant Commissioner of Social Security filed a Motion for Summary Affirmance (d/e18). The parties consented, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), to proceed before this Court.
Osing was born on November 19, 1960. She left high school during the tenth grade. She secured a GED in 2009 or 2010.
On April 13, 1993, Osing was hospitalized at St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Illinois, for depression, helplessness, suicidal and homicidal ideas, anxiety, apprehension, agitation, irritability, and moodiness. R. 270. She remained hospitalized for three weeks until her discharge on May 5, 1993. Dr. Duttala O. Reddy, M.D., treated Osing during the hospitalization. According to Dr. Reddy, Osing significantly improved during the hospitalization. At the time of discharge, Dr. Reddy stated that Osing was "totally aware and capable of holding responsibility for her actions and behavior and she reached maximum benefits from the hospitalization." R. 270. Dr. Reddy put no restrictions on Osing's activities. R. 270.
Six years later, in 1999, Osing began undergoing mental health therapy at the Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois (Center) for a psychiatric evaluation. R. 58, 307.
A GAF score was a clinician's judgment of an individual's overall level of functioning. American Psychiatric Association,
Dr. Bennett saw Osing three times, on April 13, 2007, June 8, 2007, and December 31, 2007. Each time he assessed her with depression and dissociative disorder and gave her a GAF score of 70 or 65-70. R. 300-03.
On October 21, 2008, Osing saw Tisha Bayless, M.A., QMHP, at the Center.
On May 19, 2010, Osing went to the Southern Illinois University HealthCare Center for Family Medicine in Springfield, Illinois (SIU Family Medicine). Osing complained of chronic neck pain, tension headaches, epigastric pain, and anxiety. R. 328-29. X-rays of her spine showed trivial degenerative changes at C6-7 and C5-6. R. 327. An ultrasound of Osing's gallbladder was negative. R. 326.
On November 2, 2010, Osing returned to SIU Family Medicine. Osing complained of pain in her right lower extremity, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches. She had some swelling in her lower right extremity, but no pitting. R. 322-25.
On April 11, 2011, Osing returned to SIU Family Medicine complaining of stomach pain and right lower quadrant pain. R. 318. Osing reported that she had been laid off from work one month earlier. As a result, she was taking Ativan twice a day for anxiety. R. 319. Osing was assessed with chronic neck pain and anxiety disorder. She was counseled not to take Ativan on a daily basis. R. 318. She received prescriptions for Ativan, Vicodin, and Sertraline. R. 320.
On July 19, 2011, Osing returned to SIU Family Medicine complaining of generalized pain. She was referred to a rheumatologist for evaluation. Osing repeated her report that she was laid off work one month earlier and was taking Ativan twice a day. R. 314.
On October 4, 2011, Osing saw state agency psychologist Dr. Michael Trieger, Psy.D., for a psychological evaluation. R. 340-43. Osing reported to Dr. Trieger that she suffered from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, depression, chronic fatigue and chronic headaches. R. 340. Osing reported to Dr. Trieger that she was sexually victimized as a child by her father and her father's friends. R. 341. She reported dissociative episodes when she was anxious. R. 341. On examination, Dr. Trieger observed that Osing's "mood and affect suggested mild anxiousness and dysphoria." R. 341. Dr. Trieger also noted that Osing's "presentation during the interview revealed several clinical markers for anxiety and depressive symptoms." R. 342. Dr. Trieger assessed Osing with "PTSD, recurrent, moderate to severe, by claimant report, Depressive disorder with anxiety, by claimant report." R. 343. Dr. Trieger assessed Osing with a GAF score of 52. R. 343. A GSF score of 52 indicated "Moderate symptoms . . . or moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning . . . ." DSM-IV-TR, at 34.
On October 10, 2011, state agency psychologist Dr. David Doss, Ph.D., completed a Psychiatric Review Technique form. R. 344-57. Dr. Doss stated that Osing suffered from mood disturbance, depression with anxiety, and moderately severe PTSD by history. R. 347, 349. Dr. Doss opined that Osing had mild restrictions on activities of daily living, moderate difficulties in maintaining social functioning, and moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace. R. 354.
On October 13, 2011, state agency physician Dr. Charles Kenney, M.D., prepared an Illinois Request for Medical Advice form. R. 358-360. Dr. Kenney opined that Osing's physical impairments of fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis were non-severe. R. 358.
On November 21, 2011, Osing saw a rheumatologist, Dr. Sriya K. Ranatunga, M.D. Osing complained of fibromyalgia pain, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, and migraine headaches. R. 382. On examination, Dr. Ranatunga found eleven out of 18 possible positive fibromyalgia tender points. The pain elicited was 5-8/10. Osing had normal range of motion generally. Dr. Ranatunga noted some swelling in Osing's right knee and ankle. R. 383. X-rays showed mild degenerative changes in the knees and ankles. R. 379-81. Dr. Ranatunga prescribed Cymbalta for fibromyalgia, discontinued the prescription for Sertraline, and modified the prescriptions for Ativan and Vicodin. R. 384.
On January 11, 2012, Osing saw Dr. Ranatunga for a follow-up visit. Osing had reported that she could not afford the prescription for Cymbalta, so Dr. Ranatunga had changed the prescription to gabapentin. Osing had started the gabapentin, but did not think that the medication was helping her pain. Osing reported that she felt that same as her last visit. R. 384. On examination, Osing had positive tender points throughout. She had full range of motion and no active synovitis.
On April 16, 2012, Osing saw Dr. Ranatunga for a follow-up visit. Osing reported that her occipital headaches were better, but otherwise she had no change in her condition. Dr. Ranatunga continued her medications and discussed the importance of low-impact stretching exercises. R. 458-59.
On May 24, 2012, Osing went to SIU Family Medicine for pain and anxiety. She was given Ativan (Lorazepam) and Citalopram Hydrobromide for anxiety. R. 503-06.
On June 12, 2012, Osing went to SIU Family Medicine for generalized pain and depression. She continued to report pain, anxiety, and stress in her life. Her medications were continued. R. 500-02.
On July 3, 2012, Osing went to SIU Family Medicine for fibromyalgia pain, anxiety, and depression. Osing saw Dr. Dae Jeong, M.D., and a resident. Osing also complained of insomnia. Osing reported that she felt a little worse. Osing was prescribed Trazodone for her insomnia. R. 497-99. Dr. Jeong stated that he was personally involved with resident in the care of Osing during this visit and approved of the treatment plan. R. 499.
On October 15, 2012, Osing saw Dr. Ranatunga. Osing reported that she felt the same. Dr. Ranatunga changed her prescription for gabapentin and recommended stretching and strengthening exercises. R. 437-38.
On October 23, 2012, Osing saw Dr. Jeong at SIU Family Medicine. Osing was complaining of back pain, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Osing reported that the fibromyalgia pain was about the same. She reported low back pain. She reported that she had suffered from low back pain for a year and a half. She reported that the Ativan suppressed her anxiety well. R. 466. Dr. Jeong renewed her Ativan prescription. R. 469.
On November 2, 2012, Dr. Jeong completed a Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire. R. 506-11. Dr. Jeong reported that he saw Osing twice in the last three months. He assessed her with fibromyalgia, lumbar degenerative diseases, and anxiety. He opined that Osing was not a malingerer. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing's pain frequently interfered with her attention and concentration. He opined that Osing was capable of low stress jobs. He explained that she "can tolerate usual daily activity." R. 507. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing could walk three blocks without rest or severe pain; could sit for an hour at one time; could stand for fifteen minutes; could sit for two hours in an eight-hour workday; and could stand/walk for less than two hours in an eight-hour workday. R. 507-08. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing needed to walk around once an hour for fifteen minutes. R. 508. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing needed to shift positions at will and needed unscheduled fifteen-minute breaks every hour. R. 508. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing could occasionally lift less than ten pounds and never lift any heavier weights. R. 508. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing could never twist, stoop, crouch, squat, or climb ladders, and could rarely climb stairs. R. 509. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing could use her hands to grasp, turn and twist objects five percent of the time during an eight-hour workday, but could not use her hands to perform fine manipulations and could not use her arms to reach for objects. R. 509. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing would miss more than four days of work a month due to her impairments. R. 509. Dr. Jeong opined that Osing should avoid noise, extreme stress, and extreme temperatures. R. 510.
On February 27, 2013, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) conducted an evidentiary hearing in Peoria, Illinois. R. 40-86. Osing appeared in person and with her attorney via videoconference from Springfield, Illinois. Osing's husband Greg Osing also appeared as a witness from Springfield. Vocational Expert George Paprocki also appeared as a witness in Peoria. R. 41.
Osing testified first. She testified that she was fifty-two years old at the time of the hearing. She was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds. R. 42. She lived with her husband in a mobile home. She had three adult children who did not live with them. R. 43. Osing testified that she received unemployment benefits for eighteen months ending in November 2012. R. 45.
Osing testified that she left school in the tenth grade and then secured a GED in 2009 or 2010. She testified that she worked one day a week as a security guard for nine hours. R. 45, 61. She testified that she earned $12.10 per hour. R. 66. She testified that during her work as a security guard she sat at a desk and got up to move occasionally as she needed. R. 46.
Osing testified that could not work more than one shift a week, "Because of my physical pain and psychological issues." R. 46. Osing testified that she was exhausted after her shift, "Your Honor, when — I work on Fridays and after I get home on Friday, I am — I am—basically I am wiped out until Sunday. I'm emotionally exhausted and physically exhausted." R. 46-47. Osing testified about her exhaustion after work, "I believe some of it is the emotional exhaustion and then the stress, the anxiety, the — physically sitting in a chair that's uncomfortable and then I'll have to get up and then it's just constant pain." R. 67.
The ALJ asked her about applying for unemployment and disability at the same time:
R. 47-49.
Osing testified that she had chronic migraine headaches. She testified that she gets up to three bad headaches a week. She also testified that she had pain in her lower back that was not relieved by medication. R. 49. She also testified that she had chronic pain in her knees and feet. R. 50. The ALJ stated that people over 40 years of age have chronic arthritic pain. R. 50.
The ALJ then asked Osing about the Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire that Dr. Jeong completed on November 2, 2012:
R. 52-53. Osing's attorney asked some additional questions about Dr. Jeong's Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire:
R 61. Osing's attorney later asked another question about Dr. Jeong's Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire:
R. 67-68.
Osing testified that she could dress herself and take care of her personal hygiene. Osing testified that she did not do laundry. She testified that her husband did most of the house work. Osing testified that she and her husband made beds together. R. 55. She also sometimes helped her husband wash dishes. R. 56.
Osing testified that she and her husband went grocery shopping together about once a week. R. 55, 65. She testified that she did not go to church and did not belong to any social organizations. She testified that in a normal week, she interacted with her husband, and she spoke by telephone to her daughter and one or two friends. R. 66.
Osing testified that she and her husband both prepared meals. R. 55. Osing testified that she only could cook simple things that did not require much concentration. She testified that she sometimes would start cooking something on the stove top and "forget it's there." R. 64.
Osing testified about her mental condition. She testified that she was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward in 1993. She testified that she experienced, "a meltdown." R. 58. She testified that she did not attempt to commit suicide at that time, but she has been "suicidal my entire life." R. 58. She testified that she started going to the Center for counseling in 1999. She said she stopped in 2008 because she did not have coverage to pay for the counselling services. R. 58.
Osing testified that she had problems dealing with the public. She testified that her security guard job consisted of sitting at the entrance of the building and checking to make sure people entering the building are wearing the required badges. She testified that she worked at an Illinois State government office building. R. 59. She testified that she had problems with coworkers. She testified that she was moved to work at a different location. She testified that she had problems working with a male coworker. She stated that working with him, "was a huge source of triggers for me with anxiety and sensory flashbacks and we almost came to blows over it and it's not been — that wasn't the first time that I had problems dealing with those issues." R. 60.
Osing testified that she had panic attacks. She testified that she sometimes had two to three attacks in a week, and sometimes she would not have any in a week. R. 61-62. She testified, "It depends on what is going to trigger the panic attack." R. 62.
Osing testified that in a typical day she got up at 5:00 a.m. She made coffee. She then sat in her computer chair and used the computer to play games. She testified that she also read mystery novels. Osing testified that she could not read a book all the way through without stopping due to her headaches. R. 63.
Osing testified that she had difficulty remembering things, "Somebody will tell me something important and I'll write it down and then it's gone. Even though it's right in front of me, I'll completely forget about it and it's embarrassing." R. 64.
Osing's husband Greg Osing then testified. R. 68. Greg Osing testified that he and Osing had been married for seven years at the time of the hearing. Greg Osing testified that he went on Social Security disability in 1999 or 2000. He testified that he suffered a traumatic brain injury at that time. R. 69. Greg Osing testified that he did most of the housework. He testified that Osing was not able to walk the dog. He testified that she last walked the dog two to four years before the hearing. R. 70. He testified that Osing sat at the computer all day playing games. R. 71. Osing's attorney asked Greg Osing about Osing's ability to deal with other people. Greg Osing testified, "She can — you mean talking to people? She can talk to people fine." R. 71.
Vocational expert Paprocki then testified. The ALJ asked Paprocki the following hypothetical question:
R. 74. Paprocki answered:
R. 74.
The ALJ asked Paprocki whether his answer would change if the person was limited to no more than occasional work-related interaction with the public, coworkers, and supervisors. Paprocki opined that the person could still perform the past relevant work as a security guard. R. 75.
The ALJ then asked Paprocki to assume a change in the exertional level to sedentary work. Paprocki responded:
R. 75. Paprocki explained, "Well, this is — I think it was a special job. The job she's doing is sedentary. My understanding was that there was an accommodation by the employer." R. 76. Paprocki stated, "I believe I got that from looking at the — looking at some of the evidence in the employment section." R. 76.
The ALJ, Osing, and Osing's attorney engaged in a colloquy about the nature of Osing's job duties. Osing is referred to as "CLMT" in the transcript:
It's, like I said, Your Honor, it's the only building that doesn't require rounds.
R. 76-78. The ALJ concluded that Osing was performing her security guard job as a sedentary exertional level:
R. 79.
Paprocki opined that the ALJ's hypothetical person limited to sedentary work could perform Osing's past work as a security guard as she actually performed the job even with a limitation of only occasional interaction with the public, coworkers, and supervisors. Paprocki opined, however, that all employment would be precluded if the person missed two or more days of work per month. R. 79.
Paprocki opined that a person performing Osing's past work could not allow her attention to the task to wander or deviate from the task more than ten percent of the time. R. 80. Paprocki opined that the person also could not maintain employment if her impairments required her to take more than the standard morning break, lunch break, and afternoon break. R. 81. Paprocki opined that a person might be allowed to take any additional fifteen minutes a day away from work, but not more than that and maintain employment. R. 81-82.
The hearing concluded. R. 85.
The ALJ issued his decision on April 19, 2013. R. 19-27. The ALJ followed the five-step analysis set forth in Social Security Administration Regulations (Analysis). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. Step 1 requires that the claimant not be currently engaged in substantial gainful activity. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b), 416.920(b). If true, Step 2 requires the claimant to have a severe impairment. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c), 416.920(c). If true, Step 3 requires a determination of whether the claimant is so severely impaired that she is disabled regardless of her age, education and work experience. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). To meet this requirement at Step 3, the claimant's condition must meet or be equal to the criteria of one of the impairments specified in 20 C.F.R. Part 404 Subpart P, Appendix 1 (Listing). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d), 416.920(d). If the claimant is not so severely impaired, the ALJ proceeds to Step 4 of the Analysis.
Step 4 requires the claimant not to be able to return to her prior work considering her age, education, work experience, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e) and (f), 416.920(e) and (f). The claimant must not be able to return to her prior work as she actually performed it or as the work is generally performed in the national economy.
The ALJ found that Osing met her burden at Steps 1 and 2. She had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since her alleged onset date of March 3, 2011. The ALJ found that working one day a week did not constitute substantial gainful activity. R. 21. The ALJ found that Osing suffered from the severe impairments of osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, mild lumbar degenerative disc disease, obesity, and PTSD. R. 21.
The ALJ found at Step 3 that Osing's conditions did not meet or equal any Listing. The ALJ considered Listings 1.04 for spinal disorders, Listing 12.06 for anxiety-related disorders such as PTSD, and Listing 14.09 for inflammatory arthritis. R. 23. The ALJ considered Osing's fibromyalgia in the context of Listing 14.09. The ALJ also considered the impact of Osing's obesity. The ALJ stated, "Accordingly, the undersigned has fully considered obesity in the context of the overall record evidence in making this decision." R. 23.
With respect to Listing 12.06 for PTSD, the ALJ found that Osing's condition did not meet the Listing because she had mild limitations on activities of daily living, mild limitations in social functioning, and moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace. R. 24.
At Step 4, the ALJ found that Osing had the RFC to perform light work except "she is limited to occasional postural activities; she is also limited to jobs that do not require complex or detailed job processes, little in the way of change in job process from day to day and jobs that can be learned in 180 days or fewer." R. 24. The ALJ relied on the medical record, Osing's daily activities, and the opinions of Drs. Doss and Kenney. R. 26. The ALJ did not give significant weight to Dr. Jeong's Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire because Osing testified that she gave Dr. Jeong the answers to the questions, and Dr. Jeong's answers matched the ones she gave him. R. 25.
The ALJ also found that Osing's statements about the severity of her limitations due to her impairments were not fully credible. The ALJ relied on her daily activities and the fact that she worked once a week. The ALJ relied on the fact that she had the concentration to play computer video games all day. The ALJ also relied on her representations that she was able to work in her requests for unemployment benefits. The ALJ found, "These factors indicate the claimant is less than fully credible." R. 25.
The ALJ found that Osing could return to her prior work as she actually performed it and as the job is generally performed. The ALJ relied on Paprocki's expert testimony to reach this finding. R. 26. The ALJ further stated that even if Osing was limited to sedentary work, she could perform her security guard job as she actually performed it. R. 26. The ALJ relied on Osing's testimony about how she performed her job and on Paprocki's opinion testimony. The ALJ concluded that Osing was not disabled. R. 27.
Osing appealed the decision of the ALJ. On August 21, 2014, the Appeals Council denied her request for review. The decision of the ALJ then became the final decision of the Defendant Commissioner. R. 1. Osing then brought this action for judicial review.
This Court reviews the Decision of the Commissioner to determine whether it is supported by substantial evidence. Substantial evidence is "such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate" to support the decision.
The ALJ's decision is supported by substantial evidence. The x-rays and other imaging showed only mild degenerative changes that did not meet Listings 1.04 or 14.09. The ALJ acknowledged that Dr. Ranatunga's trigger points testing showed fibromyalgia, but the ALJ concluded that Osing's condition did not meet a Listing in light of the lack of other medical evidence of severe arthritis. R. 22, 23.
The ALJ's finding that Osing did not meet Listing 12.06 is also supported by substantial evidence. In Osing's situation, the Listing requires marked limitations in two or three areas: activities of daily living; social functioning; and maintaining concentration, persistence or pace. Listing 12.06(B). The ALJ found only mild or moderate limitations in these areas. This finding is supported by Dr. Bennett's examination notes, by Dr. Trieger's consultative mental status examination, and by Dr. Doss's opinion. Dr. Bennett assessed GAF scores of 65 or 70, indicating mild limitations; Dr. Trieger assessed a GAF score of 52, indicating moderate limitations; and Dr. Doss opined that Osing had mild or moderate limitations in these areas. These opinions provide substantial evidence to support the ALJ's conclusion that Osing did not meet this Listing.
The ALJ finding of no disability at Step 4 is also supported by substantial evidence. Dr. Kenney opined that Osing had no severe physical impairments. The x-ray and other imaging showed minor degenerative changes in Osing's joints and spine. Dr. Ranatunga observed some swelling, and Osing testified to some physical limitations. The ALJ's RFC finding limited Osing to a reduced range of light work or alternatively, sedentary work. The limitations in the RFC adequately addressed those physical functional limitations. Paprocki's opinion supported the conclusion that Osing could perform her past work as a security guard as she actually performed the job even if she was limited to sedentary work. The ALJ's decision is supported by substantial evidence.
Osing argues that the ALJ erred in finding that she did not meet Listing 12.06.
Osing also argues that the ALJ failed to explain adequately his credibility finding.
Osing does not expressly raise any other claims of error.
The Court sees no error in the treatment of Dr. Jeong's opinions. The opinions of a treating physician are entitled to controlling weight if his opinions are "well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in your case record." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(1). In this case, the ALJ did not give weight to Dr. Jeong's opinions because the ALJ found that Osing gave him the answers to the questions on the form. R. 26. The ALJ could reasonably draw that inference from her testimony quoted above. If so, then Dr. Jeong did not express medical opinions, but merely recited what Osing reported. Osing's testimony provided substantial evidence to support this conclusion by the ALJ.
The Court sees no error in the treatment of Osing's obesity or her fibromyalgia. The ALJ found that these conditions constituted severe impairments. R. 21. The ALJ stated that he considered Osing's obesity in his determinations. R. 23. Osing also fails to cite any medical records that indicated that her obesity was in any way debilitating. The ALJ also recognized that Osing had fibromyalgia and considered her condition in making his findings.
Lastly, Osing alludes to the fact that vocational expert Paprocki found that her work was accommodated. Osing does not explain the significance of this Paprocki's observation in this case. Osing appears to be arguing that the observation supports the conclusion that Osing met Listing 12.06 for anxiety disorders.
The evidence further supports the conclusion that Osing performed the regular duties of one of the security guards at the Harris Building. Osing testified that at least one of the security guards at the Harris Building could sit most of the day. She testified that she worked that post for seven years. She testified that, at the time of the hearing, the person who worked her shift the other four days a week performed the job the same way she performed it. She also testified that the person who worked the shift after her shift was not required to walk around the building. R. 77-78. The ALJ could properly conclude that Osing performed her work as a security guard in the manner that the job was regularly performed at the Harris Building. The ALJ's RFC finding and Paprocki's testimony, therefore, supported the conclusion that Osing was not disabled at Step 4 because she could return to that past relevant work as the job was actually performed. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1560(b)(2). The Court sees no error.
THEREFORE, Defendant Commissioner of Social Security's Motion for Summary Affirmance (d/e18) is ALLOWED; Plaintiff Susan Marie Osing's Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum of Law in Support of Remand/Vacate of Decision denying Disability (d/e 15) is DENIED; and the decision of the Commissioner is AFFIRMED.
