MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER1

STEVEN C. YARBROUGH, Magistrate Judge.

THIS MATTER is before the Court on the Social Security Administrative Record (Doc. 13) filed January 2, 2018, in support of Plaintiff Robert Ernie Roble's ("Plaintiff") Complaint (Doc. 1) seeking review of the decision of Defendant Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, ("Defendant" or "Commissioner") partially granting Plaintiff's claims for Title II disability insurance benefits and Title XVI supplemental security income. On March 28, 2018, Plaintiff filed his Motion to Reverse and Remand for Rehearing With Supporting Memorandum ("Motion"). Doc. 20. The Commissioner filed a Response in opposition on May 23, 2018 (Doc. 22), and Plaintiff filed a Reply on June 11, 2018. Doc. 23. The Court has jurisdiction to review the Commissioner's final decision under 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c). Having meticulously reviewed the entire record and the applicable law and being fully advised in the premises, the Court finds the Motion is well taken and is GRANTED.

I. Background and Procedural Record

Claimant Robert Ernie Roble ("Mr. Roble") alleges that he became disabled on June 22, 2011, at the age of forty-eight because of post-traumatic stress syndrome and kidney stones. Tr. 255, 259.2 Mr. Roble has four or more years of college, and was self-employed in maintenance and pest control. Tr. 260, 276-85.

On December 19, 2012, Mr. Roble filed an application for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits ("DIB") under Title II of the Social Security Act (the "Act"), 42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq. Tr. 230-31. On June 3, 2013, he filed an application for Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") under Title XVI of the Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1381 et seq. Tr. 232-37. Mr. Roble's applications were initially denied on September 23, 2013. Tr. 97, 98, 99-115, 116-133, 163-66, 167-70. They were denied again at reconsideration on May 30, 2014. Tr. 134, 135, 136-47, 148-58, 173-75, 176-79. Mr. Roble requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"), and ALJ Lillian Richter conducted a hearing on January 28, 2016. Tr. 44-96. Mr. Roble appeared in person at the hearing with attorney representative Michael Armstrong. Id. The ALJ took testimony from Mr. Roble, Geraldine Roble, and an impartial vocational expert ("VE"), Karen Provine. Id. On March 24, 2016, ALJ Richter issued a partially favorable decision. Tr. 19-35.

On July 15, 2017, the Appeals Council issued its decision denying Mr. Roble's request for review and upholding the ALJ's final decision. Tr. 1-5. On September 1, 2017, Mr. Roble timely filed a Complaint seeking judicial review of the Commissioner's final decision. Doc. 1.

II. Applicable Law

A. Disability Determination Process

An individual is considered disabled if 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 12 months." 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A) (pertaining to disability insurance benefits); see also 42 U.S.C. § 1382(a)(3)(A) (pertaining to supplemental security income disability benefits for adult individuals). The Social Security Commissioner has adopted the familiar five-step sequential analysis to determine whether a person satisfies the statutory criteria as follows:

See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4) (disability insurance benefits); 20 C.F.R. § 416.920(a)(4) (supplemental security income disability benefits); Fischer-Ross v. Barnhart, 431 F.3d 729, 731 (10th Cir. 2005); Grogan v. Barnhart, 399 F.3d 1257, 1261 (10th Cir. 2005). The claimant has the initial burden of establishing a disability in the first four steps of this analysis. Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146, n.5, 107 S.Ct. 2287, 2294, n. 5, 96 L.Ed.2d 119 (1987). The burden shifts to the Commissioner at step five to show that the claimant is capable of performing work in the national economy. Id. A finding that the claimant is disabled or not disabled at any point in the five-step review is conclusive and terminates the analysis. Casias v. Sec'y of Health & Human Serv., 933 F.2d 799, 801 (10th Cir. 1991).

B. Standard of Review

This Court must affirm the Commissioner's denial of social security benefits unless (1) the decision is not supported by "substantial evidence" or (2) the ALJ did not apply the proper legal standards in reaching the decision. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Hamlin v. Barnhart, 365 F.3d 1208, 1214 (10th Cir. 2004); Langley v. Barnhart, 373 F.3d 1116, 1118 (10th Cir. 2004); Casias, 933 F.2d at 800-01. In making these determinations, the Court "neither reweigh[s] the evidence nor substitute[s] [its] judgment for that of the agency.'" Bowman v. Astrue, 511 F.3d 1270, 1272 (10th Cir. 2008). A decision is based on substantial evidence where it is supported by "relevant evidence . . . a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Langley, 373 F.3d at 1118. A decision "is not based on substantial evidence if it is overwhelmed by other evidence in the record[,]" Langley, 373 F.3d at 1118, or "constitutes mere conclusion." Musgrave v. Sullivan, 966 F.2d 1371, 1374 (10th Cir. 1992). The agency decision must "provide this court with a sufficient basis to determine that appropriate legal principles have been followed." Jensen v. Barnhart, 436 F.3d 1163, 1165 (10th Cir. 2005). Therefore, although an ALJ is not required to discuss every piece of evidence, "the record must demonstrate that the ALJ considered all of the evidence," and "the [ALJ's] reasons for finding a claimant not disabled" must be "articulated with sufficient particularity." Clifton v. Chater, 79 F.3d 1007, 1009-10 (10th Cir. 1996).

III. Analysis

The ALJ determined that Mr. Roble was not disabled prior to August 30, 2013, but became disabled on that date and has continued to be disabled through the date of her decision. Tr. 24. In making this determination, the ALJ found at step one that Mr. Roble met the insured status requirements through March 31, 2012, and that he had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since his alleged onset date. Tr. 26. At step two, the ALJ found that since his alleged onset date, Mr. Roble had severe impairments of mood disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and rule out cognitive disorder. Tr. 26. She also found nonsevere impairments of obesity, cataract, hypertension, and alcohol use disorder. Tr. 27. The ALJ, however, determined that Mr. Roble's impairments did not meet or equal in severity one the listings described in Appendix 1 of the regulations. Tr. 27. As a result, the ALJ proceeded to step four and found that, prior to August 30, 2013, Mr. Roble had the residual functional capacity to perform a full range of work at all exertional levels but with the following nonexertional limitations:

Tr. 28. The ALJ determined that beginning on August 30, 2013, Mr. Roble had an additional nonexertional limitation of needing "frequent reminders from supervisors in order to remain on task." Tr. 30. The ALJ concluded at step four that Mr. Roble was not able to perform any past relevant work. Tr. 33. At step five, the ALJ determined that prior to August 30, 2013, based on Mr. Roble's age, education, work experience, RFC, and the testimony of the VE, there were jobs that existed in significant numbers in the national economy that Mr. Roble could perform and was, therefore, not disabled. Tr. 33-34. Beginning on August 30, 2013, however, based on Mr. Roble's age, education, work experience, RFC, and the testimony of the VE, the ALJ determined there were no jobs that existed in significant numbers in the national economy that Mr. Roble could perform and that he was, therefore, disabled as of that date.

Mr. Roble asserts two arguments in support of his Motion as follows: (1) the Appeals Council failed to properly analyze the opinion of consultative psychologist Louis Wynne, Ph.D. whose opinion undercuts ALJ Richter's decision; and (2) ALJ Richter failed to properly evaluate Mr. Roble's description of his symptoms in accordance with SSR 16-3p or SSR 96-7p. Doc. 20 at 16-24. Because the Appeals Council failed to consider Dr. Wynne's opinion, the case will be remanded so that the Appeals Council may reevaluate the ALJ's decision in light of the completed record.

A. Consideration of Additional Evidence

On July 8, 2016, Louis Wynne, Ph.D., prepared a psychological evaluation, and completed a Medical Assessment of Ability To Do Work-Related Activities (Mental) and three listings forms on Mr. Roble's behalf.4 Tr. 9-16. On July 11, 2016, Mr. Roble submitted the additional evidence to the Appeals Council. Tr. 8-15. The Appeals Council denied review of the additional evidence explaining that

Tr. 2.

Dr. Wynne explained in his psychological evaluation that he

Tr. 9. Dr. Wynne's psychological evaluation discussed Mr. Roble's pertinent histories, the information he obtained from Mr. Roble's wife about Mr. Roble's mood and behavior following the June 20, 2011, assault, and possible diagnoses. Dr. Wynne concluded that

Tr. 10.

In completing the Medical Assessment of Ability To Do Work-Related Activities (Mental), the instructions directed Dr. Wynne to consider Mr. Roble's "medical history and the chronicity of findings as from June 2011." Tr. 11-12. In doing so, Dr. Wynne assessed that Mr. Roble had moderate limitations in his ability to (1) understand and remember very short and simple instructions; (2) carry out very short and simple instructions; (3) ask simple questions or request assistance; and (4) maintain socially appropriate behavior and adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness. Id. Dr. Wynne also assessed that Mr. Roble had marked limitations in ability to (1) remember locations and work-like procedures; (2) understand and remember detailed instructions; (3) carry out detailed instructions; (4) maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time (i.e. 2-hours segments); (5) perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance and be punctual within customary tolerance; (6) sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision; (7) work in coordination with/or proximity to others without being distracted by them; (8) make simple work-related decisions; (9) complete a normal workday and workweek without interruptions from psychological based symptoms and to perform at a consistent pace without unreasonable number and length of rest periods; (10) interact appropriately with the general public; (11) accept instructions and respond appropriately to criticism from supervisors; (12) get along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes; (13) respond appropriately to changes in the work place; (14) be aware of normal hazards and take adequate precautions; (15) travel in unfamiliar places or use public transportation; (16) set realistic goals or make plans independently of others. Id.

Finally, Dr. Wynne completed three listings forms that indicated Mr. Roble met the A, B and C criteria for 12.04 Affective Disorder, 12.06 Anxiety-Related Disorders, and 12.02 Organic Mental Disorders (Hepatic Encephalopathy). Tr. 13-15.

Mr. Roble argues that the Appeals Council improperly determined that the additional submitted evidence was not material. Doc. 20 at 16-21. Mr. Roble asserts that the additional evidence is material because it raises a question as to whether ALJ Richter's decision is supported by substantial evidence because it points to functional limitations that could reasonably change the outcome of the ALJ's determination. Id. The Commissioner contends that Mr. Roble's argument is misplaced because, under current regulations, the Appeals Council will review a case based on additional evidence only if, in addition to meeting other requirements, there is a reasonable probability that it would change the outcome of the decision. Doc. 22 at 13-14. The Commissioner contends that Mr. Roble failed to demonstrate a reasonable probability that the additional evidence would change the outcome of the decision. Id. at 14. The Commissioner adds that, even if the additional evidence were considered, Dr. Wynne opined in his psychological evaluation on an issue reserved to the Commissioner; i.e., that Mr. Roble was disabled since June 2011, and that Dr. Wynne used check-the-box-forms which, without more, are not highly probative of Mr. Roble's condition in 2011 and 2012. Id. at 15. As such, the Commissioner contends that the ALJ's decision remains supported by substantial evidence. Id. at 15-16.

The question before the Court, therefore, is whether the Appeals Council should have considered the additional evidence in Mr. Roble's request for review. Whether evidence qualifies for consideration by the Appeals Council is a question of law subject to de novo review. Krauser v. Astrue, 638 F.3d 1324, 1328 (10th Cir. 2011) (citing Threet v. Barnhart, 353 F.3d 1185, 1191 (10th Cir. 2003)). "[O]ur general rule of de novo review permits us to resolve the matter and remand if the Appeals Council erroneously rejected the evidence." Krauser, 638 F.3d at 1328 (citing Chambers v. Barnhart, 389 F.3d 1139, 1142 (10th Cir. 2004)).

Additional evidence should be considered only if it is new, material, and relates to the period on or before the date of the hearing decision, and there is a reasonable probability that the additional evidence would change the outcome of the decision. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.970(a)(5), 416.1470(a)(5).5 Evidence is new "if it is not duplicative or cumulative" and is material "if there is a reasonable possibility that it would have changed the outcome." Threet, 353 F.3d at 1191. Evidence is chronologically pertinent if it relates to the time period adjudicated by the ALJ; i.e., the period on or before the date of the ALJ's decision. Chambers, 389 F.3d at 1142.

Chambers, 389 F.3d at 1142 (quoting O'Dell v. Shalala, 44 F.3d 855, 859 (10th Cir. 1994)). The Court addresses all three criteria as part of its de novo review.

The additional evidence is new because it is not duplicative or cumulative. Dr. Wynne's psychological evaluation, Medical Assessment of Ability To Do Work-Related Activities (Mental), and listing forms were not available to the ALJ at the time she made her decision. As such, the evidence is not duplicative. Additionally, Dr. Wynne is the only examining acceptable medical source6 who assessed Mr. Roble's ability to do work-related mental activities as from his alleged onset date.7 As such, the evidence is not cumulative.

The additional evidence is material and creates a reasonable possibility that the outcome of the case would change.8 At issue in this case is whether the ALJ improperly determined that Mr. Roble was not disabled prior to August 30, 2013. The additional evidence directly addresses this issue. There is no dispute that the medical evidence of record shows that Mr. Roble was assaulted in June 2011 and suffered a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, depression, and anxiety as a result. Tr. 29. And the Commissioner acknowledges that Dr. Wynne indicated in his July 8, 2016, psychological report that he re-examined Mr. Roble for the purpose of clarifying the extent of Mr. Roble's impairment in June 2011. Doc. 22 at 14. In fact, Dr. Wynne explained the basis of his new assessment, which included, inter alia, having obtained a more detailed account of Mr. Roble's mood and behavior following the June 20, 2011, assault. Tr. 9-10. To that end, on July 8, 2016, Dr. Wynne prepared a new assessment of Mr. Roble's ability to do work-related mental activities as from June 2011 that clearly calls into question the ALJ's RFC assessment prior to August 30, 2013, because, if adopted, it would impose greater limitations on Mr. Roble's ability to do work-related mental activities prior to that date.9 Tr. 31. Moreover, Dr. Wynne's new assessment is consistent with Mr. Roble's long-term primary mental health provider opinions, LISW Walker and LISW Bussey, both of whom assessed Mr. Roble with marked limitations in several areas of vocational functioning prior to August 30, 2013.10 Tr. 32. Although the ALJ explained that their assessments were not consistent with the medical evidence of record (Tr. 32), if Dr. Wynne's July 8, 2016, assessment is also considered, the record changes, and their assessments are consistent with Dr. Wynne's.

Finally, the additional evidence relates to the period at issue. It is undisputed that the date on which Dr. Wynne completed psychological evaluation and the Medical Assessment of Ability To Do Work-Related Activities (Mental) post-date the ALJ's decision. However, the additional evidence makes a direct reference to the time period adjudicated by the ALJ; i.e., as from June 2011.11 (Id.) See HALLEX I-3-3-6(B) (noting that there are circumstances when evidence dated after the ALJ decision relates to the period at issue, such as when a statement makes a direct reference to the time period adjudicated).

Lastly, the Commissioner argues that even if the Court were to find that the additional evidence should have been considered, it would not undermine the ALJ's decision. Doc. 22 at 15-16. However, in this case, the Appeals Council did not accept or consider the new evidence in denying Mr. Roble's request to review the ALJ's decision. Thus, the only question before the Court is whether the Appeals Council should have done so. Padilla v. Colvin, 525 F. App'x 710, 712, n. 1 (10th Cir. 2013) (distinguishing the questions before the court when the Appeals Council rejects and does not consider additional evidence in denying review and when the Appeals Council accepts and considers evidence in denying review). As such, it would be improper for this Court to perform a substantial evidence review of the ALJ's decision by evaluating new evidence that was not considered below.

For the foregoing reasons, the Court finds that the additional evidence from Louis Wynne, Ph.D., is new, material and, chronologically pertinent.12 As such, the Appeals Council erroneously failed to consider it as part of Mr. Roble's request for review. Therefore, this case must be remanded for the Appeals Council to review the new evidence as required under 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.970(a)(5), 416.1470(a)(5). Krauser, 638 F.3d at 1328.

B. Remaining Issues

The Court will not address Mr. Roble's remaining claim of error because it may be affected by the ALJ's treatment of this case on remand. Wilson v. Barnhart, 350 F.3d 1297, 1299 (10th Cir. 2003).

IV. Conclusion

For the reasons stated above, Mr. Roble's Motion to Reverse and Remand for Rehearing With Supporting Memorandum (Doc. 20) is GRANTED.