LAWRENCE E. KAHN, District Judge.
This matter comes before the Court following a Report-Recommendation filed on November 5, 2012 by the Honorable Victor E. Bianchini, United States Magistrate Judge, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and Local Rule 72.3(d) of the Northern District of New York. Dkt. No. 18 ("Report-Recommendation"). After fourteen days from the service thereof, the Clerk has sent the entire file to the undersigned, including the Objections by Plaintiff Jessica Weather ("Plaintiff"), which were filed on November 21, 2012, and the Reply to Plaintiff's Objections, which was filed by Defendant on December 5, 2012. Dkt. Nos. 19 ("Objections"), 20 ("Reply").
Plaintiff filed an application for Supplementary Security Income ("SSI") on July 17, 2009, alleging disability beginning on June 6, 2007. Dkt. No. 10 ("Transcript") at 108-111. After her initial application was denied, Plaintiff requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"). A hearing was held on September 10, 2010, before ALJ Bruce S. Fein. Id. at 27. Plaintiff appeared at the hearing with her attorney and testified. Id. at 31-56.
On November 29, 2010, the ALJ issued a written decision finding that Plaintiff was not disabled and was therefore not entitled to benefits. Id. at 13-21. The ALJ's decision became the Commissioner's final decision on May 26, 2011, when the Appeals Council denied Plaintiff's request for review. Id. at 1-3. Plaintiff, through counsel, timely filed her appeal and commenced this action on July 28, 2011. Dkt. No. 1 ("Complaint"). Defendant filed an Answer on December 14, 2011. Dkt. No. 9.
Plaintiff filed her supporting Brief on March 5, 2012. Dkt. No. 14 ("Plaintiff's Brief"). And, on April 16, 2012, Defendant filed a Brief in opposition. Dkt. No. 15 ("Defendant's Brief"). Pursuant to General Order No. 18, Judge Bianchini proceeded — and the Court proceeds — as though both parties had accompanied their Briefs with motions for judgment on the pleadings.
In his Report-Recommendation, Judge Bianchini recommended that the Commissioner's decision denying Plaintiff SSI benefits be affirmed in full. Report-Rec.
The Court is to "make a de novo determination of those portions of the report or specified proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is made." 28 U.S.C. § 636(b). Where, however, an objecting "party makes only conclusory or general objections, or simply reiterates his original arguments, the Court reviews the report and recommendation only for clear error." Farid v. Bouey, 554 F.Supp.2d 301, 307 (N.D.N.Y.2008) (quoting McAllan v. Von Essen, 517 F.Supp.2d 672, 679 (S.D.N.Y.2007)) (citations and quotations omitted); see also Brown v. Peters, No. 95-CV-1641, 1997 WL 599355, at *2-3 (N.D.N.Y. Sept. 22, 1997). "A [district] judge ... may accept, reject, or modify, in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made by the magistrate judge." 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1).
A court reviewing a denial of disability benefits may not determine de novo whether an individual is disabled. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g), 1383(c)(3); Wagner v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 906 F.2d 856, 860 (2d Cir.1990). Instead, a reviewing court will only reverse the Commissioner's determination if the correct legal standards were not applied or if the determination was not supported by substantial evidence. Johnson v. Bowen, 817 F.2d 983, 986 (2d Cir.1987) ("Where there is a reasonable basis for doubt whether the ALJ applied correct legal principles, application of the substantial evidence standard to uphold a finding of no disability creates an unacceptable risk that a claimant will be deprived of the right to have her disability determination made according to the correct legal principles."); see also Grey v. Heckler, 721 F.2d 41, 46 (2d Cir. 1983); Marcus v. Califano, 615 F.2d 23, 27 (2d Cir.1979).
The substantial evidence standard requires evidence amounting to "more than a mere scintilla," and has been 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, 91 S.Ct. 1420, 28 L.Ed.2d 842 (1971). If the evidence is deemed susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, then the Commissioner's conclusion must be upheld. See Rutherford v. Schweiker, 685 F.2d 60, 62 (2d Cir.1982). If supported by substantial evidence, the Commissioner's finding must be sustained "even where substantial evidence may support the plaintiff's position and despite that the court's independent analysis of the evidence may differ from the [Commissioner's]." Rosado v. Sullivan, 805 F.Supp. 147, 153 (S.D.N.Y.1992). That is, a court must afford the Commissioner's determination considerable deference and may not substitute "its own judgment for that of the [Commissioner], even if it might justifiably have reached a different result upon a de novo review." Valente v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 733 F.2d 1037, 1041 (2d Cir.1984) (citing Bastien v. Califano, 572 F.2d 908, 912 (2d Cir.1978)).
The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled as defined under the Social Security Act.
The Report-Recommendation is structured around what Judge Bianchini identifies as Plaintiff's two "principal arguments." Report-Rec. at 6. "First, Plaintiff challenges the ALJ's residual functional capacity (`RFC') determination. Second, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ did not properly assess her credibility." Id.
Central to the first question is the ALJ's reliance — or lack thereof — on the opinion of Plaintiff's treating physician, Dr. Pierre Herard. Id. at 7-9. On appeal from the ALJ's determination, Plaintiff contended that the ALJ had not adhered to the "treating physician's rule" and had erroneously disregarded Dr. Herard's opinions.
In the case of Plaintiff's second argument, her basic contention is that the ALJ erred in concluding that Plaintiff's complaints of disabling pain were not credible. See generally Pl.'s Br. at 11-16. Plaintiff emphasizes that it is not sufficient for an ALJ simply to state that she has found a claimants statements to be incredible; rather, the ALJ must adhere to a specific formula and rely on a specific set of factors in reaching a credibility determination.
Bush v. Shalala, 94 F.3d 40, 46 n. 4 (2d Cir.1996) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(c)(3); SSR 88-13).
In the Report-Recommendation, Judge Bianchini concludes that the ALJ adhered to these guidelines in assessing Plaintiff's credibility and that there was substantial evidence — based on the testimony of other doctors and experts — to support the ALJ's finding. See generally Report-Rec. at 14-16. Further, Judge Bianchini emphasizes the unique ability of an ALJ to make credibility determinations while "directly observing a claimant's demeanor and other indicia of credibility." Id. at 15 (citing Tejada v. Apfel, 167 F.3d 770, 776 (2d Cir.1999) (citing Pascariello v. Heckler, 621 F.Supp. 1032, 1036 (S.D.N.Y.1985)); Snell v. Apfel, 177 F.3d 128, 135 (2d Cir. 1999)).
Plaintiff raises three general objections to the Report-Recommendation. See Obj. at 1.
While some of the arguments contained in the Objection appear to resemble closely those made in Plaintiff's initial Brief, in an abundance of caution, the Court reviews the portions of the Report-Recommendation to which Plaintiff objects de novo. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b). The Court reviews the remainder of the Report-Recommendation only for clear error and finds no such error. Farid, 554 F.Supp.2d at 307.
Plaintiff first contends that Judge Bianchini erred in affirming the ALJ's decision because the ALJ had reached his decision without consulting with a vocational expert. Obj. at 2. "If a claimant has nonexertional limitations that significantly limit the range of work permitted by his exertional limitations, the ALJ is required to consult with a vocational expert." Zabala v. Astrue, 595 F.3d 402, 410 (2d Cir.2010) (quoting Bapp v. Bowen, 802 F.2d 601, 605 (2d Cir.1986); Blacknall v. Heckler, 721 F.2d 1179, 1181 (9th Cir.1983)) (internal quotation marks omitted). "However, the `mere existence of a nonexertional impairment does not automatically ... preclude reliance on the guidelines.'" Id. (quoting Bapp, 802 F.2d at 603) (alteration in original). In determining if a nonexterional impairment "significantly limits" a claimants range of work, courts consider whether the impairment causes "additional loss of work capacity beyond a negligible one or, in other words, one that so narrows a claimant's possible range of work as to deprive him of a meaningful employment opportunity." Bapp, 802 F.2d at 605-06.
In this case, while Plaintiff contends that her impairments significantly limit her range of work, she provides limited argument in her Objections. See Obj. at 2. Indeed, in her Objections, this argument is raised in a single paragraph. See id. In her initial Brief on appeal, she raises this argument at slightly greater lengths, contending that because the ALJ found that she could only perform a "compromised range of light work," he was required to consult with a vocational expert. Pl.'s Br. at 3-4, 10. Therefore, in determining if the ALJ erred (and Judge Bianchini erred in recommending the ALJ be affirmed on this issue), the Court must determine whether being able to perform only a "compromised range of light work" "so narrows [Plaintiff's] possible range of work as to deprive [her] of a meaningful employment opportunity." Bapp, 802 F.2d at 605-06.
The Court notes at the outset that the definition of "significant limitation" articulated by the Second Circuit in Bapp and Zabala appears somewhat circular. That is, in order to determine if the ALJ had to consult with a vocation expert who would purportedly be able to determine if Plaintiff would be able to find employment despite her condition, the Court must first determine if Plaintiff would be able to find employment despite her condition. The Court recognizes that the depth and scope of these inquiries may well be different (i.e., the Court or ALJ addresses this question at a high level of generality based on the guidelines, caselaw, and perhaps common sense, whereas the vocational expert uses a more specific set of skills and resources).
Based on this line of reasoning, it appears that consulting with a vocational expert would usually be the prudent course of action and would certainly obviate the need to perform this inexpert inquiry and inexpert review. Nevertheless, in viewing the ALJ's determination through the prescribed deferential standard, the Court cannot conclude that this case falls in the category delineated by the Second Circuit in which vocational expert testimony is essential. While the ALJ did identify limitations on Plaintiff's ability to perform light work,
Because the Second Circuit has explicitly stated that vocational expert consultation is not required in every case in which a claimant suffers from a nonextertional impairment, see id., and because of the deferential standard afforded to ALJ decision-making, the Court is unable to conclude that the ALJ erred as a matter of law in reaching his decision absent input from a vocational expert.
In her Objections, Plaintiff argues that both the ALJ and Judge Bianchini erred in failing to consider all of Plaintiff's medical issues that might have given rise to a finding of disability. Obj. at 2-5. It appears that this argument contains a re-packaging of the facts that Plaintiff had previously alleged that the ALJ failed to consider in her brief. Compare id., with Pl.'s Br. at 7-11. Even reviewing this objection de novo, however, the Court reaches the same result as Judge Bianchini. That is, the Court concludes that the ALJ provided substantial evidence for his finding. Even if there were conflicting evidence or medical evidence that weighed more strongly in Plaintiff's favor, it is not the place of the Court on yet another round of review to conduct an independent factual determination. See White, 2008 WL 3884355, at *11 (citing Fiorello, 725 F.2d at 176). Where an ALJ's determination "rests on adequate findings supported by evidence having rational probative force, [the Court] will not substitute [its] judgment for that of the Commissioner." Id. Therefore, the Court does not find that the ALJ erred in his consideration of the various medical evidence on the sources of Plaintiff's physical impairments.
Plaintiff's third argument in opposition to the Report-Recommendation is that Judge Bianchini failed to consider that the consultative physicians whose findings supported the ALJ's decision were hired by the worker's compensation board and offered opinions only on "work-related injuries." Obj. at 1. This argument is closely tied to the argument raised by Plaintiff at each stage of this Appeal and at each stage of this litigation that the ALJ failed to apply the treating physician's rule and improperly
As with the issue of other potential causes of Plaintiff's disability that were not addressed by the ALJ or Judge Bianchini, this issue ultimately comes down to whether the ALJ relied on sufficient evidence in deciding which testimony to credit. Further, as discussed supra, "[i]t is the function of the [Commissioner], not [reviewing courts], to resolve evidentiary conflicts and to appraise the credibility of witnesses...." Carroll v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 705 F.2d 638, 642 (2d Cir.1983) (citations omitted). The Court takes seriously its obligations as a reviewing court and is cognizant of its responsibility not to rubber stamp the errors of another decisionmaker, but to insure, independently, that justice is done. Nevertheless, in conducting its review, the Court is bound by the standards put forth by statute and by the Second Circuit and may "not substitute [its] judgment for that of the Commissioner." White, 2008 WL 3884355, at *11 (citing Fiorello, 725 F.2d at 176). As a result, the Court may not vacate the ALJ's ruling because of his determination that certain medical evidence was more credible and useful than others.
Accordingly, it is hereby:
VICTOR E. BIANCHINI, United States Magistrate Judge.
In June of 2009, Plaintiff Jessica Weather applied for supplemental security income ("SSI") benefits under the Social Security Act. Plaintiff alleges that she has been unable to work since June of 2007 due to physical impairments. The Commissioner of Social Security denied Plaintiff's application.
Plaintiff, by and through her attorney, Peter W. Antonowicz, Esq., commenced this action seeking judicial review of the Commissioner's decision pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c)(3).
The Honorable Gary L. Sharpe, Chief United States District Judge, referred this case to the undersigned for a Report and Recommendation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B). (Docket No. 17).
The relevant procedural history may be summarized as follows:
Plaintiff applied for SSI benefits on July 29, 2007, alleging disability beginning on June 6, 2007. (T at 108-111).
On November 29, 2010, ALJ Fein issued a written decision finding that Plaintiff was not disabled and was therefore not entitled to benefits. (T at 13-21). The ALJ's decision became the Commissioner's final decision on May 26, 2011, when the Appeals Council denied Plaintiff's request for review. (T at 1-3).
Plaintiff, through counsel, timely commenced this action on July 28, 2011. (Docket No. 1). The Commissioner interposed an Answer on December 14, 2011. (Docket No. 9). Plaintiff filed a supporting Brief on March 5, 2012. (Docket No. 14). The Commissioner filed a Brief in opposition on April 16, 2012. (Docket No. 15).
Pursuant to General Order No. 18, issued by the Chief District Judge of the Northern District of New York on September 12, 2003, this Court will proceed as if both parties had accompanied their briefs with a motion for judgment on the pleadings.
For the reasons that follow, it is recommended that the Commissioner's motion be granted, Plaintiff's motion be denied, and this case be dismissed.
A court reviewing a denial of disability benefits may not determine de novo whether an individual is disabled. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g), 1383(c)(3); Wagner v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 906 F.2d 856, 860 (2d Cir.1990). Rather, the Commissioner's determination will only be reversed if the correct legal standards were not applied, or it was not supported by substantial evidence. Johnson v. Bowen, 817 F.2d 983, 986 (2d Cir.1987) ("Where there is a reasonable basis for doubt whether the ALJ applied correct legal principles, application of the substantial evidence standard to uphold a finding of no disability creates an unacceptable risk that a claimant will be deprived of the right to have her disability determination made according to the correct legal principles."); see Grey v. Heckler, 721 F.2d 41, 46 (2d Cir.1983); Marcus v. Califano, 615 F.2d 23, 27 (2d Cir.1979).
"Substantial evidence" is evidence that amounts to "more than a mere scintilla," and it has been 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, 91 S.Ct. 1420, 1427, 28 L.Ed.2d 842 (1971). Where evidence is deemed susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, the Commissioner's conclusion must be upheld. See Rutherford v. Schweiker, 685 F.2d 60, 62 (2d Cir.1982).
If supported by substantial evidence, the Commissioner's finding must be sustained "even where substantial evidence may support the plaintiff's position and despite that the court's independent analysis of the evidence may differ from the [Commissioner's]." Rosado v. Sullivan,
The Commissioner has established a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled as defined under the Social Security Act. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920, 404.1520. The United States Supreme Court recognized the validity of this analysis in Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 140-142, 107 S.Ct. 2287, 96 L.Ed.2d 119 (1987), and it remains the proper approach for analyzing whether a claimant is disabled.
While the claimant has the burden of proof as to the first four steps, the Commissioner has the burden of proof on the fifth and final step. See Bowen, 482 U.S. at 146 n. 5; Ferraris v. Heckler, 728 F.2d 582 (2d Cir.1984).
The final step of the inquiry is, in turn, divided into two parts. First, the Commissioner must assess the claimant's job qualifications by considering his or her physical ability, age, education, and work experience. Second, the Commissioner must determine whether jobs exist in the national economy that a person having the claimant's qualifications could perform. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A); 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920(g); 404.1520(g); Heckler v. Campbell, 461 U.S. 458, 460, 103 S.Ct. 1952, 76 L.Ed.2d 66 (1983).
The ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since July 17, 2009, the date she applied for benefits. (T at 15). The ALJ concluded that Plaintiff had the following "severe" impairments, as defined under the Act: myofascial cervical spine and neck pain, left shoulder and wrist pain. (T at 15-16).
The ALJ determined that Plaintiff did not have an impairment or combination of impairments that met or medically equaled one of the listed impairments found in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (the "Listings"). (T at 16-17). The ALJ concluded that Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity to lift/carry 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently,
The ALJ found that Plaintiff could not perform her past relevant work as a certified nurse's aide, child care aide, cashier, hair stylist, stock picker, or deli counter clerk, because those jobs required the performance of work-related activities precluded by Plaintiff's residual functional capacity. (T at 20).
Considering Plaintiff's age (27 years old on the date the application was filed), education (limited), work experience, and RFC, the ALJ concluded that there were jobs that existed in significant numbers in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform. (T at 20-21).
Accordingly, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Social Security Act between the application date (July 17, 2009) and the date of his decision (November 29, 2010) and was therefore not entitled to benefits. (T at 21). As noted above, the ALJ's decision became the Commissioner's final decision on May 26, 2011, when the Appeals Council denied Plaintiff's request for review. (T at 1-3).
Plaintiff contends that the Commissioner's decision should be reversed. She offers two (2) principal arguments in support of her position. First, Plaintiff challenges the ALJ's residual functional capacity ("RFC") determination. Second, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ did not properly assess her credibility. This Court will address both arguments in turn.
Residual functional capacity ("RFC") is defined as: "what an individual can still do despite his or her limitations." Melville v. Apfel, 198 F.3d 45, 52 (2d Cir. 1999). "Ordinarily, RFC is the individual's maximum remaining ability to do sustained work activities in an ordinary work setting on a regular and continuing basis, and the RFC assessment must include a discussion of the individual's abilities on that basis. A `regular and continuing basis' means 8 hours a day, for 5 days a week, or an equivalent work schedule." Id.
When making a residual functional capacity determination, the ALJ considers a claimant's physical abilities, mental abilities, symptomatology, including pain and other limitations that could interfere with work activities on a regular and continuing basis. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a). An RFC finding will be upheld when there is substantial evidence in the record to support each requirement listed in the regulations. LaPorta v. Bowen, 737 F.Supp. 180, 183 (N.D.N.Y.1990).
As discussed above, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity to lift/carry 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently, walk/ stand for about 6 hours in an 8-hour workday, and sit for about 6 hours in an 8-hour workday. (T at 17). The ALJ determined that Plaintiff could occasionally engage in postural activities and occasionally use her upper left extremity to reach and handle, but should avoid overhead lifting with her upper left extremity. (T at 17-19).
Plaintiff challenges the ALJ's RFC determination, pointing to assessments provided by Dr. Pierre Herard, her treating physician. In June of 2009, Dr. Herard completed a Functional Capacity Questionnaire, in which he opined that Plaintiff could occasionally lift less than 10 pounds, but never more than that. (T at 267). He
In September of 2010, Dr. Herard completed a Medical Assessment of Ability to Do Work-Related Activities (Physical) form, in which he opined that Plaintiff could frequently lift 5 pounds or less; stand/walk for less than 2 hours in an 8-hour workday, and sit upright in a straight-back chair for less than 2 hours in an 8-hour workday. (T at 333). Dr. Herard concluded that Plaintiff could never climb, crouch, crawl, or stoop; and only occasionally balance or kneel. (T at 333). He found that Plaintiff would need to lay down intermittently throughout the day at an unpredictable frequency and would experience incapacitating pain that would cause Plaintiff to be "off-task for at least 50% of the time in an 8-hour workday." (T at 333-34).
Under the "treating physician's rule," the ALJ must give controlling weight to the treating physician's opinion when the opinion is "well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the] record." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(2); Halloran v. Barnhart, 362 F.3d 28, 31-32 (2d Cir. 2004); Shaw v. Chater, 221 F.3d 126, 134 (2d Cir.2000).
Even if a treating physician's opinion is deemed not to be deserving of controlling weight, an ALJ may nonetheless give it "extra weight" under certain circumstances. In this regard, the ALJ should consider the following factors when determining the proper weight to afford the treating physician's opinion if it is not entitled to controlling weight: (1) length of the treatment relationship and the frequency of examination, (2) nature and extent of the treatment relationship, (3) supportability of opinion, (4) consistency, (5) specialization of the treating physician, and (6) other factors that are brought to the attention of the court. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(1)-(6); see also de Roman, 2003 WL 21511160, at *9; Shaw, 221 F.3d at 134; Clark v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 143 F.3d 115, 118 (2d Cir.1998); Schaal v. Apfel, 134 F.3d 496, 503 (2d Cir.1998).
In the present case, the ALJ afforded no weight to Dr. Herard's opinions, finding them inconsistent with the physician's treatment notes and contradicted by the overall medical record. (T at 19). In particular, as discussed above, Dr. Herard completed two form Functional Capacity Questionnaires, in which he opined, inter alia, that Plaintiff was limited to lifting no more than 10 pounds (in June of 2009) and 5 pounds (in September of 2010). The ALJ concluded that these extremely restrictive findings were contradicted by Dr. Herard's contemporaneous treatment notes and the other evidence of record. The ALJ resolved this conflict by affording no weight to Dr. Herard's questionnaire comments and basing his RFC determination on the treatment notes and other evidence of record.
As discussed further below, the question before this Court is not whether it would resolve the conflicting evidence in the same way as the Commissioner, but whether the Commissioner's resolution of the conflict was supported by "such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might
A March 2008 MRI of the cervical spine showed no evidence of bulging or protruding discs. (T at 265). A February 2009 treatment note from Dr. Herard indicated that Plaintiff could lift 20 pounds. (T at 262). In later assessments, Dr. Herard consistently assessed full muscle strength, with the exception of slightly decreased strength in Plaintiff's left hand and finger grip. (T at 252, 298, 307, 328, 331). These findings were made in June of 2009 (T at 252), October 2009 (T at 298), March of 2010 (T at 308), and May of 2010 (T at 329).
In June of 2008, Dr. Mark Goodman, an independent medical examiner, opined that Plaintiff had a "mild disability," and could lift/push/pull less than 20 pounds frequently, less than 30 pounds occasionally, and should avoid "forceful repetitive tight gripping with the left hand and wrist." (T at 238).
In August of 2008, Dr. David Kerschner, a chiropractor, performed an independent medical examination and found "no disability" and opined that Plaintiff could return to work without restriction. (T at 244). Although Dr. Kerschner is not considered an "acceptable medical source" under the Social Security Regulations, his opinion may be considered as to the severity of Plaintiff's impairments and is supportive of the ALJ's RFC assessment.
In September of 2009, Dr. Yu, a non-examining State Agency medical analyst, reviewed Plaintiff's records and opined that Plaintiff retained the RFC to lift 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently, and walk 6 hours in an 8-hour work period. (T at 268). Although the opinion of a non-examining agent cannot constitute substantial evidence by itself, such an opinion may be given some weight when considering whether the ALJ's RFC assessment is adequately supported. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512(b)(6), 404.1513(c), 404.1527(f)(2), 416.912(b)(6), 416.913(c), and 416.927(f)(2); see also Leach ex rel. Murray v. Barnhart, No. 02 Civ. 3561, 2004 WL 99935, at *9 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 22, 2004) ("State agency physicians are qualified as experts in the evaluation of medical issues in disability claims. As such, their opinions may constitute substantial evidence if they are consistent with the record as a whole.").
Plaintiff also argues that the ALJ failed to adequately address evidence that she suffered from Bell's Palsy. However, the record indicated that she only experiences symptoms an average of three times per year (T at 303) and the symptoms were generally resolved by prescription medication, without adverse side effects. (T at 327).
"Conflicts in evidence ... are for the Commissioner to resolve." White v. Comm'r of Social Security, No. 06-CV-0564, 2008 WL 3884355, at *11 (N.D.N.Y. Aug. 18, 2008) (citing Fiorello v. Heckler, 725 F.2d 174, 176 (2d Cir.1983)). If there are conflicts in the medical evidence, it is the ALJ's decision that controls as factfinder. Id. Where, as here, the Commissioner's decision "rests on adequate findings supported by evidence having rational probative force, [the Court] will not substitute [its] judgment for that of the Commissioner." Id. Accordingly, this Court finds no reversible error with regard to the ALJ's RFC determination.
Courts in the Second Circuit have determined a claimant's subjective complaints are an important element in disability claims, and they must be thoroughly considered. See Ber v. Celebrezze, 332 F.2d 293 (2d Cir.1964). Further, if a claimant's testimony of pain and limitations is rejected or discounted, the ALJ must be explicit in the reasons for rejecting the testimony. See Brandon v. Bowen, 666 F.Supp. 604, 609 (S.D.N.Y.1997).
However, subjective symptomatology by itself cannot be the basis for a finding of disability. A claimant must present medical evidence or findings that the existence of an underlying condition could reasonably be expected to produce the symptomatology alleged. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 423(d)(5)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(b), 416.929; SSR 96-7p; Gernavage v. Shalala, 882 F.Supp. 1413, 1419 (S.D.N.Y.1995).
"An administrative law judge may properly reject claims of severe, disabling pain after weighing the objective medical evidence in the record, the claimant's demeanor,
To this end, the ALJ must follow a two-step process to evaluate the plaintiff's contention of pain, set forth in SSR 96-7p:
According to 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(3)(i)-(vii) and 416.929(c)(3)(i)-(vii), if the plaintiff's pain contentions are not supported by objective medical evidence, the ALJ must consider the following factors in order to make a determination regarding the plaintiff's credibility:
If the ALJ finds that the plaintiff's pain contentions are not credible, he or she must state his reasons "explicitly and with sufficient specificity to enable the Court to decide whether there are legitimate reasons for the ALJ's disbelief." Young v. Astrue, No. 7:05-CV-1027, 2008 WL 4518992, at *11 (N.D.N.Y. Sept. 30, 2008) (quoting Brandon v. Bowen, 666 F.Supp. 604, 608 (S.D.N.Y.1987)).
In the present case, Plaintiff testified as follows: She experiences severe headaches, pain in her left hand and back, and sensitivity to light. (T at 43, 50-51, 52). The pain causes sleep difficulties. (T at 43). Her pain medications cause dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. (T at 43-44). She cares for her young children and performs various household chores, but with difficulty and with frequent rest breaks. (T at 44-48). Plaintiff stated that she cannot sit for more than an hour or stand for more than 30 minutes and her ability to walk is very limited. (T at 49-50). She cannot lift more than 5 pounds. (T at 53).
The ALJ concluded that Plaintiff's medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms, but that her statements regarding the intensity, persistence, and limiting effect of the symptoms were not credible to the extent they were inconsistent with the ALJ's RFC assessment. (T at 19).
This Court finds that the ALJ's credibility assessment was supported by substantial evidence. As outlined above, the ALJ's RFC determination was consistent with (and Plaintiff's testimony was contradicted
"It is the function of the [Commissioner], not [reviewing courts], to resolve evidentiary conflicts and to appraise the credibility of witnesses, including the claimant." Carroll v. Secretary of Health and Human Servs., 705 F.2d 638, 642 (2d Cir.1983) (citations omitted). If there is substantial evidence in the record to support the Commissioner's findings, "the court must uphold the ALJ's decision to discount a claimant's subjective complaints of pain." Aponte v. Sec'y, Dep't of Health & Human Servs., 728 F.2d 588, 591 (2d Cir.1984) (citations omitted).
Further, the ALJ has the benefit of directly observing a claimant's demeanor and other indicia of credibility, which thus entitles the ALJ's credibility assessment to deference. See Tejada v. Apfel, 167 F.3d 770, 776 (2d Cir.1999) (citing Pascariello v. Heckler, 621 F.Supp. 1032, 1036 (S.D.N.Y.1985)); see also Snell v. Apfel, 177 F.3d 128, 135 (2d Cir.1999).
There is no question that Plaintiff lives with pain. However, "disability requires more than mere inability to work without pain. To be disabling, pain must be so severe, by itself or in conjunction with other impairments, as to preclude any substantial gainful employment. Otherwise, eligibility for disability benefits would take on new meaning." Dumas v. Schweiker, 712 F.2d 1545, 1552 (2d Cir. 1983). Moreover, "[a]n individual's statement as to pain or other symptoms shall not alone be conclusive evidence [of disability]." 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5)(A).
The Court finds that the ALJ properly exercised his discretion to evaluate the credibility of Plaintiff's testimony and rendered an independent judgment regarding the extent of Plaintiff's subjective complaints based on the objective medical and other evidence. See e.g. Mimms v. Sec'y of Health and Human Servs., 750 F.2d 180, 186 (2d Cir.1984). The ALJ's credibility determination should therefore be upheld.
After carefully reviewing the administrative record, this Court finds substantial evidence supports the Commissioner's decision, including the objective medical evidence and supported medical opinions. It is clear that the ALJ thoroughly examined the record, afforded appropriate weight to the medical evidence, including the assessments of Plaintiff's treating provider, the
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1), it is hereby ordered that this Report & Recommendation be filed with the Clerk of the Court and that the Clerk shall send a copy of the Report & Recommendation to all parties.
Please also note that the District Court, on de novo review, will ordinarily refuse to consider arguments, case law and/or evidentiary material which could have been, but were not, presented to the Magistrate Judge in the first instance. See Paterson-Leitch Co. Inc. v. Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co., 840 F.2d 985 (1st Cir.1988).
SO ORDERED.
November 5, 2012.
Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 464, 467 (2d Cir.1982); see also Rosa v. Callahan, 168 F.3d 72, 77 (2d Cir.1999); 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920, 404.1520.
Berry v. Schweiker, 675 F.2d 464, 467 (2d Cir.1982) (per curiam); see also Rosa v. Callahan, 168 F.3d 72, 77 (2d Cir.1999); 20 C.F.R. §§ 416.920, 404.1520.
