FREDERICK J. SCULLIN, JR., Senior District Judge.
Plaintiff Molly C. brought this action pursuant to the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) ("Act"), seeking judicial review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (the "Commissioner"), denying her application for benefits. See generally Dkt. Nos. 1, 11. Pending before the Court are the parties' cross-motions for judgment on the pleadings under Rule 12(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See Dkt. Nos. 11, 18.
Plaintiff applied for benefits on April 1, 2016, alleging disability beginning October 19, 1993. See Administrative Record ("AR") at 15. Plaintiff filed a timely request for a hearing on June 22, 2016. See id. A hearing was held on November 16, 2017, before Administrative Law Judge Arthur Patane (the "ALJ"). See id. at 32-47. Plaintiff's attorney, Ms. Landau, represented her at the hearing. See id. at 15, 34.
On February 6, 2018, the ALJ issued a written decision in which he made the following findings "[a]fter careful consideration of the entire record . . ."
See AR at 17-26 (citations omitted).
The ALJ's decision became the Commissioner's final decision on November 16, 2018, when the Appeals Council of the Social Security Administration denied Plaintiff's request for review. See AR at 5. Plaintiff then commenced this action on January 11, 2019, filing a supporting brief on July 2, 2019. See Dkt. Nos. 1, 11. Defendant filed a response brief on October 18, 2019. See Dkt. No. 18.
In support of her motion, Plaintiff argues that the ALJ's decision is unsupported by substantial evidence and based on errors of law in that he improperly found Plaintiff does not have marked impairments, improperly weighed the opinion evidence, failed to incorporate Plaintiff's mental limitations into his residual functional capacity ("RFC") analysis, and failed to consult with a vocational expert. See generally Dkt. No. 11 at 19-27.
Absent legal error, a court will uphold the Commissioner's final determination if there is substantial evidence to support it. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The Supreme Court has defined substantial evidence to mean "`more than a mere scintilla'" of evidence and "`such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.'" Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971) (quotation omitted). Accordingly, a reviewing court "`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." Cohen v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 643 F. App'x 51, 52 (2d Cir. 2016) (Summary Order) (quoting Valente v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 733 F.2d 1037, 1041 (2d Cir. 1984)). In other words, "[t]he substantial evidence standard means once an ALJ finds facts, [a reviewing court may] reject those facts `only if a reasonable factfinder would have to conclude otherwise.'" Brault v. Soc. Sec. Admin., Comm'r, 683 F.3d 443, 448 (2d Cir. 2012) (quotation and other citation omitted).
To be eligible for benefits, a claimant must show that she suffers from a disability within the meaning of the Act. The Act defines "disability" as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity ("SGA") by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to cause death or last for at least twelve consecutive months. See 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A). To determine if a claimant has sustained a disability within the meaning of the Act, the ALJ follows a five-step process:
For this test, the burden of proof is on the claimant for the first four steps and on the Commissioner for the fifth step if the analysis proceeds that far. See Balsamo v. Chater, 142 F.3d 75, 80 (2d Cir. 1998) (citation omitted).
To meet or medically equal the medical criteria of the Listings in step three, the ALJ must consider whether "paragraph B" criteria are satisfied. To satisfy the "paragraph B" criteria, Plaintiff's mental impairments must result in at least one extreme or two marked limitations in one of the following broad areas of functioning: (1) understanding, remembering, or applying information, (2) interacting with others, (3) concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or (4) adapting or managing herself. See AR at 18; 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 12.00(E). A "marked limitation" means that Plaintiff's ability to function independently, appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis in a particular area is seriously limited. See 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 12.00(F)(2)(d). Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erred in finding that she did not have marked impairments in interacting with others and adapting and managing herself. See Dkt. No. 11 at 21-27. For the reasons addressed below, the Court finds that there is not substantial evidence in the record to support the ALJ's finding that Plaintiff had no marked impairments.
According to the Social Security regulations, an impairment in interacting with others refers to "the abilities to relate to and work with supervisors, co-workers, and the public." See AR at 18; 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 12.00(E)(2). For example, a person without such an impairment can cooperate with others, handle conflicts with others, respond to social cues, respond to requests, suggestions, and criticism, and can keep social interactions free of excessive irritability and argumentativeness. See id.
In his decision, the ALJ found that, despite Plaintiff's history of anxiety and borderline personality disorder, she was "cooperative and related adequately" during evaluations; she reported "spending quality time with her family"; and she was described as "self-motivated and possessing strong interpersonal skills." See AR at 18-19. However, the evidence the ALJ cites does not support these statements, nor is it indicative of the record as a whole.
For instance, the ALJ relied on a note in Plaintiff's Discharge Summary from Glens Falls Hospital that her behavior was "calm and cooperative." See AR, Ex. 30F at 1002-03. This discharge note was written after she asked for a police escort to the hospital, where she was admitted for five days, because she felt that she was going to "snap" and was afraid that she would cut herself or impulsively harm her child. See id. She also reported feeling that she was "at the end of a rope" and that she felt the need to "beat the crap out of someone." See id. The context surrounding the "calm and cooperative remark" thus shows that this was Plaintiff's demeanor after a five-day stay in a hospital due to suicidal ideations and uncontrollable behavior.
Instead of "spending quality time with her family," as the ALJ noted, Ms. VanScoy-McAllister's treatment notes merely stated that Plaintiff's daily functioning included spending time with family. See AR, Ex. 33F at 1082. The record does not indicate this was "quality" time. In fact, it shows that Plaintiff was living with her infant son, adoptive mother, four brothers, and an aunt in Corinth, which obviously required her to be around her family. See AR, Ex. 30F at 1002. Plaintiff complained to Ms. VanScoy-McAllister that she was "struggling" to acclimate to her home after her inpatient hospital stay and that she was "frustrated while at home," felt she had "very little support with her son," complained of "conflict with her family," felt "diminished" by her mother, and had "difficulty getting along with [her] aunt and others" who lived in the home. See AR, Ex. 33F at 1058, 1061, 1067, 1079. Ms. Rovetto-Dean described Plaintiff's family situation as "toxic" and that Plaintiff was the target of "high emotions and frequent negativity at home." See AR, Ex. 29F at 998. The substantial evidence does not show, as the ALJ indicated, that Plaintiff spends quality time with her family. Instead, it shows that Plaintiff has difficulties in cooperating with others and handling critiques and criticism.
In addition to finding that Plaintiff is self-motivated and possesses "interpersonal strengths," as the ALJ quoted, Dr. Brown also commented that Plaintiff "struggles without support" and she has a "blunted" and "depressed affect," which impacts her ability to form sustained connections with other people. See AR, Ex. 24F at 888. Ms. Rovetto-Dean described Plaintiff's symptoms as having a labile mood, engaging in impulsive, reckless, and self-destructive behavior, a history of cutting and suicidal ideation, experiencing outbursts of anger, and that she was argumentative. See AR, Ex. 14F at 419. Dr. Osika also stated that Plaintiff's mood was labile, and her affect was euthymic. See AR, Ex. 8F at 402. He specifically noted that "[t]here would be moderate to severe concern about her ability to consistently interact with people in the workplace." See id. at 403. Ms. VanScoy-McAllister noted that Plaintiff struggled with poor motivation, irritability, and had a constantly sad, depressed, and anxious mood, and a fearful, anxious, sad, and depressed affect. See AR, Ex. 33F at 1046-83. Contrary to the ALJ's findings, the record in its entirety does not show that Plaintiff possesses "interpersonal strengths."
Looking at the record as a whole, the Court finds that the ALJ's reliance on a few stray comments was misplaced. There is not substantial evidence in the record to support the ALJ's finding that Plaintiff can handle conflict, manage her irritability and argumentativeness, and relate to others; and, therefore, the ALJ erred in finding that Plaintiff does not have a marked impairment in interacting with others.
An impairment in adapting or managing oneself refers to "the abilities to regulate emotions, control behavior, and maintain well-being in a work setting." See AR at 18; 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 12.00(E)(4). For example, a person without such an impairment can respond to demands, adapt to changes, manage psychologically based symptoms, set realistic goals, be aware of normal hazards, and take appropriate precautions. See id.
The ALJ found that Plaintiff had only a mild limitation in adapting and managing herself in that she could cook and do laundry, take care of her son, make breakfast, do dishes, and grocery shop. See AR at 19. The ALJ also noted that, despite her intellectual challenges, Plaintiff was hard-working, motivated, and had done well academically. See id.
The ALJ relied on Plaintiff's statements to Dr. Osika that she "eats, does her laundry, [and] does some cleaning." See AR, Ex. 9F at 402. However, as Plaintiff argues, a closer look at the record reveals that she cannot carry out those activities without significant support. See Dkt. No. 11 at 24. Plaintiff testified that she needed verbal reminders from her mother at least two to three times per day to clean and do her chores and that her mother frequently commented that the rooms she was tasked with cleaning were still dirty. See AR at 45. In her function report, Plaintiff also noted that she needs verbal reminders about her hygiene, to adjust her clothing, to do her chores, and about what is healthy to eat. See AR at 147. Additionally, although Plaintiff says that she can grocery shop, she does not have a driver's license, lives in a rural area without public transportation, and does not grocery shop alone. See AR at 46, Ex. 14F at 420-21, Ex. 29F at 996, 998. In fact, Plaintiff testified that she never goes out by herself. See AR at 46.
The ALJ acknowledged Plaintiff's testimony that she takes care of her son, but the evidence in the record also shows that she was only alone with her son approximately "once a week," and the remainder of the time she was surrounded by the various family members with whom she lives. See AR at 46. Ms. VanScoy-McAllister noted that taking care of her son was a significant "stressor," and Plaintiff's parenting decisions frequently caused strife between her and her mother. See AR, Ex. 33F at 1061, 1067. Plaintiff also received "crucial" case management and home care assistance through Community Maternity Services to help her with caring for her son. See AR, Ex. 24F at 886, 889. Dr. Brown noted that Plaintiff "struggles to cope with stressors," such as raising her son, "when her learning/executive functioning/adaptive needs are not adequately supported." See id. at 888.
As far as academic success, the ALJ pointed to Dr. Brown's finding that Plaintiff "did well with her CNA Clinical rotations during high school." See id. at 886. However, as Plaintiff argues, in high school she qualified for an IEP where she was given extra time on tests, took them on a computer in a special location with minimal distractions, spent one period per day in the resource room doing small group review and reinforcement of course content, and received counseling services. See AR, Ex. 7F at 376-92; see also Dkt. No. 11 at 25. Furthermore, her academic profile was described as "impaired in most basic skill areas," even in such a highly structured and supportive educational setting. See AR, Ex. 7F at 376-92.
Plaintiff reported that, since graduating from high school, she completed "a semester or two here and there" of college. See AR at 36. However, Plaintiff did not experience academic success at the collegiate level. The stress of completing her school work contributed to an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in 2014. See AR at 281. Dr. Brown also noted that Plaintiff struggled while in South Carolina, where she attended college, because she did not have support. See AR, Ex. 24F at 888.
The record also does not support the ALJ's finding that Plaintiff is only mildly limited in her ability to adapt to change. Plaintiff points to her function report, in which she indicated that stress of change "throws [her] off balance" and she "tend[s] to freak out." See AR, Ex. 2E at 152. Ms. Rovetto-Dean indicated that Plaintiff was limited in adapting to changes in the work setting, and that "changes will likely bring about anxiety in [Plaintiff] and potential anger outbursts or mood lability." See AR, Ex. 14F at 421. The social worker noted that Plaintiff has a marked impairment in responding appropriately to work pressures or changes in routine in a work setting. See id. at 423. Dr. Brown similarly found that Plaintiff's adaptive skills were in the "Extremely Low" range. See AR, Ex. 24F at 887.
As Plaintiff argues, the regulations provide that a person without a marked impairment should be aware of normal hazards in the workplace. See 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1. 12.00(E)(4). Ms. Rovetto-Dean listed reckless and self-destructive behavior among Plaintiff's symptoms. See AR, Ex. 14F at 419. In Plaintiff's Adaptive Behavior Assessment (ABAS-3), Dr. Brown noted that "her most notable weakness was in the area of Health and Safety," with a scaled score of 1. See AR, Ex. 24F at 887. The mean score is 10, and the standard deviation is 3, meaning that Plaintiff's score is three standard deviations below the mean. See id. She also had a scaled score of 1 in the area of self-care, which further shows her inability to manage herself. See id.
When looking at the entirety of the record, the Court finds that there is not substantial evidence to support the ALJ's finding that Plaintiff can manage herself and adapt to changes. Instead, the record shows that Plaintiff has low adaptive functioning scores and an ongoing need for support in taking care of herself and her son. Her most recent hospitalization also shows an inability to regulate her emotions and difficulty controlling her behavior. Therefore, the Court finds that the substantial evidence in the record does not support the ALJ's finding that Plaintiff does not have a marked impairment in this area.
Since the ALJ cites to no more than a "mere scintilla" of evidence to support his finding that Plaintiff does not have marked impairments, the Court reverses the Commissioner's finding and remands this case to the ALJ for further consideration consistent with this Memorandum-Decision and Order.
Having reviewed the entire record in this matter, the parties' submissions, and the applicable law, and for the above-stated reasons, the Court hereby
