Opinion
NO. EDCV 08-1692 AGR.
September 25, 2009
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Kristin Rosol filed this action on November 21, 2008. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), the parties consented to proceed before Magistrate Judge Rosenberg on November 26, 2008 and January 23, 2009. (Dkt. Nos. 6-7.) On June 15, 2009, the parties filed a Joint Stipulation ("JS") that addressed the disputed issues. (Dkt. No. 14.) The Court has taken the matter under submission without oral argument.
Having reviewed the entire file, the Court remands this matter to the Commissioner for proceedings consistent with this Opinion.
I. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On February 2, 2006, Rosol filed an application for disability insurance benefits. Administrative Record ("AR") 10. The application was denied initially and upon reconsideration. AR 47-48. An Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") conducted a hearing on April 24, 2008, at which Rosol, a medical expert ("ME"), and a vocational expert ("VE") testified. AR 28-46. On June 26, 2008, the ALJ issued a decision denying benefits. AR 7-18. On September 26, 2008, the Appeals Council denied Rosol's request for review. AR 1-4.This lawsuit followed.
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), this Court reviews the Commissioner's decision to deny benefits. The decision will be disturbed only if it is not supported by substantial evidence, or if it is based upon the application of improper legal standards. Moncada v. Chater, 60 F.3d 521, 523 (9th Cir. 1995); Drouin v. Sullivan, 966 F.2d 1255, 1257 (9th Cir. 1992).
"Substantial evidence" means "more than a mere scintilla but less than a preponderance — it is such relevant evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support the conclusion." Moncada, 60 F.3d at 523. In determining whether substantial evidence exists to support the Commissioner's decision, the Court examines the administrative record as a whole, considering adverse as well as supporting evidence. Drouin, 966 F.2d at 1257. When the evidence is susceptible to more than one rational interpretation, the Court must defer to the Commissioner's decision. Moncada, 60 F.3d at 523.
III. DISCUSSION
A. DisabilityA person qualifies as disabled, and thereby eligible for such benefits, "only if his physical or mental impairment or impairments are of such severity that he is not only unable to do his previous work but cannot, considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy." Barnhart v. Thomas, 540 U.S. 20, 21-22, 124 S. Ct. 376, 157 L. Ed. 2d 333 (2003).
B. The ALJ's Findings
The ALJ found that Rosol meets the insured status requirements through December 31, 2003. AR 12.
Rosol has the following severe impairment: bipolar disorder. Id. Rosol has the residual functional capacity ("RFC") "to perform a full range of work at all exertional levels but with the following nonexertional limitations: moderately complex tasks with up to three to four steps of instructions; and occasional non-intense contact with others. AR 13. Rosol is unable to perform past relevant work. AR 16. However, "there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy that the claimant can perform." AR 17.
C. The Medical Evidence
The ALJ accepted treating psychiatrist Dr. John's initial evaluation dated November 3, 2004, which indicated impaired concentration. AR 15, 479-83. At the initial evaluation, Dr. John found Rosol's psychomotor behavior to be within normal limits, with a cooperative attitude, appropriate speech and mildly elevated mood. AR 480-81. Dr. John estimated Rosol's intellectual functioning to be average, her judgment to be within normal limits, and her concentration to be impaired (as distinguished from adequate or severely impaired). AR 481-82.
However, the ALJ did not give great weight to Dr. John's Mental Impairment Questionnaire dated May 9, 2007. AR 15, 445-50. Dr. John checked the box for "unable to meet competitive standards" as to Rosol's ability to maintain regular attendance and be punctual within customary tolerances, sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision, complete a normal workday and workweek without psychological interruptions, perform at a consistent pace without unreasonable rest periods, deal with normal work stress, and deal with stress of semiskilled or skilled work. AR 447-48. Although the form requested an explanation of those limitations, Dr. John provided none. Id. Dr. John assessed moderate limitations on activities of daily living, social functioning, and deficiencies of concentration, persistence or pace, but found three episodes of decompensation within a 12-month period, each of which lasted at least two weeks. AR 449. Although the form asked for dates of the episodes, Dr. John provided none. Id. Dr. John estimated that Rosol would be absent from work more than four days per month. Id.
An opinion of a treating physician is given more weight than the opinion of non-treating physicians. Orn v. Astrue, 495 F.3d 625, 631 (9th Cir. 2007). "Where the treating doctor's opinion is not contradicted by another doctor, it may be rejected only for `clear and convincing' reasons supported by substantial evidence in the record." Id. at 632 (citation omitted). When, as here, a treating physician's opinion is contradicted by another doctor, "the ALJ may not reject this opinion without providing `specific and legitimate reasons' supported by substantial evidence in the record. This can be done by setting out a detailed and thorough summary of the facts and conflicting clinical evidence, stating his interpretation thereof, and making findings." Id. at 632 (citations omitted).
Rosol appears to argue in her reply that Dr. John's opinion is uncontradicted. JS 6. The medical expert expressed an opinion as to Rosol's abilities that contradicted Dr. John. A non-examining physician's opinion is sufficient to establish a conflict among medical opinions even if it could not constitute substantial evidence for rejecting a treating physician's opinion. See Widmark v. Barnhart, 454 F.3d 1063, 1066 n. 2 (9th Cir. 2005).
The ALJ discounted Dr. John's evaluation based on the medical expert's testimony and because the evaluation was a check-the-box report whose limitations were inconsistent with Dr. John's treatment records and Rosol's good response to medication when compliant and not binge drinking. AR 15-16.
The ALJ accepted Dr. John's Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 60, which indicates moderate symptoms defined as "more than a slight limitation in this area but is still able to function satisfactorily." AR 15 n. 1. The ALJ found that moderate symptoms were not inconsistent with his findings. Id.
The ALJ asked for and considered the opinion of a medical expert, Dr. Glasmire. AR 16, 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(f)(iii). It is undisputed that the ME did not have Dr. John's treatment records because they were submitted after the hearing. AR 16, 36, 452. The ME felt he had "insufficient evidence really to comment on" episodes of decompensation because there were no treatment records and Dr. John's May 9, 2007 evaluation provided no dates or evidence on that issue. AR 39-40. The ME also stated that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether Rosol met the C criteria for the same reason. AR 40. The ME's limitations were "[b]ased on the records I've reviewed," which did not include treatment records. Id.
The ALJ stated that he gave "great weight" to the ME's opinion. AR 16. A non-examining physician's opinion constitutes substantial evidence when it is supported by other evidence in the record and consistent with it. Andrews v. Shalala, 53 F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir. 1995). However, a non-examining physician's opinion cannot by itself constitute substantial evidence. Widmark, 454 F.3d at 1066 n. 2. The ME stated that his opinion was based only on the records he reviewed and stated repeatedly that he found insufficient evidence based on the absence of treating records. AR 36, 39-43. Having relied upon the ME's opinion, the ALJ is not free to ignore the ME's equivocal testimony that there was insufficient evidence without treatment records to review. Cf. Tonapetyan v. Halter, 242 F.3d 1144, 1150-51 (9th Cir. 2001) (ALJ erred in failing to develop record where ME's testimony, on which ALJ relied, indicated need for a more complete report from the doctor). The ME's testimony does not constitute substantial evidence to discount Dr. John's opinion.
The ALJ did not fail to develop the record in this case. The treatment records were requested on more than one occasion, and arrived after the hearing. AR 36, 452.
Rosol submitted the treatment records after the hearing. AR 16, 452. An ALJ may reject a treating physician's opinion that is unsupported or contradicted by treatment records. See Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1211, 1216 (9th Cir. 2005); Batson v. Comm'r of the SSA, 359 F.3d 1190, 1195 (9th Cir. 2004) (ALJ may reject conclusory and unsupported check list report); Thomas v. Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 957 (9th Cir. 2002); Crane v. Shalala, 76 F.3d 251, 253 (9th Cir. 1996) (ALJ may reject check-off report that did not explain bases of conclusions). As discussed above, the report itself did not provide explanations for Dr. John's limitations. The ALJ interpreted Dr. John's treatment records as reflecting good response to medications when she is compliant, except during the time period surrounding Rosol's father's death when Rosol drank heavily. Even then, Rosol's condition during that time period was brought on by a situational event and resolved. AR 15.
The ALJ's interpretation of the treatment records as reflecting good response to medications except during binge drinking does not appear to be supported by substantial evidence. See Holohan v. Massanari, 246 F.3d 1195, 1205 (9th Cir. 2001) (insufficient evidence to support ALJ's finding of conflict between opinion and treatment notes). During the period November 2004 until June 2005 (when Rosol's father died), Rosol "is definitely doing better with the depression and is able to get up and do things around the home." AR 474; AR 472-78. However, there continue to be reports of mood swings, although without rage episodes or excessive shopping. AR 473, 475-76. In June 2005, Rosol "went manic for 2 weeks and spent $1000" and "then went depressed for 3 days." AR 472. In August 2005, Rosol reported "some mood swings with irritability and mild depression." AR 471. In October 2005, Rosol reported a "hypomanic episode for 2 weeks and then crashed." AR 470. In the period November 2005 through March 2006, Rosol reports being depressed over her mother's lawsuit and the breakdown of that relationship. AR 466-69. During May-September 2006, Rosol had panic and depression, mixed with racing thoughts and insomnia associated with having to move out of her home. AR 463-65. In November 2006, Rosol reports "definitely doing better with her mood" with her switch to Zoloft. AR 462. However, in January through March 2007, Rosol again has trouble with her mood and depression. Dr. John notes that "Pt to be hospitalised if not doing well." AR 460-61. In May 2007, Rosol again reports "doing reasonably well on the combination of meds she is on right now with some break through anxiety and agitation," and states that she is doing things around the home. AR 459. In July 2007, Rosol reports that she went into hypomania, then drank heavily due to the anniversary of her father's death and went into depression. AR 458. There is no improvement through February 2008, when none of the medications seem to work and she is still experiencing mood swings throughout the day. AR 454-57.
On remand, the ALJ should consult a medical expert and provide him or her with Dr. John's treatment notes. In addition, the court notes that the ALJ found that the date last insured was December 31, 2003. "[T]o obtain disability benefits, [a claimant] must demonstrate he was disabled prior to his last insured date." Morgan v. Sullivan, 945 F.2d 1079, 1080 (9th Cir. 1991). The claimant "bears the burden of proof and must prove that he was `either permanently disabled or subject to a condition which became so severe as to disable [him] prior to the date upon which [his] disability insured status expired.'" Armstrong v. Commissioner of the SSA, 160 F.3d 587, 589 (9th Cir. 1998) (citation omitted). If the "medical evidence is not definite concerning the onset date and medical inferences need to be made, SSR 83-20 requires the administrative law judge to call upon the services of a medical advisor and to obtain all evidence which is available to make the determination." DeLorme v. Sullivan, 924 F.2d 841, 848 (9th Cir. 1991). The onset date must be "supported by the evidence." See Social Security Ruling ("SSR") 83-20. D. Step Two Analysis
Social Security rulings do not have the force of law. Nevertheless, they "constitute Social Security Administration interpretations of the statute it administers and of its own regulations," and are given deference "unless they are plainly erroneous or inconsistent with the Act or regulations." Han v. Bowen, 882 F.2d 1453, 1457 (9th Cir. 1989) (footnotes omitted).
Rosol appears to argue that the ALJ erred in failing to find her migraines constitute a severe impairment. JS 6-7.
At Step Two of the sequential analysis, the claimant bears the burden of demonstrating a severe, medically determinable impairment that meets the duration requirement. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(ii); Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 n. 5, 107 S. Ct. 2287, 96 L. Ed. 2d 119 (1987). To satisfy the duration requirement, the severe impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. Id. at 140.
Your impairment must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, not only by your statement of symptoms.20 C.F.R. § 404.1508; 20 C.F.R. § 416.908. "[T]he impairment must be one that `significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.'" Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 154 n. 11 (quoting 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(c)); Smolen, 80 F.3d at 1290 ("[A]n impairment is not severe if it does not significantly limit [the claimant's] physical ability to do basic work activities.") (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
The ability to do basic work activities includes "physical functions such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, or handling," "capacities for seeing, hearing, and speaking," "understanding, carrying out, and remembering simple instructions," "use of judgment," "responding appropriately to supervision, co-workers, and usual work situations," and "dealing with changes in a routine work setting." Yuckert, 482 U.S. at 168 n. 6 (internal quotations omitted); Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1290 (9th Cir. 1996).
"An impairment or combination of impairments may be found `not severe only if the evidence establishes a slight abnormality that has no more than a minimal effect on an individual's ability to work.'" Webb v. Barnhart, 433 F.3d 683, 686-87 (9th Cir. 2005) (emphasis in original, citation omitted). Step Two is "a de minimis screening device [used] to dispose of groundless claims" and the ALJ's finding must be "`clearly established by medical evidence.'" Id. at 687 (citations and quotation marks omitted).
Rosol does not identify medical records indicating a severe impairment of migraines that lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. There is a reference to headaches in treatment notes during the period November 2000 through March 2001. AR 244-55. There is no definitive diagnosis of migraines. AR 254-55. A February 2001 notation states that Rosol's "headaches are virtually gone." AR 246. In March 2001, there is a referral to a psychiatrist for evaluation of "various types of migrainous disorders associated with mood disorders." AR 244. The headaches are "not disabling." Id. The next episode appears to have occurred in February 2003. AR 267. While the physician agreed that visual paroxysms are consistent with migraine, he stated that her symptoms were "most consistent with a complex partial seizure." AR 268. In January 2005, there is a reference to Nexium being discontinued due to headaches. AR 316. Rosol last complained of headache pressure in May 2006. AR 334. The ALJ did not err.
E. Hypothetical to the Vocational Expert
The ALJ may rely on testimony a vocational expert gives in response to a hypothetical that describes "all of the limitations that the ALJ found credible and supported by substantial evidence in the record." Bayliss, 427 F.3d at 1217-18. The ALJ is not required to include limitations that are not in his findings. Rollins v. Massanari, 261 F.3d 853, 857 (9th Cir. 2001); Osenbrock v. Apfel, 240 F.3d 1157, 1165 (9th Cir. 2001).
On remand, the ALJ is free to revisit the issue of his hypothetical to the vocational expert if appropriate after further analysis of the treating physician's records and Rosol's residual functional capacity.
IV. ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this matter is remanded for proceedings consistent with this Opinion.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court serve copies of this Order and the Judgment herein on all parties or their counsel.