Howard v. Heckler

594 F. Supp. 457, 1984 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23545, 7 Soc. Serv. Rev. 507
CourtDistrict Court, C.D. California
DecidedSeptember 17, 1984
DocketNo. CV 79-3019 MRP (T)
StatusPublished
Cited by1 cases

This text of 594 F. Supp. 457 (Howard v. Heckler) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District Court, C.D. California primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Howard v. Heckler, 594 F. Supp. 457, 1984 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23545, 7 Soc. Serv. Rev. 507 (C.D. Cal. 1984).

Opinion

AMENDED ORDER ADOPTING REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF MAGISTRATE

PFAELZER, District Judge.

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B), the Court has reviewed the complaint, all of the records and files herein, the attached Reports and Recommendations of the United States Magistrate, and the objections to the Magistrate’s Report and Recommendation on file herein. The Court concurs with and adopts the findings and conclusions of the Magistrate.

IT IS ORDERED that plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment is denied, that the defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment is granted, and that judgment is entered in favor of the defendant, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that each party shall bear its own costs.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk shall serve copies of this Order, the Supplemental Report and Recommendation, and Judgment herein by United States mail on the parties.

LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.

AMENDED REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF MAGISTRATE

September 13, 1984

VENETTA S. TASSOPULOS, United States Magistrate.

This Report and Recommendation is submitted pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and General Order No. 194 of the United States District Court, Central District of California.

On April 10, 1979, plaintiff, James Howard, filed a complaint for review of an adverse decision of the Secretary of Health [459]*459and Human Services pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) denying plaintiff’s claim for disability benefits. Defendant Secretary answered on October 16, 1979. Cross-motions for summary judgment and supporting memoranda were filed. No oral argument was requested. On November 7, 1980, the ease was ordered remanded to the Secretary. On September 13, 1983, proceedings were reopened and cross-motions for summary judgment were again filed.

APPLICABLE LAW

The burden of proof rests upon plaintiff to establish entitlement to disability benefits. Waters v. Gardner, 452 F.2d 855 (9th Cir.1971). Once plaintiff establishes a prima facie case of disability by showing that a physical or mental impairment prevents him from engaging in his previous occupation, however, the burden of going forward with evidence shifts to the Secretary. Cox v. Califano, 587 F.2d 988, 990 (9th Cir.1978). Conversely, if a claimant is able to perform “past relevant work,” then he is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. section 404.1520(e).

If the findings of the Secretary are supported by substantial evidence they must be affirmed. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), Harris v. Richardson, 468 F.2d 1260 (9th Cir.1972), cert. denied, 410 U.S. 986, 93 S.Ct. 1514, 36 L.Ed.2d 183 (1973). The Court must review the record as a whole to determine whether the factual findings of the Secretary have a reasonable basis in law. Ainsworth v. Finch, 437 F.2d 446, 447 (9th Cir.1971).

The United States Supreme Court has defined “substantial evidence” as used in this context as “ ‘more than a mere scintilla ... 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, 852 (1971), quoting, Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229, 59 S.Ct. 206, 217, 83 L.Ed. 126, 140 (1938). For example, were the Secretary to rely upon one portion of the record to the disregard of overwhelming evidence'to the contrary, the Court would decide against the Secretary. Ainsworth v. Finch, supra, at 447.

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY

Plaintiff filed claims on April 28, 1975 and on August 21, 1978 for a period of disability and for disability insurance benefits under §§ 216(i) and 223 respectively of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 416(i), 423. (Administrative Record (hereinafter “A.R.”) 224). The claim was denied by the Social Security Administration. Plaintiff requested a hearing at which he was represented by counsel. (A.R. 22). The Administrative Law Judge (“the ALJ”) found plaintiff to be not disabled. (A.R. 10-18). The Appeals Council approved the decision. (A.R. 4-5).

After remand by the Court, expert vocational testimony was received at a supplemental hearing at which plaintiff’s counsel was present. (A.R. 254). Plaintiff, represented by counsel, testified at a second supplemental hearing, as did a second vocational expert. (A.R. 265).

The magistrate has reviewed the pleadings, motions, memoranda, and the administrative record.

DISCUSSION

I. INTRODUCTION

The Appeals Council based its decision that plaintiff was not disabled on three findings of fact:

1) Plaintiff’s claim of disabling pain is not credible. (A.R. 222).

2) Plaintiff is exertionally able to perform light work, as defined at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(b), although he is non-exertion-ally limited to working in an environment free of solvents, dust and fumes. (A.R. 222).

3) Light, unskilled jobs in solvent-free environments exist in significant numbers nationally. (A.R. 222).

If substantial evidence supports each of these findings, the decision of the Secretary must be affirmed.

[460]*460II. REVIEW OF EVIDENCE

1) Plaintiff’s pain.

The Appeals Council found plaintiff’s allegation of disabling pain not to be credible. (A.R. 223). Continuous, uncontrolled pain can be disabling. Embry v. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, 626 F.2d 93, 94 (9th Cir.1980). Plaintiff asserts continuous headache, low back pain, and burning in his feet. (A.R. 271, 272, 275, 277).

Determining whether substantial evidence supports the Appeals Council’s finding that plaintiff’s allegation of disabling pain is not credible is complicated by the AU’s finding to the contrary. (A.R. 230). The AU observed plaintiff testify; the Appeals Council did not.

3.1. Effect of ALJ’s credibility finding.

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594 F. Supp. 457, 1984 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23545, 7 Soc. Serv. Rev. 507, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/howard-v-heckler-cacd-1984.