Rancatore v. Colvin

CourtDistrict Court, N.D. Illinois
DecidedAugust 13, 2018
Docket1:14-cv-04241
StatusUnknown

This text of Rancatore v. Colvin (Rancatore v. Colvin) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District Court, N.D. Illinois primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Rancatore v. Colvin, (N.D. Ill. 2018).

Opinion

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN DIVISION

APRIL RANCATORE, wife of decedent, ) JAMES MICHAEL RANCATORE, SR., ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) Case No. 14 cv 4241 v. ) ) Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman NANCY A. BERRYHILL, ) ACTING COMMISSIONER, ) SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, ) ) Defendant. )

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER Before the Court is plaintiff James Michael Rancatore, Sr.’s motion for summary judgment [8] arising from the Commissioner of Social Security’s decision to deny plaintiff’s request for disability insurance benefits.1 Plaintiff seeks reversal of the Administrative Law Judge’s (“ALJ”) determination that he is not disabled and entitled to benefits. For the reasons stated herein, this Court grants the motion and remands the matter to the agency.

Background The Court notes at the outset that James Rancatore committed suicide by hanging on February 7, 2015. While the Court is sympathetic to Mr. Rancatore’s wife and children, the ALJ did not know at the time of his decision that Mr. Rancatore would commit suicide. Therefore, this Court has been careful not to view the ALJ’s decision with hindsight. Mr. Rancatore’s death is a

1 Plaintiff did not file a reply brief in support of the motion. testament to the unpredictability of mental illness, and thus, the care with which the agency and the courts must consider medical evidence and testimony relating to mental illness. Rancatore was born on April 4, 1975, and was 35 years old at the onset date. His past relevant work was as a rough carpenter and a pizza baker. Rancatore had a ninth grade education. He filed an application for disability insurance benefits (“DIB”) under §§ 216(i) and 223(d) of the Social Security Act, alleging disability beginning December 1, 2010. The application was initially

denied on November 21, 2011. His motion for reconsideration was denied on February 10, 2012. Rancatore filed a timely request on March 15, 2012, for a hearing with an ALJ. On February 23, 2013, ALJ Lovert F. Bassett held a hearing in Orland Park, Illinois. Rancatore was present and represented by attorney Brianne Dotts. On March 5, 2013, ALJ Bassett issued his decision denying Rancatore’s application. Rancatore filed a timely request for review of the ALJ’s decision before the Appeals Council. On February 24, 2014, the Appeals Council denied the request for review. The Appeals Council denied review again on March 14, 2014, after reviewing new evidence. Denial of review by the Appeals Council made ALJ Bassett’s decision the final determination of the Commissioner. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), Rancatore filed the complaint for judicial review now before this Court. A. Relevant Medical History 1. Progress notes from the McGrath Clinic: Rancatore regularly saw mental health professionals at the McGrath Clinic between 2009 and

2013. His diagnosis remained consistent as bipolar 2, most recent episode depressed, and intermittent explosive disorder. He never exhibited any hallucinations, delusions, or other psychotic processes. (A.R. 304-352). Between March and June 2009, Rancatore saw different treaters at McGrath on six different occasions. On March 18, 2009, he reported some angry outbursts, but impulsive behaviors were being displayed less frequently. On his next visit he reported being really moody. The doctor noted that he was friendly, very animated, and anxious; that he was quite loud; excited, irritable, and over talkative. (A.R. at 143). He seemed to improve over the next couple of visits, but in September 2009, the psychiatrist noted that Rancatore was very clearly irritated and his impulse control had deteriorated. (A.R. at 143). Between August 2011 and January 2013, Rancatore consistently saw Richard Adema, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (“Counselor Adema”) and Dr. Rian Rowles, D.O. at

MacGrath. On August 11, 2010, Counselor Adema, noted that they discussed dealing with symptoms of ADHD and impulsivity. Rancatore discussed interpersonal problems and substance abuse. He stopped taking Adderall because he did not like the side effects. He contacted his doctor who told him to increase (double) his bipolar medication to 300 mg a day. Rancatore reported feeling more stable and less angry. Counselor Adema encouraged ventilation and they discussed the sources of certain feelings. On September 8, 2010, Dr. Rowles saw Rancatore and recorded no anxiety or symptoms of depression. He denied any suicidal ideation and assaultive or homicidal ideas or intentions. (A.R. at 308). Rancatore returned to the clinic on September 29, 2010, and saw Counselor Adema. They discussed ways of coping with depression, which was the main issue for the session. Rancatore also expressed feelings of anxiety and they discussed patterns of self-defeating behavior. Counselor Adema showed Rancatore patterns of maladaptive behavior. Counselor Adema also taught him some coping skills to reduce anxiety and manage depression. (A.R. at 307).

At his December 15, 2010, visit with Counselor Adema, Rancatore’s history stated that he was “finding sobriety difficult. He said he is a more serious person, and not as fun. He is involved with his kids more with their homework and school. He said his anger is much more under control.” (A.R. at 306). Counselor Adema encouraged Rancatore to “ventilate.” He explored the sources and precipitants of certain feelings and behaviors with Rancatore. (Id.) On May 18, 2011, Rancatore reported increasing his medication to 200 mg of lamictal twice a day and reported doing well. Examination revealed no serious mental status abnormalities. (A.R. at 305). On August 30, 2011, Dr. Rowles recorded that Rancatore was taking his medication and had been stable. Dr. Rowles’ examination showed no serious mental status abnormalities. (A.R. at 304). On December 28, 2011, Rancatore reported persisting symptoms. Dr. Rowles’ notes indicate that, though Rancatore denied manic, obsessive, or persistent thoughts, he seemed more forgetful,

was inattentive, had a short attention span, was disorganized, reported that his energy had decreased, he described difficulty concentrating and anhedonia. Dr. Rowles recorded his mental status as guarded, distracted, unhappy. Although suicidal and homicidal ideation was convincingly denied, signs of anxiety were noted. (A.R. at 331.) On February 2, 2012, Rancatore reported that he could not tolerate the higher dose of Seroquel. Dr. Rowles noted that “Rancatore continues to be inattentive with a short attention span.” He still does not seem to be listening when spoken to directly. He is disorganized and continues to be easily distracted. Symptoms of depression continue. Dr. Rowles recorded Rancatore’s mental status as “irritable, distracted, unhappy.” He appeared listless, anergic, and downcast. He also exhibited signs of anxiety. (A.R. at 332). On November 20, 2012, Rancatore stated he was off his medication and was doing well. Dr. Rowles recorded that medication has been regularly taken and behavior has been stable and unremarkable.2 Dr. Rowles further observed that Rancatore’s mental status exhibited neither

depression nor mood elevation nor anxiety. (A.R. at 351). On January 18, 2013, Rancatore reported that his symptoms had returned, and he resumed medication but was still experiencing unstable moods. Dr. Rowles observed that Rancatore appeared

2 The Court acknowledges an unexplained inconsistency in Dr. Rowles’ progress from November 20, 2012. irritable, looked unhappy and distracted. His affect was appropriate and congruent with mood, but there were signs of anxiety. “No suicidal ideas or intentions are present today.” (A.R. at 352). 2. Psychiatric / Psychological Impairment Questionnaire: Dr. Rowles provided a psychiatric/psychological impairment questionnaire. (A.R.

Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI

Related

Richardson v. Perales
402 U.S. 389 (Supreme Court, 1971)
Punzio v. Astrue
630 F.3d 704 (Seventh Circuit, 2011)
Jelinek v. Astrue
662 F.3d 805 (Seventh Circuit, 2011)
Arnett v. Astrue
676 F.3d 586 (Seventh Circuit, 2012)
Rebecca Pepper v. Carolyn W. Colvin
712 F.3d 351 (Seventh Circuit, 2013)
Denton v. Astrue
596 F.3d 419 (Seventh Circuit, 2010)
Stewart v. Astrue
561 F.3d 679 (Seventh Circuit, 2009)
Bauer v. Astrue
532 F.3d 606 (Seventh Circuit, 2008)
Simila v. Astrue
573 F.3d 503 (Seventh Circuit, 2009)

Cite This Page — Counsel Stack

Bluebook (online)
Rancatore v. Colvin, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/rancatore-v-colvin-ilnd-2018.