Kurilla v. Barnhart - ED Pa. - October 18, 20
http://www.paed.uscourts.gov/documents/opinions/05D1280P.pdf
Case remanded (sentence four, 42 USC 405(g)) because of ALJ errors on credibility and use of reports of treating physicians.
The ALJ's credibility finding was not supported by substantial evidence or made in accordance with SSR 96-7p, which requires careful consideration of statements about symptoms such as pain, which may suggest a greater impairment than shown by the objective medical evidence alone. This is especially true in the case of fibromyalgia, an impairment which is "mysterious and elusive....because it lacks both a clear etiology and objective diagnostic testing capable of verifying the legitimacy of accompanying symptoms."
The finding and statements of claimant's treatment providers was not given sufficient weight. If they are supported by medical date, they should be accepted absent contradictory medical evidence (citing 3d Cir. precedent). The record about fibromyalgia consisted solely of claimant's complaints and his treating physician's diagnosis that he was disabled. Without any evidence to the contrary than the ALJ's erroneous determination that claimant lacked credibility, the court concluded that the ALJ's rejection of the treating physician's opinion was impermissible, because it was not based on substantial evidence.
The court remanded the case for a new consultative exam about the effects of claimant's fibromyalgia on his RFC and a new RFC assessment by a physician, preferably a rheumatologist who has experience and an expertise in fibromyalgia and its related symptoms.
The court did not simply reverse and grant benefits, because "granting...benefits at Step 4 improperly truncates the sequential evaluation process. Step 5 of the process is necessary to determine whether the claimant could perform a less demanding level of work, such as sedentary work."
Donald Marritz
MidPenn Legal Services
