OSTEEN, JR., District Judge

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER OSTEEN, JR., District Judge

Plaintiff Merry Margaret Acosta brought this action pursuant to Section 205(g) of the Social Security Act (the "Act"), as amended (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)), to obtain review of a final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security ("Commissioner") denying her claim for Disability Insurance Benefits under Title II of the Act. The court has before it the certified administrative record and cross-motions for judgment.

I. BACKGROUND

Plaintiff filed an application for Disability Insurance Benefits in February 2012 alleging a disability onset date of December 16, 2011. (Tr. at 208-10.) The application was denied initially and again upon reconsideration. (Id. at 88-104.) Plaintiff then requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"). (Id. at 113-14.) Plaintiff, her attorney, and a vocational expert attended the March 13, 2014 hearing. (Id. at 28-65.) On July 25, 2014, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff was not disabled under the Act. (Id. at 15-22.)

Specifically, the ALJ concluded that (1) Plaintiff had not worked during the relevant period; (2) her severe impairments were obesity and degenerative disc disease; (3) she did not meet or equal a listed impairment; and (4) she could perform sedentary work, so long as she could repeatedly stand at will for two minutes throughout the day after sitting 45 minutes; she was prohibited from overhead reaching; and she could use a cane to ambulate to her job assignment, without needing it in performance of her job duties. (Tr. at 17-21.)

The ALJ then concluded that Plaintiff was unable to perform any past relevant work. (Id. at 21.) Next, based on Plaintiff's age as a "younger individual," her high school education and ability to communicate in English, her work experience, and her Residual Functional Capacity ("RFC"), the ALJ found that there were jobs in the national economy that she could perform. (Id.) Accordingly, the ALJ entered a Decision that Plaintiff was not disabled and denied her benefits. (Id. at 22-22.)

Plaintiff requested that the Appeals Council review the ALJ's Decision and on October 14, 2014 the Appeals Council denied Plaintiff's request for review, making the ALJ's determination the Commissioner's final decision for purposes of review. (Id. at 1-4.)

II. LEGAL STANDARD

Federal law authorizes judicial review of the Commissioner's denial of social security benefits. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Hines v. Barnhart, 453 F.3d 559, 561 (4th Cir. 2006). However, the scope of review of such a decision is "extremely limited." Frady v. Harris, 646 F.2d 143, 144 (4th Cir. 1981). "The courts are not to try the case de novo." Oppenheim v. Finch, 495 F.2d 396, 397 (4th Cir. 1974). Instead, "a reviewing court must uphold the factual findings of the ALJ if they are supported by substantial evidence and were reached through application of the correct legal standard." Hancock v. Astrue, 667 F.3d 470, 472 (4th Cir. 2012) (internal quotation marks omitted).

"Substantial evidence means 'such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.'" Hunter v. Sullivan, 993 F.2d 31, 34 (4th Cir. 1993) (quoting Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 390 (1971)). "It consists of more than a mere scintilla of evidence but may be somewhat less than a preponderance." Mastro v. Apfel, 270 F.3d 171, 176 (4th Cir. 2001) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). "If there is evidence to justify a refusal to direct a verdict were the case before a jury, then there is substantial evidence." Hunter, 993 F.2d at 34 (internal quotation marks omitted).

"In reviewing for substantial evidence, the court should not undertake to re-weigh conflicting evidence, make credibility determinations, or substitute its judgment for that of the [ALJ]." Mastro, 270 F.3d at 176 (internal brackets and quotation marks omitted). "Where conflicting evidence allows reasonable minds to differ as to whether a claimant is disabled, the responsibility for that decision falls on the ALJ." Hancock, 667 F.3d at 472.

In undertaking this limited review, this court notes that "[a] claimant for disability benefits bears the burden of proving a disability." Hall v. Harris, 658 F.2d 260, 264 (4th Cir. 1981). In this context, "disability" means the "'inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.'" Id. (quoting 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A)).

"The Commissioner uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims." Hancock, 667 F.3d at 472 (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)). "Under this process, the Commissioner asks, . . . [if] the claimant: (1) worked during the alleged period of disability; (2) had a severe impairment; (3) had an impairment that met or equaled the requirements of a listed impairment; (4) could return to her past relevant work; and (5) if not, could perform any other work in the national economy." Id.

A finding adverse to the claimant at any of several points in this five-step sequence forecloses a disability designation and ends the inquiry. For example, "[t]he first step determines whether the claimant is engaged in 'substantial gainful activity.' If the claimant is working, benefits are denied. The second step determines if the claimant is 'severely' disabled. If not, benefits are denied." Bennett v. Sullivan, 917 F.2d 157, 159 (4th Cir. 1990).

On the other hand, if a claimant carries his or her burden at the first two steps, and if the claimant's impairment meets or equals a "listed impairment" at step three, "the claimant is disabled." Mastro, 270 F.3d at 177. Alternatively, if a claimant clears steps one and two, but falters at step three, i.e., "[i]f a claimant's impairment is not sufficiently severe to equal or exceed a listed impairment," then "the ALJ must assess the claimant's residual functional capacity ('RFC')." Id. at 179.

Step four then requires the ALJ to assess whether, based on that RFC, the claimant can "perform past relevant work"; if so, the claimant does not qualify as disabled. Id. at 179-80. However, if the claimant establishes an inability to return to prior work, the analysis proceeds to the fifth step, which "requires the [Government] to prove that a significant number of jobs exist which the claimant could perform, despite [the claimant's] impairments." Hines, 453 F.3d at 563. In making this determination, the ALJ must decide "whether the claimant is able to perform other work considering both [the claimant's RFC] and [the claimant's] vocational capabilities (age, education, and past work experience) to adjust to a new job." Hall, 658 F.2d at 264-65. If, at this step, the Government cannot carry its "evidentiary burden of proving that [the claimant] remains able to work other jobs available in the community," the claimant qualifies as disabled. Hines, 453 F.3d at 567.

III. ANALYSIS

Plaintiff raises three issues. First, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred by according inadequate weight to her treating physician. (Pl.'s Mem. of Law in Supp. of Mot. for J. on the Admin. Record ("Pl.'s Br.') (Doc. 10) at 1.) Second, she contends that the ALJ's credibility determination was not supported by substantial evidence. (Id. at 2.) Third, and likewise, Plaintiff contends that the ALJ's step-five finding was not supported by substantial evidence. (Id.) As explained below, none of these arguments has merit.

A. The ALJ's Analysis of Dr. Harrison's Medical Opinion is Supported by Substantial Evidence

Plaintiff contends that the ALJ erred in weighing the opinion of treating physician Dr. Matthew Harrison. (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 5 citing Tr. at 331-32.) The "treating physician rule," 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2), generally provides more weight to the opinion of a treating source, because it may "provide a detailed, longitudinal picture of [the claimant's] medical impairment(s) [which] may bring a unique perspective to the medical evidence." 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2). But not all treating sources are created equal. An ALJ refusing to accord controlling weight to the medical opinion of a treating physician must consider various "factors" to determine how much weight to give it. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2)-(6). These factors include: (i) the length of the treatment relationship and frequency of examination; (ii) the nature and extent of the treatment relationship; (iii) the evidence in support of the treating physician's opinion; (iv) the consistency of the opinion with the record as a whole; (v) whether the opinion is from a specialist; and (vi) other factors brought to the Social Security Administration's attention that tend to support or contradict the opinion. Id.

Significantly, as subsections (2) through (4) of the rule describe in great detail, a treating source's opinion, like all medical opinions, must be both well-supported by medical signs and laboratory findings and consistent with the other substantial evidence in the case record. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2)-(4). "[I]f a physician's opinion is not supported by clinical evidence or if it is inconsistent with other substantial evidence, it should be accorded significantly less weight." Craig v. Chater, 76 F.3d 585, 590 (4th Cir. 1996); accord Mastro, 270 F.3d at 178. Opinions by physicians regarding the ultimate issue of whether a plaintiff is disabled within the meaning of the Act never receive controlling weight because the decision on that issue remains for the Commissioner alone. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d).

Here, the ALJ's decision to afford Dr. Harrison's opinion less than controlling weight was well-supported. More specifically, in setting Plaintiff's RFC, the ALJ evaluated the record, including the medical reports on record as well as Plaintiff's daily activities. (Tr. at 19-21.) The ALJ also weighted the various opinions from the medical professionals of record. (Id.)

In doing so, the ALJ also ultimately discussed Dr. Harrison's opinion specifically, noting:

[T]he undersigned has given little weight to the opinion of the claimant's treating physician Dr. Matthew Harrison. Specifically, when the claimant followed up in January 2012, Dr. Harrison noted that the claimant could not perform a managerial job, as she was unable to stand at the cash register for four minutes. (Exhibit 8F6). Dr. Harrison subsequently submitted a residual functional capacity questionnaire in June 2012 in support of the claimant's application for disability. However, the ultimate issue of disability is reserved for the commissioner. SSR 96-5p. In this case, Dr. Harrison's opinion has been considered and found to be less than fully supported by the objective medical evidence of record.

These conclusions are legally sound and are supported by substantial record evidence for the following reasons. First, contrary to Plaintiff's suggestion, the objective test results are inconsistent with claims of debilitating symptoms related to her back ailment.

Specifically, an MRI of Plaintiff's lumbar spine conducted in January 2010, approximately two years before Plaintiff's alleged disability onset date, revealed mild disc bulging at T10-11 and a "stable" T11-T12; no abnormalities in L1-2 and L2-3; "minimal" disc bulging at L3-4 and L4-5; and "small" left paramedian herniation at L5-S1. (Tr. at 328.) The ALJ specifically cited this exhibit in finding that Plaintiff's MRIs were "'stable' comparatively speaking." (Tr. at 19.)

During a visit on March 6, 2012, the January 2010 study was reviewed by Plaintiff's medical provider and corresponding treatment notes also documented "small" herniation at L5-S1 and "hypertrophic facet arthropathic and bilateral mild foraminal narrowing." (Tr. at 314, 316.) A physical examination conducted during the visit demonstrated "normal" results in all material categories, including normal gait and station, with the only exception being a positive left straight leg raise. (Tr. at 315-16.) Based on this, Plaintiff was diagnosed with "[m]ild" herniation at L5-S1. (Tr. at 316.) Again, the ALJ specifically cited this exhibit in finding that Plaintiff's MRIs were "'stable' comparatively speaking." (Tr. at 19.)

On March 13, 2012, another MRI of Plaintiff's lumbar spine revealed: "[s]table normal lumbar vertebral body height and alignment"; "moderate" loss of disc space height and "[m]ild" reactive discogenic marrow signals at L5-S1; and otherwise "unremarkable" marrow signal. (Tr. at 319.) The study additionally demonstrated no disc herniation or spinal stenosis at L1-2; no disc herniation or spinal stenosis at L2-3 (though there was "[m]ild facet arthropathy and mild left lateral disc bulge"); "[v]ery mild" narrowing at L3-4 along with a mild disc bulge; "[s]table mild lateral recess stenosis" at L4-5, along with "mild to moderate facet arthropathy and ligamentum flavum thickening" and other mild findings; and stable mild right foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 along with moderate left foraminal stenosis and other mild findings. (Tr. at 319-20.) In comparing the March 2012 MRI to the study conducted in January 2010, the medical professionals concluded that "[o]verall, the scan looks stable from the prior study acquired approximately two years ago." (Tr. at 312.)

Similarly, a physical examination conducted in March of 2012 is consistent with the previous, as Plaintiff was oriented, demonstrated a "normal" gait/station, exhibited "normal" range of motion in her cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and revealed "normal" range of motion in both legs. (Tr. at 311.) Plaintiff was described as "overall stable over the past 2 years despite worsening of her symptoms." (Tr. 310-12.) Again, the ALJ specifically cited this exhibit in finding that Plaintiff's MRIs were "'stable' comparatively speaking." (Tr. at 19.)

Second, while Dr. Harrison's opinion is inconsistent with the above, it took the form of a checkbox questionnaire without explanation or supporting evidence. (Tr. at 331-32.) Dr. Harrison's two-page form noted a diagnosis of "back pain" and concluded Plaintiff could only walk for five continuous minutes and one total hour during an eight-hour workday; sit for five continuous minutes and one total hour during an eight-hour workday; and occasionally lift less than ten pounds. (Tr. at 331-32.) Dr. Harrison further concluded that Plaintiff could not reach with her arms, would need unscheduled breaks every ten to fifteen minutes, and that she was physically incapable of working on a sustained basis. (Id.)

Dr. Harrison provided no support for his conclusions and no explanation for the conflict between objective exams in the record, which as explained above, demonstrated "mild" disc herniation, "normal" physical capabilities, and largely "stable" findings, and the limitations set forth in his opinion.

Third, Dr. Harrison's June 2012 opinion also conflicts with additional substantial evidence contained in the record. (Tr. at 244-52, 335-50, 424-30, 451-52, 455.) Evidence demonstrates that Plaintiff performed a wide-range of daily living activities, conflicting with the findings in Dr. Harrison's questionnaire. (Tr. at 19-20, 244-52.) For example, in a third-party report completed by Plaintiff's daughter, she reported that Plaintiff prepared meals for herself and her children (three times a day); performed household chores, including, vacuuming, laundry, and dishwashing (totaling two to three hours a day); took care of her children; tended to her personal care needs; took her "little" dog on walks (three times a day); spent her free time watching television and on Facebook; shopped for groceries independently (three times a week); and attended her son's sporting events. (Tr. at 244-52.)

The ALJ also relied upon medical records demonstrating that Plaintiff's alleged symptoms were largely controlled and/or alleviated through conservative treatment measures. (Tr. at 19-20.) Although Plaintiff was "adamantly against any type of interventional therapy or injections for her back," (Tr. at 19, 455), medical evidence reveals that her symptoms were generally "under control" and "better" and that she generally had no issue performing her various activities of daily living. (Tr. at 20, 335-46, 424-30, 451-52.)

Fourth, the ALJ also relied upon the state agency consultant opinion indicating that Plaintiff was capable of performing medium work, rather than the more restrictive RFC ultimately formulated by the ALJ. Compare (Tr. at 80) with (Tr. at 18, 20). Non-examining state agency consultant Dr. Jack Drummond determined that Plaintiff could only lift fifty pounds occasionally and twenty-five pounds frequently, could stand/walk for six hours during an eight-hour workday, and sit for six hours during the same. (Tr. at 80.) Dr. Drummond also determined that Plaintiff had no postural limitations. (Id.) However, in light of the totality of evidence, the ALJ determined that Dr. Drummond's RFC assessment was not restrictive enough. (Tr. at 18-20.) Consequently, the ALJ set a more restrictive RFC to sedentary work with additional limitations. (Tr. at 18.)

Fifth, to the extent that Dr. Harrison opined as to Plaintiff's ability to maintain employment, (Tr. at 331-32), the ALJ correctly noted that the "ultimate issue of disability is reserved for the commissioner." (Tr. at 20.) 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d); Coleman v. Astrue, No. 3:10-CV-1254, 2011 WL 3924187, at *16-17 (S.D. W.Va. Sept. 7, 2011).

Plaintiff's arguments to the contrary are not persuasive. She contends that the ALJ failed to point to persuasive contrary evidence that would warrant a rejection of Dr. Harrison's opinion. (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 5-6.) However, as explained in detail above, the ALJ pointed to a great deal of evidence that warranted affording Dr. Harrison's opinion less than controlling weight.

Plaintiff contends further that the ALJ failed to properly discuss the regulatory factors. (Id. at 6-7.) An adjudicator need not "apply the factors in a mechanical fashion" nor engage in "rigid analysis." Carter v. Astrue, Civil Action No. CBD-10-1882, 2011 WL 3273060, at *6 (D. Md. July 27, 2011). The adjudicator's analysis is sufficient if it includes "specific reasons for the weight given to the treating source's medical opinion, supported by the evidence in the case record, and [is] sufficiently specific to make clear to any subsequent reviewers the weight the adjudicator gave to the treating source's medical opinion and the reasons for that weight." Social Security Ruling ("SSR") 96-2p, Policy Interpretation Ruling Titles II and XVI: Giving Controlling Weight to Treating Source Medical Opinions, 1996 WL 374188, at *5 (July 2, 1996).

And, in any event, it is clear the ALJ sufficiently considered the factors here. Plaintiff faults the ALJ for failing to take into consideration the length of the treatment relationship with Dr. Harrison and the frequency of his examinations. (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 7 referencing Tr. at 301, 303, 305, 326, 328, 363.) However, in his decision, the ALJ points to the exhibits containing the reports of these examinations, so the ALJ clearly took both factors into consideration. (Tr. at 17 citing Exs. 1F & 8F (Tr. at 300-06; 360-66); Tr. at 19 citing Ex. 4F (Tr. at 325-28).) The ALJ's analysis of Dr. Harrison's opinion was legally sound and supported by substantial evidence. This argument has no merit.

B. The ALJ's Credibility Analysis is Supported by Substantial Evidence

Plaintiff next contests the credibility analysis. (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 2.) Regarding credibility, Craig v. Chater, 76 F.3d 585 (4th Cir. 1996) provides a two-part test for evaluating a claimant's statements about symptoms. "First, there must be objective medical evidence showing 'the existence of a medical impairment(s) which results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities and which could reasonably be expected to produce the pain or other symptoms alleged.'" Id. at 594 (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529(b)) (emphasis omitted). If the ALJ determines that such an impairment exists, the second part of the test then requires him to consider the evidence, including the claimant's statements about pain, in order to determine whether the claimant is disabled. Id. at 595-96.

While the ALJ must consider a claimant's statements and other subjective evidence at step two, he need not credit them insofar as they conflict with the objective medical evidence or to the extent that the underlying impairment could not reasonably be expected to cause the symptoms alleged. Id. Where the ALJ has considered the relevant factors and heard the claimant's testimony and observed his demeanor, the ALJ's credibility determination is entitled to deference. Shively v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 987, 989 (4th Cir. 1984).

Here, the ALJ completed the two-step Craig analysis. First, the ALJ stated that he had "careful[ly] consider[ed]" the evidence and found that Plaintiff's "medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to cause the alleged symptoms[.]" (Tr. at 19.) The ALJ therefore discharged his duty under the first step of the Craig analysis.

The ALJ went on to perform the second step of the Craig analysis, concluding further that "the claimant's statements concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects of these symptoms are not entirely credible for the reasons explained in this decision." (Id.)

Contrary to Plaintiff's assertion, therefore, the ALJ appropriately determined that although her impairments could reasonably cause some limitation, Plaintiff's claims of debilitating symptoms were not fully credible. (Tr. at 19-21.) As discussed above, Plaintiff's test results of generally normal and mild findings are inconsistent with disabling back pain. (Tr. at 19, 311-12, 315-20, 328.) Likewise, Plaintiff's allegations of disabling back pain were also at odds with the treatment notes demonstrating that Plaintiff's alleged back pain was "under control" and that she maintained the ability to "function well." (Tr. at 20, 335-46, 424-30, 451-52.)

Similarly, Dr. Drummond concluded that Plaintiff had no postural limitations and that she could perform medium work, stand/walk for six hours, and sit for six hours in the course of an eight-hour workday. (Tr. at 20, 80.) Although the ALJ gave Plaintiff the "benefit of the doubt regarding her limitations," and set a more restrictive RFC (i.e., sedentary work with additional limitations), the ALJ correctly observed that Plaintiff's allegations were also inconsistent with the opinion of the non-examining state agency. (Tr. at 20.)

Likewise, the fact that Plaintiff continued to perform a wide-range of daily living activities during her alleged period of disability, was inconsistent with her allegations of disability. As noted, Plaintiff tended to her personal care needs without issue or assistance; performed various household chores (i.e., vacuuming, laundry, and dishwashing); took care of her children; took her dog on walks; shopped for groceries independently; and attended her son's sporting events. (Tr. at 19-20, 244-52.)

Plaintiff's arguments to the contrary are not persuasive. She faults the ALJ for failing to discuss each of the above-mentioned regulatory factors. (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 11.) However, "an ALJ is not required to specifically discuss each bit of evidence on the record or each regulatory factor. What the ALJ must do — and what the ALJ did do here — is take into consideration all the evidence and all the relevant factors and articulate an RFC and credibility determination supported by substantial evidence." Edwards v. Colvin, No. 1:12-CV-1249, 2014 WL 4442061, at *5 (M.D.N.C. Sept. 9, 2014). The ALJ's findings here (described above) make it clear he took into consideration the relevant regulatory factors.

Plaintiff also faults the ALJ for noting that (1) she "continued to work through December 2011" despite her "extensive history of low back pain of at least 10 years" (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 10 citing Tr. at 19), (2) she declined surgical intervention, and (3) she declined epidural steroid injections because she was afraid of needles. (Id. citing Tr. at 455.) Plaintiff has not made a compelling argument as to why her relatively conservative treatment or why Plaintiff's ability to work through December of 2011 is irrelevant to her allegations of disabling pain. And, in any event, even without these observations the ALJ's credibility analysis remains legally sound and supported by substantial evidence for the other reasons describe above.

C. The ALJ's Step Five Analysis is Supported by Substantial Evidence

Plaintiff's last argument is that, as a result of the other purported errors described above in both assessing Plaintiff's RFC and evaluating her credibility, the hypotheticals presented to the vocational expert ("VE") by the ALJ failed to capture all of her limitations. (Pl.'s Br. (Doc. 10) at 11-12.) Consequently, Plaintiff concludes, the step-five finding that there are other jobs that she can perform is not supported by substantial evidence. (Id.)

It is true that in questioning a VE in a Social Security disability hearing, an ALJ must propound hypothetical questions that account for all of the claimant's limitations. Walker v. Bowen, 889 F.2d 47, 50-51 (4th Cir. 1989). The problem with Plaintiff's argument here, however, is that as discussed in detail above there were no material errors in the ALJ's RFC or credibility findings. The ALJ presented to the VE a hypothetical that accounted for all Plaintiff's limitations. (Tr. at 283-84.) Given that Plaintiff's step-five argument is based upon an erroneous premise, it has no merit.

IV. CONCLUSION

After a careful consideration of the evidence of record, the court finds that the Commissioner's decision is supported by substantial evidence.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Commissioner's decision finding no disability is AFFIRMED, that Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment (Doc. 9) is DENIED, that the Commissioner's motion for judgment on the pleadings (Doc. 13) is GRANTED, and that this action is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.

A judgment consistent with this Memorandum Opinion and Order will be entered contemporaneously herewith.

This the 28th day of March, 2016.

/s/_________

United States District Judge