# Macklin v. Commissioner of Social Security

> District Court, N.D. Ohio · July 1, 2022

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/10370985

## Case

- **Court:** District Court, N.D. Ohio
- **Decided:** July 1, 2022
- **Opinion:** 100trialcourt
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISON

DARYL MACKLIN, ) CASE NO. 1:21-CV-01065-CEH
)
Plaintiff, )
) MAGISTRATE JUDGE
v. ) CARMEN E. HENDERSON
)
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, )
) MEMORANDUM OPINION AND
Defendant, ) ORDER
)

I. Introduction
Plaintiff, Daryl Macklin, seeks judicial review of the final decision of the Commissioner
of Social Security denying his applications for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) and
Disability Insurance Benefits (“DIB”). This matter is before me by consent of the parties under
28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73. (ECF No. 12). Because the ALJ followed proper
procedures and her findings are supported by substantial evidence, the Court AFFIRMS the
Commissioner’s final decision denying Macklin SSI and DIB.
II. Procedural History
On October 10, 2019, Macklin filed applications for SSI and DIB, alleging a disability
onset date of June 30, 2016. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 132). The applications were denied initially
and upon reconsideration, and Macklin requested a hearing before an administrative law judge
(“ALJ”). (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 193). On November 4, 2020, an ALJ held a hearing, during
which Macklin, represented by counsel, and an impartial vocational expert testified. (ECF No.
10, PageID #: 91). On November 24, 2020, the ALJ issued a written decision finding Macklin
was not disabled. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 67). The ALJ’s decision became final on March 18,
2021, when the Appeals Council declined further review. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 56).
On May 21, 2021, Macklin filed his Complaint to challenge the Commissioner’s final
decision. (ECF No. 1). The parties have completed briefing in this case. (ECF Nos. 15, 16).

Macklin asserts the following assignments of error:
Mr. Macklin meets Listing 12.03. The Administrative Law Judge
(“ALJ”) committed reversible error at Step 3 by failing to
adequately analyze Mr. Macklin’s ability to adapt to the
requirements of daily life. The ALJ’s unexplained assertion that
Mr. Macklin “reported some improvement in his mental health
symptoms” is insufficient justification to show why Mr. Macklin
does not meet Listing 12.03.

(ECF No. 15 at 3).
III. Background1
A. Relevant Hearing Testimony

The ALJ summarized the relevant testimony from Macklin’s hearing:
The claimant alleged that he was unable to perform work due to
the limiting signs and symptoms of his severe impairments. The
claimant testified that he experienced left knee and back pain that
made it difficult to stand for long periods. He explained that he
treated with a knee brace and Tylenol. He stated that he had
trouble with mental health issues, including panic attacks three to
four times per week. The claimant testified that he could not be
around others as he felt that people were out to hurt him. He stated
that he did not shower or change his clothes daily. He explained
that he did not feel he could tolerate stress or adapt to changes. The
claimant testified that he attempted suicide in the past and would
rather just sit alone in his room. In an adult function report, the
claimant reported difficulty with lifting, squatting, bending,
standing, reaching, walking, sitting, kneeling, talking, stair
climbing, memory, completing tasks, concentration, understanding,
following instructions, getting along with others, and handling

1 Macklin’s sole argument relates to his mental health impairments. The Court’s
discussion of the medical evidence, therefore, focuses on the same.
stress and changes in routine.

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 76).

B. Relevant Medical Evidence

The ALJ also summarized Macklin’s health records and symptoms:
The claimant [] treated for depressive, bipolar and related
disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma
and stressor-related disorders. On June 9, 2018, the claimant
presented to the emergency department for depression and
thoughts of harming himself. He complained of feeling depressed
progressively since December 2017 after his grandmother’s death.
He stated that he felt overwhelmed and hopeless due to taking care
of his mother who had kidney failure and engaged in dialysis three
times per week. He stated that he used crack cocaine every two to
three days and marijuana occasionally. Upon mental status
examination by Alisa Paliy, M.D., the claimant was tearful and his
affect was constricted. His thought content included vague
thoughts of harming self, but he did not express any delusions or
ideas of reference. However, his hygiene and grooming were fair.
He was cooperative with consistent eye contact. The claimant’s
thought process was logical, linear, and goal directed. He denied
auditory and visual hallucinations. He did not appear internally
stimulated. Dr. Paliy’s initial impression was that [t]he claimant
had depression. He was admitted to the psychiatric unit for 23-
hour observation. Treatment records note that the claimant had not
felt any better since coming to the emergency department. It was
also noted that the emergency room visit was the first time seeing a
psychiatrist and he had never been prescribed psychotropic
medication. Additionally, the claimant was willing to voluntarily
sign in for a psychiatric admission at a facility, but treatment was
started in the emergency department with Prozac, Atarax, Tylenol,
and trazodone. (3F, 62-75).

On July 20, 2018, the claimant attended a community psychiatric
supportive treatment (CPST) appointment with Erica Campbell,
QMHS-B. He appeared to be in a good mood and he was actively
engaged and participated in the appointment. The claimant
reported to having no signs of depression. (4F, 24). Ms. Campbell
noted that the claimant appeared to be in a good mood on August
3, 2018. They discussed some depression symptoms that he was
experiencing and he was provided with interventions that could
assist the claimant with managing the symptoms. (4F, 28).
Treatment records from July 2018–December 2018 with Kathleen
Miller, LSW reflect that the claimant missed therapy appointments
and was eventually closed for counseling services. (4F, 25-27, 31,
35-36).

The claimant attended a psychiatry appointment on August 16,
2018 with James Ward, CNP. The claimant reported having poor
sleep, but a slightly improved mood. He stated that he was sober
from cocaine for three months. Mr. Ward felt that the claimant was
making some progress toward his treatment objectives. His
assessment of claimant reflected diagnoses of major depressive
disorder, recurrent, moderate, unspecified trauma and stressor-
related disorder, and cocaine use disorder, currently sober three
months. He increased the claimant’s dosages of Celexa and
trazodone. (4F, 29-30).

On October 19, 2018, the claimant returned to see Mr. Ward. He
explained that he ran out of medications and did not have
insurance. He rated depression at a nine out of 10 and chronic
passive suicidal ideation and poor sleep. Upon mental status
examination, the claimant’s affect was flat and constricted, but
congruent to mood, appropriate, and stable. His mood was
depressed. He had a mild impairment of judgment. However, he
made good eye contact and he was calm, pleasant, cooperative,
engaged, neat, clean, and appropriately dressed. The claimant’s
thought process was goal-directed, linear, and coherent. He denied
suicidal thoughts. He had moderate insight and intact cognition.
Mr. Ward stated that the claimant had a depressed mood in the
context of non-adherence and brief disengagement. He noted that
the claimant was willing to restart medication as he reported
having a partial response since his dosage was increased at the last
visit. He restarted the claimant on citalopram and trazodone. (2F,
2-3).

Treatment records reflect that the claimant was hospitalized from
May 6, 2019 to May 9, 2019 for major depressive disorder,
recurrent, severe, without psychotic features, anxiety disorder,
unspecified after presenting to the emergency department for
taking trazodone in a suicide attempt on May 4, 2019. He was
medically cleared before being admitted to the psychiatric unit.
During his hospitalization, his mood and affect had gradually
improved and the claimant denied any thoughts of suicide or
harming self or others. Upon mental status examination at
discharge, the claimant’s mood and affect were less depressed. His
thought[s] were future oriented. He denied suicidal or homicidal
ideation. His cognition, memory, and concentration were intact.
The claimant made good eye contact. He denied anxiety. His
judgment and insight were fair. . . .

On September 17, 2019, the claimant attended an assessment with
Megan Brown, LISW. He discussed [that he] needed to re-engage
in psychiatry and case management support to follow up on social
security benefits. He reported no major changes since his last
linkage for services completed in June 2018 after a hospitalization
for suicidal ideation. He complained of depressive symptoms
including suicidal ideation, anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness,
sadness and difficulty sleeping and anxiety symptoms. It was noted
that the claimant had a history of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) symptoms, but the claimant did not endorse those
symptoms during the current mental health assessment. . . . Ms.
Brown diagnosed the claimant with major depressive disorder,
recurrent episode, unspecified and anxiety, as well as a rule out
diagnosis of PTSD. (4F, 6-14).

The claimant attended a counseling appointment with Mordechai
Berkowitz, LSW on September 24, 2019. He stated that he had
symptoms of depression and he reported attempting suicide in June
2019, but he was okay. He explained that he felt depressed a little
based on financial issues and taking care of his mother. It was
noted that the claimant presented with a full affect and a positive
mood. (4F, 42).

On October 21, 2019, the claimant returned for an appointment
with Mr. Ward. Record note that the claimant was last seen
November 2018 and had missed several scheduled appointments.
He stated that in June 2019 he began feeling a little paranoid,
worried about a break-in, and thinking people were looking at him.
He stated his mood was depressed all the time and he had auditory
and visual hallucinations, but denied active suicidal ideation. Upon
mental status examination, the claimant had a depressed mood with
a flat and constructed affect that was congruent to mood,
appropriate, and stable. His insight was limited and his judgment
showed a mild impairment. However, he was calm, pleasant,
cooperative, engaged, neat, clean, and appropriately dressed. He
had good eye contact. The claimant’s thought process was goal-
directed, linear, and coherent. He denied suicidal thoughts. Mr.
Ward diagnosed the claimant with major depressive disorder,
current, severe, with psychosis. He was started on Abilify and
melatonin and he was restarted on Celexa. (5F, 9-11). Treatment
records from November 20, 2019 with Mr. Ward reflect
medication changes due to side effects. His Abilify was stopped
and replaced with Zyprexa. The claimant’s Celexa was increased
and continued on melatonin. (5F, 6-8).
The claimant attended a telehealth session with Mr. Ward on
March 26, 2020. Mr. Ward noted that he last saw the claimant in
November 2019. The claimant stated that he was feeling mildly
depressed in the setting of pandemic, increased anxiety at night,
and continued paranoid ideation. He denied suicidal ideation. He
stated that he had been okay and spent his day busy watching
television. He explained that he tried to stay busy with household
chores. Upon mental status examination, the claimant’s mood was
depressed and he had hallucinations. His insight was limited and
his judgment had a mild impairment. However, the claimant was
cooperative, engaged, calm, and pleasant. His cognition was intact
and his thought process was goal-directed, linear, and coherent. He
denied suicidal ideation. Mr. Ward stated that the claimant’s most
significant stressor was non-adherence for the past two months and
he felt that again the claimant’s psychotic symptoms have an
unclear context. He restarted the claimant’s Zyprexa and Celexa
and continued the claimant on melatonin. (8F, 9-12). Treatment
records from April 23, 2020 with Mr. Ward reflect that the
claimant attended a telehealth session. He stated that everything
was okay right now and went to the park that week. He explained
that he was contemplating getting more exercise. The claimant
reported feeling anxious in crowds and social situations. Mental
status examination findings include a euthymic mood, being
cooperative, engaged, and accessible, a goal-direct, linear, and
coherent thought process, improving hallucinations and paranoia,
moderate insight, no impairment of judgment, intact cognition, and
a denial of suicidal thoughts. Mr. Ward increased the claimant’s
dosage of Celexa and continued the claimant’s other medication.
(8F, 12-16). Additional treatment records from May 20, 2020 with
Mr. Ward reflected medication changes. The claimant’s Zyprexa
was discontinued due to ineffectiveness. He was started on Abilify
and Cogentin and he was continued on Celexa and melatonin. (8F,
16-20).

On June 23, 2020, the claimant had another telehealth session with
Mr. Ward. He explained that he was unable to work due to
paranoid ideation, wanting to be in his room and do nothing, knee
and back pain. He reported his sleep was improving and that his
depression was still there, but not as bad. There was no objective
evidence of psychosis, but the claimant continued to report hearing
vague intermittent voices. He explained that he was increased
walking for exercise. Mental status examination findings were
similar to those from April 2020. Mr. Ward noted that the claimant
had reported his mood and sleep had slightly improved. He
recommended counseling for treatment the claimant’s depression
and anxious distress. He explained that the claimant endorsed
intermitted auditory hallucinations upon assessment, but their
reported quality was inconsistent and had an unclear context. Mr.
Ward did not suspect a thought disorder at that time. He continued
the claimant on his medication. (8F, 20-24). . . .

The claimant participated in another telehealth session with Mr.
Ward on August 18, 2020. The claimant reported a first incident
ever of visual hallucinations. He explained that he was tolerating
his medications well and he denied side effects. Upon mental
status examination, the claimant[] had hallucinations and paranoia.
However, his mood was euthymic. He was cooperative, engaged,
and accessible. The claimant’s thought process was goal-directed,
linear, and coherent. He denied suicidal ideations. The claimant’s
cognition was intact. He exhibited no impairment of judgment and
moderate insight. Mr. Ward stated that despite no triggers and full
adherence, the claimant continued to report inconsistent psychotic
symptoms without clear context. He explained that the claimant
reported a new onset of visual hallucination experience, which was
an isolated incident, and with no precipitating factors. He noted
that he could not rule out secondary gain to secure disability
benefits. However, Mr. Ward stated that the claimant still endorsed
depression and subjectively bothersome psychotic symptoms that
might be mood congruent. He increased the claimant’s dosage of
Abilify. (9F, 17-20).

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 81).

IV. The ALJ’s Decision
The ALJ made the following findings relevant to this appeal:
3. The claimant has the following severe impairments:
osteoarthritis and allied disorders (left knee), essential
hypertension, degenerative disc disease (thoracic and lumbar),
obesity, depressive, bipolar and related disorders, anxiety and
obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma and stressor-related
disorders (20 CFR 404.1520(c) and 416.920(c)).

4. The claimant does not have an impairment or combination of
impairments that meets or medically equals the severity of one of
the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1
(20 CFR 404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526, 416.920(d), 416.925
and 416.926).
5. After careful consideration of the entire record, I find that the
claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform light work
as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b) except he can
lift, carry, pull and pull 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds
frequently, he can stand and/or walk four hours in an eight-hour
workday, he can sit for six hours in an eight-hour workday, he can
frequently climb ramps and stairs, he can never climb ladders,
ropes, or scaffolds, he can occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and
crawl, he should never be exposed to hazards of unprotected
heights and dangerous machinery, and he is limited to occasional
routine workplace changes.

(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 72–73, 75).
V. Law & Analysis
A. Standard of Review
The Court’s review “is limited to determining whether the Commissioner’s decision is
supported by substantial evidence and was made pursuant to proper legal standards.” Winn v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 615 F. App’x 315, 320 (6th Cir. 2015); see also 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
“[S]ubstantial evidence is defined as ‘more than a scintilla of evidence but less than a
preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
support a conclusion.’” Rogers v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007)
(quoting Cutlip v. Sec’y of HHS, 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994)).
“After the Appeals Council reviews the ALJ’s decision, the determination of the council
becomes the final decision of the Secretary and is subject to review by this Court.” Olive v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 3:06 CV 1597, 2007 WL 5403416, at *2 (N.D. Ohio Sept. 19, 2007)
(citing Abbott v. Sullivan, 905 F.2d 918, 922 (6th Cir. 1990); Mullen v. Bowen, 800 F.2d 535,
538 (6th Cir. 1986) (en banc)). If the Commissioner’s decision is supported by substantial
evidence, it must be affirmed, “even if a reviewing court would decide the matter differently.”
Id. (citing 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); Kinsella v. Schweiker, 708 F.2d 1058, 1059–60 (6th Cir. 1983)).
B. Standard for Disability
The Social Security regulations outline a five-step process that the ALJ must use in
determining whether a claimant is entitled to supplemental-security income or disability-
insurance benefits: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) if not,

whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of impairments; (3) if so, whether
that impairment, or combination of impairments, meets or equals any of the listings in 20 C.F.R.
§ 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1; (4) if not, whether the claimant can perform his past relevant work
in light of his residual functional capacity (“RFC”); and (5) if not, whether, based on the
claimant’s age, education, and work experience, he can perform other work found in the national
economy. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)(i)–(v); Combs v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 459 F.3d 640, 642–
43 (6th Cir. 2006). The claimant bears the ultimate burden of producing sufficient evidence to
prove that he is disabled and, thus, entitled to benefits. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1512(a). Specifically, the
claimant has the burden of proof in steps one through four. Walters v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 127
F.3d 525, 529 (6th Cir. 1997). The burden shifts to the Commissioner at step five to establish

whether the claimant has the residual functional capacity to perform available work in the
national economy. Id.
C. Discussion
Macklin raises one issue on appeal. He argues that the ALJ erred in her analysis of
Listing 12.03—Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders—and that he met each of
the listing’s requirements. Generally, to meet a listing, the claimant “must satisfy all of the
[listing’s] criteria.” Nash v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No. 19-6321, 2020 WL 6882255, at *3 (6th
Cir. Aug. 10, 2020). The claimant “bears the burden of showing that an impairment meets or
equals a listed impairment.” Id. As long as the ALJ’s listing finding is supported by substantial
evidence, based on the record as a whole, the Court will defer to the ALJ’s finding, “[e]ven if the
record could support an opposite conclusion.” Id. at *2.
Listing 12.03 is satisfied by meeting the criteria of its subsections A and B or its
subsections A and C. 20 CFR. § 404 Subpart P, App. 1, § 12.03. Macklin concedes that he does

not meet the requirements of subsection B, but argues that he meets subsections A and C.
Subsections A and C require:
A. Medical documentation of one or more of the following:

1. Delusions or hallucinations;

2. Disorganized thinking (speech); or

3. Grossly disorganized behavior or catatonia.

C. Your mental disorder in this listing category is “serious and
persistent;” that is, you have a medically documented history of the
existence of the disorder over a period of at least 2 years, and there
is evidence of both:

1. Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial
support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing
and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental
disorder; and

2. Marginal adjustment, that is, you have minimal capacity to
adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that
are not already part of your daily life.

Id. (emphasis removed) (citations omitted).
It is undisputed that Macklin meets the A criteria, as the ALJ acknowledged—and the
record demonstrates—that Macklin experienced hallucinations. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 80);
(ECF No. 16 at 11). There is similarly no dispute that Macklin meets the first prong of the C
criteria. The ALJ determined that Macklin’s mental impairments have persisted for more than
two years and he was receiving treatment in the form of outpatient medication management,
psychiatric hospitalizations, and counseling. (ECF No. 10, PageID #:75); (ECF No. 16 at 11).
The dispute, therefore, centers around whether Macklin meets the second prong of the C
criteria—evidence of marginal adjustment. The regulations clarify that:
The criterion in C2 is satisfied when the evidence shows that,
despite your diminished symptoms and signs, you have achieved
only marginal adjustment. “Marginal adjustment” means that your
adaptation to the requirements of daily life is fragile; that is, you
have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or
to demands that are not already part of your daily life. We will
consider that you have achieved only marginal adjustment when
the evidence shows that changes or increased demands have led to
exacerbation of your symptoms and signs and to deterioration in
your functioning; for example, you have become unable to
function outside of your home or a more restrictive setting, without
substantial psychosocial supports (see 12.00D). Such deterioration
may have necessitated a significant change in medication or other
treatment. Similarly, because of the nature of your mental disorder,
evidence may document episodes of deterioration that have
required you to be hospitalized or absent from work, making it
difficult for you to sustain work activity over time.

20 CFR. § 404 Subpart P, App. 1, § 12.00.

In concluding that Macklin did not meet the criteria of this prong, the ALJ reasoned that
the “evidence fails to show that the claimant has achieved only marginal adjustment (i.e. he has
only a minimal ability to adapt to changes in his environment and daily life). On the contrary, it
is clear from the record that the claimant reported some improvement in his mental health
symptoms.” (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 75). Macklin argues that the ALJ failed to adequately
analyze his ability to adapt to the requirements of daily life and that the ALJ’s reliance on “some
improvement” is insufficient justification for finding that Macklin did not meet the Listing.
Macklin also states that he meets Listing 12.03 because he “has persistent paranoia and
hallucinations that render his ability to adapt to the requirements of daily life fragile, he no
longer leaves the house, his mother takes care of him, his symptoms have continued despite
treatment, and he has been hospitalized multiple times due to his mental impairments.” (ECF No.
15 at 9–10). The Commissioner responds that the State Agency psychologists’ opinions that
Macklin did not have marginal adjustment provides substantial evidence for the ALJ’s listing
determination. The Commissioner also states that Macklin took care of his mother, attended

medical appointments, exercised at the park, and cared for himself. Notably, the Commissioner
does not appear to argue that the ALJ’s reliance on Macklin’s improvement alone amounted to
substantial evidence to support his conclusion.
Although the ALJ did not give a thorough explanation of why Macklin failed to
demonstrate marginal adjustment at Step three, the Court concludes that there is substantial
evidence throughout the record to support her decision. See Holmes v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., No.
1:17-CV-01648, 2018 WL 4442314, at *11 (N.D. Ohio June 11, 2018) (“The court may look to
the ALJ’s decision in its entirety to justify the ALJ’s Step Three analysis.” (citations omitted)),
report and recommendation adopted, No. 1:17-CV-1648, 2018 WL 3544902 (N.D. Ohio July 24,
2018). First, the Court notes that the fact that the ALJ found that Macklin had some improvement

does provide some support for the ALJ’s conclusion. As outlined above, marginal adjustment is
demonstrated by changes that have led to “exacerbation” of a claimant’s symptoms and a
“deterioration” in his functioning. 20 CFR. § 404 Subpart P, App. 1. Evidence of improvement
does not support a finding that a claimant has deteriorated. Second, later in the opinion, the ALJ
gave a more thorough explanation of why she did not accept all of Macklin’s subjective
allegations. (ECF No. 10, PageID #: 75). In relevant part, the ALJ recognized that Macklin stated
that he was unable to do household chores or leave the house but reasoned: “However, in March
2020, April 2020, and June 2020, he reported spending his day watching television, trying to stay
busy with household chores, going to the park, and increasing his walking for exercise. (ECF No.
10, PageID #: 83). This evidence supports the ALJ’s findings that Macklin did not have marginal
adjustment because it demonstrates that Macklin can adapt to daily life and function outside of
the house. Similarly, the ALJ also explained that
[M]ental status examination[s] include an appropriate, normal,
positive, or euthymic mood, an appropriate, full, or normal affect,
oriented to time, place, and person, normal behavior, fair hygiene
and grooming, consistent or good eye contact, cooperativeness,
logical, linear, coherent, and/or goal-directed thought process, a
denial of auditory and _ visual hallucinations, improving
hallucinations and paranoia, not appearing to be internally
stimulated, calmness, pleasantness, being neat, clean, and
appropriate dressed, moderate insight, a denial of suicidal
thoughts, and intact cognition.
(ECF No. 10, PageID #: 83). This provides additional evidence of adjusting well to everyday
life. The combination of the above provides substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s marginal
adjustment decision. Thus, although Macklin pointed to evidence that supported his argument
(hospitalizations, continued symptoms despite treatment, and not wanting to leave his house), the
Court concludes that there was substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s Listing 12.03
conclusion. Accordingly, the Court finds no reason to disturb the ALJ’s decision.
VI. Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, the Court AFFIRMS the Commissioner’s final decision denying
Macklin SSI and DIB.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated: July 1, 2022
s/ Carmen E. Henderson
CARMEN E. HENDERSON
U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE

13

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/10370985. Public record. Not legal advice.
