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Disabilities: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features; schizoaffective disorder, substance use, and HIV positive
Notice of Decision: Fully Favorable
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): James A. Sparks
Office of Disability Adjudication & Review (ODAR): Miami-Dade
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
After careful consideration of the entire record, the undersigned makes the following findings:
1. The claimant has not engaged in substantial gainful activity since August 27, 2003, the date of his prior supplemental security application (20 CFR 416.920(b) and 416.971 et seq.).
2. The claimant has the following severe impairment(s): major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features; substance use, and HIV positive (20 CFR 416.920(c)).
3. The severity of the claimant's impairments meets the criteria of section(s) 12.04 and 14.08 of20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 (20 CFR 416.920(d)).
In making this finding, the undersigned considered all symptoms and the extent to which these symptoms can reasonably be accepted as consistent with the objective medical evidence and other evidence, based on the requirements of 20 CFR 416.929 and SSRs 96-4p and 96-7p. The undersigned has also considered opinion evidence in accordance with the requirements of 20 CFR 416.927 and SSRs 96-2p, 96-5p, 96-6p and 06-3p.
The claimant has been hospitalized multiple times under the Baker Act due to schizoaffective disorder. He reported feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, anger, irritability, poor impulse control, auditory hallucinations, delusional ideations, suicidal ideations, paranoia, hostility, nervousness, poor insight, and judgment with poor eye contact and noted disheveled appearance. The claimant had a global assessment of functioning (GAF) score of23. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, a GAF of between 21 and 30 represents serious symptoms in social, occupational, or the inability for overall general functioning. Treating doctor, Dr. Alonso endorsed 12.04 listing level impairment with diagnosis of severe affective disorder. Dr. Alonso assessed the claimant was experiencing disturbance of mood accompanied by depressive syndrome with evidence of anhedonia, appetite loss, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation, decreased energy, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, difficulty with concentration and thinking, thoughts of suicide, and hallucinations, delusions, and paranoid thinking. Further, treating physician assessed marked restrictions in activities of daily living; maintaining concentration and persistence, social functioning, and more than 4 episodes of decompensation for extended durations. Further, he has been diagnosed by other treating specialist with paranoid personality disorder in 2005.
Additionally, a consultative psychological examiner diagnosed major depression disorder with severe, recurrent psychotic features after a mental status examination. The examiner noted that the claimant was easily distracted with deficiencies in his ability to perform tasks that required concentration or social interaction in the ability to work. His social interaction was marked with helplessness and acting out behaviors. Further, that the claimant would need assistance with management of his funds.
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