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Disabilities: Low back pain with radiculopathy, degenerative joint disease, left shoulder pain, diabetes mellitus, and depression
Notice of Decision: Fully Favorable
Administrative Law Judge: Dean W. Determan
Office of Disability Adjudication & Review (ODAR): Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida & Palm Beach County, Florida
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On July 9, 2007 treating physician Dr. Steven Kanner reported that the claimant was diagnosed with radiculopathy and was limited to sitting, standing and walking for less than two hours each in an 8-hour day. He could lift and carry no more than 10 pounds. The record also shows that he was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. The lumbar MRl of May 29, 2007 revealed L5-S1 facet arthropathy bilaterally. The claimant was prescribed Lorcet for pain. On December 8, 2007 the claimant was seen at the hospital emergency room for acute back pain and dysuria. Records from Dr. S. Kanner showthat the claimant was monitored and treated for diabetes. He was assessed with probable degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.
Orthopedic specialist Gary Wexler, M.D. saw the claimant on October 15, 2008 and diagnosed left rotator cuff sprain/strain, tendonitis/bursitis, based on examination and MRI findings. The claimant had sharp pain and stiffness in the left shoulder due to an injury caused by lifting. Physical therapy and medication were recommended.
In addition to his physical problems, the claimant has also had emotional complaints, and on March 18, 2008 he was diagnosed with pain disorder associated with both psychological factors and a general medical condition, as well as adjustment disorder with depressed mood. He had adequate social activities and daily living activities were independent but his concentration was poor. His pain made it difficult for him to work without deteriorating.
At the hearing, the claimant testified that he has low back pain, radiating down the left leg, a pinched nerve in his neck with pain radiating down his arm. He said that he cannot lift more than 10 pounds and it is hard for him to use his left hand. He said that he would not be able to sit all day for a job because of the pain in his back. He takes medication for diabetes. After considering the evidence of record, the undersigned finds that the claimant's medically determinable impairments could reasonably be expected to produce the alleged symptoms and that the claimant's statements concerning the intensity, persistence and limiting effects of these symptoms are generally credible.
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