54 year-old female from Miami, Florida has had Bilateral Wrist Surgeries, Herniated Discs, Chronic Back Pain, Sciatic Nerve Pain, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Glaucoma, and Left shoulder Bursitis.
The claimant’s Past Relevant Work was as a Certified Nurses’ Assistant which required frequent lifting of 50 pounds or more. At the hearing the attorney assigned to the case argued that the combination of physical problems precluded physical type work – specifically, it was argued that due to complications with her hands (bilaterally) as well as her multiple other physical issues, she would not be able to return to her Past Relevant Work.
The claimant testified she had problems with lifting and carrying more than 5 pounds and was having difficulty using her hands and reaching more than occasionally.
We believe the Administrative Law Judge may deny this claim at step five for the ability to perform other work existing in the national economy with a Residual Functional Capacity for Light work based on the hypotheticals presented to the Vocational Expert.
If the Administrative Law Judge denies this claim, we will file a Request for Review at the Appeals Council.
There is a Consultative Evaluation performed by a State Agency doctor who opined the claimant’s conditions significantly affected her ability to lift, hold and carry objects. At the hearing the Vocational Expert testified that if the claimant could only occasionally reach and perform manipulative limitations with her left hand, it would preclude light work. Additionally, it was noted the claimant had no transferable skills.