Widmark v. Barnhart ( 2006 )


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  •                     FOR PUBLICATION
    UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
    FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
    STERLING WIDMARK,                         
    Plaintiff-Appellant,               No. 04-35952
    v.
            D.C. No.
    CV-03-01057-JMS
    JO ANNE B. BARNHART,
    Commissioner of Social Security,                  OPINION
    Defendant-Appellee.
    
    Appeal from the United States District Court
    for the District of Oregon
    Janice M. Stewart, Magistrate, Presiding
    Submitted December 9, 2005*
    Portland, Oregon
    Filed July 26, 2006
    Before: James R. Browning, Dorothy W. Nelson, and
    Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain, Circuit Judges.
    Opinion by Judge Browning;
    Partial Concurrence and Partial Dissent by
    Judge O’Scannlain
    *The panel unanimously finds this case suitable for decision without
    oral argument. Fed. R. App. P. 34(a)(2).
    8369
    8372                WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    COUNSEL
    Tim Wilborn, West Linn, Oregon, for the plaintiff-appellant.
    Robert D. McCallum, Jr., Assistant Attorney General, Karin
    J. Immergut, United States Attorney, Craig J. Casey, Assistant
    United States Attorney, Lucille Gonzales Meis, Region X
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                     8373
    Chief Counsel, Stephanie R. Martz, Assistant Regional Coun-
    sel, Seattle, Washington, for the defendant-appellee.
    OPINION
    BROWNING, Circuit Judge:
    Sterling Widmark appeals a decision of the district court
    affirming the Social Security Commissioner’s (“Commis-
    sioner”) denial of benefits. An Administrative Law Judge
    (“ALJ”) found Widmark, though severely impaired, had the
    residual functional capacity (“RFC”) for the full range of light
    work. Widmark argues that, in reaching his decision, the ALJ
    rejected the medical opinion of an examining physician with-
    out offering adequate reasons. Widmark also claims the ALJ
    erred in using the Medical-Vocational Guidelines in making
    his disability determination.
    We have jurisdiction under 
    28 U.S.C. § 1291
    , and we hold
    that the ALJ improperly rejected the examining physician’s
    opinion regarding Widmark’s thumb. We also hold that this
    error made the ALJ’s use of the Medical-Vocational Guide-
    lines in his final disability determination improper. Therefore,
    we reverse and remand for proceedings consistent with this
    opinion.1
    I.
    Widmark applied for Disability Insurance Benefits and
    Supplemental Security Income on December 9, 1998, claim-
    ing disability with an onset date of May 1, 1997, due to back
    and neck pain. Both applications were denied.
    1
    By memorandum disposition filed herewith, we affirm the district
    court’s judgment as to all other issues Widmark raises on appeal.
    8374                WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    For a review hearing before an ALJ on April 17, 2000,
    Widmark presented, among other evidence, a Physical RFC
    Assessment Form, dated August 14, 1999, filled out by a state
    agency physician, who indicated that Widmark had no manip-
    ulative limitations by checking a box on the standardized
    form. The physician noted that he had seen the report of
    another physician who previously examined Widmark for his
    back injury but did not otherwise explain how he arrived at
    his conclusion about Widmark’s manipulative ability.
    Following the hearing, the ALJ denied Widmark’s applica-
    tion. Widmark requested review. The Appeals Council
    granted Widmark’s request and, by order dated August 3,
    2001, remanded to the ALJ for further development of Wid-
    mark’s subjective complaints.
    On remand, Widmark presented, among other evidence, a
    disability examination report, dated August 21, 2002, signed
    by Dr. Delmar Greenleaf, an orthopedist. Dr. Greenleaf con-
    ducted a “comprehensive orthopedic examination,” during
    which he observed that Widmark was “able to do pincher
    grasp and make an ‘okay’ sign” and “grasp and manipulate
    articles” with his right hand, but he could not flex the inter-
    phalangeal joint of his right thumb. Dr. Greenleaf concluded
    that, due to a past flexor tendon laceration, the range of
    motion in Widmark’s right thumb was “definitely abnormal.”
    In the assessment form accompanying his report, Dr. Green-
    leaf indicated that Widmark’s thumb injury limited his ability
    to perform fine manipulation.
    The ALJ once again denied Widmark’s application for ben-
    efits. In determining Widmark’s RFC, the ALJ found that
    Widmark was “physically restricted to light work activity on
    a sustained basis” and was, therefore, unable to perform his
    past relevant work operating heavy machinery. The ALJ also
    found, however, that Widmark suffered from “no significant,
    documented nonexertional limitations” and was thus able to
    perform “the full range of light work.” Applying the Medical-
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                   8375
    Vocational Guidelines to determine Widmark’s final disabil-
    ity status, the ALJ concluded that Widmark could engage in
    substantial gainful employment and, therefore, was not dis-
    abled as defined by the Social Security Act.
    The Appeals Council denied Widmark’s request for review,
    making the ALJ’s decision the Commissioner’s final decision.
    See 
    20 C.F.R. § 404.981
    . Widmark appealed to the district
    court where, in August 2004, United States Magistrate Judge
    Janice M. Stewart affirmed. This timely appeal followed.
    II.
    “We review de novo the district court’s order affirming the
    Commissioner’s denial of benefits. We will overturn the
    Commissioner’s decision if it is not supported by substantial
    evidence or is based on legal error.” Moisa v. Barnhart, 
    367 F.3d 882
    , 885 (9th Cir. 2004) (citations omitted). Substantial
    evidence is relevant evidence which a reasonable person
    might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Young v.
    Sullivan, 
    911 F.2d 180
    , 183 (9th Cir. 1990) (citing Richard-
    son v. Perales, 
    402 U.S. 389
    , 401 (1971)). While inferences
    from the record can constitute substantial evidence, only those
    “reasonably drawn from the record” will suffice. Batson v.
    Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 
    359 F.3d 1190
    , 1193 (9th Cir.
    2004).
    III.
    A.
    Widmark argues that the ALJ erred in making his RFC
    determination by ignoring Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion that his
    thumb injury limited his ability to do fine manipulation.
    [1] “[T]he Commissioner must provide clear and convinc-
    ing reasons for rejecting the uncontradicted opinion of an
    examining physician. . . . [T]he opinion of an examining doc-
    8376                     WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    tor, even if contradicted by another doctor, can only be
    rejected for specific and legitimate reasons that are supported
    by substantial evidence in the record.” Lester v. Chater, 
    81 F.3d 821
    , 830-31 (9th Cir. 1995) (citations and internal quota-
    tion marks omitted).
    [2] As to whether the “clear and convincing” or “specific
    and legitimate” standard applies in Widmark’s case, we note
    that the ALJ found only that “[n]o other physician has cited
    any significant restrictions related to right thumb impair-
    ment.” Of course, the mere absence of a corroborating opin-
    ion cannot in itself constitute a conflict among the medical
    opinions. But a fair reading of the record reveals that Dr.
    Greenleaf’s opinion is inconsistent with the brief, conclusory
    opinion of the state agency reviewing physician, who indi-
    cated that Widmark had no manipulative limitations by check-
    ing a box on a standardized RFC assessment form.2 Thus, the
    ALJ was required to provide specific, legitimate reasons sup-
    ported by substantial evidence in the record before rejecting
    Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion. See Lester, 81 F.3d at 830.
    [3] The ALJ offered three reasons for rejecting Dr. Green-
    leaf’s medical opinion of Widmark’s ability to do fine manip-
    ulation: (1) Dr. Greenleaf himself had concluded Widmark’s
    manipulation ability was not limited; (2) the record contained
    no other thumb opinion; and (3) Widmark himself did not
    mention the injured thumb in connection with his disability
    claim. We hold that none of these reasons was legally ade-
    quate for rejecting Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion.
    [4] First, to the extent the ALJ rejected Dr. Greenleaf’s
    2
    Although this opinion may suffice to establish a conflict among the
    medical opinions, it alone cannot constitute substantial evidence for reject-
    ing Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion. See Lester, 81 F.3d at 831 (“The opinion of
    a nonexamining physician cannot by itself constitute substantial evidence
    that justifies the rejection of the opinion of either an examining physician
    or a treating physician.”).
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                  8377
    opinion based on his interpretation that Dr. Greenleaf “con-
    cluded that the claimant was not restricted as to grasping and
    manipulation with the hands,” the decision was not supported
    by substantial evidence. While Dr. Greenleaf’s report states
    that Widmark “can grasp and manipulate articles in his right
    and left hand,” the same report, when viewed in its entirety,
    indicates that Dr. Greenleaf found Widmark’s ability to do
    fine manipulation was restricted. For example, Dr. Greenleaf
    wrote that Widmark’s “interphalangeal joint on his right
    thumb . . . was stuck in extension and would not flex at all”
    and that Widmark “does have flaccid paralysis, tendon lacera-
    tion and dysfunction of his right thumb.” Furthermore, on an
    evaluation chart accompanying the report, Dr. Greenleaf indi-
    cated that the range of motion in the interphalangeal joint of
    Widmark’s right thumb is zero degrees, i.e., he is entirely
    unable to bend it. Finally, in the accompanying Medical
    Source Statement of Widmark’s ability to do physical work-
    related activities, Dr. Greenleaf indicated that Widmark could
    only occasionally perform fingering and added the following
    note: “The Flexor tendon laceration on [right] thumb limits
    his Fine Fingering abilities.” Thus, a thorough and fair read-
    ing of Dr. Greenleaf’s report shows that he concluded Wid-
    mark’s ability to do fine manipulation was limited by his
    thumb injury. Any interpretation otherwise would not be sup-
    ported by substantial evidence in the report. See Edlund v.
    Massanari, 
    253 F.3d 1152
    , 1159 (9th Cir. 2001) (holding that
    the ALJ failed to provide substantial evidence for rejecting a
    psychologist’s examination report where, inter alia, the ALJ
    “selectively focused on aspects of [the] report which tend[ed]
    to suggest non-disability”).
    [5] The ALJ’s second reason for rejecting Dr. Greenleaf’s
    opinion was that “[n]o other physician has cited any signifi-
    cant restrictions related to right thumb impairment.” This
    merely states a fact and does not explain—specifically and
    legitimately or otherwise—how that fact leads to the conclu-
    sion that Dr. Greenleaf’s evaluation should be disregarded.
    8378                    WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    Nor can this conclusion be supported by substantial evi-
    dence in the record. To reject Dr. Greenleaf’s thumb opinion
    based on the absence of another thumb opinion in the record,
    the ALJ would have had to infer from this absence that Wid-
    mark’s other examining physicians did not comment on any
    restriction in his ability to do fine manipulation because none
    existed. This inference would, in turn, require the further
    inference that it would be reasonable to expect Widmark’s
    examining physicians to have tested the range of motion in his
    thumb. But such an inference cannot reasonably be drawn
    from the relevant facts in the record. Those facts are that Wid-
    mark’s alleged basis for his disability claim was severe neck
    and back pain and that the reports of Widmark’s other exam-
    ining physicians all indicate he visited them for his neck and
    back, either to be examined for the purpose of evaluating his
    disability claim or for pain management.3 It is reasonable,
    based on these facts, to expect that Widmark’s examining
    physicians focused their attention on the subject of his com-
    plaint, i.e., his neck and back. But just as no reasonable per-
    son would expect a podiatrist seeing a patient who complains
    of foot problems to thoroughly examine the full range of that
    patient’s hearing, it is unreasonable to expect Widmark’s
    examining physicians undertook a thorough range of motion
    evaluation of Widmark’s right thumb. That Dr. Greenleaf, an
    orthopedist, offered the thumb opinion here does not undercut
    3
    In making its RFC determination, the ALJ relied on the reports of three
    doctors: the state agency reviewing physician; Dr. Williams, an orthope-
    dist; and Dr. Carroll, a pain management specialist. The General Medical
    Evaluation form completed by Dr. Williams indicated that Widmark com-
    plained of neck pain, kidney damage, and chronic lower back pain. That
    form listed eighteen different areas of examination, only one of which
    might have covered manipulation impairments. That examination, entitled
    “Musculo-Skeletal,” was one of four areas not marked as normal. Dr. Car-
    roll’s report stated that she saw Widmark “for an evaluation of his chronic
    pain, specifically, a question regarding his medication.” The subsequent
    summary of her physical examination does not indicate that she examined
    the range of motion in Widmark’s thumb or his ability to do fine manipu-
    lation.
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                    8379
    this conclusion. In offering his assessment of Widmark’s lim-
    ited ability to use his thumb, Dr. Greenleaf simply exceeded
    the reasonable expectations of what an orthopedist charged
    with evaluating a disability applicant’s claims of debilitating
    neck and back pain would cover during a routine examination.
    Because the ALJ’s second reason for rejecting Dr. Green-
    leaf’s thumb opinion rests on an inference that cannot be rea-
    sonably drawn from the record, substantial evidence does not
    support it. See Batson, 359 F.3d at 1193.
    [6] The only remaining reasons the ALJ gave in his
    decision—that Widmark failed to “allege[ ] significant prob-
    lems” with his thumb or to “indicat[e] that any such problems
    interfered with his function in the past”—do not reasonably
    support the inference that Widmark’s ability to do fine manip-
    ulation was not limited by his thumb. Again, the record shows
    that Widmark consistently alleged disability based on injuries
    to his neck and back. Given this basis, it is unreasonable to
    infer solely from his failure to mention the injured thumb in
    his benefits application that it did not hinder his ability to do
    fine manipulation.
    [7] Indeed, we find that the ALJ’s reliance on Widmark’s
    failure to mention a physical problem unconnected to the
    basis for his alleged disability is especially unreasonable in
    light of the ALJ’s special duties with regard to developing the
    record. Of course, Widmark is ultimately responsible for pro-
    viding the evidence to be used in making the RFC finding.
    See 
    20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1512
    (c); 404.1545(a)(3). But the ALJ
    should not be “a mere umpire” during disability proceedings.
    Higbee v. Sullivan, 
    975 F.2d 558
    , 561 (9th Cir. 1992). Rather,
    the ALJ has “a special duty to fully and fairly develop the
    record and to assure that the claimant’s interests are consid-
    ered.” Brown v. Heckler, 
    713 F.2d 441
    , 443 (9th Cir. 1983).
    This is particularly true where, as here, the claimant was not
    represented by counsel. Higbee, 
    975 F.2d at 561
     (quoting Cox
    v. Califano, 
    587 F.2d 988
    , 991 (9th Cir. 1978), for the propo-
    sition that where the claimant is not represented, “it is incum-
    8380                    WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    bent upon the ALJ to scrupulously and conscientiously probe
    into, inquire of, and explore for all the relevant facts” and to
    remain “especially diligent in ensuring that favorable as well
    as unfavorable facts and circumstances are elicited”) (cita-
    tions and internal quotation marks omitted)). Despite this
    duty, the ALJ—though authorized to do so under 
    20 C.F.R. § 404.1512
    (e)—never sought additional evidence to fill this
    perceived gap in the record. Nor did the ALJ at any time dur-
    ing Widmark’s three hearings ever question Widmark specifi-
    cally about his thumb. In fact, the only effort the ALJ made
    to develop a full and fair record with regard to Widmark’s
    ability to do fine manipulation was during the first hearing,
    before remand, when he asked Widmark, “Is there anything
    else you want to tell me about your health or your working
    capabilities that you think might be important for me to
    know?” No ALJ could reasonably believe that this single,
    open-ended question was adequate to elicit the sort of infor-
    mation necessary to fully and fairly develop the record and to
    properly protect Widmark’s interests. This is especially so
    because an unrepresented claimant like Widmark can hardly
    be expected to realize a thumb injury is relevant to his RFC
    determination and thus critical to mention. Accordingly, it
    was unreasonable for the ALJ to infer that Widmark’s thumb
    did not limit his ability to do fine manipulation from Wid-
    mark’s failure to provide information the relevance of which
    the ALJ was in a better position to know and the existence of
    which he was in part responsible for verifying.
    [8] In conclusion, we hold that the ALJ’s reasons for reject-
    ing Dr. Greenleaf’s thumb opinion are not supported by sub-
    stantial evidence in the record or reasonable inferences drawn
    therefrom. Therefore, we cannot affirm his decision. See Les-
    ter, 81 F.3d at 830-31.4
    4
    The Commissioner argues that the ALJ’s failure to consider Dr. Green-
    leaf’s thumb limitation opinion is harmless error since that opinion is con-
    sistent with the ALJ’s RFC finding. We do not agree. Because, as
    discussed below, the ALJ’s error in rejecting Dr. Greenleaf’s thumb opin-
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                           8381
    B.
    [9] Because the ALJ failed to provide adequate reasons for
    rejecting Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion, we credit it as a matter of
    law. See Edlund, 
    253 F.3d at
    1160 (citing Lester, 81 F.3d at
    834). Doing so makes the ALJ’s use of the Medical-
    Vocational Guidelines to determine Widmark’s ability to
    adjust to other work reversible error.
    [10] Where, as here, a claimant carries his burden of estab-
    lishing he is unable to perform his past relevant work, the ALJ
    bears the burden of establishing the claimant can adjust to
    other work. Tackett v. Apfel, 
    180 F.3d 1094
    , 1100 (9th Cir.
    1999). The ALJ can satisfy this burden by taking the testi-
    mony of a vocational expert or by using the Medical-
    Vocational Guidelines. 
    Id. at 1101
    . However, the ALJ may
    rely on the Guidelines alone “only when the [Guidelines]
    accurately and completely describe the claimant’s abilities
    and limitations.” 
    Id. at 1102
     (quoting Jones v. Heckler, 
    760 F.2d 993
    , 998 (9th Cir. 1985)); see also 20 C.F.R. pt. 404,
    subpt. P, app. 2, rule 200.00(a), (e).
    Had the ALJ credited Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion that Wid-
    mark’s thumb restricted his ability to perform fine manipula-
    tion, his RFC finding would not have coincided exactly with
    the “full range” of light work. The full range of light work
    includes unskilled, sedentary jobs. See 
    20 C.F.R. § 404.1567
    (b) (“If someone can do light work, we determine
    that he or she can also do sedentary work, unless there are
    ion ultimately led to an adverse disability finding, it was not harmless. Cf.
    Curry v. Sullivan, 
    925 F.2d 1127
    , 1131 (9th Cir. 1990) (holding that an
    erroneous finding that claimant was 50 rather than 53 was harmless since,
    at either age, claimant fell into same Medical-Vocational Guidelines cate-
    gory); Booz v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 
    734 F.2d 1378
    , 1380 (9th
    Cir. 1984) (holding that an unnecessary application of the Medical-
    Vocational Guidelines was harmless where ALJ’s decision was supported
    by substantial evidence).
    8382                 WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or
    inability to sit for long periods of time.”); 20 C.F.R. pt. 404,
    subpt. P, app. 2, rule 202.00(a) (providing that the full range
    of light work “includes the functional capacity to perform
    sedentary as well as light work”). “Most unskilled sedentary
    jobs require good use of the hands and fingers for repetitive
    hand-finger actions.” SSR 83-10, 
    1983 WL 31251
    , at *5.
    Crediting Dr. Greenleaf’s opinion would therefore have
    necessitated finding that Widmark’s ability to perform many
    unskilled, sedentary jobs was limited. See id.; see also SSR
    85-15, 
    1985 WL 56857
    , at *7 (“[T]he loss of fine manual
    dexterity narrows the sedentary and light ranges of work
    much more than it does the medium, heavy, and very heavy
    ranges of work.”).
    [11] Such a finding would have fallen outside the exact
    criteria used in the Guidelines, barring the ALJ from relying
    on them alone and requiring the testimony of a vocational
    expert. See Tackett, 180 F.3d at 1103-04; Jones, 
    760 F.2d at 998
     (explaining that the Guidelines may not be used alone
    where a claimant has a non-exertional, e.g., manipulative,
    impairment limiting his ability to work); see also SSR 85-15,
    
    1985 WL 56857
    , at *7 (“The varying degrees of loss [of fine
    manual dexterity] which can occur may require a decision-
    maker to have the assistance of a V[ocational] S[pecialist].”).
    Therefore, the ALJ was not permitted to use the Medical-
    Vocational Guidelines without the testimony of a vocational
    expert. Tackett, 180 F.3d at 1104; Jones, 
    760 F.2d at 998
    .
    IV.
    [12] The ALJ improperly rejected Dr. Greenleaf’s medical
    opinion that Widmark’s ability to do fine manipulation was
    limited. As a result, he improperly used the Medical-
    Vocational Guidelines to make the final disability determina-
    tion. Accordingly, we reverse the district court’s judgment
    and remand with instructions to remand to the Commissioner
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                   8383
    for further administrative proceedings consistent with this
    opinion.
    REVERSED on the issues discussed in this opinion and
    REMANDED.
    O’SCANNLAIN, Circuit Judge, concurring in part and dis-
    senting in part:
    I respectfully dissent from the court’s conclusion that the
    ALJ failed to give specific legitimate reasons based on sub-
    stantial evidence to support his conclusion that the thumb
    abnormality Dr. Greenleaf observed did not significantly limit
    the range of work permitted by Widmark’s exertional limita-
    tions. Indeed, I am persuaded that substantial evidence sup-
    ports denial of Widmark’s application for Disability Insurance
    Benefits and Supplemental Security Income.
    Substantial evidence is such relevant evidence as a reason-
    able mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.
    Edlund v. Massanari, 
    253 F.3d 1152
    , 1156 (9th Cir. 2001).
    “Under this standard, the Commissioner’s findings are upheld
    if supported by inferences reasonably drawn from the record.”
    Batson v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration,
    
    359 F.3d 1190
    , 1193 (9th Cir. 2004). “[I]f evidence exists to
    support more than one rational interpretation, we must defer
    to the Commissioner’s decision.” 
    Id.
     “[T]he court may not
    substitute its judgment for that of the Commissioner.” Edlund,
    
    253 F.3d at 1156
    .
    In situations of conflicting medical evidence, such as this
    one, the ALJ, not a reviewing court, is charged with determin-
    ing credibility and resolving the conflict. Benton ex rel. Ben-
    ton v. Barnhart, 
    331 F.3d 1030
    , 1040 (9th Cir. 2003). We
    must defer to the ALJ’s decision to reject the opinion of a
    treating physician in favor of the conflicting opinion of an
    8384                 WIDMARK v. BARNHART
    examining physician if the ALJ sets forth specific legitimate
    reasons based on substantial evidence in the record. 
    Id.
     In this
    case, Dr. Greenleaf observed that although Widmark “can still
    grasp and manipulate articles in his right and left hand” and
    can “do pincher grasp and make an ‘okay’ sign,” his flexor
    tendon laceration on his right thumb “limits his fine fingering
    abilities.” The state agency physician concluded, however,
    that Widmark had no manipulative limitations. In resolving
    this conflict, the ALJ articulated the following reasons for
    concluding that Widmark’s manipulative limitations were not
    significant:
    At one point, Dr. Greenleaf assessed laceration
    affecting the claimant’s right thumb, but he con-
    cluded that the claimant was not restricted as to
    grasping and manipulation with the hands. No other
    physician has cited any significant problems related
    to right thumb impairment, claimant has not alleged
    significant problems related to that type of condition,
    and there is no indication that any such problem
    interfered with his functioning in the past.
    The majority labels these reasons for concluding that Wid-
    mark’s thumb does not significantly limit the range of work
    permitted by Widmark’s exertional limitations not “legiti-
    mate” because (1) in the majority’s view, Dr. Greenleaf’s
    report both supported and undercut the existence of a signifi-
    cant manipulative limitation, (2) Widmark’s other treating
    physicians had no occasion to notice a significant manipula-
    tive limitation, and (3) we cannot expect Widmark to realize
    that his thumb limitation, if significant, would be relevant to
    the ALJ’s determination of his residual functional capacity.
    I cannot agree with the majority’s conclusion that the ALJ
    misread Dr. Greenleaf’s report. To the contrary: it appears
    that the ALJ carefully read the report, acknowledged the exis-
    tence of a thumb limitation, and reasonably concluded that, in
    Dr. Greenleaf’s view, the limitation was not significant. Dr.
    WIDMARK v. BARNHART                    8385
    Greenleaf’s letter, written for the purpose of informing the
    disability examiner of Widmark’s limitations, concludes that
    Widmark “can still grasp and manipulate articles in his right
    and left hand” and can “do pincher grasp and make an ‘okay’
    sign.” In my view, this description of Widmark’s abilities is
    sufficient to support the ALJ’s conclusion that Widmark “was
    not restricted as to grasping and manipulation with the
    hands.” The ALJ could reasonably conclude that Dr. Green-
    leaf did not think the thumb abnormality was a significant
    problem.
    Furthermore, there is no evidence in the record indicating
    that Widmark’s thumb injury has interfered with his past
    functioning. Widmark, who is now represented by counsel,
    does not contend that the ALJ should have asked him more
    detailed questions to elicit testimony about his thumb injury
    or that the ALJ otherwise shirked his duty to develop the
    record. As the majority acknowledges, even though Widmark
    was not represented by counsel before the ALJ, he was
    responsible for providing evidence for the ALJ to use in
    assessing his vocational limitations. See 
    20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545
    (a)(3); 404.1512(c).
    Because I would hold that the ALJ did not err by conclud-
    ing that Widmark’s thumb abnormality is not a substantial
    vocational limitation, I also dissent from the court’s conclu-
    sion that the ALJ improperly applied the Medical-Vocational
    Guidelines. Tackett v. Apfel, 
    180 F.3d 1094
    , 1102 (9th Cir.
    1999) (application of the grids is appropriate when the claim-
    ant’s non-exertional limitations do not significantly limit the
    range of work permitted by his exertional limitations).
    I would affirm the district court’s opinion and order.