in connection with his application for social security disability benefits. After testing, Dr. Walz concluded that Lohman functioned in the extremely low-to-borderline intelligence range. While Lohman's reading was at the high-school level, his spelling was at the fourth-grade level, and his math was at the third-grade level. Dr. Walz diagnosed Lohman with major depression and borderline-intellectual functioning.
Lohman was evaluated by three rehabilitation specialists: Dale Thomas, Tanya Owen, and Terry Owens. Thomas's report reflected that Lohman was cooperative with rehabilitation and job-placement efforts, while the reports of Owen and Owens indicated that Lohman was not cooperative. Owens testified that Lohman failed to appear for scheduled appointments, did not attend approved physical therapy sessions, did not attend visits with her, and did not follow through with attempting to find workas she suggested and encouraged him to do. She also testified that Lohman suffered from major depression, which should be treated before vocational rehabilitation or job-placement assistance proceeded.
When questioned about his current condition, Lohman testified that he suffered significant back pain daily. At the hearing, the evidence showed that he had to position the witness chair near a wall so he could brace his back against the wall for support. He also admitted that he abused narcotic medication during the course of his treatment because the narcotic medication offered him such significant relief from pain that he began taking more than was prescribed. He also testified that it caused other less favorable side effects such as forgetfulness, severe depression, aggressive behavior, sleep-walking, and suicidal withdrawals. He testified that