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Keywords

appealhearingtestimony

appealtestimony

Related Cases

Crawford v. Commissioner Of Social Security, 363 F.3d 1155, 96 Soc.Sec.Rep.Serv. 262, Unempl.Ins.Rep. (CCH) P 17205B, 17 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. C 344

Facts

Crawford, a 53-year-old male, applied for disability benefits due to various medical conditions, including spinal degenerative joint disease and reactive depression. His applications were denied initially and upon reconsideration, leading to a hearing before an ALJ. The ALJ discredited the opinions of Crawford's treating physicians and chiropractor, finding inconsistencies in their assessments and noting that their conclusions were not supported by objective medical evidence.

Crawford, a 53-year-old male, applied for disability benefits due to various medical conditions, including spinal degenerative joint disease and reactive depression.

Issue

Did the ALJ err in discrediting the opinions of Crawford's treating physicians and chiropractor regarding his disability status?

Rule

The testimony of a treating physician must be given substantial weight unless 'good cause' is shown to the contrary. A treating physician's report may be discounted when it is not accompanied by objective medical evidence or is wholly conclusory.

The testimony of a treating physician must be given substantial or considerable weight unless ‘good cause’ is shown to the contrary.

Analysis

The court found that the ALJ's decision to discount the opinions of Crawford's treating physicians was supported by substantial evidence, as their findings were inconsistent with their own treatment notes and lacked objective medical support. The ALJ also properly considered the opinion of the consulting psychologist, determining that it was not entitled to controlling weight due to the psychologist's limited examination history with Crawford.

Conclusion

The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's order, concluding that substantial evidence supported the ALJ's decision to discredit the opinions of Crawford's treating physicians and chiropractor.

Who won?

Commissioner of Social Security; the court affirmed the denial of benefits, finding that the ALJ's decisions were supported by substantial evidence.

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Keywords

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