Judge Jesse Furman
DeFreece challenged the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security finding him not disabled, and ineligible for disability benefits. The court found the commissioner's decision plainly supported by substantial record evidence. It reasoned that the administrative law judge (ALJ) properly relied on the consultative examiners' findings that DeFreece only had mild limitations in his functional abilities. The court concluded that DeFreece's treating physician was not entitled to controlling weight because his opinion was contradicted by other substantial evidence in the record. It noted that the treating physician's report consisted of only a "check off" form based on DeFreece's self-report, while the consultative examiners' opinions were the product of in-depth examinations as evidenced by detailed, narrative reports. The court also noted that the ALJ had found that DeFreece's additional limitations had "little or no effect on the occupational base of unskilled light work," a finding that DeFreece did not challenge as he complained only that the ALJ did not consider the exertional limitations identified by the treating physician. The Commissioner's motion for judgment on the pleadings was granted, and DeFreece's cross-motion was denied.
