Opinion ID: 3049417
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Failure to Lose Weight and Credibility

Text: First, the ALJ rejected Orn’s testimony because he had failed to lose weight. The ALJ wrote: ORN v. ASTRUE 8473 [A]lthough the claimant testified his treating physician has not advised him to diet, the medical record indicates he was given an 1800 calorie diabetic diet to follow. (Exhibit 8F, page 14). However, the claimant’s weight remains in excess of 300 pounds. It may be that some of claimant’s restrictions and symptoms are aggravated by excess weight. There is no indication that the claimant has maintained a weight loss program to reduce his weight and pro- mote better health, which detracts from his credibility. And is non compliance with his doctor’s instructions. In using Orn’s failure to lose weight as a basis for denying benefits, and in concluding that this failure “detracts from his credibility,” the ALJ both ignored a Social Security Ruling and misapplied our case law.
In September 2002, the Secretary issued a new ruling specifically addressing obesity. In relevant part, the ruling provides: Treatment for obesity is often unsuccessful. Even if treatment results in weight loss at first, weight is often regained, despite the efforts of the individual to maintain the loss.