Opinion ID: 63376
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Zimmerman’s credibility

Text: Zimmerman argues that the ALJ’s finding that Zimmerman’s allegations about his impairments were “not totally credible” was unsupported. He cites as evidence of his credibility numerous pieces of evidence in the record suggesting that he did have significant pain and decreased range of motion, as well as Dr. Taylor’s opinion. We have previously noted that “[w]hile an ALJ must consider an applicant’s subjective complaints of pain, he is permitted to examine objective medical evidence in testing the applicant’s credibility. He may find, from the medical evidence, that an applicant’s complaints of pain are not to be credited or are exaggerated.” Johnson v. Heckler, 767 F.2d 180, 182 (5th Cir. 1985). Here, the ALJ explained why the objective evidence discussed above—Zimmerman’s testimony about his daily activities, combined with medical evidence concerning his strength, the severity of his spinal problems, 7 No. 07-20766 and the effectiveness of his medications—undermined the credibility of Zimmerman’s contention that his pain was completely debilitating. In addition, as the district court noted, two State Agency Medical Consultants opined that Zimmerman was not “fully credible.” Thus, we find the ALJ’s credibility determination was supported by substantial evidence.2