Opinion ID: 170343
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The ALJ’s Observations As Evidence

Text: Finally, Ms. Taylor claims the ALJ erred in relying on her apparent comfort at the hearing to bolster his credibility findings. This argument is without merit. “Although an ALJ may not rely solely on his personal observations to discredit a plaintiff’s allegations, he may consider his personal observations in his overall evaluation of the claimant’s credibility.” Qualls v. Apfel, 206 F.3d 1368, 1373 (10th Cir. 2000). The ALJ specifically explained that his decision was not based solely on Ms. Taylor’s demeanor at the hearing: -13- While the hearing was short-lived and cannot be considered a conclusive indicator of the claimant’s overall level of pain on a day to day basis, the apparent lack of discomfort during the hearing is given some weight in reaching the conclusion regarding the credibility of the claimant’s allegations and the claimant’s residual functional capacity. App. at 32 (emphasis added). Even without the prefatory remark, the ALJ’s opinion, considered as a whole, makes clear that he relied on more than his own observations in concluding that Ms. Taylor is not disabled. He acted well within his discretion in considering Ms. Taylor’s demeanor, particularly in light of her claim that she cannot sit comfortably for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. In sum, “the ALJ properly considered his personal observations of plaintiff as part of his overall assessment of plaintiff’s credibility.” Qualls, 206 F.3d at 1373.