Opinion ID: 2347930
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Substantiality of the Evidence

Text: Findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be supported by and in accordance with the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence.  D.C.Code 1977 Supp., § 1-1509(e). [Emphasis added.] Therefore, even though we have determined that the Board's findings are sufficiently complete and detailed, we must reverse if we find that the Board failed to support its findings and conclusions with substantial evidence. D.C.Code 1977 Supp., § 1-1510(3)(E). Substantial evidence has been defined as more than a mere scintilla; i. e., such relevant evidence as reasonable minds might accept as adequate to support the conclusion. Vestry of Grace Parish v. District of Columbia A.B.C. Board, D.C.App., 366 A.2d 1110, 1112 (1976). While the existence of this quantum of evidence is necessary, it is not sufficient, for there also . . . must be a demonstration in the findings of a  rational connection between facts found and the choice made. [ Brewington v. District of Columbia Board of Appeals and Review, D.C.App., 299 A.2d 145, 147 (1973); citation omitted; latter emphasis added.] [26] After a thorough review of the hearing record and the Board's determinations, we have concluded that for each of the five issues posed by petitioners, the Board could point to more than a mere scintilla of rationally connected evidentiary support. We must therefore reject petitioners' contention here. [27]