Opinion ID: 2996434
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether Ray’s pneumoconiosis was the cause of

Text: his total disability The ALJ’s determination that Ray showed a material change hinged upon a finding of total disability, and because we agree with that finding, we need not revisit the issue of total disability here. There remains only the issue of causation. Kennellis argues that Ray had several potential sources of disability, including knee problems, heart disease, obesity, cigarette smoking, age, and coal dust exposure. What Kennellis fails to provide, however, is any evidence supporting a conclusion that Ray’s pneumoconiosis was not the cause of his total disability. The ALJ relied upon the well-reasoned and documented medical opinion of Dr. Myers (supported by the findings of Drs. Sanjabi and Rao as to Ray’s limitations), who concluded that Ray’s pneumoconiosis was the cause of his total disability. Only Dr. Tuteur’s opinion, which the ALJ permissibly discredited, supports Kennellis’ argument. No other medical opinion contradicts Dr. Myers’ opinion on the issue of causation. Absent proof that Ray’s other ailments caused his total disability prior to the onset of his pneumoconiosis, Kennellis’ argument cannot prevail. See Peabody Coal Co. v. Vigna, 22 F.3d 1388, 1394 (7th Cir. 1994). We find that the ALJ’s determination that Ray’s pneumoconiosis was the cause of his total disability is supported by substantial evidence. The decision of the Board upholding the ALJ’s ruling is AFFIRMED. A true Copy: Teste: ________________________________ Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit USCA-02-C-0072—6-25-03