Opinion ID: 511651
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: In all cases, the standard of review is the substantial evidence standard.

Text: 22 2. Because the ALJ's report is a part of the record with independent significance, a factual determination of the Board that departs from the findings of the ALJ stands on weaker ground than one that does not. 23 3. Because only the ALJ can view the demeanor of the witnesses, any of the ALJ's findings that turn on express or implied credibility determinations take on particular significance on review. 24 See generally Universal Camera, 340 U.S. at 492-97, 71 S.Ct. at 466-69; Kopack, 668 F.2d at 951-56. In sum, when we review the Board's factual findings, we analyze them to ascertain whether they are supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole, taking into account the contrary findings of the ALJ and particularly those findings that turn on the ALJ's first-hand observation of the witnesses. 25