Opinion ID: 76032
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Civil Service Claims

Text: 10 Kelliher also appeals the district court's affirmance of the MSPB decision in favor of the USDA on his Whistleblower Protection Act and unlawful termination claims. See 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8); 5 U.S.C. § 7513. We review only to ensure that the determination is (1) not arbitrary or capricious, (2) made without regard to law, or (3) not based on substantial evidence. See Carr v. Reno, 23 F.3d 525, 528 (D.C.Cir.1994); 5 U.S.C. § 7703(c).
11 In determining whether the outcome in an adjudication before an administrative agency such as the MSPB is arbitrary and capricious we do not substitute our judgment for that of the agency but rather only seek to ensure that the decision was reasonable and rational. Zukas v. Hinson, 124 F.3d 1407, 1409 (11th Cir. 1997). Along the standard of review continuum, the arbitrary and capricious standard gives an appellate court the least latitude in finding grounds for reversal. North Buckhead Civic Ass'n v. Skinner, 903 F.2d 1533, 1538 (11th Cir.1990) (citations and internal quotations omitted). We must only consider whether the decision was based on a consideration of the relevant factors and whether there has been a clear error in judgment. Id. at 1538 (citations and internal quotations omitted). 12 We determine that the MSPB's decision as to Kelliher's WPA claim and unlawful discharge claim was not arbitrary or capricious. The Board articulated the reasons for its fact finding decisions in its written opinion and applied those facts to the legal standards governing Kelliher's claims. 9 We find that there was no clear error in the judgment of the Board in approving Kelliher's discharge. 13 As to Kelliher's WPA claim, the Board found Kelliher had established a prima facie case under the WPA. Based on the testimony presented and the documentation provided by the USDA, however, the Board found that the USDA had proven, based on clear and convincing evidence, that they would have fired Kelliher despite his whistle-blowing activity. We therefore find that the decision of the MSPB was not arbitrary or capricious.
14 Plaintiff also asserts that the decision of the MSPB was made without regard to law because the determination of the MSPB was not made within 120 days as required by 5 C.F.R. § 1201.156(a). Although the 120 days may be relevant in allowing an appeal before a final decision of the Board is issued, we can find no authority for Kelliher's assertion that it renders the decision lawless. See Butler v. West, 164 F.3d 634, 642 (D.C.Cir.1999) (stating although the MSPB does not lose its jurisdiction when 120 days elapse without a final decision, the appropriate federal district court can take jurisdiction as well). Furthermore, Kelliher does not contend that the delay of the Board in rendering its decision prejudiced his rights or affected the outcome of his claims.
15 When reviewing administrative decisions to determine if they are supported by substantial evidence this court examines the entire record but defers to the agency's factual determinations as long as there is relevant evidence that supports the finding as reasonable. Fort Valley State Coll. v. Bennett, 853 F.2d 862, 863 (11th Cir.1988); City of Pompano Beach v. FAA, 774 F.2d 1529, 1539-40 (11th Cir. 1985). This deferential standard of review means that as long as the conclusion is reasonable, we defer to the agency's findings of fact even if we could have justifiably found differently. Fort Valley State Coll., 853 F.2d at 864, 866; City of Pompano Beach, 774 F.2d at 1540. We do not reweigh or re-examine the credibility choices made by the fact finder. Fort Valley State Coll., 853 F.2d at 866. 16 We find that there was relevant evidence before the Board that supported its determinations. Affidavits, testimony, and agency records were presented that support the Board's factual findings that were the basis of its decision. 10 Factual findings involving contested facts were supported by credibility determinations included in the record. 11 17 Therefore, because we conclude that the decision of the MSPB was not arbitrary or capricious, made without regard to law, or not based on substantial evidence, we affirm the decision of the MSPB as to Kelliher's WPA and unlawful termination claims. 18 Accordingly, we AFFIRM the decision of the district court in full.