Opinion ID: 431127
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Termination of SSI Benefits

Text: 19 The 1971 state determination that Vaughn was disabled was presumed valid when the SSI program was initiated in 1974. 42 U.S.C.A. Sec. 1382c(a)(3)(E) (West 1983). Because of the presumptive validity of that decision, there can be no termination of SSI benefits until there is substantial evidence of actual improvement to the point of no disability. Simpson v. Schweiker, 691 F.2d 966, 969 (11th Cir.1982). See also Finnegan v. Matthews, 641 F.2d 1340 (9th Cir.1981). This presumption is necessary to avoid re-litigating the evidence presented in support of the initial administrative decision. 11 20 In the proceeding below, the ALJ focused only on current evidence of whether Vaughn was disabled. Because Simpson v. Schweiker, 691 F.2d 966 (11th Cir.1982), requires evidence of improvement to support a termination of benefits, the ALJ was also required to evaluate the medical evidence upon which Vaughn was originally found to be disabled. Without such a comparison, no adequate finding of improvement could be rendered. We therefore reverse and remand for application of the proper legal standard. 12