Opinion ID: 623780
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: Bridger’s appeal presents issues of statutory and regulatory interpretation as well as challenges to the factual findings of the ALJ. The issues of statutory and regulatory interpretation are reviewed de novo. Andersen v. Dir., Office of Workers’ Comp. Programs, 455 F.3d 1102, 1103 (10th Cir. 2006). However, “[o]ur review of alleged errors of law, and the effect they may have had on the benefits decision, must be made in light of the premise that the Act is intended to be remedial in nature, and doubts should be resolved in favor of the disabled miner or his or her survivors.” Bosco v. Twin Pines Coal Co., 892 F.2d 1473, 1476 (10th Cir. 1989) (quotations and alterations omitted). In reviewing the challenges to the factual findings of the ALJ, this court’s task is to determine whether the Board properly concluded the decision of the ALJ was supported by substantial evidence. Energy W. Mining Co., 555 F.3d at 1217. On substantial evidence review, the court “will not reweigh the evidence considered by the agency, but only inquire into the existence of evidence in the record that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support its conclusion.” Id. (quotation and emphasis omitted). “Additionally, the task of weighing conflicting medical evidence is within the sole province of the ALJ.” Hansen v. Director, Office of Workers’ Comp. Programs, 984 F.2d 364, 368 (10th Cir. 1993). -12-