Opinion ID: 857799
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Medical Opinions

Text: The ALJ may consider medical opinions, including those regarding what the claimant can still do despite her impairments. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(a)(2). A treating physician’s opinion must be given substantial or considerable weight absent good cause. Phillips v. Barnhart, 357 F.3d 1232, 1240 (11th Cir. 2004); see also 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(2) (“we give more weight to opinions from your treating sources”). “Good cause” exists when the: “(1) treating physician’s opinion was not bolstered by the evidence; (2) evidence supported a contrary finding; or (3) treating physician’s opinion was conclusory or inconsistent with the doctor’s own medical records.” Phillips, 357 F.3d at 1240-41. Among other factors in determining the appropriate weight to assign a medical opinion, the SSA considers 7 Case: 12-15355 Date Filed: 04/11/2013 Page: 8 of 8 the consistency an opinion has with the record as a whole. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(c)(4). The ALJ must clearly articulate her reasons for giving less weight to a treating physician’s opinion, and the failure to do so is reversible error. Lewis, 125 F.3d at 1440. The ALJ clearly articulated her reasons for assigning “little weight” to the Lumbar Spine Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaires. The ALJ noted that both Questionnaires conflicted with the overall medical record. Moreover, good cause existed for the ALJ’s decision, particularly because both Questionnaires are inconsistent with various aspects of their authors’ previous medical opinions. Furthermore, the limitations set forth in the Questionnaires also conflicted with other aspects of the record, and Strickland’s daily living activities. In light of the above, substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s conclusion that Strickland was not disabled, and, therefore, ineligible for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits. Accordingly, after a careful and thorough review of the administrative record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgment denying benefits. AFFIRMED. 8