Opinion ID: 2973367
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dr. Kiser’s Opinion

Text: The ALJ credited the opinion of Dr. Kiser in her initial opinion and after remand. Noting that his opinion was based on a positive x-ray interpretation and the validated pulmonary function studies, the ALJ emphasized that: “Dr. Kiser has been Mr. Spivey’s treating physician for five years, and is thus familiar with his history and symptoms over time. His conclusions are based on his examinations of Mr. Spivey, Mr. Spivey’s clinical symptoms, and the objective laboratory test results.” Petitioner objected to the weight the ALJ accorded his opinion for several reasons, including that the ALJ had mechanically accorded it greater weight based solely on his status as a treating physician. No. 04-4297 17 The BRB twice found that the ALJ had provided a reasoned basis for crediting the treating physician’s opinion over other medical opinions. In denying reconsideration, the BRB also found that the reasons given by the ALJ for crediting Dr. Kiser’s opinion were consistent with this court’s holding that a physician’s opinion is not entitled to any greater weight based solely on his status as a treating physician. Eastover Mining Co. v. Williams, 338 F.3d 501, 511-13 (6th Cir. 2003) (abrogating Tussey v. Island Creek Coal Co., 982 F.2d 1036 (6th Cir. 1993)). Rather, the weight to be accorded a treating physician’s opinion is based on its power to persuade. Id. at 513; see also 20 C.F.R. § 718.104(d). We find, however, that the medical records from Dr. Kiser—namely, the treatment notes and response to the letter from Spivey’s counsel—do not provide any basis for crediting his opinion except for the fact that he was a treating physician who must have been familiar with Spivey’s history and condition. More importantly, as the Director concedes on appeal, Dr. Kiser diagnosed only coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, which the ALJ found had not been proved, and offered no opinion to support a finding of legal pneumoconiosis. Also, while Dr. Kiser agreed that Spivey had a disabling pulmonary condition, he provided no basis for that conclusion. As a result, we conclude that Dr. Kiser’s opinion does not provide substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s findings of legal pneumoconiosis and disability due at least in part to pneumoconiosis. This brings us to Dr. Baker’s opinion, which the record shows was accorded the greatest weight.