Opinion ID: 569210
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Objective Underlying Condition

Text: 39 The Secretary compounded these errors by wholly discounting objective medical evidence of an underlying medical condition that was of such severity that it reasonably could have been expected to produce the alleged disabling pain. 40 The objective medical evidence indisputably showed that she was suffering from the collapse of 60 to 70 percent of her fourth vertebrae. This finding was established by x-rays. This evidence must be considered in reaching a conclusion as to whether the individual is under a disability. (emphasis added). 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5)(A). Nonetheless, the Secretary failed to consider whether this objectively-established medical condition is of such a severity that it reasonably can be expected to produce the alleged disabling pain. 41 For the reasons set forth above, we vacate the judgment and remand to the Secretary for further proceedings in accordance with this opinion.