Opinion ID: 536108
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Presumptive Disability

Text: 10 Appellant first contends that the Secretary's decision that he is not presumptively disabled is not supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole. Appellant claims that he established presumptive disability under 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, Sec. 12.05(C), which provides that a claimant is presumptively disabled upon a showing of [a] valid, verbal performance or full scale I.Q. of 60-69 inclusive and a physical or mental impairment imposing additional and significant work-related limitation of function. 4 If a claimant is found presumptively disabled, vocational factors (ability to perform past or other work) will not be considered. 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1 (1989). 11 Appellant's lowest I.Q. score was 71, and he does not challenge the validity of that score. 5 Rather, he argues that because this score is so close to the upper range score of 69 required by the regulations, he should be given the benefit of the doubt and awarded benefits. He points out that the Social Security Act is remedial and should be liberally construed. Celebrezze v. Bolas, 316 F.2d 498, 500 (8th Cir.1963). However, appellant fails to cite any case or administrative decision which finds presumptive disability when the claimant has an I.Q. above 69. 12 Appellant failed to establish presumptive disability under the regulations because his lowest I.Q. is not 69 or lower. 6 Clearly, he narrowly missed meeting this listing. However, the question of whether a claimant meets a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. 20 C.F.R. Secs. 404.1526(b), 416.926(b); see S.S.R. 83.19 (Cum.Ed.1988). To aid in that determination, the ALJ considered the expert opinions of a psychiatrist and a psychologist, who each found that appellant had an I.Q. of above 69. See Fox v. Heckler, 776 F.2d 738, 742 (7th Cir.1985) (designated physician's opinion that claimant did not meet or equal a listed impairment must be received into the record and given appropriate weight). Accordingly, the Secretary's determination that appellant is not presumptively disabled is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole and is affirmed.