Opinion ID: 505917
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Adequacy of Transcript

Text: 7 Varney contends first that her case should be remanded for another hearing because the record is not adequate for review. Specifically, she points out that the first 260 units of the tape of the October 15, 1984, hearing could not be transcribed at all and that there are 26 passages in the transcript marked inaudible. The district court relied on McGlone v. Heckler, 791 F.2d 1119 (4th Cir.1986), in holding that Varney had the responsibility of showing that material evidence was missing from the record, and that she had failed to make such a showing. Varney asserts that McGlone improperly places the burden of producing a complete record on the claimant rather than the Secretary. She argues that the proper test is whether the record is adequate to allow judicial review, see Ward v. Heckler, 786 F.2d 844, 848 (8th Cir.1986), and that the record in this case fails to meet that standard. 8 We need not decide which of these two standards is the more appropriate because under either one, Varney's argument fails. Varney admits that she was unable to make the showing required under McGlone. Moreover, we find this record sufficient to allow fair and thorough review. The portion of the hearing that is missing from the transcript is the first part of Varney's testimony; the transcribed portion of the hearing picks up Varney's testimony describing her medical history at the point where she was hospitalized following her first heart attack. Varney's testimony as to her subjective symptoms and limitations, which follows her narration of her medical history, appears to be complete. The inaudible passages in the later parts of the transcript appear very small.... Although distracting, the gaps [do] not interfere with comprehension of the testimony to an extent that would hinder fair review. Ward, 786 F.2d at 848. Accordingly, we do not believe remand is warranted on this ground.