Opinion ID: 797812
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The ALJ's residual functional capacity finding

Text: 17 Massachi also argues that the ALJ was not free on remand to change the residual functional capacity finding and that the ALJ's new finding was error. He is incorrect. Pursuant to the district court's order, the Appeals Council vacated the ALJ's original decision and specifically instructed the ALJ to reassess Massachi's residual functional capacity. Thus, on remand, the ALJ's original finding no longer existed. 21 Moreover, substantial evidence supported the ALJ's new finding that Massachi suffered from mild to moderate deficiencies. 18 Even if we assume that Dr. Parikh's report did not support the ALJ's new finding, the ALJ was free to credit Dr. Pushin's report over Dr. Parikh's report. 22 Dr. Pushin's report clearly indicates that deficiencies in Massachi's concentration and overall functioning were mild. Therefore, we hold that substantial evidence supports the ALJ's finding that Massachi suffered from mild to moderate deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.