Opinion ID: 490093
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: PAB Review of the Presiding Member's Decision Under a Substantial Evidence Standard.

Text: 42 We remand the record to the PAB and retain jurisdiction over the case pursuant to our rules. See D.C. Cir.R.13(d). On remand, the PAB may either decide that reconsideration was inappropriate and adopt the Presiding Member's decision as the board's final decision, 4 C.F.R. Sec. 28.25(b), or it may proceed to reconsider the Presiding Member's decision under the substantial evidence standard specified in its regulations, 4 C.F.R. Sec. 28.25(c)(5). The term substantial evidence has already been defined by the Supreme Court as more than a mere scintilla. It means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Universal Camera Corp. v. NLRB, 340 U.S. at 477, 71 S.Ct. at 459 (citations omitted). 43 Under a substantial evidence test, the PAB may not simply substitute its judgment for that of the Presiding Member. The PAB must carefully consider the Presiding Member's findings and conclusions, and, if applicable, elucidate its reasons for taking a different course. Greater Boston Television Corp. v. F.C.C., 444 F.2d at 853. In the case before us, where credibility issues may determine the adoption or rejection of critical allegations made by both sides, the Presiding Member's findings are entitled to great deference. National Ass'n of Recycling Indus., Inc. v. F.M.C., 658 F.2d at 824-25; Jackson v. Veterans Admin., 768 F.2d at 1331.