Opinion ID: 1253178
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Denial of Benefits

Text: It is well settled that in reviewing a decision by an administrative agency, this Court will not substitute its judgment for that of the agency concerning the weight of the evidence as to questions of fact. S.C.Code Ann. § 1-23-380(A)(6) (Supp.1993); Lark v. Bi-Lo, Inc., 276 S.C. 130, 276 S.E.2d 304 (1981). The findings of the agency are presumed correct and will be set aside only if unsupported by substantial evidence. Parker v. S.C. Public Service Comm., 281 S.C. 22, 314 S.E.2d 148 (1984). Substantial evidence is defined as such evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. 276 S.C. at 135, 276 S.E.2d at 307 (citing Consolo v. Fed. Maritime Comm., 383 U.S. 607, 620, 86 S.Ct. 1018, 1026, 16 L.Ed.2d 131, 140 (1966)). In making a determination as to disability, the Commissions follows the same definition of disability as the Social Security Administration: The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. 20 C.F.R. § 416.905 (1993). Here, the Commission determined that Kearse's medical problems did not rise to the level of disability. The Commission's findings are substantiated by Kearse's medical records, including an evaluation by her physician, Dr. Malcolm Marion, III. Dr. Marion's report notes that Kearse suffers from obesity and controlled hypertension. She appeared depressed and had a somewhat cushingnoid look. However, he found no significant swelling, heat, or redness in her knees or ankles and noted that she was able to walk and get on and off the examining table without any problem. Nor did he find evidence of childhood polio. We find substantial evidence to support the Commission's finding that Kearse is not disabled pursuant to 20 C.F.R. § 416.905 (1993).