Opinion ID: 42660
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Failure to Develop Record

Text: Hurley argues that the ALJ erred in failing to develop the record concerning the objective evidence of pain and that the ALJ failed to properly evaluate his pain. Although a claimant may establish a disability through his own testimony regarding pain, the claimant must also provide “(1) evidence of an underlying medical condition and either (2) objective medical evidence that confirms the severity of the alleged pain arising from that condition or (3) that the objectively determined medical condition is such a severity that it can reasonably be expected to give rise to the alleged pain.” Holt v. Sullivan, 921 F.2d 1221, 1223 (11th Cir. 1991). “A claimant’s subjective testimony supported by medical evidence that satisfies the pain standard is itself sufficient to support a finding of disability.” Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1560-61(11th Cir. 1995). After an impairment is established, the ALJ must consider the medical signs and laboratory findings with the evidence regarding the intensity, persistence, and functionally limiting effects 3 of the pain or other symptoms in deciding the issue of disability. Id. The ALJ also must make credibility determinations regarding a claimant’s complaints of pain. Wiggins v. Schweiker, 679 F.2d 1387, 1391 (11th Cir. 1982). If the ALJ discredits a claimant’s subjective complaints of pain, the ALJ must articulate the reasons for this conclusion based on substantial evidence. Jones v. Department of Health and Human Services, 941 F.2d 1529, 1532 (11th Cir. 1991). Although the ALJ “has a duty to develop a full and fair record,” Brown v. Shalala, 44 F.3d 931, 934 (11th Cir. 1995), “there must be a showing of prejudice before we will find that the claimant’s right to due process has been violated to such a degree that the case must be remanded to the Secretary for further development of the record.” Id. at 935. Before ordering a remand, we review the administrative record as a whole to determine if it is inadequate or incomplete or “shows the kind of gaps in the evidence necessary to demonstrate prejudice.” Graham v. Apfel, 129 F.3d 1420, 1423 (11th Cir. 1997). “The lack of medical and vocational documentation supporting an applicant's allegations of disability is undoubtedly prejudicial to a claim for benefits.” Brown, 44 F.3d at 935-36. Substantial evidence supports the determination of the ALJ regarding Hurley’s evidence of pain. The objective and subjective medical evidence supports the finding of the ALJ that the alleged pain arising from Hurley’s condition is not 4 disabling. The determination of the ALJ that Hurley impairments were not severe within the meaning of the regulations is supported by the medical records of Hurley’s treating physician and the most recent mental and physical residual function capacity examinations. The inconsistencies in Hurley’s testimony and the diagnostic and clinical findings further support the determination that Hurley’s condition is not severe. We also conclude that the record was sufficiently developed for the ALJ to evaluate Hurley’s impairments and functional ability. The record does not show the kind of gaps in evidence necessary to demonstrate prejudice. See Graham, 129 F.3d at 1423.