Court Opinion

ID: 9878294
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-27 16:52:48.325244+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:47:34.765785
License: Public Domain

TROTT, Circuit Judge,
dissenting:
I find the ALJ’s Decision to be thorough, thoughtful, discerning, and professional. Everything in it is supported by substantial evidence, logic, and the law. I agree with the Acting Commissioner’s brief: “Remanding on this [alleged] error strictly for the ALJ to conduct the formal two-step DAA process could only change the reason for his denial of benefits, not the outcome of the case.” There was no error, but if there was, Judge King was correct: it was harmless. Moreover upgrading nurse practitioner Reffel’s opinion will not overcome the evidence that contradicts it. Thus, I respectfully dissent.