Social Security cases fall within the realm of administrative law. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are allowed great discretion in their decisions by something called a “zone of choice.” The judge may reach any conclusion as long as it is based on “significant evidence.” Yet there are other rules which prohibit decisions with an inadequate basis in the record, or ignoring evidence. In Buxton v. Halter , a federal court reversed the ALJ’s decision but stated “Substantial evidence is “ ‘more than a mere scintilla. It means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’ ”Thus, the findings of the Social Security commissioner are not reversible by the courts if the judge based the decision on substantial evidence.. However, there are limits. An administrative law judge may not ignore plain evidence but must give it fair consideration. In Buxton v. Halter , the federal court reversed a judge’s denial ...
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