Robert L. ELLISON, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Louis W. SULLIVAN, M.D., Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., Defendant-Appellee, 929 F.2d 534 (10th Cir. 1991). · Go Syfert
Robert L. ELLISON, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Louis W. SULLIVAN, M.D., Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., Defendant-Appellee, 929 F.2d 534 (10th Cir. 1991). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
179 citation events (134 in the last 25 years) across 12 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Monika D. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security (utd, 2026-06-23)
Treatment trajectory · 1991 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1991 2008 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Monika D. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
D. Utah · 2026 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
we must evaluate the record to ascertain whether there is evidence to support the alj's decision, regardless of whether we would have reached a different result based on the record.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) L.H. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
D. Kan. · 2025 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
we must evaluate the record to ascertain whether there is evidence to support the alj's decision, regardless of whether we would have reached a different result based on the record.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) D.J.K. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2026 · confidence medium
The question of whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. , 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1525 (c)(3)-(4), 404.1526(b), 416.925(c)(3)-(4), 416.926(b).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Crook v. Bisignano
D. Utah · 2025 · confidence medium
Cali Feb. 23, 2023) (citing Biestek, 587 U.S. at 102 ). 18 Biestek, 587 U.S. at 103 (citation omitted). 19 Lax v. Astrue, 489 F. 3d 1080, 1084 (10th Cir. 2005). 20 Hendron, 767 F.3d at 954 (citation omitted). 21 See Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990). 22 42 U.S.C. § 423 (d)(1)(A). 23 Id. § 423(d)(2)(A). which exits in significant numbers in the national economy.”24 To begin, Plaintiff asserts several problems with the Social Security Agency’s methodology in evaluating a “claimant’s physical or mental functional capacity to work.”25 For example, a claimant’s s…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hygham v. Bisignano
D. Utah · 2025 · confidence medium
Cali Feb. 23, 2023) (citing Biestek, 587 U.S. at 102 ). 10 Biestek, 587 U.S. at 103 (citation omitted). 11 Lax v. Astrue, 489 F. 3d 1080, 1084 (10th Cir. 2005). 12 Hendron, 767 F.3d at 954 (citation omitted). whole can support either the agency’s decision or an award of benefits, the agency’s decision must be affirmed.13 APPLICABLE LAW The Act defines “disability” as the inability “to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment” expected to result in death or last for at least twelve consecutive months.14 An indiv…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fielding v. Dudek
D. Utah · 2025 · confidence medium
Comm’r, 952 F.3d 1172 , 1177 (10th Cir. 2020) (quotation and citation omitted); Hendron v. Colvin, 767 F.3d 951, 954 (10th Cir. 2014). 26 Biestek v. Berryhill, 587 U.S. 97 , 97 (2019) (quotation and citation omitted). 27 Id. at 1154. 28 Noreja, 952 F.3d at 1178 (quoting Grogan v. Barnhart, 399 F.3d 1257, 1261 (10th Cir. 2005)). 29 Lax v. Astrue, 489 F. 3d 1080, 1084 (10th Cir. 2007) (internal quotation marks omitted). 30 See Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990). 31 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A). to perform past relevant work; and 5) whether the claimant has the RFC to perfor…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wach v. O'Malley
D. Utah · 2024 · confidence medium
BY THE COURT: nde PAULKOHLER it” United States Magistrate Judge 4 Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990) (“We must evaluate the record to ascertain whether there is evidence to support the ALJ’s decision, regardless of whether we would have reached a different result based on the record.”’) 12
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Weise v. O'Malley
D. Utah · 2024 · confidence medium
The court finds no basis for an immediate award of benefits. 31 See Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir. 1990) (recognizing a vocational expert's testimony as substantial evidence supporting the ALJ's conclusion the claimant was not disabled). 32 512 F App’x 762 (10th Cir. 2013). 33 AR 22. 34 Fla. Power & Light Co. v. Lorion, 470 U.S. 729, 744 , 105 S. Ct. 1598, 1607 , 84 L.Ed.2d 643 (1985); Cf. SEC v. Chenery Corp., 332 U.S. 194, 196 , 67 S.Ct. 1575 , 91 L.Ed. 1995 (1947) (describing the reasons for remand). 35 Groberg v. Astrue, 415 F. App'x 65, 73 (10th Cir. 2011).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lager v. O'Malley
D. Utah · 2023 · confidence medium
Substantial Evidence Supports The ALJ’s Assessment of Plaintiff’s RFC The ALJ’s RFC assessment must address Plaintiff’s reported symptoms and represents the most a claimant can do in the workplace. 26 Plaintiff bears the burden of proof in establishing an RFC.27 22 Id. at 1154 (internal quotation marks omitted). 23 Hendron, 767 F.3d at 954 (citation omitted). 24 See Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990). 25 ECF No. 27 at 15. 26 20 C.F.R. § 404.1529 ; SSR 16-3p. 27 Howard v. Barnhart, 379 F. 3d 945, 948-89 (10th Cir. 2004) (“We disagree with claimant’s implicit ar…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lieberman v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
D. Colo. · 2023 · confidence medium
Colo. June 1, 2020) (“The district court may not reverse an ALJ simply because the court may have reached a different result based on the record; the question instead is whether there is substantial evidence showing that the ALJ was justified in her decision.” (citing Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990)); see also Flaherty, 515 F.3d at 1070 (“Substantial evidence is more than a mere scintilla and is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”); Musgrave v. Sullivan, 966 F.2d 1371, 1374 (10th Cir. 1992) (“Evidence …
cited Cited as authority (rule) McClure v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2023 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sandoval v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2023 · confidence medium
Ed. 2d 504 (2019) (citations omitted)). 22 Hendron, 767 F.3d at 954 (citation omitted). 23 See Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990). 24 Pinto v. Kijakazi, 2022 U.S. Dist.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Penrod v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
DISCUSSION Residual functional capacity is “a multidimensional description of the work-related abilities a claimant retains despite [her] impairments.”25 When formulating a plaintiff’s residual functional capacity, the ALJ considers all medical and other evidence of impairments.26 The residual functional capacity assessment addresses an individual’s ability to “do sustained work- related physical and mental activities in a work setting on a regular and continuing basis”27 and encompasses the most, “not the least[,] an individual can do despite his or her limitations or restrictio…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gibb v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
Even if the Court assumed without deciding that there was a conflict, any error would be harmless because there would still be a significant number of jobs in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform. 30 Thompson v. Sullivan, 987 F.2d 1482, 1487 (10th Cir. 1993). 31 See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1566 (e); Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir. 1990). 32 Haddock v. Apfel, 196 F.3d 1084, 1091 (10th Cir. 1999). i. HOUSEKEEPING CLEANER The VE testified that Plaintiff could work as a housekeeping cleaner.33 Plaintiff argues that the ALJ erroneously relied on the VE’s testimony because …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Schwartz v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
The positions of Cashier II and Document Preparer both have a reasoning level of three.33 Yet, the ALJ limited Plaintiff’s RFC to “simple tasks typical of unskilled occupations.”34 The Tenth Circuit has found that a limitation to simple, routine tasks is inconsistent with a reasoning level of three.35 Such tasks are more in line with a reasoning level of two.36 Because of this discrepancy, the ALJ was required to elicit a reasonable explanation from the vocational expert 30 Thompson v. Sullivan, 987 F.2d 1482, 1487 (10th Cir. 1993). 31 See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1566 (e); Ellison v. Sullivan, …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hall v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
He marks omitted)). 11 Id. at 1154 (internal quotation marks omitted). 12 Hendron, 767 F.3d at 954 (citation omitted). 13 See Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990). 14 Tr. 15; Tr. 170-71; Tr. 197. 15 Tr. 31-57. 16 Tr. 15-24. 17 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 . 18 Tr. 18. can occasionally stoop, crouch, and crawl.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hodges v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2022 · confidence medium
FACTUAL BACKGROUND On March 28, 2019, Plaintiff protectively applied for SSI, alleging disability beginning October 3, 2018, due to mental impairments and addiction to controlled substances.17 Plaintiff’s claim was denied initially on September 3, 2019 and upon reconsideration on January 15, 12 Hendron v. Colvin, 767 F.3d 951, 954 (10th Cir. 2014). 13 Biestek v. Berryhill, 139 S. Ct. 1148, 1153 (2019) (quoting 42 U.S.C. § 405 (g) (internal quotation marks omitted)). 14 Id. at 1154 (internal quotation marks omitted). 15 Hendron, 767 F.3d at 954 (citation omitted). 16 See Ellison v. Sullivan,…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Carter v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2022 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); see also Fannin v. Comm’r, Social Sec’y Admin., 857 F. App’x 445 , 448 (10th Cir. 2021) (explaining that reversing the ALJ’s decision “would require us to reweigh the evidence, which exceeds the scope of substantial-evidence review.”); Bybee v. Berryhill, No. CIV-16-1138-R, 2017 WL 3447809 , at *7 (W.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Naylor v. Social Security Administration, Commissioner of
D. Kan. · 2022 · confidence medium
And, the vocational expert’s “testimony is substantial evidence supporting the ALJ’s conclusion[.]” Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir. 1990).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Tedder v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Custer v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2021 · confidence medium
However, in his decision, the ALJ stated that Plaintiff would be limited to occasional contact with supervisors.39 Despite this difference, the ALJ relied on the VE’s testimony in finding that Plaintiff could perform these jobs. 35 Thompson v. Sullivan, 987 F.2d 1482, 1487 (10th Cir. 1993). 36 See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1566 (e); Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir. 1990). 37 Hargis v. Sullivan, 945 F.2d 1482, 1492 (10th Cir. 1991) (quoting Ekeland v. Bowen, 899 F.2d 719, 724 (8th Cir. 1990)). 38 R. at 59. 39 Id. at 17.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Norwood v. Kijakazi
D. Utah · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); accord Biestek, 139 S. Ct. at 1157 (where there are conflicts in the evidence, the court defers to the presiding ALJ, “who has seen the hearing up close”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nonnen v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2021 · confidence medium
The question of whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. , 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1525 (c)(3)-(4), 404.1526(b), 416.925(c)(3)-(4), 416.926(b).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Melrose v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Woodruff v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cardoza v. Saul
D. Utah · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); accord Biestek, 139 S. Ct. at 1157 (the court defers to the ALJ, “who has seen the hearing up close”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Turner v. Saul
D. Utah · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); accord Biestek, 139 S. Ct. at 1157 (where there are conflicts in the evidence, the court defers to the presiding ALJ, “who has seen the hearing up close”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Turner v. Saul
D. Utah · 2021 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); accord Biestek, 139 S. Ct. at 1157 (where there are conflicts in the evidence, the court defers to the presiding ALJ, “who has seen the hearing up close”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Smallwood v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2021 · confidence medium
The question of whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. , 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Barlow v. Saul
D. Utah · 2020 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); accord Biestek, 139 S. Ct. at 1157 (where there are conflicts in the evidence, the Court defers to the presiding ALJ, “who has seen the hearing up close”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Swinehart v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2020 · confidence medium
The question of whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. , 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1525 (c)(3)-(4), 404.1526(b).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Santiago v. Social Security Administration
D.N.M. · 2020 · confidence medium
In determining whether substantial evidence supports an ALJ’s finding of numerical significance for jobs in the national economy, an ALJ is not, for example, required to “engage[] in a multi- factor analysis to assess whether there are significant jobs in the regional economy.” Raymond, 621 F.3d at 1274 & n.2 (emphasis added) (noting that “the proper focus generally must be on jobs in the national, not regional, economy” and that the multi-factor analysis previously set forth in Trimiar, 966 F.2d 1326 , applied to “the number of available jobs in the regional economy” (emphasis i…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Saffah v. Saul
D. Utah · 2020 · confidence medium
STANDARD OF REVIEW The scope of review is narrow and specific, and the Court is limited to determining whether the Commissioner’s decision is supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole and whether the correct legal standards were applied.4 “Substantial evidence is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”5 In reviewing the record, the Court may neither “reweigh the evidence [n]or substitute [its] judgment for the Commissioner’s.”6 In turn, where the evidence as a whole can support either the agency’s decision or…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Pruitt v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2019 · confidence medium
The question of whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. , 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990); 20 C.F.R. § 416.925 (c)(3)-(4) & 416.926(b).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Smith v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration
W.D. Okla. · 2019 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rivera v. Berryhill (2×)
D.N.M. · 2017 · confidence medium
See Doc. 29 at 19 (citing Segovia v. Astrue, 226 Fed.Appx. 801, 804 (10th Cir. 2007) (unpublished); Tollett v. Barnhart, 60 Fed.Appx. 263 (10th Cir. 2003) (unpublished); Newburn v. Barnhart, 62 Fed.Appx. 300 (10th Cir. 2003) (unpublished); Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir. 1990)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Forson v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
D. Kan. · 2003 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir.1990). 38 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fiatte v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (2×)
D. Kan. · 2003 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir.1990); Frey v. Bowen, 816 F.2d 508, 516 (10th Cir.1987). 33 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Moss v. Commissioner of Social Security (2×)
D. Kan. · 2003 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir.1990); Frey v. Bowen, 816 F.2d 508, 516 (10th Cir.1987). 35 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sheline v. Commissioner of Social Security
D. Kan. · 2002 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir.1990). 27 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Piatt v. Barnhart
D. Kan. · 2002 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 537 (10th Cir.1990). 111 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Godfrey v. Apfel
D. Kan. · 1999 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990) (citation omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Allen v. Apfel
D. Kan. · 1999 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990) (citation omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Mable Dianne Trobaugh v. John J. Callahan, Acting Commissioner of Social Security
10th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
Upon consideration of the record and the parties' arguments, we affirm the denial of benefits. 6 Section 12.05(C) requires that a claimant establish that she has an IQ between 60 and 70, and "a physical or other mental impairment imposing additional and significant work-related limitations of function." See also Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Trobaugh v. Chater
10th Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
Section 12.05(C) requires that a claimant establish that she has an IQ between 60 and 70, and “a physical or other mental impairment imposing additional and significant work-related limitations of function.” See also Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir. 1990).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bridgeford v. Chater
D. Kan. · 1995 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990) (citation omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Mills v. Chater
10th Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990); Frey v. Bowen, 816 F.2d 508, 512 (10th Cir.1987). 5 "The Secretary uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims for supplemental security income." Reyes v. Bowen, 845 F.2d 242, 243 (10th Cir.1988); see also 20 C.F.R.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Don Olenhouse v. Commodity Credit Corporation
10th Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
Evidence is not substantial if it is overwhelmed by other evidence, Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990), or if it constitutes mere conclusion, see Ray v. Bowen, 865 F.2d 222, 224 (10th Cir.1989).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sherry E. Garton v. Donna E. Shalala, Security of Health and Human Services
10th Cir. · 1994 · confidence medium
However, "whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination." Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990); 20 C.F.R. 404.1526(b), 416.926(b).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jean E. Wahl v. United States Department of Health & Human Services, Donna E. Shalala, Secretary
10th Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
"Evidence is not substantial if it is overwhelmed by other evidence or if it is actually mere conclusion." Ellison v. Sullivan, 929 F.2d 534, 536 (10th Cir.1990) (citing Williams v. Bowen, 844 F.2d 748, 750 (10th Cir.1988)). 8 Here, almost every physician agreed that Ms. Wahl suffered from degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
33 soc.sec.rep.ser. 49, unempl.ins.rep. Cch 15963a Robert L. Ellison
v.
Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., Secretary of Health and Human Services
90-3126.
Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Mar 29, 1991.
929 F.2d 534
Stephen M. Kirschbaum, Wyandotte-Leavenworth Legal Services, Kansas City, Kan., for plaintiff-appellant., Lee Thompson, U.S. Atty., and Robert A. Olsen, Office of the U.S. Atty., for defendant-appellee.
Logan, Seymour, Tacha.
Cited by 152 opinions  |  Published
TACHA, Circuit Judge.

This appeal is from an order of the district court affirming the Secretary’s denial of plaintiff Robert L. Ellison’s request for disability benefits and supplemental security income. [1] The administrative law judge determined plaintiff was not entitled to these benefits because he was not disabled as defined in the Social Security Act. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A) and 1382c(a)(3)(A). On appeal, plaintiff argues the ALJ erred by failing to find plaintiff's impairment met or equalled the Listings of Impairments found in 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, failing to correctly evaluate plaintiff’s testimony regarding his pain, and failing to adequately consider the combination of plaintiff’s exertional and nonexertional impairments in determining whether plaintiff is capable of returning to work. We affirm.

We review to determine whether the record as a whole contains substantial evidence supporting the AU’s determination. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). We must evaluate the record to ascertain whether there is evidence to support the AU’s decision, regardless of whether we would have reached a different result based on the record. Brown v. Bowen, 801 F.2d 361, 362 (10th Cir.1986). Evidence is not substantial if it is overwhelmed by other evidence or if it is actually mere conclusion. Williams v. Bowen, 844 F.2d 748, 750 (10th Cir.1988). We must also determine whether the Secretary’s action is consistent with the Social Security Act and the relevant regulations and case law. Failure to apply the correct legal standard is grounds for reversal. Byron v. Heckler, 742 F.2d 1232, 1235 (10th Cir.1984).

A review of the record in this case convinces us the AU did not err in determining plaintiff’s impairment did not meet or equal the Listing of Impairments. Plaintiff contends the evidence presented demonstrated he met sections 12.05(C), 12.-05(D), 12.06 and 12.07 of the Listings. Section 12.05 addresses mental retardation and autism. To meet or equal Section 12.05(C), one must satisfy a two-part test. First, the claimant must show a valid verbal, performance, or full scale I.Q. score on the WAID-R scale of 60 to 69. He or she must also exhibit a physical or other mental impairment imposing additional and significant work-related limitation of function. In this case, plaintiff underwent considerable psychological testing. His lowest score was a verbal I.Q. of 72. Plaintiff therefore did not meet the first part of the section 12.05(C) test. The question whether a claimant meets or equals a listed impairment is strictly a medical determination. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1526(b), 416.926(b). To aid in that determination, the ALJ considered the expert opinions of those who determined plaintiff had an I.Q. above 69. Accordingly, the Secretary’s conclusion that plaintiff did not meet the section 12.-05(C) listing is supported by substantial evidence. See Cockerham v. Sullivan, 895 F.2d 492, 496 (8th Cir.1990) (claimant does not equal or meet section 12.05(C) if lowest I.Q. is not 69 or lower). Moreover, the ALJ noted that although plaintiff suffered from some forms of anxiety, there was expert testimony indicating he was able to adjust to a job and perform routine social and family responsibilities. Plaintiff therefore also failed to satisfy the second part of the section 12.05(C) test.

Plaintiff also claims he met or equaled the Listing at section 12.05(D). This provision, however, also requires a valid verbal, performance, or full scale I.Q. of 60[*537] to 69 on the WAIS. Plaintiffs I.Q. scores clearly exceeded that range and therefore he is not disabled under this section for the same reasons he cannot meet or equal the Listing at section 12.05(C).

The AU also properly concluded that plaintiff did not meet or equal the listing at section 12.06. We find substantial evidence in the record to support the AU’s conclusion that plaintiff was not sufficiently limited to meet the “B” and “C” criteria for this Listing. For example, plaintiffs treating physician stated plaintiff was unimpaired in his ability to relate to others, engage in daily activities, maintain personal habits, and respond appropriately to supervision and co-workers. A treating physician’s opinion is entitled to significant weight. Williams v. Bowen, 844 F.2d 748, 758 (10th Cir.1988).

Plaintiff also contends the AU erred in failing to properly consider his somatoform disorder under section 12.07 of the Listings. Plaintiff cites Dr. Biller’s testimony that plaintiff “may be given to ... somatic concerns.” This statement, however, does not suggest plaintiff has a somatoform disorder as that condition is described in section 12.07. Given the lack of evidence in the record, the AU did not err by not evaluating plaintiffs condition under section 12.07.

Plaintiff next argues the AU failed to correctly evaluate plaintiff’s testimony regarding his pain. The AU found that although plaintiff suffered some discomfort, his subjective testimony regarding pain and limitation was not fully credible. Subjective complaints of pain must be evaluated in light of plaintiff’s credibility and the medical evidence. Brown v. Bowen, 801 F.2d 361, 362-63 (10th Cir.1986); Broadbent v. Harris, 698 F.2d 407, 413 (10th Cir.1983). The AU reasonably concluded based on the medical evidence presented that plaintiff was capable of working despite his assertions to the contrary. We cannot say this finding was not supported by substantial evidence.

Plaintiff finally contends the AU failed to adequately consider the combination of his exertional and nonexertional impairments in evaluating plaintiff’s ability to return to work. The AU properly relied on the testimony of a vocational expert that plaintiff had residual functional capacity for a limited range of light work and there were jobs he could perform. This testimony is substantial evidence supporting the AU’s conclusion that plaintiff was not disabled. The order of the district court is AFFIRMED.

1

. After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist the determination of this appeal. See Fed.R. App.P. 34(a); 10th Cir.R. 34.1.9. The case is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.