Uwe Taylor v. Michael Astrue, Comm'r, 706 F.3d 600 (5th Cir. 2012). · Go Syfert
Uwe Taylor v. Michael Astrue, Comm'r, 706 F.3d 600 (5th Cir. 2012). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
553 citation events (553 in the last 25 years) across 10 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Charika Toomer v. Martin O'Malley (txsd, 2026-03-06)
Treatment trajectory · 2013 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2013 2019 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Charika Toomer v. Martin O'Malley (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
any findings of fact by the commissioner which are supported by substantial evidence are conclusive.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Register v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
substantial evidence is merely enough that a reasonable mind could arrive at the same decision; though the evidence 'must be more than a scintilla, it need not be a preponderance.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Pigott v.Social Security Administration
E.D. La. · 2022 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Cortinas, III v. Commissioner of Social Security
W.D. Tex. · 2022 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
what plaintiff characterizes as the alj substituting his opinion is actually the alj properly interpreting the medical evidence to determine his capacity for work.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Camarillo v. Commissioner of Social Security
W.D. Tex. · 2021 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
procedural perfection is not required unless it affects the substantial rights of a party.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Ramirez v. Andrew Saul
W.D. Tex. · 2021 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
procedural perfection is not required unless it affects the substantial rights of a party.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Macias v. Saul (3×) also: Cited "see"
W.D. Tex. · 2021 · signal: see · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Rodriguez v. Saul
W.D. Tex. · 2021 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
procedural perfection is not required unless it affects the substantial rights of a party
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Gonzalez v. Sauls
S.D. Tex. · 2021 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
what taylor characterizes as the alj substituting his opinion is actually the alj properly interpreting the medical evidence to determine his capacity for work.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Cordova De Ornelas v. Saul
W.D. Tex. · 2020 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Lamons v. Saul
W.D. Tex. · 2020 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Hull v. Berryhill (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
S.D. Tex. · 2019 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
procedural perfection is not required unless if affects the substantial rights of a party.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Christopher M. v. Frank J. Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Joshua H. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (2×) also: Cited "see"
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Robinson v. O'Malley (3×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see, e.g."
S.D. Tex. · 2025 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Adams v. O'Malley, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
E.D. Tex. · 2025 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the alj. what the plaintiff characterizes as the alj substituting his opinion is actually the alj properly interpreting the medical evidence to determine his capacity for work.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Johnson v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2020 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
what the plaintiff characterizes as the alj substituting his opinion is actually the alj properly interpreting the medical evidence to determine his capacity for work.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) P.P.D. v. Social Security Administration
E.D. La. · 2026 · confidence medium
Standard of Review This Court’s review of a denial of social security benefits “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Charlotte Corley Briggs v. U S Commissioner of Social Security
W.D. La. · 2026 · confidence medium
Law and Analysis A. Scope of Review A court’s review of social security disability claims is “exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” , No. 23-CV-40401, 2023 WL 9018388 , at *1 (5th Cir. 2023) (quoting , 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Charles Lavel Stringer v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
S.D. Miss. · 2026 · confidence medium
“Substantial evidence is merely enough that a reasonable mind could arrive at the same decision; though the evidence must be more than a scintilla[,] it need not be a preponderance.” Id. (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Danny A. v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Court’s review “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Michelle P. v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Tex. June 30, 2014) (quoting Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Belinda Griffin v. Commissioner of Social Security
S.D. Miss. · 2026 · confidence medium
“Substantial evidence is merely enough that a reasonable mind could arrive at the same decision; though the evidence must be more than a scintilla[,] it need not be a preponderance.” Id. (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dalton Gary Jr v. Kilolo Kijakazi
W.D. La. · 2026 · confidence medium
“Substantial evidence is merely enough that a reasonable mind could arrive at the same decision; though the evidence ‘must be more than a scintilla[,] it need not be a preponderance.’” Webster v. Kijakazi, 19 F.4th 715, 718 (5th Cir. 2021) (quoting Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jacqueline Cheryl Newton Green v. Martin O'Malley, et al. (2×)
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Perez v. Barnhart, 415 F.3d 457 , 461 Oth Cir. 2005); Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (Sth Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Breoad V. v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Court’s review “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jimmy A. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security Administration
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Felipe C. v. Frank Bisignano
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012). “[R]eview of Social Security disability cases ‘is limited to two inquiries: (1) whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole, and (2) whether the Commissioner applied the proper legal standard.’” Copeland v. Colvin, 771 F.3d 920, 923 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Perez v. Barnhart, 415 F.3d 457, 461 (5th Cir. 2005)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jacqueline C. N.G v. Frank Bisignano
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012). “[R]eview of Social Security disability cases ‘is limited to two inquiries: (1) whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole, and (2) whether the Commissioner applied the proper legal standard.’” Copeland v. Colvin, 771 F.3d 920, 923 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Perez v. Barnhart, 415 F.3d 457, 461 (5th Cir. 2005)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodney Paul F. Sr. v. Frank Bisignano
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012). “[R]eview of Social Security disability cases ‘is limited to two inquiries: (1) whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole, and (2) whether the Commissioner applied the proper legal standard.’” Copeland v. Colvin, 771 F.3d 920, 923 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Perez v. Barnhart, 415 F.3d 457, 461 (5th Cir. 2005)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ivan Andres B.G. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security Administration
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Laretta L. B. v. Frank Bisignano
S.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012). “[R]eview of Social Security disability cases ‘is limited to two inquiries: (1) whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole, and (2) whether the Commissioner applied the proper legal standard.’” Copeland v. Colvin, 771 F.3d 920, 923 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Perez v. Barnhart, 415 F.3d 457, 461 (5th Cir. 2005)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Laird v. Bisignano
5th Cir. · 2026 · confidence medium
Our review “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards.”11 Substantial evidence means “more than a scintilla, but it need not be a preponderance.”12 “A finding of no substantial evidence is appropriate only if no credible evidentiary choices or medical findings support the decision.”13 Moreover, the ALJ’s commission of error at step three does not automatically warrant reversal; the claimant must additionally show that the error was harmful.14 _________…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) J.S.B. v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
A. Standard of Review When reviewing disability determinations made by the Commissioner, a court is “limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kimberly R. v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
S.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012). “[R]eview of Social Security disability cases ‘is limited to two inquiries: (1) whether the decision is supported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole, and (2) whether the Commissioner applied the proper legal standard.’” Copeland v. Colvin, 771 F.3d 920, 923 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Perez v. Barnhart, 415 F.3d 457, 461 (5th Cir. 2005)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Eric Heath v. Scott T. Morris, et al.
S.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (Sth Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ana B. Molina Gonzalez v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security Administration (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
W.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
“What [Gonzalez] characterizes as the ALJ substituting his opinion is actually the ALJ properly interpreting the medical evidence to determine his capacity for work.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012); see also Fontenot v. Colvin, 661 F. App’x 274, 277 (5th Cir. 2016) (“It is the responsibility of the ALJ to interpret ‘the medical evidence to determine a claimant’s capacity for work.’” (brackets omitted) (quoting Taylor, 706 F.3d at 603 )); Rounds v. Comm’r, Soc.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) A.B. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
E.D. La. · 2025 · confidence medium
Standard of Review This Court’s review of a denial of social security benefits “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hope Owen Falcon v. Social Security Administration
E.D. La. · 2025 · confidence medium
Id. § 404.1545(a)(2). “[T]he determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the ALJ.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602-03 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Montalbano v. Commissioner of Social Security
W.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) HERNANDEZ v. O'Malley, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
W.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Burns v. Colvin (2×)
W.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Clark v. Social Security Administration
E.D. La. · 2025 · confidence medium
Standard of Review This Court’s review of a denial of social security benefits “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Isaacs v. SSA
E.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Substantial evidence “need not be a preponderance.” Webster, 2021 WL 5563333 , at *1 (quoting Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hernandez v. Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
The Court’s review “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Basham v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Tex. June 30, 2014) (quoting Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Madkins v. Bisignano
5th Cir. · 2025 · confidence medium
II “We review the Commissioner’s denial of social security benefits ‘only to ascertain whether (1) the final decision is supported by substantial evidence and (2) whether the Commissioner used the proper legal standards to evaluate the evidence.’” 1 “Substantial evidence is merely enough that a _____________________ 1 Keel v. Saul, 986 F.3d 551, 555 (5th Cir. 2021) (quoting Whitehead v. Colvin, 820 F.3d 776, 779 (5th Cir. 2016)). 3 Case: 24-60485 Document: 54-1 Page: 4 Date Filed: 09/03/2025 No. 24-60485 reasonable mind could arrive at the same decision; though the evidence ‘must…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cagni v. Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
The Court’s review “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Macias v. O'Malley, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
W.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 603 (5th Cir. 2012).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Reid v. Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
The Court’s review “is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence.” Taylor v. Astrue, 706 F.3d 600, 602 (5th Cir. 2012).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Uwe R. TAYLOR, Plaintiff-Appellant
v.
Michael J. ASTRUE, Commissioner of Social Security, Defendant-Appellee
11-11085.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Jul 2, 2012.
706 F.3d 600
Corinna Pia Chandler, Chandler Martinez L.L.P., Dallas, TX, for Plaintiff-Appellant., Carolyn Ann Ebbers, Assistant Regional Counsel, Social Security Administration Office of the General Counsel Region VI, Terry J. Johnson, Esq., U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dallas, TX, for Defendant-Appel-lee.
Dennis, Clement, Owen.
Cited by 338 opinions  |  Unpublished
3 passages pin-cited by 4 cases
Pinpoint authority: #23,377 of 633,719
Citer courts: E.D. Texas (1) · N.D. Texas (1) · S.D. Texas (1)
PER CURIAM: *

Plaintiff Uwe Taylor appeals the determination of the Commissioner of Social Security, denying him disability benefits. We AFFIRM.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Taylor alleges that he has a variety of problems that qualify as a disability under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). These include: chronic pain in his feet, legs, and back, tarsal tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment, and plantar fasciitis. His application for disability benefits was initially denied and plaintiff requested a hearing before an ALJ, which was held in April, 2009 at which time the plaintiff was 49 years old. The ALJ determined that the plaintiff was not disabled and not entitled to benefits after the judge concluded that Taylor’s impairments did not meet the severity requirements of the social security regulations. A vocational expert also testified before the ALJ that Taylor was capable of working at various sedentary jobs although he could not return to his prior line of work. Taylor appealed to the district court, which referred the matter to a magistrate judge, before ultimately adopting the opinion of the magistrate judge affirming the ruling of the ALJ. Taylor appeals.

[*304] STANDARD OF REVIEW

Our standard of review of social security disability claims is exceedingly deferential and limited to two inquiries: whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision, and whether the ALJ applied the proper legal standards when evaluating the evidence. See Greenspan v. Shalala, 38 F.3d 232, 236 (5th Cir.1994). Substantial evidence is enough that a reasonable mind would support the conclusion. Id. The evidence “must be more than a scintilla, but it need not be a preponderance.” Leggett v. Chater, 67 F.3d 558, 564 (5th Cir.1995) (internal quotation marks omitted). Any findings of fact by the Commissioner which are supported by substantial evidence are conclusive. Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 390, 91 S.Ct. 1420, 28 L.Ed.2d 842 (1971).

DISCUSSION

The crux of the plaintiffs argument is that the ALJ substituted his opinion for that of the medical personnel who have treated Taylor since the onset of his pain. Taylor argues that the ALJ’s conclusion runs contrary to those medical opinions and is not supported by substantial evidence. We disagree with this assertion. The record indicates that the ALJ used the medical information provided by Taylor to determine the plaintiffs residual functional capacity for work. Under the regulations and our case law, the determination of residual functional capacity is the sole responsibility of the ALJ. See Ripley v. Chater, 67 F.3d 552, 557 (5th Cir.1995). What Taylor characterizes as the ALJ substituting his opinion is actually the ALJ properly interpreting the medical evidence to determine his capacity for work.

We also disagree with Taylor’s assertion that the ALJ’s conclusion is not supported by substantial evidence. As the magistrate judge explained in extensive detail, Taylor’s medical records fail to corroborate his complaints. The records include an MRI that was “normal,” an EEG test finding that was “normal,” neurophy-siological studies that were “unremarkable,” and an MRI of the plaintiffs brain that was “essentially normal.” Even one of Taylor’s own doctors remarked that “[i]t appears that the patient does not have any anatomical reason [for] his pain.” A different doctor testified similarly at the ALJ hearing. There was substantial evidence for the ALJ’s determination.

Finally, plaintiff asserts that the ALJ did not use the proper legal standard for determining his disability eligibility. We disagree. Although the ALJ did not identify the specific applicable legal standard, we agree with the magistrate judge that the ALJ nevertheless applied the proper standard. While it is true that the ALJ never cited to Stone v. Heckler, 752 F.2d 1099, 1101 (5th Cir.1985), which provides the appropriate legal standard for determining the severity of the disability, procedural perfection is not required unless it affects the substantial rights of a party. See Mays v. Bowen, 837 F.2d 1362, 1364 (5th Cir.1988). Here, substantial evidence supports the finding of the non-severity of Taylor’s mental problems. A comprehensive medical exam revealed no evidence of Taylor’s alleged mental health issues or any reason why mental problems would prevent him from engaging in gainful activity. In addition, the medical records showed that Taylor did not take any medications for his mental health complaints. He also failed to seek mental health care even after he was twice referred for mental health treatment at his request. The claimant must show that he is so functionally impaired by his mental impairment that he is precluded from engaging in substantial gainful activity. See Hames v. Heckler, 707 F.2d 162, 165 (5th[*305] Cir.1983). He fails to do so, and any error by the ALJ in not following the procedures set out in Stone is harmless. As such, remand is not required since there is no evidence in the record that Taylor’s mental health claims are severe enough to prevent him from holding substantial gainful employment.

We reject Taylor’s various other claims for essentially the same reasons as the court below.

CONCLUSION

We AFFIRM the district court’s decision upholding the ruling of the ALJ and reject Taylor’s claims.

*

Pursuant to 5th Cir R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.