{ "attribution": { "source": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ca9-25-6334-2026-09-23", "cite_as": "NovaCopilot, legal.exploreworldai.com (https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ca9-25-6334-2026-09-23)", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/revision", "version": "legal-2026-10-05", "fingerprint": "ewai:se:5aa9a2", "proof": "sha256:3ac24b570ec6a8aa2b48b453ba5552fc7502b4e199b8edec3d3573078e211ce2", "jurisdiction": "se", "lang": "en", "publisher": "NovaCopilot by ExploreWorld Legal", "terms": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/om" }, "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "brand": { "product": "NovaCopilot", "platform": "ExploreWorldAI", "infrastructure": "ExploreWorld Legal", "infrastructure_url": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "legal_entity": "Valkiv Ventures AB", "permanent_url": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/novacopilot", "source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "powered_by": "Powered by NovaCopilot", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/licensvillkor", "contact": "stig@valkiv.com" }, "item": { "schema_version": "1.0.0", "id": "us:ca9-25-6334-2026-09-23", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "brand": { "product": "NovaCopilot", "platform": "ExploreWorldAI", "infrastructure": "ExploreWorld Legal", "infrastructure_url": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "legal_entity": "Valkiv Ventures AB", "permanent_url": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/novacopilot", "source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "powered_by": "Powered by NovaCopilot", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/licensvillkor", "contact": "stig@valkiv.com" }, "sections": [ { "title": "FOR PUBLICATION", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT", "paragraphs": [ "para_4", "para_5", "para_6", "para_7", "para_8", "para_9" ] }, { "title": "No. 25-6334", "paragraphs": [ "para_11" ] }, { "title": "2:24-cv-00754-", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "SKV", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "OPINION", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appeal from the United States District Court", "paragraphs": [ "para_16" ] }, { "title": "Sarah Kate Vaughan, Magistrate Judge, Presiding", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Argued and Submitted August 4, 2026", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Seattle, Washington", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Filed September 23, 2026", "paragraphs": [ "para_21", "para_22" ] }, { "title": "Opinion by Judge McKeown", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "2 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "SUMMARY*", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Social Security", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "The panel affirmed in part and reversed in part the", "paragraphs": [ "para_28" ] }, { "title": "Collard’s application for disability insurance benefits", "paragraphs": [ "para_30" ] }, { "title": "Collard applied for DIB based on diagnoses of", "paragraphs": [ "para_32", "para_33", "para_34", "para_35", "para_36", "para_37" ] }, { "title": "Collard had worked a strenuous job before her conditions", "paragraphs": [ "para_39" ] }, { "title": "The panel held that the ALJ erred in evaluating Collard’s", "paragraphs": [ "para_41", "para_42" ] }, { "title": "ALJ pointed to Collard having worked a high-strain job even", "paragraphs": [ "para_44", "para_45", "para_46", "para_47", "para_48", "para_49", "para_50", "para_51", "para_52", "para_53" ] }, { "title": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 3", "paragraphs": [ "para_55", "para_56", "para_57", "para_58", "para_59", "para_60" ] }, { "title": "The panel held that the ALJ also erred in evaluating the", "paragraphs": [ "para_62", "para_63", "para_64", "para_65", "para_66", "para_67" ] }, { "title": "ALJ’s analysis. The panel held that this evidence must be", "paragraphs": [ "para_69" ] }, { "title": "The panel held that with respect to the medical opinion", "paragraphs": [ "para_71", "para_72", "para_73", "para_74", "para_75" ] }, { "title": "4 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "COUNSEL", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Amy M. Gilbrough (argued), Douglas Drachler McKee &", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Gilbrough LLP, Seattle, Washington, for Plaintiff-", "paragraphs": [ "para_80", "para_81", "para_82" ] }, { "title": "Assistant Regional Counsel; Mathew W. Pile, Head of", "paragraphs": [ "para_84", "para_85" ] }, { "title": "OPINION", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "McKEOWN, Circuit Judge:", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Hanging in there and continuing to work during a", "paragraphs": [ "para_89", "para_90", "para_91", "para_92", "para_93" ] }, { "title": "Kristin Collard applied for disability-insurance benefits", "paragraphs": [ "para_95", "para_96", "para_97", "para_98", "para_99" ] }, { "title": "Social Security Act. To reach that determination, the ALJ", "paragraphs": [ "para_101", "para_102" ] }, { "title": "Collard had worked a strenuous job before her conditions", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 5", "paragraphs": [ "para_105", "para_106", "para_107" ] }, { "title": "I. Background", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Collard applied for Disability Insurance Benefits in", "paragraphs": [ "para_110" ] }, { "title": "Before then, Collard had worked for eleven years as a", "paragraphs": [ "para_112", "para_113", "para_114", "para_115", "para_116", "para_117", "para_118" ] }, { "title": "In her application, Collard asserted impairments from", "paragraphs": [ "para_120", "para_121", "para_122", "para_123", "para_124", "para_125", "para_126", "para_127", "para_128" ] }, { "title": "6 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraphs": [ "para_130", "para_131", "para_132", "para_133", "para_134", "para_135", "para_136" ] }, { "title": "Brecht attesting to Collard’s lifting- and", "paragraphs": [ "para_138" ] }, { "title": "In addition, an agency physician examined Collard and", "paragraphs": [ "para_140", "para_141" ] }, { "title": "The ALJ found that Collard was not “disabled” within", "paragraphs": [ "para_143", "para_144", "para_145", "para_146", "para_147", "para_148", "para_149", "para_150" ] }, { "title": "To reach that conclusion, the ALJ made several", "paragraphs": [ "para_152", "para_153", "para_154", "para_155", "para_156", "para_157", "para_158", "para_159" ] }, { "title": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 7", "paragraphs": [ "para_161", "para_162" ] }, { "title": "The district court affirmed the ALJ’s determination, and", "paragraphs": [ "para_164" ] }, { "title": "II. Analysis", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "We review de novo a district court order affirming an", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "ALJ’s denial of benefits and for substantial evidence the", "paragraphs": [ "para_168" ] }, { "title": "788 (9th Cir. 2022). Under the latter standard, we ask", "paragraphs": [ "para_170", "para_171", "para_172", "para_173", "para_174", "para_175", "para_176" ] }, { "title": "2018), we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for a", "paragraphs": [ "para_178" ] }, { "title": "A. Subjective Symptom Testimony", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "We begin with Collard’s own testimony about her", "paragraphs": [ "para_181", "para_182", "para_183", "para_184", "para_185" ] }, { "title": "Admin., 533 F.3d 1155, 1160 (9th Cir. 2008) (citation", "paragraphs": [ "para_187", "para_188" ] }, { "title": "F.3d 920, 924 (9th Cir. 2002). It requires that the ALJ", "paragraphs": [ "para_190", "para_191" ] }, { "title": "8 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraphs": [ "para_193" ] }, { "title": "834 (9th Cir. 1995). The ALJ must also state a rationale", "paragraphs": [ "para_195", "para_196" ] }, { "title": "The government points to four supporting rationales in", "paragraphs": [ "para_198", "para_199", "para_200", "para_201", "para_202", "para_203", "para_204" ] }, { "title": "Starting off, the ALJ erred in his characterization of", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Collard’s work history. The ALJ pointed to Collard having", "paragraphs": [ "para_207", "para_208", "para_209", "para_210", "para_211", "para_212", "para_213", "para_214", "para_215", "para_216", "para_217", "para_218", "para_219" ] }, { "title": "827 (relying on similar logic to conclude that an ALJ is", "paragraphs": [ "para_221", "para_222", "para_223", "para_224" ] }, { "title": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 9", "paragraphs": [ "para_226", "para_227", "para_228", "para_229", "para_230", "para_231" ] }, { "title": "With that context, we cannot agree that the absence of", "paragraphs": [ "para_233", "para_234" ] }, { "title": "Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1285 (9th Cir. 1996). Were", "paragraphs": [ "para_236", "para_237" ] }, { "title": "ALJs often rely on inconsistent or spotty work history in", "paragraphs": [ "para_239", "para_240" ] }, { "title": "Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 959 (9th Cir. 2002). But if a", "paragraphs": [ "para_242", "para_243" ] }, { "title": "Insurance claimants should not be made to face that logical", "paragraphs": [ "para_245", "para_246", "para_247", "para_248" ] }, { "title": "The ALJ similarly erred in analyzing Collard’s activities", "paragraphs": [ "para_250", "para_251", "para_252" ] }, { "title": "Cir. 2004) (quoting Vertigan v. Halter, 260 F.3d 1044, 1050", "paragraphs": [ "para_254", "para_255", "para_256", "para_257", "para_258" ] }, { "title": "10 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraphs": [ "para_260", "para_261", "para_262", "para_263", "para_264" ] }, { "title": "That analysis thus “failed to meet the high bar” set out by", "paragraphs": [ "para_266" ] }, { "title": "Substantial evidence does not support the ALJ’s next", "paragraphs": [ "para_268", "para_269", "para_270", "para_271", "para_272", "para_273", "para_274", "para_275", "para_276", "para_277", "para_278" ] }, { "title": "The ALJ’s reliance on Collard’s attendance at doctor’s", "paragraphs": [ "para_280", "para_281", "para_282", "para_283", "para_284", "para_285", "para_286", "para_287", "para_288", "para_289", "para_290", "para_291", "para_292" ] }, { "title": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 11", "paragraphs": [ "para_294", "para_295" ] }, { "title": "Barnhart, 335 F.3d 99, 108 (2d Cir. 2003)) (citation", "paragraphs": [ "para_297", "para_298", "para_299" ] }, { "title": "(9th Cir. 2025). But the ALJ did not articulate any such", "paragraphs": [ "para_301" ] }, { "title": "Accordingly, the ALJ erred in its evaluation of Collard’s", "paragraphs": [ "para_303", "para_304", "para_305", "para_306" ] }, { "title": "Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 885 (9th Cir. 2006) (citation", "paragraphs": [ "para_308" ] }, { "title": "B. Lay Testimony", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "The ALJ also erred with respect to the third-party", "paragraphs": [ "para_311", "para_312" ] }, { "title": "Collard’s own testimony and the ALJ relied on the same", "paragraphs": [ "para_314", "para_315", "para_316", "para_317", "para_318" ] }, { "title": "511 (9th Cir. 2001) (noting ALJ need only provide", "paragraphs": [ "para_320", "para_321" ] }, { "title": "1 To the extent Collard’s district court briefing did not develop this", "paragraphs": [ "para_323", "para_324", "para_325" ] }, { "title": "12 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraphs": [ "para_327", "para_328", "para_329", "para_330", "para_331", "para_332", "para_333", "para_334" ] }, { "title": "C. Treating Physician Opinions", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "With respect to the medical opinion evidence, we", "paragraphs": [ "para_337", "para_338", "para_339", "para_340", "para_341", "para_342", "para_343" ] }, { "title": "Dr. Brown provided three relevant opinions: (1) a short", "paragraphs": [ "para_345", "para_346", "para_347", "para_348", "para_349", "para_350", "para_351", "para_352" ] }, { "title": "Collard does not dispute that the first opinion is entitled to", "paragraphs": [ "para_354", "para_355", "para_356", "para_357", "para_358" ] }, { "title": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 13", "paragraphs": [ "para_360", "para_361", "para_362", "para_363", "para_364", "para_365", "para_366" ] }, { "title": "The ALJ also presented legitimate reasons for rejecting", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Dr. Brecht’s assessment that Collard could lift no more than", "paragraphs": [ "para_369" ] }, { "title": "The ALJ viewed several of Dr. Brecht’s statements as", "paragraphs": [ "para_371", "para_372", "para_373", "para_374", "para_375" ] }, { "title": "Bayliss, 427 F.3d at 1216. We therefore affirm as to the", "paragraphs": [ "para_377" ] }, { "title": "AFFIRMED in PART; REVERSED in PART; and", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "REMANDED for further proceedings. The parties shall", "paragraphs": [ "para_380" ] } ], "paragraphs": [ { "text": "FOR PUBLICATION", "paragraph_id": "para_1" }, { "text": "UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS", "paragraph_id": "para_2" }, { "text": "FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT", "paragraph_id": "para_3" }, { "text": "KRISTIN COLLARD,", "paragraph_id": "para_4" }, { "text": "Plaintiff - Appellant,", "paragraph_id": "para_5" }, { "text": "v.", "paragraph_id": "para_6" }, { "text": "FRANK BISIGNANO,", "paragraph_id": "para_7" }, { "text": "Commissioner of Social Security,", "paragraph_id": "para_8" }, { "text": "Defendant - Appellee.", "paragraph_id": "para_9" }, { "text": "No. 25-6334", "paragraph_id": "para_10" }, { "text": "D.C. No.", "paragraph_id": "para_11" }, { "text": "2:24-cv-00754-", "paragraph_id": "para_12" }, { "text": "SKV", "paragraph_id": "para_13" }, { "text": "OPINION", "paragraph_id": "para_14" }, { "text": "Appeal from the United States District Court", "paragraph_id": "para_15" }, { "text": "for the Western District of Washington", "paragraph_id": "para_16" }, { "text": "Sarah Kate Vaughan, Magistrate Judge, Presiding", "paragraph_id": "para_17" }, { "text": "Argued and Submitted August 4, 2026", "paragraph_id": "para_18" }, { "text": "Seattle, Washington", "paragraph_id": "para_19" }, { "text": "Filed September 23, 2026", "paragraph_id": "para_20" }, { "text": "Before: Michael Daly Hawkins, M. Margaret McKeown,", "paragraph_id": "para_21" }, { "text": "and Morgan B. Christen, Circuit Judges.", "paragraph_id": "para_22" }, { "text": "Opinion by Judge McKeown", "paragraph_id": "para_23" }, { "text": "2 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraph_id": "para_24" }, { "text": "SUMMARY*", "paragraph_id": "para_25" }, { "text": "Social Security", "paragraph_id": "para_26" }, { "text": "The panel affirmed in part and reversed in part the", "paragraph_id": "para_27" }, { "text": "district court’s judgment affirming the denial of Kristin", "paragraph_id": "para_28" }, { "text": "Collard’s application for disability insurance benefits", "paragraph_id": "para_29" }, { "text": "(“DIB”) under the Social Security Act.", "paragraph_id": "para_30" }, { "text": "Collard applied for DIB based on diagnoses of", "paragraph_id": "para_31" }, { "text": "fibromyalgia, migraines, and degenerative disc", "paragraph_id": "para_32" }, { "text": "disease. Collard testified to immense pain from those", "paragraph_id": "para_33" }, { "text": "impairments and ongoing limitations that prevented her from", "paragraph_id": "para_34" }, { "text": "working years later. The administrative law judge (“ALJ”)", "paragraph_id": "para_35" }, { "text": "discredited Collard’s testimony, and compatible third-party", "paragraph_id": "para_36" }, { "text": "evidence from relatives and a co-worker, in part because", "paragraph_id": "para_37" }, { "text": "Collard had worked a strenuous job before her conditions", "paragraph_id": "para_38" }, { "text": "worsened.", "paragraph_id": "para_39" }, { "text": "The panel held that the ALJ erred in evaluating Collard’s", "paragraph_id": "para_40" }, { "text": "subjective testimony. First, the ALJ erred in his", "paragraph_id": "para_41" }, { "text": "characterization of Collard’s work history. Although the", "paragraph_id": "para_42" }, { "text": "ALJ pointed to Collard having worked a high-strain job even", "paragraph_id": "para_43" }, { "text": "after developing her impairments to infer that her condition", "paragraph_id": "para_44" }, { "text": "was not disabling, a past ability to work through pain can be", "paragraph_id": "para_45" }, { "text": "entirely consistent with testimony of worsening impairments", "paragraph_id": "para_46" }, { "text": "that become disabling over time. Second, the ALJ erred in", "paragraph_id": "para_47" }, { "text": "analyzing Collard’s activities of daily living. The ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_48" }, { "text": "merely listed a number of activities that Collard performed,", "paragraph_id": "para_49" }, { "text": "while failing to acknowledge aspects of the daily activity", "paragraph_id": "para_50" }, { "text": "evidence consistent with Collard’s claim. Third, substantial", "paragraph_id": "para_51" }, { "text": "* This summary constitutes no part of the opinion of the court. It has", "paragraph_id": "para_52" }, { "text": "been prepared by court staff for the convenience of the reader.", "paragraph_id": "para_53" }, { "text": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 3", "paragraph_id": "para_54" }, { "text": "evidence did not support the ALJ’s rationale that Collard", "paragraph_id": "para_55" }, { "text": "could effectively treat her symptoms with", "paragraph_id": "para_56" }, { "text": "medication. Because another ALJ may reach a different", "paragraph_id": "para_57" }, { "text": "disability determination when fully crediting that testimony,", "paragraph_id": "para_58" }, { "text": "the ALJ’s errors were prejudicial and must be reevaluated in", "paragraph_id": "para_59" }, { "text": "further proceedings.", "paragraph_id": "para_60" }, { "text": "The panel held that the ALJ also erred in evaluating the", "paragraph_id": "para_61" }, { "text": "lay evidence from Collard’s husband, niece, co-worker, and", "paragraph_id": "para_62" }, { "text": "sister-in-law. Although the ALJ’s evaluation of lay", "paragraph_id": "para_63" }, { "text": "evidence is held to a lower standard than subjective", "paragraph_id": "para_64" }, { "text": "testimony, it was improper for the ALJ to reject that", "paragraph_id": "para_65" }, { "text": "testimony simply because it was consistent with Collard’s", "paragraph_id": "para_66" }, { "text": "testimony given the errors previously identified with the", "paragraph_id": "para_67" }, { "text": "ALJ’s analysis. The panel held that this evidence must be", "paragraph_id": "para_68" }, { "text": "reevaluated as well.", "paragraph_id": "para_69" }, { "text": "The panel held that with respect to the medical opinion", "paragraph_id": "para_70" }, { "text": "evidence, substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s", "paragraph_id": "para_71" }, { "text": "determination. The ALJ provided specific and legitimate", "paragraph_id": "para_72" }, { "text": "reasons for rejecting the opinions of Collard’s treating", "paragraph_id": "para_73" }, { "text": "physicians. The panel therefore affirmed as to the treatment", "paragraph_id": "para_74" }, { "text": "provider evidence.", "paragraph_id": "para_75" }, { "text": "4 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraph_id": "para_76" }, { "text": "COUNSEL", "paragraph_id": "para_77" }, { "text": "Amy M. Gilbrough (argued), Douglas Drachler McKee &", "paragraph_id": "para_78" }, { "text": "Gilbrough LLP, Seattle, Washington, for Plaintiff-", "paragraph_id": "para_79" }, { "text": "Appellant.", "paragraph_id": "para_80" }, { "text": "Katherine B. Watson (argued), Attorney; Lars J. Nelson,", "paragraph_id": "para_81" }, { "text": "Special Assistant United States Attorney; Franco L. Becia,", "paragraph_id": "para_82" }, { "text": "Assistant Regional Counsel; Mathew W. Pile, Head of", "paragraph_id": "para_83" }, { "text": "Program Litigation 1; Social Security Administration,", "paragraph_id": "para_84" }, { "text": "Baltimore, Maryland; for Defendant-Appellee.", "paragraph_id": "para_85" }, { "text": "OPINION", "paragraph_id": "para_86" }, { "text": "McKEOWN, Circuit Judge:", "paragraph_id": "para_87" }, { "text": "Hanging in there and continuing to work during a", "paragraph_id": "para_88" }, { "text": "worsening disability ought not mean that a Social Security", "paragraph_id": "para_89" }, { "text": "claimant is disqualified from benefits. Instead, one would", "paragraph_id": "para_90" }, { "text": "expect a consistent work record to be neutral, if not positive", "paragraph_id": "para_91" }, { "text": "evidence. But the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) did not", "paragraph_id": "para_92" }, { "text": "heed that intuition here.", "paragraph_id": "para_93" }, { "text": "Kristin Collard applied for disability-insurance benefits", "paragraph_id": "para_94" }, { "text": "based on diagnoses of fibromyalgia, migraines, and", "paragraph_id": "para_95" }, { "text": "degenerative disc disease. Collard testified to immense pain", "paragraph_id": "para_96" }, { "text": "from those impairments and ongoing limitations that prevent", "paragraph_id": "para_97" }, { "text": "her from working years later. The ALJ, however, determined", "paragraph_id": "para_98" }, { "text": "that Collard was not “disabled” within the meaning of the", "paragraph_id": "para_99" }, { "text": "Social Security Act. To reach that determination, the ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_100" }, { "text": "discredited Collard’s testimony, and compatible third-party", "paragraph_id": "para_101" }, { "text": "evidence from relatives and a coworker, in part because", "paragraph_id": "para_102" }, { "text": "Collard had worked a strenuous job before her conditions", "paragraph_id": "para_103" }, { "text": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 5", "paragraph_id": "para_104" }, { "text": "worsened. Because the ALJ’s reasoning was error, we", "paragraph_id": "para_105" }, { "text": "remand for further reevaluation of that evidence. We affirm", "paragraph_id": "para_106" }, { "text": "in all other respects.", "paragraph_id": "para_107" }, { "text": "I. Background", "paragraph_id": "para_108" }, { "text": "Collard applied for Disability Insurance Benefits in", "paragraph_id": "para_109" }, { "text": "October 2016, alleging an onset of disability that June.", "paragraph_id": "para_110" }, { "text": "Before then, Collard had worked for eleven years as a", "paragraph_id": "para_111" }, { "text": "hospital patient care technician. This was a strenuous job,", "paragraph_id": "para_112" }, { "text": "requiring Collard to spend 12-hour shifts mostly on her feet", "paragraph_id": "para_113" }, { "text": "and to frequently lift 50 pounds or more. While Collard’s", "paragraph_id": "para_114" }, { "text": "impairments had developed as early as 2007, she stated that", "paragraph_id": "para_115" }, { "text": "they worsened in 2016, causing her to first adjust her work", "paragraph_id": "para_116" }, { "text": "schedule and ultimately to accept a voluntary layoff when", "paragraph_id": "para_117" }, { "text": "she became too “weak and exhausted.”", "paragraph_id": "para_118" }, { "text": "In her application, Collard asserted impairments from", "paragraph_id": "para_119" }, { "text": "fibromyalgia, migraines, and degenerative disc disease.", "paragraph_id": "para_120" }, { "text": "Collard raises arguments as to the first and third conditions,", "paragraph_id": "para_121" }, { "text": "so we address only those. Relevant here is the following", "paragraph_id": "para_122" }, { "text": "evidence:", "paragraph_id": "para_123" }, { "text": "• Collard’s testimony that she suffered", "paragraph_id": "para_124" }, { "text": "constant muscle “weak[ness],” difficulty", "paragraph_id": "para_125" }, { "text": "with fine manipulation, and frequent", "paragraph_id": "para_126" }, { "text": "flare-ups that prevented her from", "paragraph_id": "para_127" }, { "text": "standing more than “15 minutes,”", "paragraph_id": "para_128" }, { "text": "6 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraph_id": "para_129" }, { "text": "spending long periods sitting in the same", "paragraph_id": "para_130" }, { "text": "position, and lifting more than 10 pounds.", "paragraph_id": "para_131" }, { "text": "• Testimony from Collard’s husband,", "paragraph_id": "para_132" }, { "text": "niece, coworker, and sister-in-law", "paragraph_id": "para_133" }, { "text": "attesting to many of the same limitations.", "paragraph_id": "para_134" }, { "text": "• Opinions from Collard’s treating", "paragraph_id": "para_135" }, { "text": "physicians Drs. Paul Brown and Kristin", "paragraph_id": "para_136" }, { "text": "Brecht attesting to Collard’s lifting- and", "paragraph_id": "para_137" }, { "text": "mobility-based constraints.", "paragraph_id": "para_138" }, { "text": "In addition, an agency physician examined Collard and", "paragraph_id": "para_139" }, { "text": "opined that she could tolerate sitting for most of a workday", "paragraph_id": "para_140" }, { "text": "with occasional breaks.", "paragraph_id": "para_141" }, { "text": "The ALJ found that Collard was not “disabled” within", "paragraph_id": "para_142" }, { "text": "the meaning of the Social Security Act. The ALJ first", "paragraph_id": "para_143" }, { "text": "concluded that Collard was eligible for benefits and assessed", "paragraph_id": "para_144" }, { "text": "several “severe impairments” including fibromyalgia, and a", "paragraph_id": "para_145" }, { "text": "shoulder condition. Despite those impairments, the ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_146" }, { "text": "found that Collard could perform “light work”—involving", "paragraph_id": "para_147" }, { "text": "“sitting most of the time” and lifting no more than “20", "paragraph_id": "para_148" }, { "text": "pounds”—and that there were such jobs available in the", "paragraph_id": "para_149" }, { "text": "national economy.", "paragraph_id": "para_150" }, { "text": "To reach that conclusion, the ALJ made several", "paragraph_id": "para_151" }, { "text": "decisions about how to weigh Collard’s evidence. The ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_152" }, { "text": "gave reduced weight to Collard’s testimony, finding it was", "paragraph_id": "para_153" }, { "text": "inconsistent with her long history of work, with Collard’s", "paragraph_id": "para_154" }, { "text": "daily activities, with her treatment history, and with certain", "paragraph_id": "para_155" }, { "text": "objective medical evidence. Along the same lines, the ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_156" }, { "text": "discounted the lay testimony because it reflected the “same", "paragraph_id": "para_157" }, { "text": "allegations made by [Collard]” that the ALJ had already", "paragraph_id": "para_158" }, { "text": "addressed. Finally, the ALJ gave “little weight” to the", "paragraph_id": "para_159" }, { "text": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 7", "paragraph_id": "para_160" }, { "text": "opinions of Drs. Brown and Brecht, reasoning those opinions", "paragraph_id": "para_161" }, { "text": "were conclusory and lacked support.", "paragraph_id": "para_162" }, { "text": "The district court affirmed the ALJ’s determination, and", "paragraph_id": "para_163" }, { "text": "this appeal followed.", "paragraph_id": "para_164" }, { "text": "II. Analysis", "paragraph_id": "para_165" }, { "text": "We review de novo a district court order affirming an", "paragraph_id": "para_166" }, { "text": "ALJ’s denial of benefits and for substantial evidence the", "paragraph_id": "para_167" }, { "text": "underlying ALJ decision. Woods v. Kijakazi, 32 F.4th 785,", "paragraph_id": "para_168" }, { "text": "788 (9th Cir. 2022). Under the latter standard, we ask", "paragraph_id": "para_169" }, { "text": "whether the record “contains ‘sufficient evidence’ to support", "paragraph_id": "para_170" }, { "text": "the agency’s factual determinations.” Biestek v. Berryhill,", "paragraph_id": "para_171" }, { "text": "587 U.S. 97, 102 (2019) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co.", "paragraph_id": "para_172" }, { "text": "v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938)) (citation modified). But", "paragraph_id": "para_173" }, { "text": "because the ALJ’s evaluation of significant evidence was", "paragraph_id": "para_174" }, { "text": "“not supported” by the record or was “based upon legal", "paragraph_id": "para_175" }, { "text": "error,” see Luther v. Berryhill, 891 F.3d 872, 875 (9th Cir.", "paragraph_id": "para_176" }, { "text": "2018), we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for a", "paragraph_id": "para_177" }, { "text": "new disability determination.", "paragraph_id": "para_178" }, { "text": "A. Subjective Symptom Testimony", "paragraph_id": "para_179" }, { "text": "We begin with Collard’s own testimony about her", "paragraph_id": "para_180" }, { "text": "symptoms. Because the ALJ assessed severe impairments", "paragraph_id": "para_181" }, { "text": "and did not find any “evidence of malingering,” the ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_182" }, { "text": "could only discount Collard’s testimony “based on clear and", "paragraph_id": "para_183" }, { "text": "convincing reasons.” Smartt v. Kijakazi, 53 F.4th 489, 497", "paragraph_id": "para_184" }, { "text": "(9th Cir. 2022) (quoting Carmickle v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec.", "paragraph_id": "para_185" }, { "text": "Admin., 533 F.3d 1155, 1160 (9th Cir. 2008) (citation", "paragraph_id": "para_186" }, { "text": "modified)). That is the “most demanding” standard under", "paragraph_id": "para_187" }, { "text": "our precedent. Moore v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 278", "paragraph_id": "para_188" }, { "text": "F.3d 920, 924 (9th Cir. 2002). It requires that the ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_189" }, { "text": "provide more than “general findings,” identify “what", "paragraph_id": "para_190" }, { "text": "testimony is not credible,” and identify what evidence", "paragraph_id": "para_191" }, { "text": "8 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraph_id": "para_192" }, { "text": "“undermines” that testimony. Lester v. Chater, 81 F.3d 821,", "paragraph_id": "para_193" }, { "text": "834 (9th Cir. 1995). The ALJ must also state a rationale", "paragraph_id": "para_194" }, { "text": "“clear enough that it has the power to convince.” Smartt, 53", "paragraph_id": "para_195" }, { "text": "F.4th at 499.", "paragraph_id": "para_196" }, { "text": "The government points to four supporting rationales in", "paragraph_id": "para_197" }, { "text": "the ALJ’s order: (1) that Collard’s work history undermines", "paragraph_id": "para_198" }, { "text": "her complaints; (2) that Collard’s testimony conflicts with", "paragraph_id": "para_199" }, { "text": "her day-to-day activities; (3) that her statements conflict", "paragraph_id": "para_200" }, { "text": "with treatment records; and (4) that her testimony conflicts", "paragraph_id": "para_201" }, { "text": "with other objective medical evidence. For the following", "paragraph_id": "para_202" }, { "text": "reasons, we conclude those rationales are lacking under the", "paragraph_id": "para_203" }, { "text": "clear and convincing standard.", "paragraph_id": "para_204" }, { "text": "Starting off, the ALJ erred in his characterization of", "paragraph_id": "para_205" }, { "text": "Collard’s work history. The ALJ pointed to Collard having", "paragraph_id": "para_206" }, { "text": "worked a high-strain job even after developing her", "paragraph_id": "para_207" }, { "text": "impairments to infer that her condition is not disabling. But", "paragraph_id": "para_208" }, { "text": "a past ability to work through pain can be entirely consistent", "paragraph_id": "para_209" }, { "text": "with testimony of worsening impairments that become", "paragraph_id": "para_210" }, { "text": "disabling over time.", "paragraph_id": "para_211" }, { "text": "Unlike Ahearn v. Saul, on which the government relies,", "paragraph_id": "para_212" }, { "text": "this is not a case where the claimant experienced consistent", "paragraph_id": "para_213" }, { "text": "symptoms “for much of his life” and “was terminated due to", "paragraph_id": "para_214" }, { "text": "funding issues.” 988 F.3d 1111, 1117 (9th Cir. 2021). Work", "paragraph_id": "para_215" }, { "text": "history may be relevant where a claimant’s symptoms", "paragraph_id": "para_216" }, { "text": "remain constant over time. But work is not dispositive of", "paragraph_id": "para_217" }, { "text": "disability where a claimant alleges a change in", "paragraph_id": "para_218" }, { "text": "circumstances like Collard does here. Cf. Lester, 81 F.3d at", "paragraph_id": "para_219" }, { "text": "827 (relying on similar logic to conclude that an ALJ is", "paragraph_id": "para_220" }, { "text": "“preclude[d]” from relying on an earlier disability", "paragraph_id": "para_221" }, { "text": "determination where claimant asserts “[a]n increase in the", "paragraph_id": "para_222" }, { "text": "severity of [an] impairment”). Nor is it accurate to state, as", "paragraph_id": "para_223" }, { "text": "the ALJ did, that Collard was “laid off.” The portion of the", "paragraph_id": "para_224" }, { "text": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 9", "paragraph_id": "para_225" }, { "text": "record cited by the ALJ clarifies that Collard accepted a", "paragraph_id": "para_226" }, { "text": "voluntary layoff because of her impairments in lieu of taking", "paragraph_id": "para_227" }, { "text": "medical leave. No part of the record suggests she was, or", "paragraph_id": "para_228" }, { "text": "would have been, fired for another reason. The", "paragraph_id": "para_229" }, { "text": "circumstances in Ahearn thus do not support the", "paragraph_id": "para_230" }, { "text": "government’s argument.", "paragraph_id": "para_231" }, { "text": "With that context, we cannot agree that the absence of", "paragraph_id": "para_232" }, { "text": "acute symptoms in years past constitutes a “clear and", "paragraph_id": "para_233" }, { "text": "convincing reason” to reject Collard’s testimony now. See", "paragraph_id": "para_234" }, { "text": "Smolen v. Chater, 80 F.3d 1273, 1285 (9th Cir. 1996). Were", "paragraph_id": "para_235" }, { "text": "it otherwise, claimants with long-term impairments like", "paragraph_id": "para_236" }, { "text": "Collard would be caught between a rock and hard place.", "paragraph_id": "para_237" }, { "text": "ALJs often rely on inconsistent or spotty work history in", "paragraph_id": "para_238" }, { "text": "denying claims, reasoning that something other than a", "paragraph_id": "para_239" }, { "text": "disability prevents a claimant from working. Thomas v.", "paragraph_id": "para_240" }, { "text": "Barnhart, 278 F.3d 947, 959 (9th Cir. 2002). But if a", "paragraph_id": "para_241" }, { "text": "consistent work history enables an inference of no disability,", "paragraph_id": "para_242" }, { "text": "all claimants would be disadvantaged from the outset.", "paragraph_id": "para_243" }, { "text": "Insurance claimants should not be made to face that logical", "paragraph_id": "para_244" }, { "text": "trap. Where, as here, Collard testified to worsening", "paragraph_id": "para_245" }, { "text": "symptoms, the ALJ must point to more than the mere fact", "paragraph_id": "para_246" }, { "text": "that a claimant previously held a job to discredit her", "paragraph_id": "para_247" }, { "text": "testimony.", "paragraph_id": "para_248" }, { "text": "The ALJ similarly erred in analyzing Collard’s activities", "paragraph_id": "para_249" }, { "text": "of daily living. “The mere fact that a plaintiff has carried on", "paragraph_id": "para_250" }, { "text": "certain daily activities,” of course, does not “detract from her", "paragraph_id": "para_251" }, { "text": "credibility.” Benecke v. Barnhart, 379 F.3d 587, 594 (9th", "paragraph_id": "para_252" }, { "text": "Cir. 2004) (quoting Vertigan v. Halter, 260 F.3d 1044, 1050", "paragraph_id": "para_253" }, { "text": "(9th Cir. 2001)). Instead, to discredit testimony on that basis,", "paragraph_id": "para_254" }, { "text": "the ALJ had to connect Collard’s activities to the conclusion", "paragraph_id": "para_255" }, { "text": "that she could spend “a substantial part of h[er] day” engaged", "paragraph_id": "para_256" }, { "text": "in “pursuits . . . transferable to a work setting.” Ghanim v.", "paragraph_id": "para_257" }, { "text": "Colvin, 763 F.3d 1154, 1165 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Orn v.", "paragraph_id": "para_258" }, { "text": "10 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraph_id": "para_259" }, { "text": "Astrue, 495 F.3d 625, 639 (9th Cir. 2007)). The ALJ,", "paragraph_id": "para_260" }, { "text": "however, merely “listed a number of activities” that Collard", "paragraph_id": "para_261" }, { "text": "performs, while “fail[ing] to acknowledge” aspects of the", "paragraph_id": "para_262" }, { "text": "daily activity evidence consistent with Collard’s claim. See", "paragraph_id": "para_263" }, { "text": "Revels v. Berryhill, 874 F.3d 648, 667–68 (9th Cir. 2017).", "paragraph_id": "para_264" }, { "text": "That analysis thus “failed to meet the high bar” set out by", "paragraph_id": "para_265" }, { "text": "our caselaw. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_266" }, { "text": "Substantial evidence does not support the ALJ’s next", "paragraph_id": "para_267" }, { "text": "rationale—that Collard could “effective[ly]” treat her", "paragraph_id": "para_268" }, { "text": "symptoms with medication. Collard tried several forms of", "paragraph_id": "para_269" }, { "text": "treatment—from therapies, to cortisone shots, to opioids—", "paragraph_id": "para_270" }, { "text": "with none providing lasting relief. Even on opioids, the ALJ", "paragraph_id": "para_271" }, { "text": "acknowledged that Collard experienced only “partial pain", "paragraph_id": "para_272" }, { "text": "control,” with providers finding that she still experienced", "paragraph_id": "para_273" }, { "text": "physical limitations. In the context of Collard’s allegations,", "paragraph_id": "para_274" }, { "text": "that evidence at best points to “some improvement,” but it", "paragraph_id": "para_275" }, { "text": "does not warrant an inference that Collard was overstating", "paragraph_id": "para_276" }, { "text": "her pain. See Holohan v. Massanari, 246 F.3d 1195, 1205", "paragraph_id": "para_277" }, { "text": "(9th Cir. 2001).", "paragraph_id": "para_278" }, { "text": "The ALJ’s reliance on Collard’s attendance at doctor’s", "paragraph_id": "para_279" }, { "text": "appointments, and her “unremarkable” appearance and test", "paragraph_id": "para_280" }, { "text": "results at those appointments is misplaced. As to attendance", "paragraph_id": "para_281" }, { "text": "specifically, there are multiple record examples of missed or", "paragraph_id": "para_282" }, { "text": "“rescheduled” appointments. More generally, the ALJ’s", "paragraph_id": "para_283" }, { "text": "reasoning is inconsistent with our precedent regarding", "paragraph_id": "para_284" }, { "text": "testimony of fibromyalgia-related pain—which forms the", "paragraph_id": "para_285" }, { "text": "core of Collard’s complaint. Because the condition is", "paragraph_id": "para_286" }, { "text": "“diagnosed entirely on the basis of patients’ reports of pain", "paragraph_id": "para_287" }, { "text": "and other symptoms,” Benecke v. Barnhart, 379 F.3d at 590,", "paragraph_id": "para_288" }, { "text": "it is error to discount subjective testimony solely because a", "paragraph_id": "para_289" }, { "text": "claimant exhibited little to no abnormality at doctor’s", "paragraph_id": "para_290" }, { "text": "appointments or in objective testing. Revels, 874 F.3d at 666;", "paragraph_id": "para_291" }, { "text": "see also Benecke, 379 F.3d at 594 (holding ALJ “erred by", "paragraph_id": "para_292" }, { "text": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 11", "paragraph_id": "para_293" }, { "text": "‘effectively requiring objective evidence for a disease that", "paragraph_id": "para_294" }, { "text": "eludes such measurement’” (quoting Green-Younger v.", "paragraph_id": "para_295" }, { "text": "Barnhart, 335 F.3d 99, 108 (2d Cir. 2003)) (citation", "paragraph_id": "para_296" }, { "text": "modified)). To be sure, objective evidence can undermine", "paragraph_id": "para_297" }, { "text": "claims of fibromyalgia where it contradicts alleged", "paragraph_id": "para_298" }, { "text": "limitations. See Nadon v. Bisignano, 145 F.4th 1133, 1137", "paragraph_id": "para_299" }, { "text": "(9th Cir. 2025). But the ALJ did not articulate any such", "paragraph_id": "para_300" }, { "text": "inconsistencies with the required level of specificity.", "paragraph_id": "para_301" }, { "text": "Accordingly, the ALJ erred in its evaluation of Collard’s", "paragraph_id": "para_302" }, { "text": "subjective testimony. Because another ALJ may reach a", "paragraph_id": "para_303" }, { "text": "different disability determination when “fully crediting that", "paragraph_id": "para_304" }, { "text": "testimony,” the ALJ’s errors are prejudicial and must be", "paragraph_id": "para_305" }, { "text": "reevaluated in further proceedings. See Robbins v. Soc. Sec.", "paragraph_id": "para_306" }, { "text": "Admin., 466 F.3d 880, 885 (9th Cir. 2006) (citation", "paragraph_id": "para_307" }, { "text": "modified).", "paragraph_id": "para_308" }, { "text": "B. Lay Testimony", "paragraph_id": "para_309" }, { "text": "The ALJ also erred with respect to the third-party", "paragraph_id": "para_310" }, { "text": "evidence from Collard’s husband, niece, co-worker, and", "paragraph_id": "para_311" }, { "text": "sister-in-law.1 The ALJ concluded that evidence paralleled", "paragraph_id": "para_312" }, { "text": "Collard’s own testimony and the ALJ relied on the same", "paragraph_id": "para_313" }, { "text": "rationale for discrediting it. Although the ALJ’s evaluation", "paragraph_id": "para_314" }, { "text": "of lay evidence is held to a lower standard than subjective", "paragraph_id": "para_315" }, { "text": "testimony, it was improper to reject that testimony simply", "paragraph_id": "para_316" }, { "text": "because it was consistent with Collard’s testimony given the", "paragraph_id": "para_317" }, { "text": "errors identified above. See Lewis v. Apfel, 236 F.3d 503,", "paragraph_id": "para_318" }, { "text": "511 (9th Cir. 2001) (noting ALJ need only provide", "paragraph_id": "para_319" }, { "text": "“germane” reasons for discrediting lay testimony). The", "paragraph_id": "para_320" }, { "text": "government makes no argument that the standard of review", "paragraph_id": "para_321" }, { "text": "1 To the extent Collard’s district court briefing did not develop this", "paragraph_id": "para_322" }, { "text": "argument, we exercise our discretion to reach it because the district court", "paragraph_id": "para_323" }, { "text": "ruled on the merits and the issue is now fully briefed. See Kaufmann v.", "paragraph_id": "para_324" }, { "text": "Kijakazi, 32 F.4th 843, 847 (9th Cir. 2022).", "paragraph_id": "para_325" }, { "text": "12 COLLARD V. BISIGNANO", "paragraph_id": "para_326" }, { "text": "warrants a different result. The government suggests we may", "paragraph_id": "para_327" }, { "text": "affirm because the ALJ identified certain “nonmedical", "paragraph_id": "para_328" }, { "text": "source statements” that appear vague or conclusory. Yet,", "paragraph_id": "para_329" }, { "text": "mindful of our guidance that we may not affirm “simply by", "paragraph_id": "para_330" }, { "text": "isolating a ‘specific quantum of supporting evidence,’” this", "paragraph_id": "para_331" }, { "text": "evidence must be reevaluated as well. See Robbins, 466 F.3d", "paragraph_id": "para_332" }, { "text": "at 882 (quoting Hammock v. Bowen, 879 F.2d 498, 501 (9th", "paragraph_id": "para_333" }, { "text": "Cir.1989)).", "paragraph_id": "para_334" }, { "text": "C. Treating Physician Opinions", "paragraph_id": "para_335" }, { "text": "With respect to the medical opinion evidence, we", "paragraph_id": "para_336" }, { "text": "conclude that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s", "paragraph_id": "para_337" }, { "text": "determination. Where, as here, treating-physician opinions", "paragraph_id": "para_338" }, { "text": "are contradicted by other medical opinions, the ALJ may", "paragraph_id": "para_339" }, { "text": "reject the opinions for “specific and legitimate reasons.”", "paragraph_id": "para_340" }, { "text": "Bayliss v. Barnhart, 427 F.3d 1211, 1216 (9th Cir. 2005).", "paragraph_id": "para_341" }, { "text": "The ALJ provided multiple grounds applicable to both Dr.", "paragraph_id": "para_342" }, { "text": "Brown and Dr. Brecht.", "paragraph_id": "para_343" }, { "text": "Dr. Brown provided three relevant opinions: (1) a short", "paragraph_id": "para_344" }, { "text": "statement that Collard was “completely and totally", "paragraph_id": "para_345" }, { "text": "disabled,” even “in a sedentary position”; (2) a check-box", "paragraph_id": "para_346" }, { "text": "assessment that Collard could lift no more than 10 pounds", "paragraph_id": "para_347" }, { "text": "and walk no more than two hours per day; and (3) a longer", "paragraph_id": "para_348" }, { "text": "assessment that Collard’s impairments prevented her from", "paragraph_id": "para_349" }, { "text": "completing “repetitive tasks, [like] prolonged sitting and", "paragraph_id": "para_350" }, { "text": "walking.”", "paragraph_id": "para_351" }, { "text": "The ALJ had sufficient reasons to reject each one.", "paragraph_id": "para_352" }, { "text": "Collard does not dispute that the first opinion is entitled to", "paragraph_id": "para_353" }, { "text": "no weight because it is conclusory. And the ALJ explained", "paragraph_id": "para_354" }, { "text": "that the other two opinions were deficient because they", "paragraph_id": "para_355" }, { "text": "relied on a finding that Collard suffered from “inflammatory", "paragraph_id": "para_356" }, { "text": "polyarthritis”—a condition the ALJ determined lacked", "paragraph_id": "para_357" }, { "text": "support. Collard does not challenge the evaluation of the", "paragraph_id": "para_358" }, { "text": "COLLARD V. BISIGNANO 13", "paragraph_id": "para_359" }, { "text": "arthritis diagnosis. Collard’s suggestion that the ALJ should", "paragraph_id": "para_360" }, { "text": "have contacted Dr. Brown to clarify his opinion has no", "paragraph_id": "para_361" }, { "text": "traction. We have rejected arguments that an “ALJ should", "paragraph_id": "para_362" }, { "text": "have recontacted” a physician where the ALJ found the", "paragraph_id": "para_363" }, { "text": "physician’s descriptions “inadequate for determining” a", "paragraph_id": "para_364" }, { "text": "claimant’s functional capacity. See Ford v. Saul, 950 F.3d", "paragraph_id": "para_365" }, { "text": "1141, 1156 (9th Cir. 2020).", "paragraph_id": "para_366" }, { "text": "The ALJ also presented legitimate reasons for rejecting", "paragraph_id": "para_367" }, { "text": "Dr. Brecht’s assessment that Collard could lift no more than", "paragraph_id": "para_368" }, { "text": "five pounds, sit for no more than 30 minutes, and the like.", "paragraph_id": "para_369" }, { "text": "The ALJ viewed several of Dr. Brecht’s statements as", "paragraph_id": "para_370" }, { "text": "conclusory and noted that none cited either objective", "paragraph_id": "para_371" }, { "text": "evidence or findings in the longitudinal record. Notably,", "paragraph_id": "para_372" }, { "text": "when asked what support there was for “the existence of", "paragraph_id": "para_373" }, { "text": "[Collard’s] conditions,” Dr. Brecht provided no explanation", "paragraph_id": "para_374" }, { "text": "at all. The ALJ had no obligation to credit such opinions.", "paragraph_id": "para_375" }, { "text": "Bayliss, 427 F.3d at 1216. We therefore affirm as to the", "paragraph_id": "para_376" }, { "text": "treatment provider evidence.", "paragraph_id": "para_377" }, { "text": "AFFIRMED in PART; REVERSED in PART; and", "paragraph_id": "para_378" }, { "text": "REMANDED for further proceedings. 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