Wesley E. GREEN, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Margaret M. HECKLER, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Defendant-Appellee

Wesley E. Green appeals the district court judgment affirming the decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) denying disability benefits. Green contends that (1) the administrative law judge’s (AU) negative credibility finding was legally improper; and (2) the Secretary’s determination that Green can do light or sedentary work was therefore not supported by substantial evidence.

We disagree and affirm.

I.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

Green was fifty-four years old when he appeared before the AU. He has an eighth-grade education. He had done primarily heavy, skilled labor as a millwright. He applied for disability benefits in 1978 and 1981, and was denied both times. In February 1983 he again applied for disability benefits, alleging onset of disability in December 1980 due to degenerative arthritis in his right knee, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some history of seizures of undetermined etiology.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) denied Green’s application initially and again on reconsideration. After a hearing, an AU ruled that Green’s medical impairments prevent him from returning to his…