Sniderhan

MEMORANDUM ***

John Sniderhan appeals the district court’s order affirming the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration’s (the “Commissioner”) denial of Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits. On appeal, Sniderhan contends that the administrative law judge (“ALJ”) improperly rejected his treating physician’s opinion regarding the severity of his disability and his residual functional capacity (“RFC”). Additionally, Sniderhan contends that the ALJ’s rejection of his testimony was not supported by substantial evidence or based on correct legal standards. The parties are familiar with the facts, so they are not recited here except as necessary to explain our judgment.

We review de novo a district court’s order upholding a denial of social security benefits. Pagter v. Massanari, 250 F.3d 1255, 1258 (9th Cir.2001). We will uphold the decision of the Commissioner if it is supported by substantial evidence and based on correct legal standards. Id.

Sniderhan argues the ALJ improperly rejected his treating physician’s opinion with regard to the severity of his disability and his RFC. We disagree. A treating physician’s opinion is not necessarily conclusive as…