Pyjek v. Commissioner of Social Security

Filing 19

OPINION AND ORDER re: 1 Complaint. The decision of the Commissioner is REVERSED, and this matter is REMANDED to the Commissioner, pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in favor of Plaintiff Patrick Pyjek, and to close the file. Signed by Magistrate Judge Carol Mirando on 6/22/2017. (LS)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT MYERS DIVISION
PATRICK PYJEK,
Plaintiff,
v.

Case No: 2:16-cv-538-FtM-CM

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
SECURITY,
Defendant.
ORDER
Plaintiff Patrick Pyjek seeks judicial review of the denial of his claims for
disability and disability insurance benefits (“DIB”) and supplemental security income
(“SSI”) by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (“Commissioner”).
The Court has reviewed the record, the briefs and the applicable law.

For the

reasons discussed herein, the decision of the Commissioner is REVERSED and this
matter is remanded to the Commissioner pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), sentence
four.
I.

Issues on Appeal 1
Plaintiff raises three issues on appeal: (1) whether substantial evidence

supports the finding of the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) that Plaintiff does not

Any issue not raised by Plaintiff on appeal is deemed to be waived. Access Now, Inc. v.
Southwest Airlines Co., 385 F.3d 1324, 1330 (11th Cir. 2004) (“[A] legal claim or argument
1

that has not been briefed before the court is deemed abandoned and its merits will not be
addressed.”).

meet a listing; (2) whether the ALJ properly evaluated the opinions of Plaintiff’s
treating and State agency physicians; and (3) whether substantial evidence supports
the ALJ’s determination of Plaintiff’s residual functional capacity (“RFC”) with
respect to his mental impairment and need for a hand-held assistive device. Plaintiff
also requests, on remand, that the Court direct the Commissioner to assign the case
to another ALJ.
II.

Procedural History and Summary of the ALJ’s Decision

Plaintiff filed his applications for DIB and SSI on January 7, 2011 and January
13, 2011, respectively.

Tr. 120, 126.

Plaintiff’s applications allege disability

beginning on March 8, 2008 due to his ankle surgeries and depression because of his
injuries. Tr. 122, 126, 166. The claims initially were denied on May 5, 2011 and
upon reconsideration on July 6, 2011. Tr. 72, 78, 88, 90. Plaintiff requested and
received a hearing before ALJ Larry Butler on February 22, 2013, during which he
was represented by an attorney. Tr. 30-58. As of the date of the hearing, Plaintiff
was twenty-two years of age and had a high school education. Tr. 34. Plaintiff
testified at the hearing.

Tr. 32.

The ALJ issued an unfavorable decision on

September 10 2014. Tr. 12-22.
The ALJ first discussed in detail Plaintiff’s motion for recusal, denied the
motion and declined to withdraw. Tr. 12-14. Next, the ALJ found that Plaintiff met
the insured status requirements of the Social Security Act through December 31,
2013. Tr. 17. At step one, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff has not engaged in
substantial gainful activity since March 8, 2008, the alleged onset date. Id. At step

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two, the ALJ found that Plaintiff “has the following severe impairments: problems
with ankles. . . .” Id. At step three, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiff “does not have
an impairment or combination of' impairments that meets or medically equals the
severity of one of the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1
(20 CFR 404.1520(d), 404.1525, 404.1526, 416.920(d), 416.925 and 416.916).” Tr. 18.
The ALJ stated he reviewed all the applicable listings, including Listing 1.00, and
found that the “the medical evidence of record does not establish that any of the
claimant’s severe impairments meets or equals the requirements of any of the listing
of impairments herein.”

Id.

Taking into account the effect of Plaintiff’s

impairments, the ALJ determined that Plaintiff has the RFC to perform “the full
range of sedentary work 2 as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(a) and 416.967(a).” Tr. 19.
Next, the ALJ found that Plaintiff is unable to perform his past relevant work as an
aluminum installer, which is a semi-skilled position and requires medium strength.
Tr. 20.

The ALJ concluded that considering Plaintiff age, education, work

experience and RFC, there are jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national
economy that Plaintiff can perform, and thus found that he has not been disabled
from March 8, 2008 through the date of the decision. Tr. 21. On May 10, 2016, the
2

The regulations define “sedentary work” as follows:
Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and
occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small
tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a
certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job
duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally
and other sedentary criteria are met.

20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1567(a), 416.967(a).

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Appeals Council denied Plaintiff’s request for review.

Tr. 1-7.

Accordingly, the

ALJ’s September 10, 2014 decision is the final decision of the Commissioner.
Plaintiff filed an appeal in this Court on July 6, 2016. Doc. 1. Both parties have
consented to the jurisdiction of the United States Magistrate Judge, and this matter
is now ripe for review. Docs. 10, 12.
III.

Social Security Act Eligibility and Standard of Review

A claimant is entitled to disability benefits when he is unable to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to either result in death or last for a
continuous period of not less than twelve months.

42 U.S.C. §§ 416(i)(1),

423(d)(1)(A); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a). The Commissioner has established a five-step
sequential analysis for evaluating a claim of disability.

See 20 C.F.R. §416.920.

The Eleventh Circuit has summarized the five steps as follows:
(1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2)
if not, whether the claimant has a severe impairment or combination of
impairments; (3) if so, whether these impairments meet or equal an
impairment listed in the Listing of Impairments; (4) if not, whether the
claimant has the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to perform his
past relevant work; and (5) if not, whether, in light of his age, education,
and work experience, the claimant can perform other work that exists
in “significant numbers in the national economy.”

Atha v. Comm’r Soc. Sec. Admin., 616 F. App’x 931, 933 (11th Cir. 2015) (citing 20
C.F.R. §§ 416.920(a)(4), (c)-(g), 416.960(c)(2); Winschel v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 631
F.3d 1176, 1178 (11th Cir. 2011)). The claimant bears the burden of persuasion
through step four; and, at step five, the burden shifts to the Commissioner. Id. at
933; Bowen v. Yuckert, 482 U.S. 137, 146 n.5 (1987). The scope of this Court’s review

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is limited to determining whether the ALJ applied the correct legal standards and
whether the findings are supported by substantial evidence. McRoberts v. Bowen,
841 F.2d 1077, 1080 (11th Cir. 1988) (citing Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 390
(1971)).

The Commissioner’s findings of fact are conclusive if supported by

substantial evidence.

42 U.S.C. § 405(g).

Substantial evidence is “more than a

scintilla, i.e., evidence that must do more than create a suspicion of the existence of
the fact to be established, and such relevant evidence as a reasonable person would
accept as adequate to support the conclusion.” Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1560
(11th Cir. 1995) (internal citations omitted); see also Dyer v. Barnhart, 395 F.3d 1206,
1210 (11th Cir. 2005) (finding that “[s]ubstantial evidence is something more than a
mere scintilla, but less than a preponderance”) (internal citation omitted).
The Eleventh Circuit has restated that “[i]n determining whether substantial
evidence supports a decision, we give great deference to the ALJ’s fact findings.”

Hunter v. Soc. Sec. Admin., Comm’r, 808 F.3d 818, 822 (11th Cir. 2015) (citing Black
Diamond Coal Min. Co. v. Dir., OWCP, 95 F.3d 1079, 1082 (11th Cir. 1996)). Where
the Commissioner’s decision is supported by substantial evidence, the district court
will affirm, even if the reviewer would have reached a contrary result as finder of fact,
and even if the reviewer finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the
Commissioner’s decision.

Edwards v. Sullivan, 937 F.2d 580, 584 n.3 (11th Cir.

1991); Barnes v. Sullivan, 932 F.2d 1356, 1358 (11th Cir. 1991). “The district court
must view the record as a whole, taking into account evidence favorable as well as
unfavorable to the decision.” Foote, 67 F.3d at 1560; see also Lowery v. Sullivan, 979

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F.2d 835, 837 (11th Cir. 1992) (stating that the court must scrutinize the entire record
to determine the reasonableness of the factual findings). It is the function of the
Commissioner, and not the courts, to resolve conflicts in the evidence and to assess
the credibility of the witnesses. Lacina v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec. Admin., 606 F. App’x
520, 525 (11th Cir. 2015) (citing Grant v. Richardson, 445 F.2d 656 (5th Cir.1971)).
IV.

Background and Relevant Medical History

Plaintiff is a thirty-three-year-old male, born on May 2, 1984. Tr. 122. Until
March of 2008, he worked for about eight years as an aluminum installer for a
construction company. Tr. 36. On March 8, 2008, Plaintiff was squatting on the
balls of his feet using a saw while working on a pool fence when he was struck from
behind by a falling palm tree. Tr. 52. The tree, which was about eleven inches in
diameter and twenty-five feet tall, blew over and collided with the top of his back,
between his shoulder blades. 3 Id. The force of the blow pushed Plaintiff to the
ground and pinned him underneath the husk of the tree, causing injuries to his
ankles. Tr. 52, 310.
The same day, Plaintiff presented to Gulf Coast Hospital, where he was
examined by Dr. Robert Follweiler, D.O., and Dr. Thomas Schaar, M.D. Tr. 309,
311-12. At Gulf Coast, x-rays and computed tomography (“CAT”) scans of Plaintiff’s
right ankle showed that he had fractured his talus bone and that “tiny bone

Several medical records indicate that the tree fell directly onto Plaintiff’s ankles (see, e.g.,
Tr. 311, stating that “a palm tree blew over and landed on his ankles”); yet Plaintiff testified
in his administrative hearing that, in fact, the tree landed near his shoulders and knocked
him to the ground. Tr. 52.
3

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fragments” had splintered off around the inside of the upper right ankle. Tr. 309,
316. Plaintiff’s left ankle sustained several, less serious, small fractures. Tr. 309,
311-12, 314. He also had cuts on his lip and swelling in his ankles, but no numbness
or tingling. Tr. 309, 311. Dr. Stanley Alexander, M.D., also of Gulf Coast Hospital,
confirmed the initial findings. Tr. 547-49. Dr. Alexander documented swelling and
numerous small fracture fragments in both ankles as well as some possible joint
separation.

Tr. 550-51.

Dr. Alexander’s prognosis was that these injuries may

cause Plaintiff joint instability. Id.
Following Dr. Follweiler’s and Dr. Alexander’s examinations, Plaintiff was
admitted to Gulf Coast Hospital for pain control — more for his left ankle than his
right — and fitted with fracture braces. Tr. 310. While Plaintiff was in the braces,
Dr. Follweiler determined Plaintiff could fully weight bear on his left side and
partially weight bear on his right, although Plaintiff had trouble with ambulation
and was in pain. Id.
Two days later, on March 10, 2008, Plaintiff was mobile enough with a walker
to be released from the hospital.

Tr. 310.

On Plaintiff’s discharge date, Dr.

Follweiler deemed Plaintiff neurovascularly intact and did not think any surgeries
were necessary; he instead suggested that Plaintiff take aspirin and elevate and
apply ice to his ankles. Tr. 310, 312. During his two-day hospital stay, Plaintiff
was kept on a blood-thinning medication, and Dr. Follweiler gave Plaintiff a
prescription for Vicodin upon discharge. Tr. 312. He also noted that Plaintiff may
be out of work for a while. Id.

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On March 18, 2008, Plaintiff was referred to Dr. Jeremy Schwartz, M.D., at
Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida (“Orthopedic Specialists”).

Tr. 768.

Dr.

Schwartz confirmed Plaintiff’s talus fracture in his right ankle and a sprain and small
tearing in his left foot.

Id.

Dr. Schwartz’s examination also revealed bilateral

swelling and a mild amount of bruising. Id. Dr. Schwartz suggested that Plaintiff
remain in a boot — non-weight-bearing — and out of work for about eight weeks. Tr.
769.

Plaintiff used both a wheelchair and walker for the next several weeks to

accommodate his ankle injuries. Tr. 560.
On April 2, 2008, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Paul Fuchs, D.O., of Orthopedic
Specialists that he was experiencing pain in his neck and back and discomfort near
his right shoulder blade. Tr. 560, 572. Although previous x-rays had shown no
signs of spinal abnormalities, Dr. Fuchs diagnosed Plaintiff with an upper back
sprain and recommended his spine be checked via magnetic resonance imaging
(“MRI”).

Tr. 560, 566.

Throughout this period, Plaintiff continued to take both

Vicodin and Celebrex for pain. Tr. 570.
Plaintiff presented to Dr. Schwartz’s office on April 21, 2008, complaining of
stiffness in his left toes. Tr. 766–67. Dr. Schwartz recommended Plaintiff start
physical therapy for the right ankle’s range of motion and begin bearing more weight
on the left foot. Tr. 767. Dr. Schwartz also stated Plaintiff should not work for
another month. Id.
A week later on April 28, 2008, Plaintiff underwent a pair of MRIs at LMR
Imaging–Riverwalk to examine his spine.

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Tr. 561-62.

The thoracic spine MRI

came back negative, with no evidence of disc protrusion, narrowing of the spinal canal
or cord compression. Tr. 562.

The cervical spine MRI demonstrated “minimal”

bulging of the disc at C4-5 and “tiny” central disc protrusion at the C3-4 disc space.
Tr. 561.
Plaintiff returned to Dr. Schwartz for another examination on May 20, 2008
after two sessions of physical therapy. Tr. 762. There were insufficient changes in
Plaintiff’s condition for Dr. Schwartz to suggest anything beyond what he had
recommended a month previously, except he encouraged a gradual increase of weight
bearing on Plaintiff’s right side as well. Id.
On May 27, 2008, Dr. Fuchs examined the MRIs and determined that Plaintiff
had reached maximum medical improvement for his spine.

Tr. 559.

Plaintiff’s

spinal pain had resolved itself during the previous month, and Dr. Fuchs stated that
Plaintiff had, as far as his spine was concerned, “no major limitations,” and that his
“permanent impairment would be 2%.” Id.
On July 7, 2008, following persistent pain in his right ankle, Dr. Schwartz
injected pain medications into the talus area of Plaintiff’s right ankle. Tr. 759. An
x-ray conducted the same day revealed there was also some hardening in the right
ankle.

Id. Plaintiff’s general ankle range of motion was good, yet the range of

motion for the subtalar joint was somewhat abbreviated. Id. Dr. Schwartz said
that an ankle fusion surgery may be necessary in the future. Tr. 760.
After continued physical therapy, Plaintiff went back to Dr. Schwartz on July
25, 2008; Plaintiff stated that the effects of the injection had worn off, and the pain

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had returned to his right ankle. Tr. 758. Plaintiff also complained of pain on top of
his left foot. Id. Dr. Schwartz suggested an ankle/foot orthosis brace and ordered a
CAT scan and MRI, each of which took place in September 2008. Tr. 756, 758, 771.
The CAT scan of Plaintiff’s right ankle revealed that his talus fracture was not
healing properly.

Tr. 756.

The MRI of his left foot revealed an abnormal fluid

buildup between the fourth and fifth tarstometatarsal (“TMT”) joints. Tr. 757.
On a follow-up visit to Dr. Schwartz on September 17, 2008, Plaintiff continued
to complain of pain around his right ankle. Tr. 756. At the time, Plaintiff was
wearing an ankle brace, which helped mobility but apparently did little to ease the
pain of walking on his right foot. Id. Dr. Schwartz stated that Plaintiff’s range of
motion in his right ankle was within five degrees of normal, yet he wrote that if
Plaintiff’s pain persisted, then a fusion surgery may be required. Tr. 756-57. Dr.
Schwartz also suggested that Plaintiff get a second opinion. Tr. 757.
By October 29, 2008, Plaintiff had not received a second opinion, but he was
still experiencing pain in his right ankle when standing or walking in his brace. Tr.
754. Dr. Schwartz confirmed that Plaintiff’s talus fracture had not healed and that
Plaintiff was starting to experience osteoarthritis. Id. Dr. Schwartz stated he did
not think a subtalar fusion surgery would be necessary; he instead suggested a
hardware-less incision in the joint to remove any bone fragments and clean up the
area under Plaintiff’s right talus. Tr. 755.
Plaintiff underwent a surgical repair of the right talus on December 4, 2008.
Tr. 741. On December 15, 2008 Dr. Schwartz wrote that Plaintiff was improving

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nicely and that, with splints, Plaintiff already was capable of non-weight bearing
mobility; he also prescribed Celebrex for joint pain. Tr. 753. Further evaluation by
Dr. Schwartz on January 14, 2009 stated that Plaintiff “has done very well. He is still
having some pain and some instability-like symptoms.

He is in a regular shoe

weightbearing.” Tr. 752.
During January and February 2009, at the referral of Dr. Schwartz, Plaintiff
attended a series of rehab sessions — at least seventeen of them — at Patrick Saidi
Physical Therapy. Tr. 624–25. Therapist Patrick Saidi, M.P.T., treated Plaintiff
with therapeutic exercises, joint mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and
cold therapy. Tr. 624. As of February 20, 2009, however, there had “not been any
increases in Subtalar joint motion despite aggressive joint mobilization.”

Id.

Although Plaintiff’s pain had decreased from a six or seven out of ten to a four out of
ten during the course of the therapy, he “continue[d] to complain of pain with
ambulation greater than 10 minutes.” Id.
On March 2, 2009, Dr. Schwartz and Plaintiff met again. Tr. 750. Plaintiff
was experiencing pain from arthritis that had developed around his right talus. Id.
He also complained of pain coming from the mostly healed fracture on his left foot
between his and fourth and fifth TMT joints. Tr. 751. Dr. Schwartz considered
Plaintiff’s previous job too demanding for him at this time and suggested a Functional
Capacity Exam (“FCE”) to determine Plaintiff’s physical capabilities and limitations.

Id. A subsequent check-up on March 18, 2009 revealed little different from the one
two weeks prior, yet on this date, Dr. Schwartz injected pain medications into

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Plaintiff’s left TMT joints. Tr. 749.
On April 1, 2009, Dr. Schwartz assessed Plaintiff’s condition as improving,
although Plaintiff still had swelling and limited subtalar range of motion on his right
side, as well as pain over the fourth and fifth TMTs on his left side.

Tr. 428.

Plaintiff by this time had finished his formal physical therapy on his right ankle but
had received no therapy on his left foot. Id. To help with Plaintiff’s left-foot TMT
pain, Dr. Schwartz injected pain medications into the top of Plaintiff’s left foot. Tr.
428.

The next day, April 2, 2009, Dr. Schwartz prepared a supplement to the

previous day’s assessment in which he discussed Plaintiff’s recently conducted FCE.
Tr. 746. The FCE placed Plaintiff at medium duty, with a 14 percent permanent
disability rating, due to right-ankle stiffness. Id. Dr. Schwartz also placed Plaintiff
on MMI with a 14% permanent disability rating because of both of his ankles. Id.
Plaintiff returned to Dr. Schwartz on May 13, 2009 for a follow-up evaluation.
Tr. 741. Most of Plaintiff’s pain was coming from his left foot rather than his right
ankle. Id. Dr. Schwartz noted osteoarthritis in both the fourth and fifth TMT joints
of Plaintiff’s left foot and around the talus of his right ankle. Dr. Schwartz gave
Plaintiff Voltaren gel — a topical pain reliever — and suggested physical therapy for
the left side. Tr. 742. Plaintiff engaged in about eighteen physical therapy sessions
during early summer of 2009. Tr. 739.
On June 17, 2009, Plaintiff saw Dr. Schwartz and told him that the Voltaren
was not helpful enough to justify continued usage. Id. On this date, Dr. Schwartz
documented stiffness and pain in Plaintiff’s left fourth and fifth TMT joints and mild

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swelling on his right ankle, which also had subtalar arthritis. Id. Dr. Schwartz
recommended continued therapy and provided a prescription for rocker-bottom shoes.
Tr. 740.
After two months of continued physical therapy, on August 19, 2009, Plaintiff
met again with Dr. Schwartz and said that the rocker-bottoms were helping with his
mobility, but not the pain. Tr. 737. Plaintiff complained of a daily pain cycle, but
said the pain was not persistent. Id. Dr. Schwartz wrote that Plaintiff was clear to
work, per his FCE, and that he “has been MMI since 4/02/09 at a 14% disability
range.” Id. Dr. Schwartz decided to continue with therapy and hold off on any more
injections for the time-being. Id.
Plaintiff returned to Dr. Schwartz on October 14, 2009 and complained of pain
in both his right ankle and left foot; though the left foot was showing improvement.
Tr. 736. Plaintiff sought an injection to help with pain in his right ankle, and Dr.
Schwartz set up an injection appointment for the following month. Id. He also said
Plaintiff’s work status, as guided by the FCE, ought to remain unchanged at a
medium level. Id. Dr. Schwartz performed the requested injection on November 4,
2009. Tr. 743. Dr. Schwartz injected pain medications into plaintiff’s right ankle.

Id.
On March 31, 2010, Plaintiff visited Dr. Schwartz again; Plaintiff said that his
improvement had plateaued and the pain in his right ankle and left foot persisted.
Tr. 430. Dr. Schwartz suggested it may be time for a subtalar fusion surgery on
Plaintiff’s right ankle. Tr. 431. He also injected Plaintiff’s left fourth/fifth TMT

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joints with pain medications. Id. Plaintiff saw Dr. Schwartz on June 23, 2010 to plan
for the upcoming surgery. Tr. 444. Dr. Schwartz noted that Plaintiff continued to
experience swelling, pain and synovitis in his right ankle. Id. Plaintiff’s left foot,
furthermore, had osteoarthritis, and the region over the fourth and fifth TMT joints
was tender to the touch. 4 Id. Dr. Schwartz wanted to inject platelet-rich plasma
into Plaintiff’s left foot at this time, but he had not yet received authorization to do
so. Id.
On July 1, 2010, Dr. Schwartz performed a right subtalar arthrodesis to
increase the amount of fusing to the area underneath Plaintiff’s right talus. Tr. 325.
Dr. Schwartz also drilled a hole into the talus and injected the void with platelet-rich
plasma.

Tr. 326.

During the surgery, Schwartz noted significant amounts of

scarring and arthritis. Tr. 325. The surgery yielded no complications. Tr. 326.
As for Plaintiff’s left foot, Dr. Schwartz did not conduct any surgery, yet he did inject
platelet-rich plasma into Plaintiff’s left mid-foot. Id.
Eleven days later on July 12, 2010, Plaintiff saw Dr. Schwartz for his first postoperative examination.

Tr. 442.

Showing pain but improvement, Plaintiff was

splinted and restricted to non-weight bearing mobility, although he was permitted to
walk for the purposes of evaluation. Id. Dr. Schwartz then had Plaintiff fitted for
a boot cast.

Id.

On August 3, 2010, Plaintiff visited Dr. Schwartz again for

Dr. Schwartz also noted during this visit that Plaintiff had “posttraumatic subtalar
osteoarthritis on the left,” although throughout the rest of the record, the primary
impairments on Plaintiff’s left side came from either his third and fourth TMT joints or his
toes, not his talus. See, e.g., Tr. 520, 730.
4

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examination and x-rays. Tr. 440. Plaintiff was “doing well” and showed healed
incisions and no swelling. Id. Dr. Schwartz suggested that Plaintiff stay in his nonweight bearing cast for another month, at which point he recommended Plaintiff
begin formal physical therapy. Tr. 441. On August 31, 2010, Plaintiff, who was
now getting around with the aid of boot and crutches, presented to Dr. Schwartz
again.

Tr. 438.

There were no abnormalities and all seemed to be progressing

normally. Id. Dr. Schwartz recommended formal therapy and progressive weight
bearing for Plaintiff, as well as compression socks to help reduce swelling. Id.
On September 14, 2010, Plaintiff attended his first session of physical therapy
at Sports Specialty & Rehab Center. Tr. 623. The stated goals for the next two
months included an 80 percent decrease in pain, a 1 cm decrease in swelling, an
improvement in both up and down ankle extension by ten degrees, an achievement of
80 percent strength for both up and down ankle extension, the ability to ambulate
without crutches or boots and independence with a home exercise program. Id. For
the next two months, Plaintiff visited Sports Specialty two to three times each week
and also engaged in the accompanying home exercise program. Tr. 617–23.
By October 5, 2010, Plaintiff had abandoned the crutches and was ambulating
with boot and cane. Tr. 436. On this day, he saw Dr. Schwartz, who stated that
Plaintiff was doing well; Dr. Schwartz recommended Plaintiff start using regular
shoes and weight bearing fully. Id. Plaintiff saw Dr. Schwartz again on November
3, 2010. Tr. 434. Dr. Schwartz commented that in the four months since surgery,
Plaintiff “continues to progress nicely. He is in a regular shoe.” Id. Plaintiff was

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continuing formal therapy, as he had for more than a month at this point, and Dr.
Schwartz ascertained that Plaintiff was suitable for light work. Tr. 435.
On November 12, 2010, Plaintiff was discharged from his two-month therapy
program, having had fully met five of his six goals and partially achieved the sixth
Tr. 617. The fully met goals included an 80 percent decrease in pain, a 1 cm decrease
in swelling, an achievement of 80 percent strength for both up and down ankle
extension, the ability to ambulate without crutches or boots and independence with
a home exercise program. Id. The goal he partially achieved was an improvement
in both up and down ankle extension by ten degrees. Id.
Nearly half a year after the July procedure, Plaintiff saw Dr. Schwartz for a
check-up on Dec. 15, 2010. Tr. 432. Plaintiff, who was neurovascularly intact, was
“doing well in a regular shoe,” yet the left foot featured some arthritis in the fourth
and fifth TMT joints and the emergence of a benign bone protrusion.

Id.

Dr.

Schwartz at this time recommended the continued use of rocker-bottom shoes and
light-duty labor, pending another upcoming FCE. Tr. 433.
Plaintiff underwent an FCE on January 18, 2011, which determined that
Plaintiff fell into the medium physical demand category, characterized by the ability
to exert twenty to fifty pounds occasionally, ten to twenty-five pounds frequently and
ten pounds constantly. Tr. 371-72. In particular, along the four-point ordinal scale
that includes never, occasional, frequent and constant, Plaintiff scored as follows:
sitting, standing, kneeling, forward bending, forward reaching, overhead reaching
and grasping each received a score of frequent, which encompasses 34 to 66 percent

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of a typical, eight-hour working day. Id. Sitting, walking, climbing, squatting and
stooping were ascertained to fall at the occasional level, which is up to 33 percent of
a typical, eight-hour working day. Id. No tasks fell into either the never or constant
zones. Id.
On January 26, 2011, Plaintiff went to see Dr. Schwartz as a follow-up to the
FCE.

Tr. 355.

Dr. Schwartz agreed in large part with the FCE, although he

disagreed slightly in that he thought Plaintiff was capable only of occasional kneeling,
rather than frequent kneeling, as suggested by the FCE. Id. Dr. Schwartz found
that on Plaintiff’s right side, there was “arthrodesis subtalar joint in about 5 degrees
of valgus” — or a slight outward angling. Id. Furthermore, there was between five
and ten degrees missing from the right ankle’s overall range of motion. Id. On the
left side, Dr. Schwartz noted a moderate amount of osteoarthritis over the midfoot
area, coupled with an abridged range of motion.

Id.

Overall, Dr. Schwartz’s

diagnosis was right post-traumatic subtalar arthritis and left foot arthritis. Id. He
also wrote that Plaintiff had achieved maximum medical improvement and was
suited for medium-duty work; specifically, “he will have a 44% lower extremity
disability combined from both legs, which will add up to an 18% total body disability.”
Tr. 355.
About four months later, on June 1, 2011, Plaintiff returned to Dr. Schwartz
complaining of left foot pain.

Tr. 353.

After examination, the doctor diagnosed

Plaintiff with left midfoot arthritis near the fourth and fifth TMTs, right hallux
rigidus and ankle syndovitis with antelateral impingement. Tr. 353-54. All else

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looked fine; there was no ankle arthritis, fractures, dislocations or bony
abnormalities, and all hardware was in place. Tr. 354. Dr. Schwartz authorized
injections for the fourth and fifth TMTs, which were performed throughout summer
2011. Tr. 351. Plaintiff responded well to the injections, but he was still in pain.

Id. He continued to function at medium-duty work status at this time. Tr. 353.
On August 24, 2011, Plaintiff returned to Dr. Schwartz with the same left foot
pain, as well as a newer pain on his right foot.

Tr. 351.

The doctor diagnosed

Plaintiff with posttraumatic subtalar arthritis, left foot arthritis and bilateral fourth
and fifth TMT arthritis. Id. Dr. Schwartz commented at the time that Plaintiff
“seems to do well with subtalar arthrodesis.” Id. All evaluations came up normal
except that Plaintiff experienced pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (“MTP”),
and pain in the fourth and fifth TMT during palpitation and ambulation. Id. On
this date, Plaintiff was administered three injections in the MTP and TMP areas.

Id.
Plaintiff’s next visit to Dr. Schwartz came on February 15, 2012, when Plaintiff
complained of another new pain — one around the web space between the fourth and
fifth toes of his left foot. Tr. 520. Dr. Schwartz stated the web space pain had
existed for a few years, but that it had not been documented; and Plaintiff had, up to
that point, “treated the other issues, which were more significant.” Id. During this
visit, Plaintiff alleged no discomfort in either the ankle or the fourth and fifth TMTs
— the area that had been problematic in the past. Tr. 351. X-rays demonstrated
that there was lateral deviation along three MTP joints of the left foot. Tr. 520.

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There were no fractures, dislocations or other abnormalities. Id.

Dr. Schwartz

filed off a callous on Plaintiff’s toe and recommended a toe spacer to help manage the
pain. Tr. 520–21.
Plaintiff’s subsequent appointment with Dr. Schwartz on March 12, 2012
revealed that Plaintiff’s fifth digit on his left foot was a hammertoe.

Tr. 518.

Plaintiff said the toe spacer did not work and only made his toes numb. Id. Plaintiff
was also feeling a tightness within three MTP joints of his left foot, which may have
been catalyzed by the previously diagnosed lateral deviation within the same area.
Tr. 518. Dr. Schwartz and Plaintiff then scheduled a three-stage surgery, one which
would include metatarsal osteotomies, MTP dislocation repairs and hammertoe
correction; Dr. Schwartz also provided Plaintiff with a warning that the surgery
would turn Plaintiff’s left pinky toe into a “stiff, sausage-like digit.” Tr. 519. The
surgery took place as planned on April 16, 2012. Tr. 524-25.
Plaintiff’s first post-op check-up on April 27, 2012 showed that he was doing
well. Tr. 516. There were no complications resulting from the procedure, and he
had remained in a boot — with minimal weight bearing and periodic elevation — ever
since. Id. X-rays showed that all pins and screws seemed to be in their proper
places. Id. Dr. Schwartz then removed the sutures and put Plaintiff on a topical
antibiotic. Tr. 517.
Plaintiff’s May 22, 2012 visit to Dr. Schwartz was a virtual repeat of the
previous one. Tr. 514. Plaintiff remained in a boot, and the incisions had healed;
there was minimal swelling and he was neurovascularly intact.

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Id.

All the

hardware in his ankle was holding in good position, and Plaintiff was “maintaining
excellent correction.”

Tr. 514–15.

The pins also were removed, yet the screws

apparently remained in place. Id. Dr. Schwartz noted that the time had come to
“wean him out of the boot.” Tr. 515.
Plaintiff’s final pre-scheduled, post-operation check-up with Dr. Schwartz
came on June 27, 2012.

Tr. 512.

Plaintiff was experiencing “mild pain and

swelling, but feels like he is greatly progressing his range of motion activities.” Id.
There was also a “great range of motion of the MTPs with no pain,” and Plaintiff had
returned to regular shoes. Id. Dr. Schwartz left Plaintiff at the same disability
rating and work status, and he also provided another prescription for rocker-bottom
shoes to take the pressure off his foot and ankle. Tr. 513.
On February 6, 2013, not long after he began a job transporting patrons to
their homes from a sports bar, Plaintiff visited Dr. Schwartz and complained of pain
in his right ankle and left forefoot, as well as stiffness in his left toes. Tr. 36, 719.
An examination and x-rays illustrated right ankle synovitis and osteoarthritis, as
well as left-foot stiffness in MTP joints two through five. Tr. 719. Dr. Schwartz
then injected pain medication into Plaintiff’s right tibiotalar joint. Tr. 718. Dr.
Schwartz recommended formal physical therapy for the both the right ankle and left
foot, as well as anti-inflammatory medication. Id. He also stated another right
ankle arthroscopy may be necessary. Tr. 720.
V.

Discussion

A.

Whether substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s decision that
Plaintiff does not meet a listing.

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Plaintiff first contends that his impairments met or at the least medically
equaled Listings 1.02A and/or 1.03 for a period of at least twelve (12) months during
the relevant time period, at minimum during March 2008 through April 2009, and
the ALJ’s decision finding otherwise is not supported by substantial evidence. Doc.
14 at 8-11; Doc. 18 at 2-3. The Commissioner responds that Plaintiff has failed to
meet his burden. Doc. 15 at 4-9. The Commissioner argues that although Plaintiff
suffered from severe ankle impairments, substantial evidence of record does not
support that Plaintiff’s condition resulted in his inability to ambulate effectively, or
that such ability lasted for a continuous 12-month period from Plaintiff’s onset date.
Doc. 15 at 7-8.
In his decision and without stating which particular listings he considered or
providing any explanation whatsoever as to his reasoning, the ALJ stated he
reviewed “all the applicable listings including 1.00. 5 ”

Tr. 18.

Without further

discussion, however, the ALJ stated he reviewed the records and “for the reasons
stated below” finds the medical evidence does not establish that any of Plaintiff’s
severe impairments meets or equals the requirements of any of the listings. Id.
Presumably, the ALJ was referring to his discussion of Plaintiff’s RFC, which as
noted below, also is quite abbreviated. First, the Court finds that the ALJ should

1.00 is a category of listings of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and includes eight
specific listings, 1.01 through 1.08.
Relevant here, section 1.00 defines ineffective
ambulation and provides examples. 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app.1, § 1.00(B)(2)(b)(1),
(b)(2). Listings 1.02A and 1.03 are at issue here. 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app.1, §§
1.02A, 1.03.
5

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have explicitly discussed Listings 1.02A and 1.03A. Second, the Court finds that the
ALJ’s conclusory statement regarding section 1.00 is not sufficiently clear to ensure
meaningful review.

Therefore, the Court orders reversal and remand on these

grounds.
As noted above, the Eleventh Circuit has recognized that the ALJ must
consider the listings in Appendix 1 as part of the five-step sequential disability
determination process. See Todd v. Heckler, 736 F.2d 641, 642 (11th Cir. 1984) (per
curiam). The Eleventh Circuit also has recognized, however, as noted by Plaintiff,
that the ALJ’s determination whether a claimant meets a listed impairment may be
implicit in the ALJ’s decision. See Hutchison v. Bowen, 787 F.2d 1461, 1463 (11th
Cir. 1986) (“While Appendix 1 must be considered in making a disability
determination, it is not required that the Secretary mechanically recite the evidence
leading to her determination. There may be an implied finding that a claimant does
not meet a listing.”); Doc. 14 at 11.
Nevertheless, the Eleventh Circuit also has reiterated the “requirement that
[the ALJ] state with at least some measure of clarity the grounds for his decision.”

Owens v. Heckler, 748 F.2d 1511, 1516 (11th Cir. 1984) (per curiam). The Owens
court explained the basis for this requirement:
We must continue to insist on [this requirement] so that we can perform
the function entrusted to us in the administrative scheme. We are
neither to conduct a de novo proceeding, nor to rubber stamp the
administrative decisions that come before us. Rather, our function is to
ensure that the decision was based on a reasonable and consistently
applied standard, and was carefully considered in light of all the
relevant facts.

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Id.

Finally, the Eleventh Circuit has admonished district courts to resist the

temptation to evaluate the administrative record and “engage in direct fact finding”
as that is “an affront to the administrative process.” McDaniel v. Bowen, 800 F.2d
1026, 1032 (11th Cir. 1986). The McDaniel court explained:
The Congressional scheme is that, governed by standards promulgated
by Congress and interpreted by the courts, the administrator is to find
the facts case by case and make the determination of presence or
absence of disability, and that, in the course of judicial review, the courts
are then to respect the administrative determination.

Id.
The first listing that is at issue in this case, Listing 1.02A, provides:
1.02 Major dysfunction of a joint(s) (due to any cause): Characterized by
gross anatomical deformity (e.g., subluxation, contracture, bony or
fibrous ankylosis, instability) and chronic joint pain and stiffness with
signs of limitation of motion or other abnormal motion of the affected
joint(s), and findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging of
joint space narrowing, bony destruction, or ankylosis of the affected
joint(s). With:
A. Involvement of one major peripheral weight-bearing joint (i.e., hip,
knee, or ankle), resulting in inability to ambulate effectively, as defined
in 1.00B2b. . . .
20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1, § 1.02A. The second listing at issue, Listing 1.03,
provides, in relevant part:
1.03 Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weightbearing joint, with inability to ambulate effectively, as defined in
1.00B2b, and return to effective ambulation did not occur, or is not
expected to occur, within 12 months of onset.
20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1, § 1.03. Both listings discuss the inability to
“ambulate effectively,” as defined in 1.00B2:

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1.00B2a. General. Regardless of the cause(s) of a musculoskeletal
impairment, functional loss for purposes of these listings is defined as
the inability to ambulate effectively on a sustained basis for any
reason… The inability to ambulate effectively or the inability to perform
fine and gross movements effectively must have lasted, or be expected
to last, for at least 12 months.
1.00B2b(1). Ineffective ambulation is defined generally as having
insufficient lower extremity functioning (see 1.00J) to permit
independent ambulation without the use of a hand-held assistive
device(s) that limits the functioning of both upper extremities.
1.00B2b(2). Therefore, examples of ineffective ambulation include, but
are not limited to, the inability to walk without the use of a walker, two
crutches or two canes, the inability to walk a block at a reasonable pace
on rough or uneven surfaces, the inability to use standard public
transportation, the inability to carry out routine ambulatory activities,
such as shopping and banking, and the inability to climb a few steps at
a reasonable pace with the use of a single hand rail.
20 C.F.R. pt. 404, subpt. P, app. 1, § 1.00B1-2(b)(2).
Applying the Eleventh Circuit principles discussed above, the Court
finds that in this case there was sufficient evidence to require the ALJ to
explicitly consider Listings 1.02A and 1.03, and to state the grounds for his
decision with sufficient clarity to allow for meaningful review. As directed by
the Eleventh Circuit, this Court resists the temptation to evaluate the
administrative record itself and engage in direct fact finding. Although the
ALJ ultimately may conclude that Listings 1.02A and 1.03 are not met, it is
the role of the ALJ, not this Court, to decide that question in the first instance.
As noted by Plaintiff and outlined in detail in the Court’s discussion of
Plaintiff’s medical records, Plaintiff required multiple surgeries and extensive
physical therapy to both of his ankles from the accident in March 2008. For

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at least six months after his accident he was wheelchair-bound, as the ALJ
acknowledged. Tr. 19-20. After Plaintiff’s surgery in December 2008, again
he was in a wheelchair and could not weight-bear on his ankles. Tr. 741. As
late as February 2009, Plaintiff continued to complain of pain with ambulation
greater than 10 minutes.

Tr. 624.

In March 2009, Plaintiff still was

receiving injections for pain, and it was not until April 2009 that a functional
capacity exam showed Plaintiff could perform medium work. Tr. 746.
Accordingly, there was sufficient evidence to trigger a requirement that
the ALJ explicitly consider these listings and Plaintiff’s ability to effectively
ambulate and explain his reasoning. Because of the ALJ’s lack of explicit
consideration of these listings and of any meaningful analysis, the Court is
unable to determine even whether the ALJ considered Listings 1.02A and 1.03,
or, if he did, on what basis he rejected their applicability. Although ultimately
an ALJ may determine that these listings are not met, it is not for the Court
to attribute that reasoning to the ALJ or to review the record and engage in
direct fact finding. Thus, reversal and remand on this ground is required.
On remand, both of these listings should be explicitly and adequately
considered and Plaintiff’s ability to ambulate fully discussed.

B.

Whether the ALJ properly evaluated the opinion of Plaintiff’s
treating and State agency physicians

Plaintiff argues that the ALJ committed reversible error by failing to properly
consider, or in some cases even mention, the “multiple opinions” of Plaintiff’s treating

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physician, Dr. Schwartz. Doc. 14 at 12. Plaintiff states, for example, that during
several periods of time Dr. Schwarz indicated that Plaintiff was totally unable to work
due to his surgery and recovery from surgery. Id. (citing Tr. 641, 643, 645, 647, 649).
Plaintiff further argues that on other occasions Dr. Schwarz restricted Plaintiff in
standing or walking. Id. Plaintiff further asserts the ALJ erred by assigning no
weight to the opinions of the State agency consultants concerning Plaintiff’s mental
functioning without providing his rationale for rejecting the opinions. Doc. 14 at 13.
Plaintiff argues that this error was harmful because, “given Plaintiff’s severe physical
limitation to sedentary work, any further non-exertional restrictions severely limit
the work base available to Plaintiff.” Id.
The Commissioner responds that the ALJ “specifically referenced Dr.
Schwartz’s many treatment records” when he discussed records from Orthopedic
Specialists.

Doc. 15 at 11 (citing Tr. 20).

Further, the ALJ argues that the

treatment records to which Plaintiff cites are not the most recent records, but were
from October 2010. Id. More recent records, the Commissioner points out, reveal
that Plaintiff’s functioning progressed over time to where by November 2011 he could
perform light duties.

Id. (citing Tr. 630-39).

With respect to the State agency

opinions, the Commissioner responds the ALJ properly assigned these opinions no
weight because they were inconsistent with the medical evidence of record. Id.
Although the Court need not decide this issue since reversal and remand is
required as to the first issue discussed above, on remand the ALJ should reconsider

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the various opinions of Dr. Schwartz and the State agency consultants and discuss
what weight, if any, were given to their opinions.
When determining how much weight to afford an opinion, the ALJ considers
whether there is an examining or treatment relationship and the nature and extent
thereof; whether the source offers relevant medical evidence to support the opinion;
consistency with the record as a whole; the specialization of the source, if any; and
any other factors that tend to support or contradict the opinion.

20 C.F.R. §

404.1527(c)(1)-(6). Findings of fact made by state agency medical and psychological
consultants as to the nature and severity of a claimant’s impairments must be treated
as expert opinion evidence of nonexamining sources by the ALJ, but the ultimate
opinions as to whether a claimant is disabled, the severity of a claimant’s
impairments, the claimant’s RFC and the application of vocational factors are
exclusively reserved to the Commissioner. SSR 96-6p; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(d)(1)(2). Unless a treating source’s opinion is given controlling weight, the ALJ must
explain the weight given to the opinions of other consultants, doctors or medical
specialists. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527(e)(2); Vuxta v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 194 F. App’x
874, 877 (11th Cir. 2006).
In the Eleventh Circuit, the law is clear that “the ALJ must state with
particularity the weight given to different medical opinions and the reasons therefor.”

Winschel v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 630 F.3d 1176, 1179 (11th Cir. 2011) (citing Sharfarz
v. Bowen, 825 F.2d 278, 279 (11th Cir. 1987)). The court reiterated in Winschel, “[i]n
the absence of such a statement, it is impossible for a reviewing court to determine

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whether the ultimate decision on the merits of the claim is rational and supported by
substantial evidence.” 630 F.3d at 1179 (citing Cowart v. Schweiker, 662 F.2d 731,
735 (11th Cir. 1981)). An ALJ who fails to “state with at least some measure of
clarity the grounds for his decision” cannot be affirmed because the court cannot
perform its duty to “scrutinize the record as a whole to determine whether the
conclusions reached are rational.” 630 F.3d at 1179 (citations omitted).
As detailed above and need not be repeated here, Dr. Schwartz’s treatment of
Plaintiff was extensive and over a period of nearly five years. It included many
recommendations and opinions concerning Plaintiff’s progress, recommended
treatment, and ability to progress to weight-bearing and, ultimately, light duty work.
On the other hand, the ALJ’s discussion of these records is brief, and he offered no
discussion whatsoever of Dr. Schwartz’s opinions or the weight to which he ascribed
them.

Tr. 20.

The total extent of the ALJ’s discussion of the medical records

concerning Plaintiff’s physical impairments, some of which were, without stating his
name, from Plaintiff’s surgeon, Dr. Schwartz, are as follows:
The claimant was injured on the job in March 2008. He broke both
ankles, several bones in his feet, and knocked out several teeth (Exhibits
lF and l5F). Following the accident, he was in a wheelchair for six
months. He[] had surgery in 2009 and again confined to a wheelchair for
several months. In July 2010, his surgeon fused the ankle (Exhibits 2F
and 14F). During 2010, he was in and out of wheelchair. W[orker’s
]C[ompensation] reported that the claimant had reached maximum
medical improvement on January 26, 2011 (Exhibit 18F /11 ).
Medical records from Orthopedic Specialists of SWFL documents the
claimant has undergone physical therapy and injections for pain. The
most recent treatment notes from February 2013 show that the claimant
presented with mild right ankle pain. X-rays of the right ankle showed
some early ankle osteoarthritis with subtalar arthrodesis, which is solid

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in nature. X-rays of the left ankle showed Well osteotomies, which were
well healed. Alignment of the foot was appropriate (Exhibits 8F, 12F,
16F, l 7F, 18F, 19F and 21F).
Tr. 20.
Although the ALJ discussed, briefly, the opinion of the state agency consultant,
and offered some explanation for the weight afforded to his opinion, he failed to state
with at least some measure of clarity the weight afforded to Schwartz’s opinions. Tr.
20. The ALJ must articulate his opinion with sufficient clarity and specificity for the
Court to determine that the decision is rational and supported by substantial
evidence.

“The ALJ must state with particularity the weight given to different

medical opinions and the reasons therefor.” Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1179 (internal
citation omitted). “Therefore, when the ALJ fails to state with at least some measure
of clarity the grounds for his decision, we will decline to affirm simply because some
rationale might have supported the ALJ's conclusion.” Id. (internal quotations and
citation omitted). Accordingly, the Court finds that the RFC is not supported by
substantial evidence and, under the holding of Winschel, remand is required.
Finally, the undersigned finds that the Court need not address any further
issues raised by Plaintiff because the Commissioner’s analysis may change based on
a reconsideration of the aforementioned issues.

VI.

Conclusion

Upon review of the record, the undersigned concludes that for the reasons cited
in the Order, the ALJ failed to apply the proper legal standards and the ALJ’s

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decision is not supported by substantial evidence.

Therefore, the ALJ’s decision

should be reversed and the case remanded.
Plaintiff requests that the Court remand the case to an administrative law
judge other than ALJ Larry Butler, as ALJ Butler is subject to ongoing disciplinary
proceedings by the Commissioner, some of which allegations concern cases in which
Plaintiff’s counsel was involved. Doc. 14 at 15-21. In order to avoid any appearance
or risk of actual bias or prejudgment, the case should be reheard by a different ALJ.

See Withrow v. Larkin, 421 U.S. 35, 47 (1975).
ACCORDINGLY, it is hereby
ORDERED:
1.

The decision of the Commissioner is REVERSED and this matter is

REMANDED to the Commissioner, pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g);
for the Commissioner to:
A.

B.

specifically address Schwartz’s opinions, and sufficiently explain
the weight given to his opinions;

C.

reevaluate Plaintiff’s RFC assessment to determine whether it
should include nonexertional limitations or the need for an
assistive device; and

D.
2.

explicitly consider whether Plaintiff meets Listings 1.02A and
1.03 and Plaintiff’s ability to ambulate fully under Section 1.00
and sufficiently explain the reasoning;

conduct any further proceedings deemed appropriate.

The Commissioner shall reassign the case for rehearing to an

Administrative Law Judge other than Administrative Law Judge Larry Butler.

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3.

The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in favor Plaintiff,

Patrick Pyjek, and close the file.
DONE and ORDERED in Fort Myers, Florida on this 22nd day of June, 2017.

Copies:
Counsel of record

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