Flaherty v. Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

Filing 75

Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV: ORDER entered. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER Defendant's motion to strike is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. Defendant's motion for summary judgment is GRANTED.(FDS, law1)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
__________________________________________
)
MARK FLAHERTY,
)
)
Plaintiff,
)
)
v.
)
)
ENTERGY NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, INC., )
)
Defendant.
)
__________________________________________)

Civil Action No.
16-11667-FDS

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER ON DEFENDANT’S
MOTION TO STRIKE AND MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
SAYLOR, J.
This is a claim of disability discrimination brought by a nuclear-power station security
guard. In 2004, plaintiff Mark Flaherty began working for defendant Entergy Nuclear
Operations, Inc., as a guard at its Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Since at least 2012, he has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), chronic
fatigue syndrome (“CFS”), and a variety of other conditions.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires Entergy to perform comprehensive
ongoing assessments of its guards to ensure that they are “trustworthy and reliable” and capable
of performing the work. That work requires, among other things, constant alertness and the
carrying of firearms. As a part of that process, Flaherty was required to report annually on his
medical and psychological condition.
In February 2015, Flaherty was asked to work mandatory overtime as required under a
collective bargaining agreement. He refused, citing fatigue. That precipitated an inquiry by
Entergy into his medical history. Entergy discovered that Flaherty had been diagnosed with

PTSD and CFS and had been receiving disability benefits for those conditions from the
Department of Veterans Affairs since 2013. In the interim, Flaherty had submitted multiple
annual medical questionnaires to Entergy that failed to disclose either condition.
After concluding that he had improperly failed to disclose his medical history, Entergy
stripped him of his security clearance. Without proper clearance, Flaherty could no longer work
as a security guard and was terminated from his employment.
Flaherty then filed a complaint asserting claims for disability discrimination and failure to
accommodate under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq., and the
Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Statute, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B.
As to his principal claim, Flaherty contends, in substance, that it was permissible to give
false answers on his medical questionnaire and to conceal his conditions, if he and his healthcare providers thought the conditions would not affect his ability to work. Put another way,
Flaherty contends that it was up to him, not Entergy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(“NRC”), to decide what to disclose to his employer about his mental health, and when. That, of
course, is not true, and Entergy was within its rights to terminate his employment when they
discovered his false statements.
Flaherty also contends that he took leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act in
May 2014, that he disclosed his conditions to the company at that time, and the company allowed
him to continue working. There is evidence that Flaherty’s psychologist revealed the existence
of his PTSD to someone at the Entergy human resources department (although not Flaherty’s
supervisors) at that time. There is no admissible evidence, however, that Flaherty ever disclosed
his CFS in connection with that leave.
In short, it is undisputed (1) Flaherty suffers from PTSD and CFS, (2) he lied about those

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conditions on his annual medical questionnaires, and (3) at a minimum, he did not disclose his
CFS at any point prior to April 2015, immediately before his termination. Entergy terminated
him based on his failure to provide truthful information. Flaherty has not produced sufficient
evidence to show that the stated reason was a pretext, and accordingly summary judgment will
be granted as to his claim arising out his termination.
Flaherty’s claim for lack of accommodation fares no better. It is perhaps obvious that
PTSD and CFS, taken together, are not ideal qualities for a security officer who carries a firearm
and guards a nuclear facility, and it is far from clear whether any accommodation of those
conditions could ever be made. Flaherty admits that he did not ask for an accommodation until
April 26, 2015, the day he was suspended for failing to report his conditions. Even then, the only
accommodation he claimed was to work fewer overtime hours. And, in any event, he failed to
raise a lack of accommodation claim before the MCAD. Having failed to exhaust those claims at
the agency level, he is barred from raising them in federal court.
In his opposition to the motion for summary judgment, Flaherty submitted an affidavit
that contradicts his sworn deposition testimony in a variety of ways. Entergy has moved to strike
portions of the affidavit, including a key statement that directly contradicts his deposition
testimony. That motion will be granted in part and denied in part.
I.

Background
Unless otherwise noted, the following facts are as set forth in the record and are

undisputed.
A.

Factual Background
1.

Regulatory and Operational Background

Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., operates the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in

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Plymouth, Massachusetts. (Colburn Decl. ¶ 4). As part of its security operations, Entergy
maintains an armed security force. (Id. ¶ 6). The “primary function” of the nuclear security
officers is “to protect the health and safety of the public from radiological sabotage.” (Beabout
Dep. at 13).
The NRC requires all nuclear power plants to maintain an “access authorization
program.” 10 C.F.R. § 73.56. Pursuant to NRC regulations, all security personnel are required
to have “Unescorted Access Authorization” in order to access sensitive areas in the plant, such as
nuclear reactors. (Id.).
The NRC requires an extensive background investigation to obtain unescorted access
authorization, including assessments of personal history, employment history, credit history,
character and reputation, and criminal history, as well as a psychological assessment and
behavioral observation. (Id.). The regulations also require ongoing annual assessments for those
granted such access. (Id.). In the words of the NRC, the “general performance objective” of
such an access authorization program is to “provide high assurance” that the individuals in
question “are trustworthy and reliable, such that they do not constitute an unreasonable risk to
public health and safety or the common defense and security, including the potential to commit
radiological sabotage.” 10 C.F.R. § 73.56(c)
As to medical and mental health issues, NRC Regulatory Guide 5.75 (Training and
Qualification of Security Personnel at Nuclear Power Reactor Facilities) states the following,
under § 2.5 (Existing Medical Conditions):
[I]ndividuals should not have an established medical history or medical diagnosis
of existing medical conditions that could interfere with or prevent the individual
from effectively performing assigned duties and responsibilities. If a medical
condition exists, the individual must provide medical evidence that the condition
can be controlled with medical treatment in a manner that does not adversely
affect the individual’s fitness-for-duty, mental alertness, physical condition, or

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capability to otherwise effectively perform assigned duties and responsivities.
(Colburn Decl. Ex. A at 12). In addition, 10 C.F.R. § 73, App. B(I)(B)(2)(b) requires that
“[a]rmed individuals” should “have no emotional instability that would interfere with the
effective performance of assigned security job duties.”
Entergy’s medical program, incorporating those regulations, requires that its
security personnel be “medically fit to perform guard, armed response, armed escort and
alarm station operator activities” and “perform strenuous physical activity while carrying
security equipment including firearms and other protective equipment.” (Colburn Decl.
Ex. D at 2). Entergy security officers are subject to annual medical and physical
assessments to ensure that they are qualified for the necessary Unescorted Access
Authorization. (Colburn Decl. ¶ 10). As part of that process, each officer is required
each year to answer a personal and medical history questionnaire.
2.

Flaherty’s Employment at Pilgrim

Mark Flaherty served in the Marine Corps from 1993 to 1997 and from 2000 to 2004.
(Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 105). While serving in the Marines, he saw combat in Iraq. (Flaherty Aff.
¶ 7).
Flaherty was hired as a Nuclear Security Officer at the Pilgrim station in June 2005.
(Flaherty Dep. at 2). At the time, he was employed by a private security company named
Wackenhut. (Id.). On January 1, 2007, he began directly working directly for Entergy. (Keith
Decl. Ex. 2 at 77). The security team was overseen by Richard Daly, the security superintendent,
and Phil Beabout, a security manager. (Colburn Decl. ¶ 22; Beabout Dep. at 7).
3.

Flaherty’s Medical and Mental Health History

On July 5, 2012, Flaherty filed a claim for service-connected disability benefits with the

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Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 105-11). He claimed serviceconnected disability based on CFS, PTSD, radiculopathy, chronic diarrhea, and lumbar strain.
(Id. at 105-06). 1
On July 9, 2013, Flaherty was examined at a VA medical center. (Id. at 187). According
to VA records, he reported disability based on stomach and duodenal conditions, back and neck
problems, joint pain, PTSD, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. (Id. at 189-93). 2
On October 10, 2013, Flaherty completed a “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Disability
Benefits Questionnaire” at a VA medical center. (Id. at 180-84). Among other things, he
reported that his CFS symptoms “began mid 2009 and have continued and worsened since.” (Id.
at 180). He reported that his symptoms included “poor attention,” “inability to concentrate,” and
“forgetfulness,” and that those symptoms were “nearly constant.” (Id. at 182).
On October 22, 2013, the VA granted Flaherty’s application for disability benefits. It
concluded that he had CFS (40 percent disability), PTSD (30 percent disability), radiculopathy
(10 percent disability), chronic diarrhea (10 percent disability), and lumbar strain (10 percent
disability). (Id. at 147-53). 3 On October 29, 2013, he was awarded monthly benefits retroactive
to August 1, 2012. (Id. at 143).
On May 23, 2014, Flaherty was seen again at the VA medical center, complaining of
chronic pain and fatigue. (Id. at 177). At a follow-up appointment on June 3, 2014, the
attendant physician noted that he suffered from PTSD, dyslipidemia, back pain, headaches,

1

The actual application, which was on VA Form 21-526, is not in the record. (See Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at

2

On September 12, 2013, Flaherty was again examined at a VA medical center. (Id. at 142, 187).

106).

3

In his deposition, Flaherty stated that the first time he was formally diagnosed with PTSD and CFS was
“the middle of 2012,” when he first filed a disability claim with the VA. (Flaherty Dep. at 98). However, in his
most recent affidavit, he stated that he did not receive those diagnoses until November 2013, when the VA granted
his disability claim. (Flaherty Aff. ¶¶ 21-22; Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 105).

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chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, sciatic nerve paralysis, and lumbosacral/cervical
strain. (Id. at 175). He was taking acetaminophen and Etodolac (a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug) for pain, Prazosin (a drug used to treat anxiety and PTSD), and Sertraline (a
drug used to treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD). (Id. at 176). He was seen on multiple
occasions by VA physicians between May 12 and July 18, 2014. (Id. at 163, 166, 177, 178,
179).
On April 24, 2015, Flaherty was seen again at the VA medical center. (Id. at 161-62).
On May 1, 2015, at a follow-up physical therapy appointment, he complained of increased back
pain. He also indicated that he had a history of alcohol abuse, depressive disorder, dyslipidemia,
PTSD, and chronic low-back pain. (Id. at 160). He was seen again four days later for
medication management and individual therapy. (Id. at 157). Among other things, he was
taking acetaminophen, Etodolac, Prazosin, Bupropion (an anti-depressant), and cyclobenzaprine
(a muscle relaxant). (Id. at 159).
At some point, Flaherty claimed an increase in his disability due to, among other things,
CFS and PTSD. On March 17, 2016, the VA granted his application, rating him 60% disabled
due to CFS and 50% disabled due to PTSD. (Id. at 132-35).
On January 12, 2017, he filed another claim for an increase, claiming 100% disability
based on PTSD. (Id. at 126). That application was granted by the VA on March 23, 2017. (Id.).
As of February 2017, he was receiving $3,545.04 in benefits each month. (Id. at 118).
4.

Flaherty’s 2012 and 2013 Medical History Questionnaires

On July 26, 2012, Flaherty filled out his annual medical history questionnaire for
Entergy. He filled out that questionnaire only three weeks after he filed the application with the
VA for disability benefits for a variety of conditions, including CFS, PTSD, diarrhea, and lumbar

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strain.
The questionnaire asked, “Do you have or have you ever had any of the following,” and
listed a variety of conditions or symptoms. Flaherty marked the “no” boxes for the following
conditions: “depression or anxiety treatment”; “frequent diarrhea”; and “back trouble, injury,
pain.” (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 19-20). He only marked the “yes” box for weekly coffee
consumption. (Id. at 20). He did not list any medical conditions or medications. (Id. at 19-20).
He also did not disclose any conditions to the evaluating physician. 4
On his August 8, 2013 annual medical history questionnaire, Flaherty marked the “no”
boxes for “depression/anxiety/other psychological disorder”; “frequent diarrhea”; and “back
trouble, injury, pain.” (Id. at 21-22). The form had changed from the prior year, and now
included a specific question concerning “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” (Id.). Flaherty
marked the “no” box. (Id.). He did not list any medical conditions or medications. (Id. at 21).
Again, he did not disclose any conditions to the evaluating physician. 5
As noted, on October 22, 2013, the VA granted Flaherty’s application for disability
benefits.
5.

Flaherty’s Application for FMLA Leave

On May 15, 2014, Flaherty applied to Entergy for short-term leave under the Family and
Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) for the period from May 11 to July 15, 2014. (Pl. Ex. 4 at 2, 5).
His application for leave was sent to the “Entergy Leave Team,” which apparently was
composed of human resources representatives. (Id. at 4). In his application, he checked a box

4

At the end of the questionnaire in the physician summary section, there are handwritten notes stating: “40
[year old male]. [Patient medical history]: (1) 5/12 vasectomy no complication; (2) occas[ional] low[er] back pain;
[unintelligible] military injuries. No recent flare-ups, no current [treatment].” (Id. at 20). There is no mention of
CFS or PTSD.
5

In the physician summary section, there are handwritten notes stating: “[Patient history]: occas[ional],
tolerable back pain (chronic); [surgery]—none. [Family history]—[unintelligible].” (Id. at 22).

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stating that he was “unable to perform the essential functions of my job, with or without
reasonable accommodation, for more than forty (40) consecutive work hours due to a physical or
mental impairment or condition.” (Id. at 7).
The application for FMLA leave did not include any specific statement by Flaherty as to
the claimed basis for the leave. However, the application included a handwritten note from a
clinical psychologist at the VA named Julie Klunk-Gillis. (Id. at 10). The note from KlunkGillis stated as follows:
Veteran stating that he is struggling with daily anxiety, depressive symptoms, and
insomnia. He is diagnosed with PTSD and Prolonged Depressive Disorder.
Veteran would benefit from individual + group therapy as well as psychiatry to
address his symptoms. Prognosis is good with consistent treatment. Veteran
denies any risk to self or others currently or in the past.
(Id.). Neither Flaherty nor Klunk-Gillis made reference of any kind to CFS in the application for
leave.
Flaherty was granted leave on May 16, 2014. (Id. at 14). On July 3, 2014, after
approximately a month and a half, Flaherty returned to work. (Pl. Ex. 5).
Prior to his return, Flaherty was cleared for work by Klunk-Gillis and a nurse
practitioner, Sheila Shea, from Cape and Islands Occupational Medicine (“CIOM”) in Hyannis,
Massachusetts. (Id. at 3, 5). The only evidence in the record as to that clearance are the forms
filled out by the two providers. Again, neither form contains any reference to CFS.
There is no evidence that any of his direct supervisors were told at the time of Flaherty’s
leave that he suffered from either PTSD or CFS.
6.

Flaherty’s 2014 Medical History Questionnaire

On his July 30, 2014 annual medical history questionnaire, Flaherty again marked the
“no” boxes for “depression/anxiety/other psychological disorder”; “Post-Traumatic Stress

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Disorder”; “frequent diarrhea”; and “back trouble, injury, pain.” (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 23-24).
At that time, he was receiving disability benefits for those very conditions. He marked “yes”
boxes indicating that he previously smoked but quit in May 2010; had hives, eczema, or a rash;
and consumed coffee and beer on a weekly basis. (Id.). He did not list any other medical
conditions or medications. (Id.). Again, he did not disclose any conditions to the evaluating
physician. 6
7.

Flaherty’s Rationale for Providing False Answers

As noted, Flaherty did not disclose the diagnoses of CFS and PTSD on the medical
questionnaires for 2012, 2013, and 2014. He also failed disclose other medical issues, such as
his diarrhea and back pain issues.
Flaherty does not dispute that his answers to the questionnaires were false. In the
affidavit he submitted in opposition to the motion for summary judgment, Flaherty states that he
discussed his CFS and PTSD with his “medical providers” (apparently, his providers at the VA)
in late 2013 or early 2014. (Flaherty Aff. ¶ 23). His affidavit further states as follows:
My medical providers were of the opinion that the CFS and PTSD conditions and
symptoms, with treatment, in my case, would not interfere with my work duties at
Pilgrim.
My medical providers recommended to me that I not volunteer my diagnoses to
my employer without good reason; they advised me that my privacy rights as a
disabled veteran dictated that I was within my rights to refrain from such a
volunteered disclosure unless the condition affected my ability to perform my
duties in any way.
At the time, I also conducted my own research by reviewing EEOC guidelines
relative to military veterans and service connected disabilities such as PTSD.
Between my own research and my medical providers[’] advice, I concluded that
unless my symptoms of CFS and PTSD were interfering with work, I was not
6

In the physician summary section, there are handwritten notes stating: “[Patient history]: occas[ional] /
chronic back ache (no [change]); [surgery]—none. [Family]—[unintelligible].” (Id. at 24).

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required to disclose these symptoms to my supervisors at Entergy.
(Id. ¶¶ 24-27); see also id. ¶ 41 (“I did not disclose my CFS or PTSD diagnoses on the July 30,
2014 Medical Questionnaire because a) as of that time, Entergy’s medical examiner, my VA
medical providers and I had all determined that these conditions were not interfering with my
ability to perform the duties of my position; and b) I understood from both my VA medical
providers and from Entergy’s human resources representative that the specific diagnoses were
sufficiently private that my supervisors need not be privy to them.”). 7
Flaherty also admits that he did not tell his supervisors at Entergy about his conditions.
His rationale, as set forth in his affidavit, is as follows:
I in fact did not tell my supervisors at Entergy about my PTSD or CFS diagnoses
until April 29, 2015 because I considered these private, and because Entergy’s
Human Resources department, my own medical providers as well as my own
research about my legal rights had led me to conclude that I need not discuss
these conditions with my direct supervisors.
(Id. ¶ 95).
8.

Flaherty’s Refusal to Work Mandatory Overtime

Flaherty was a member of the United Government Security Officers of America
(“UGSOA”) union. (Flaherty Dep. at 12). The terms and conditions of his employment were
governed by a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) negotiated between Entergy and the
union. (Id. at 34). Article 30.02 of the CBA, titled “Training, Testing and Qualifications,” states
that “[e]mployees must have the required access authorization level associated with their job title
as a condition of continued employment.” (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 66). Article 7.08 of the CBA,

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All three questionnaires were signed by Flaherty and included the following acknowledgement: “I agree
to self-report any changes in my medical condition that could affect my ability to perform my job or my respiratory
qualification.” (Id. at 19-24). That self-reporting obligation was of course intended to apply to future changes, not
then-existing medical conditions. Furthermore, Flaherty was required to self-report any change that “could affect”
his ability to perform the job, not just changes that did affect that ability. There is not the slightest question that
PTSD and CFS could affect the ability of a nuclear security guard to perform his job.

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which contains overtime provisions, states that “the Company reserves the right to mandate
overtime by requiring the employee with the least amount of overtime hours worked.” (Id. at
39).
On February 14, 2015, Flaherty refused to work mandatory overtime scheduled for
February 17, three days later. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 87). He told his supervisors that he was too
fatigued to work overtime. (Beabout Dep. at 14-15).
9.

Entergy’s Investigation of Flaherty’s Medical Conditions

Flaherty’s supervisor, Phil Beabout, expressed surprise and concern that he was claiming
prospective fatigue, three days in advance. (Id. at 17). Entergy then conducted an investigation
beginning on February 28, 2015. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 80).
On March 25, 2015, Flaherty was interviewed by George Peters, a psychologist with a
company called The Stress Center. (Pl. Ex. 6). The interview was apparently part of a five-year
evaluation of Flaherty for continued Unescorted Access Authorization. (Pl. Ex. 6; Flaherty Aff.
¶ 57). A one-page form signed by Glenn Cantieletti of The Stress Center stated that Flaherty was
“mentally alert and coherent and without gross aberrant behavior” and found him “acceptable”
for such access. The form indicated, however, that no “background information was received
and considered in this decision.” (Pl. Ex. 6). Flaherty contends that during the evaluation, he
“fully disclosed [his] military combat history” and “CFS and PTSD diagnoses and symptoms” to
Peters. (Flaherty Aff. ¶ 58).
On March 31, 2015, Paul Tetreault, a Security Operations Supervisor at Entergy,
executed a “Fact Finding Summary and Just Cause Evaluation Form.” (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 8081). The form indicated that Flaherty had refused mandatory overtime; it also noted that he had
received at least ten written warnings or “coachings” since 2011 for refusing overtime. (Id. at

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81). A “consensus meeting” of four supervisors, including Beabout, recommended that Flaherty
receive a three-day suspension. (Id.).
A formal notice of discipline was issued on April 23, 2015, suspending Flaherty for three
days (April 26-28). (Id. at 87).
10.

Flaherty’s Call to the Ethics Hotline

On April 24, 2015, Flaherty called Entergy’s ethics hotline to make a complaint about his
suspension. (Id. at 89). A case detail report summarizing the call was prepared by an Entergy
human resources investigator. (Id.). Among other things, the report states as follows:
Mark [Flaherty] is a disabled veteran who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Richard [Daly] and Phil [Beabout] [Flaherty’s supervisors] currently are unaware
of Mark’s medical condition, and Mark plans to present them with documentation
of his medical condition from Mark’s doctor.
(Id.).
That disclosure was forwarded to the Access Authorization department at Entergy, which
was overseen by Stephanie Colburn. On April 28, 2015, Entergy temporarily suspended
Flaherty’s access pending further investigation. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 201; Colburn Aff. ¶ 21).
11.

Flaherty’s Termination

On April 29, 2015, Flaherty provided his VA medical records to Daly, who forwarded
them to the Access Authorization department. (Flaherty Dep. at 46-47; Colburn Aff. ¶¶ 22-23).
The Access Authorization department reviewed those records and his annual medical
questionnaires, and determined that Flaherty had failed to disclose his CFS on those forms.
(Colburn Aff. ¶¶ 23-25).
Flaherty was then given a medical examination by Dr. Kenneth Boyd and a psychiatric
evaluation by Dr. Laurence Baker. (Id. at ¶ 25). Both determined that Flaherty had willfully
withheld medical information. (Id.).

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Dr. Boyd’s report is dated May 1, 2015. (Id. Ex. L). He found that Flaherty had “not
been forthcoming about his previous and ongoing medical diagnoses” during his annual medical
examinations and “did not notify the medical department of important medical conditions that
needed to be considered in evaluating him for his ability to adequately and safely perform
security officer duties in a timely manner.” (Id.). He concluded that “Mark does not meet the
criteria needed to work as a security officer.” (Id.).
Dr. Baker’s report is dated May 11, 2015. (Id. Ex. M). He found that Flaherty had
“consciously withheld health information” when he was first hired and that his conditions
“clearly should have been” disclosed, at a minimum, in his subsequent medical examinations.
(Id. at 5). He noted that Flaherty “wants to be considered both 70% disabled (according to the
VA), and 100% able to do the job.” (Id.). He also conducted the “Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory—2” test and concluded that Flaherty was highly defensive and suffered
from depression and anxiety. (Id.). Dr. Baker ultimately concluded that Flaherty “does not
appear to be acceptable for unescorted access in a nuclear facility, or to be qualified to be
employed as a security officer in such a setting.” (Id. at 6).
Based on that information, the Access Authorization group at Entergy concluded that
Flaherty did not satisfy the requirements of “trustworthiness and reliability” to maintain his
Unescorted Access Authorization. (Id. Ex. N). Accordingly, on May 12, 2015, Entergy denied
Flaherty Unescorted Access Authorization for a period of five years. (Id.).
Without that authorization, Flaherty could no longer work as a security officer.
Accordingly, he was terminated from his position on May 19, 2015. (Id. Ex. O). Two other
security officers had also been terminated over the previous three years for failing to disclose
relevant information. (Id. Exs. F, G).

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B.

Procedural Background

Flaherty filed a charge with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination on
May 26, 2015. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 90-104). The charge alleged that Entergy discriminated
against him on the basis of disability. (Id. at 103). It did not include a claim for failure to
accommodate. (Id. at 102-03). On November 25, 2015, he withdrew the MCAD complaint to
file suit in federal court. (Id. at 97).
Flaherty filed this suit on August 16, 2016. The complaint alleges disability
discrimination and failure to accommodate in violation of the ADA (Count 1) and the
Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Statute, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B (Count 2). After
discovery, Entergy moved for summary judgment and to strike portions of Flaherty’s affidavit
because, among other reasons, it contained hearsay and testimony directly contradicting earlier
sworn statements.
II.

Analysis – Motion to Strike
Counsel for Entergy took Flaherty’s deposition on September 11, 2017. Based in part on

his responses to those questions, Entergy then moved for summary judgment as to all claims.
When he filed his opposition to that motion, Flaherty submitted a 105-paragraph affidavit
that he had executed on December 28, 2017. Entergy has moved to strike various portions of
that affidavit on the grounds that (1) some of the statements directly contradict his sworn
testimony, (2) some contradict or characterize documents that speak for themselves, (3) some are
merely conclusory statements, (4) some are contain hearsay, and (5) some are not based on his
personal knowledge. Because the outcome of summary judgment turns in part on the motion to
strike, the Court will address that motion first.

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A.

Contradictory Statements

Entergy has moved to strike 14 statements that it contends contradict Flaherty’s sworn
deposition testimony. When “a party has given ‘clear answers to unambiguous questions’ in
discovery, that party cannot ‘create a conflict and resist summary judgment with an affidavit that
is clearly contradictory.’” Hernandez-Loring v. Universidad Metropolitana, 233 F.3d 49, 54 (1st
Cir. 2000) (quoting Colantuoni v. Alfred Calcagni & Sons, Inc., 44 F.3d, 4-5 (1st Cir. 1994)).
However, such an affidavit may be accepted if the party provides a “satisfactory explanation of
why the testimony [has] changed.” Id. (alteration in original). “Whether there is a contradiction
and whether the explanation for it is satisfactory are both likely to depend very much on an
assessment of specific facts.” Id. Lapses in memory or new sources of information may be
acceptable explanations for a revision in testimony. Id.
Here, Entergy seeks to strike the following statements from Flaherty’s affidavit on the
ground that they contradict his sworn deposition testimony:
Paragraph 29: In May, 2014, I fully disclosed my PTSD diagnosis to Entergy
when I requested a medical leave due to an elevated level of PTSD symptoms
which I felt might impair my ability to safely perform my duties.
Paragraph 37: Given that I had already disclosed his [sic] diagnosis of PTSD to
Entergy’s Human Resources Department who I understood had shared it with
Access Authorization, I also discussed my PTSD as well as my CFS diagnoses
with Entergy’s medical and psychological evaluator.
Paragraph 58: I fully disclosed my military combat history, and my CFS and
PTSD diagnoses and symptoms, to Dr. Peters and gave Dr. Peters full
authorization to my medical records and history.
Paragraph 66: In the course of my report to the ethics hotline, although I had
previously disclosed my CFS and PTSD diagnoses to Entergy’s medical and
psychological evaluators, to Human Resources (both of whom would necessarily
have shared them with the Access Authorization Department), that my
supervisors may not be aware of the diagnosis.

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Paragraph 69: During the meeting with Dr. Boyd, I again disclosed my PTSD and
CFS diagnoses as I had previously done on multiple occasions.
Paragraph 72: Dr. Boyd’s May 1, 2015 report is not accurate in that it states that I
had not previously disclosed my medical conditions of CFS and PTSD; in fact, as
described herein, I had disclosed my medical conditions to Entergy’s Human
Resources Department in May and July 2014, to Entergy’s psychological
evaluator in July, 2014, and to Entergy’s psychological evaluator in March, 2015.
Paragraph 74: Although I was aware of my symptoms of what I now understand
to be CFS and PTSD, I was not aware of the actual CFS and PTSD diagnoses
made by my medical providers until November, 2013, after the 2013 annual
medical exam.
Paragraph 75: I did fully and in depth discuss and disclose my CFS and PTSD
diagnoses to Entergy’s medical evaluator during my July 2014 evaluation and
during my full, five year examination and evaluation, which were the only
medical exams that I recall occurring after November, 2013, when I became
aware of the actual diagnoses.
Paragraph 88: I testified in my deposition incorrectly that he [sic] was diagnosed
with PTSD in July, 2012.
Paragraph 89: In fact, as borne out by my medical records and VA Rating
decision of October, 2013, I applied for VA service connected benefits due to
symptoms in July 2012 but was not made aware of my diagnoses of CFS and
PTSD until I received the VA’s October 22, 2013 decision, in November, 2013.
Paragraph 93: I understood the deposition question “In fact, Mr. Flaherty, you
never told anyone you had chronic fatigue until April 29, 2015, correct?” to be
within the context of any request I made for accommodations, which was the
topic of the line of questions during that portion of my deposition.
Paragraph 94: I understood the deposition question “In fact, Mr. Flaherty, you
never told anyone you had chronic fatigue until April 29, 2015, correct?” to be
asking whether I told any of my supervisors at Entergy about my CFS diagnosis
before April 29, 2015.
Paragraph 96: I had in fact disclosed the CFS and PTSD diagnoses I received in
November 2013 to Entergy’s Human Resources Department in May 2014, to
Entergy’s medical examiner in July 2014 and to Entergy’s medical examiner in
March 2015.
Paragraph 99: I do not recall when I began to take Prazosin—I may or may not
have been prescribed it as early as 2013 for symptoms I was describing to my

17

doctors which are associated with what I now understand to be PTSD; I was not
made aware of an actual diagnosis of PTSD until November, 2013.
Those paragraphs can be subdivided into two broad categories. Paragraphs 29, 37, 58,
66, 69, 72, 75, 93, 94, and 96 all claim in substance that Flaherty disclosed both the diagnoses of
PTSD and CFS to Entergy in May and July 2014, approximately one year before his termination.
Paragraphs 74, 88, 89, and 99 all claim in substance that Flaherty was unaware of his PTSD and
CFS diagnoses until November 2013.
1.

The Claim That Flaherty Disclosed His PTSD and CFS to Entergy in
2014

The first category of statements concerns Flaherty’s claimed disclosure of his PTSD and
CFS. The claimed disclosure of the two conditions is different, and requires separate analysis.
In his deposition, Flaherty was asked, “[w]hen did you first inform Entergy of your
diagnosis of PTSD?” He answered, “[t]he day that I showed Mr. Daly my VA disability claim
paperwork,” which was April 29, 2015. (Flaherty Dep. at 96-97). In his affidavit, however, he
contends that he disclosed the diagnosis of PTSD in May 2014 (when he applied for FMLA
leave), July 2014 (when he was evaluated to return), and in March 2015 (when he was evaluated
by Peters). Those statements directly, and unquestionably, contradict his deposition testimony.
Flaherty’s affidavit does not provide any explanation, let alone a satisfactory one, as to
why his affidavit as to his disclosure of PTSD differs from his deposition. That fact, standing
alone, is a sufficient basis to grant the motion to strike. Nonetheless, there is independent
evidence that Flaherty’s VA psychologist, Julie Klunk-Gillis, submitted a form to Entergy in
May 2014 stating that Flaherty “is diagnosed with PTSD.” It is a reasonable inference that the
topic of PTSD was also raised to some extent when Flaherty requested a return from leave in
July 2014. Accordingly, and notwithstanding the lack of a satisfactory explanation for the

18

change in memory, the Court will not strike those portions of the affidavit that indicate Flaherty
disclosed his PTSD to the human resources department of Entergy in May and July 2014.
Because the purported disclosure to Peters occurred after Flaherty was suspended, it is
immaterial, and the Court need not resolve the issue.
The circumstances as to Flaherty’s disclosure of his CFS are different. When asked in his
deposition, “[i]n fact, you never told anyone you had chronic fatigue until April 29th, 2015,
correct?” he answered, “[t]hat’s correct.” (Id. at 75). He now contends that he disclosed the
existence of his CFS in July 2014 (when he was cleared to return from FMLA leave) and in
March 2015 (with Peters). Notably, his affidavit does not state that he disclosed his CFS
diagnosis when he applied for leave in May 2014.
Flaherty’s affidavit includes a purported explanation for the contradiction in testimony as
to his CFS disclosure. He gives two reasons for the change: first, that he understood the
question “to be within the context of any request I made for accommodations, which was the
topic of the line of questions during that portion of my deposition” (Flaherty Aff. ¶ 93); and
second, that he understood the question “to be asking whether I told any of my supervisors at
Entergy about my CFS diagnosis before April 29, 2015” (Id. ¶ 94). That explanation, however,
is not sufficiently satisfactory to permit denial of the motion to strike.
First, the question at issue—“In fact, you never told anyone you had chronic fatigue until
April 29, 2015, correct?”—was clear and direct. Nothing about it was confusing or ambiguous.
Second, Flaherty gives two different explanations for the change: he claims both that he
interpreted the question to be asking about a request for accommodation and to be asking about
communications with his supervisors. It is unclear whether he intends those explanations to be
alternative, cumulative, or both. Notably, neither the word “accommodation” or “supervisors”

19

appears in the question.
Third, there is no evidence of any kind corroborating Flaherty’s claim that he disclosed
his CFS in 2014. The note from Klunk-Gillis in May 2014 refers to “PTSD,” not “PTSD and
CFS.” (Pl. Ex. 4 at 10). Both are serious conditions that bear directly on his ability to hold a
position as a nuclear security guard; surely it was not a mere oversight that CFS was not
mentioned.
Fourth, Flaherty does not even claim that he disclosed his CFS when he applied for the
leave in May 2014, only when he was cleared to return in July 2014. But that presents an
unlikely and barely credible scenario in which he failed to disclose the condition when he was
seeking leave, but then did disclose it (for no apparent reason) when he sought to return.
Fifth, the question of when Flaherty disclosed his CFS to Entergy is one of the central
issues, if not the central issue, in the case. The investigation of Flaherty in April 2015 was
triggered by his claim of fatigue, not PTSD (or diarrhea or back pain). (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 80;
Beabout Dep. at 17, 42-43). The Access Authorization department obtained his medical records
and immediately concluded that he had not disclosed his CFS—the condition causing his fatigue.
Dr. Bond and Dr. Baker then concluded that he had not been honest. He was terminated, after an
investigation, based on his lack of trustworthiness and reliability. The timing of the disclosure of
CFS was thus not a collateral issue as to which a lapse in memory might be overlooked.
Sixth, and despite Flaherty’s efforts to blur the distinction between PTSD and CFS (see
Flaherty Aff. ¶ 103), they are separate diagnoses. Flaherty was taking medication for PTSD, and
it is at least conceivable that he could have been accommodated on the job with such a condition.
But he was not taking medication to treat CFS (in all likelihood, because CFS is notoriously
difficult to treat and there is no known cure), and it is highly unlikely that any accommodation

20

was possible. See Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mayo Clinic, available at
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/diagnosistreatment/drc-20360510. Flaherty thus had a powerful motive to conceal his diagnosis of CFS,
as there was a strong likelihood that disclosure would result in the loss of his job.
In short, the Court does not find Flaherty’s explanation for submitting an affidavit that
contradicts his sworn deposition testimony to be satisfactory. It will therefore strike the
references in Flaherty’s affidavit that he disclosed his CFS to Entergy prior to April 29, 2015.
Accordingly, the motion to strike will be granted as to paragraphs 29, 37, 58, 66, 69, 72, 75, 93,
94, and 96, to the extent they refer to CFS.
2.

The Claim That Flaherty Did Not Receive a Diagnosis until 2013

The next category of statements concerns Flaherty’s claim as to when he was diagnosed
with PTSD and CFS. In his deposition, when asked, “when were you first formally diagnosed by
a medical professional with PTSD and chronic fatigue syndrome?” he answered, “[i]t was around
the middle of 2012, June or July, when I was going to all my doctors[’] appointments for the
claim that I put in.” (Flaherty Dep. at 98). 8
Both parties have submitted a copy of the VA letter granting Flaherty’s claim for
disability payments on October 22, 2013. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 105). Flaherty appears to claim
that the VA’s decision constituted his formal diagnosis. But VA rating decisions are clearly not
medical diagnoses—rather, they are eligibility decisions based on diagnoses made by physicians.
See Miller v. Comm’r of Soc. Security, 2018 WL 1357442, at *5 (S.D. Ohio Mar. 16, 2018)
(“The VA Disability Rating System is diagnosis-driven and percentages are assigned based on

8

Similarly, in his MCAD charge, plaintiff stated that he was “rated with chronic fatigue syndrome by [the
VA] in 2012.” (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 102 ¶ 4).

21

diagnoses and certain specific objective or clinical findings.”) (emphasis added). Therefore, for
the VA to grant his disability claim, Flaherty presumably must have been diagnosed with PTSD
and CFS at some point before October 22, 2013.
Flaherty contends that “there is nothing in the record contradicting [his] affidavit that he
was not given a definitive, formal, physician’s diagnoses of these conditions until he received the
October 22, 2013 VA rating decision.” It is true that the evidentiary record does not include a
date of a formal diagnosis. However, the burden is on Flaherty to offer a “satisfactory
explanation” as to why his testimony has changed, and whenever the diagnosis was made, it was
certainly made before October 22, 2013.
Under the circumstances, the Court concludes that Flaherty has not offered a satisfactory
explanation for his change in testimony with respect to statements about when he informed
Entergy of his diagnoses. Accordingly, the motion to strike will be granted as to paragraphs 74,
88, 89, and 99 in their entirety.
B.

Alleged Inaccurate Statements

Entergy also seeks to strike the following statements from Flaherty’s affidavit as
inaccurate representations of documents that speak for themselves:
Paragraph 14: The VA did not issue me a diagnosis of CFS or a VA rating of
disability for my condition until October 22, 2013.
Paragraph 15: I received the VA rating decision and diagnosis in November,
2013.
Paragraph 21: The VA did not issue me a diagnosis of PTSD or a VA rating of
disability for this condition until October 22, 2013.
Paragraph 22: I received the VA rating decision and diagnoses determination in
November, 2013.
Paragraph 65: In response, I made a complaint to Entergy’s ethics hotline,
reporting that I had self reported fatigue as per Entergy’s policy, that Entergy

22

failed to conduct a Fatigue Assessment per its policy, and instead issued me a 3
day suspension as discipline.
Paragraph 73: Dr. Boyd’s report is also inaccurate in its contention that I did not
disclose my CFS and PTSD diagnosis in annual medical exams.
Paragraph 104: When I discussed my FMLA leave with Entergy’s Human
Resources Department, I discussed both PTSD and CFS.
First, Entergy contends that the word “diagnosis” in paragraphs 14, 15, 21, and 22 should
be struck because the October 22, 2013 VA rating decision did not constitute a diagnosis. For
the reasons set forth above, the Court agrees that Flaherty must have been diagnosed before
October 22, 2013, and will strike references to “diagnosis” from those four paragraphs.
Second, Entergy argues that paragraph 65 misrepresents Flaherty’s April 24, 2015 ethics
hotline complaint, because the case detail report made no mention of failure to conduct a
“Fatigue Assessment.” However, the case detail report was merely a summary of the verbal
complaint made by Flaherty, so it is possible that Entergy’s case investigator simply omitted it.
In addition, the case detail report was prepared by an Entergy employee, not by Flaherty.
Therefore, paragraph 65 will not be struck.
Third, Entergy contends that paragraph 73 should be struck because there is no evidence
that Flaherty disclosed his diagnoses in his annual medical history questionnaires and medical
examinations. It is undisputed that Flaherty failed to disclose either his PTSD or CFS in his
2012, 2013, and 2014 annual medical questionnaires. In addition, physician notes at the end of
each questionnaire only state that Flaherty suffered from back pain. Accordingly, paragraph 73
will be struck.
Fourth, Entergy contends that any mention of CFS should be struck from paragraph 104
because Flaherty’s FMLA paperwork submitted to Entergy’s human resources department did
not mention CFS. The paragraph will be struck, not because it contradicts the paperwork, but

23

because it impermissibly contradicts Flaherty’s deposition testimony, as set forth above.
C.

Alleged Conclusory Statements

Next, Entergy seeks to strike two paragraphs that it contends constitute argument
and conclusory statements:
Paragraph 60: I cooperated with Dr. Peters fully and answered all of his questions
completely and truthfully.
Paragraph 76: The May 2015 report of Entergy’s psychological examiner
Lawrence Baker is false and inaccurate in many ways.
The Court agrees that paragraph 76 reflects opinion and argument rather than admissible facts.
Accordingly, that paragraph will be struck. However, to the extent paragraph 60 reflects
Flaherty’s understanding of his discussion with Dr. Peters, it is admissible.
D.

Alleged Hearsay

Entergy also seeks to strike two paragraphs that it contends rely on inadmissible hearsay:
Paragraph 59: Dr. Peters and I discussed my CFS and PTSD conditions and
symptoms at great length.
Paragraph 97: Entergy’s Human Resources representative had informed me that
Entergy’s Access Authorization department would be notified of my diagnoses,
but that my supervisors would not be so notified.
Flaherty contends that paragraph 59 is offered not for the truth of the matter asserted, but
rather as proof that Entergy was aware of his diagnoses. On that basis, paragraph 59 will not be
struck. Paragraph 97 contains a statement by an opposing party and is therefore not hearsay, and
will not be struck on that basis.
E.

Alleged Lack of Personal Knowledge

Finally, Entergy seeks to strike four paragraphs that it contends are not based on
Flaherty’s personal knowledge:
Paragraph 38: Like my own medical providers, and with full knowledge of my

24

CFS and PTSD diagnoses, Entergy’s medical and psychological evaluator
assigned by Access Authorization determined that I was fit for duty and that I
remained qualified for unescorted access to the Pilgrim facility.
Paragraph 40: I understood that the Questionnaire would be shared with my
supervisors, not necessarily with Access Authorization, who I understood had
already been made aware of my CFS and PTSD diagnoses by Human Resources
and Entergy’s medical and psychological evaluator who had just evaluated me for
unescorted access in the same month (July 2014).
Paragraph 53: I believed that Entergy’s failure to conduct a Fatigue Assessment
on I [sic] was a breach of Entergy’s Fatigue Assessment Policy.
Paragraph 105: CFS is a diagnosis also known as fibromyalgia or myalgia; my
doctors use these terms interchangeably.
It is unclear exactly which evaluator paragraph 38 is referring to. It could refer to nurse
practitioner Sheila Shea, who approved Flaherty’s return from medical leave in July 2014.
Alternatively, it could refer to George Peters, who Flaherty contends found him fit for
Unescorted Access Authorization in March 2015. Either way, Entergy contends that this
paragraph should be struck because the statement “is purely speculative and [Flaherty] has not
provided any documents to show he had personal knowledge of what Entergy’s medical and
psychological evaluator knew or didn’t know.” (Def. Mem. in Supp. of Mot. to Strike at 14). As
set forth above, Flaherty has not provided any evidence that he disclosed his CFS to Entergy or
its medical evaluators prior to March or April 2015. Accordingly, to the extent it addresses CFS,
paragraph 38 will be struck.
Entergy contends that paragraph 40 should be struck because it is based on Flaherty’s
“beliefs and understanding.” (Id.). However, in the context of Flaherty’s affidavit, it appears
paragraph 40 is referring to certain “representations” made by Entergy’s human resources staff.
Therefore, the statement is based on personal knowledge and is admissible.
Paragraph 53, which states that Flaherty believed Entergy breached its own policy, is a

25

legal conclusion. Accordingly, that paragraph will be struck.
Finally, Entergy argues that paragraph 105 concerns medical information as to which
Flaherty is not qualified to opine. Flaherty is not a trained medical professional and is
unqualified to offer an opinion on this matter. 9 Therefore, paragraph 105 will also be struck.
III.

Analysis – Motion for Summary Judgment
A.

Legal Standard

The role of summary judgment is to “pierce the pleadings and to assess the proof in order
to see whether there is a genuine need for trial.” Mesnick v. General Elec. Co., 950 F.2d 816,
822 (1st Cir. 1991) (quoting Garside v. Osco Drug, Inc., 895 F.2d 46, 50 (1st Cir. 1990)).
Summary judgment is appropriate when the moving party shows that “there is no genuine
dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.
R. Civ. P. 56(a). A genuine issue is “one that must be decided at trial because the evidence,
viewed in the light most flattering to the nonmovant, would permit a rational fact finder to
resolve the issue in favor of either party.” Medina-Munoz v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., 896
F.2d 5, 8 (1st Cir. 1990) (citation omitted). In evaluating a summary judgment motion, the court
indulges all reasonable inferences in favor of the nonmoving party. See O'Connor v. Steeves,
994 F.2d 905, 907 (1st Cir. 1993). When “a properly supported motion for summary judgment is
made, the adverse party must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for
trial.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 250 (1986) (quotations omitted). The
nonmoving party may not simply “rest upon mere allegation or denials of his pleading,” but

9
Some cases have suggested that fibromyalgia (or myalgia) and CFS are related, but distinct diagnoses.
See Cook v. Liberty Life Assur. Co. of Boston, 320 F.3d 11, 15 n.4 (1st Cir. 2003) (“Fibromyalgia is a disorder
characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points.”); Lamanna v. Special Agents
Mut. Benefits Ass’n, 546 F. Supp. 2d 261, 270 n.8 (W.D Pa. 2008) (“Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as
immune dysfunction syndrome, is a condition of prolonged and severe fatigue which is not relieved by rest and is
not directly caused by other conditions.”).

26

instead must “present affirmative evidence.” Id. at 256-57.
As noted, the complaint brings two claims—Count One alleges disability discrimination
and failure to accommodate in violation of the ADA, and Count Two alleges disability
discrimination and failure to accommodate in violation of the Massachusetts Antidiscrimination
Statute, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B. Because the Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Statute is
analogous to the ADA and is generally construed the same as federal law, the claims will be
addressed in tandem. See Labonte v. Hutchins & Wheeler, 424 Mass. 813, 816 n.5 (1997).
B.

Disability Discrimination

To establish disability discrimination, a plaintiff must prove that he “(1) was disabled
within the meaning of the ADA [and Chapter 151B], (2) was able to perform the essential
functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation, and (3) was discharged by the
employer in whole or in part because of his disability.” Rosado v. Wackenhut Puerto Rico, Inc.,
160 Fed. Appx. 5, 10 (1st Cir. 2010). 10 He may prove the third element, discriminatory
discharge, through direct or indirect evidence. See id.
Where, as here, no direct evidence of discriminatory animus and causation exists, a
plaintiff may establish the necessary elements by circumstantial evidence using the three-stage
burden-shifting method of proof set forth in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792,
802-03 (1973). See Rathbun v. Autozone, Inc., 361 F.3d 62, 71-72 (1st Cir. 2004). Under that
framework, a plaintiff must first establish a prima facie case of discrimination. Straughn v.
Delta Air Lines, Inc., 250 F.3d 23, 33 (1st Cir. 2001). Once a plaintiff establishes a prima facie
case, the burden shifts to the employer to articulate a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for
the adverse employment action. Id. If the employer articulates such a reason, the burden shifts

10

The parties do not dispute that PTSD and chronic fatigue syndrome are “disabilities” within the meaning
of the ADA and Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Statute.

27

back to the plaintiff to show that the proffered reason was mere pretext, and that the true reason
was unlawful discrimination. Id. at 34. Thus, “[a]t the summary judgment stage, the plaintiff
must produce evidence to create a genuine issue of fact with respect to two points: whether the
employer's articulated reason for its adverse action was a pretext and whether the real reason
was . . . discrimination.” Quinones v. Buick, 436 F.3d 284, 289-90 (1st Cir. 2006) (citation and
quotation marks omitted).
1.

Prima Facie Analysis

To establish a prima facie case of discrimination under Title VII, a plaintiff must show
that
(1) he or she is a member of a protected class; (2) possessed the necessary
qualifications and adequately performed his or her job; (3) was nevertheless
dismissed or otherwise suffered an adverse employment action at the hands of his
or her employer; and (4) his or her employer sought someone of roughly
equivalent qualifications to perform substantially the same work.
Aly v. Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of Am., 711 F.3d 34, 46 (1st Cir. 2013).
The crux of the parties’ dispute is over the second element. Entergy contends that
Flaherty was fired because he failed to disclose his medical condition for years, at least until
April 2015. In support, Entergy highlights the fact that Flaherty filled out three annual medical
questionnaires between 2012 and 2014 and did not disclose his PTSD or CFS or any medication
he was taking. (Mem. in Supp. at 16 n.5). He was diagnosed with both PTSD and CFS in mid2012, and never disclosed his CFS to his supervisors, Entergy’s medical evaluators, or anyone
else affiliated with the company, despite his clear obligation to do so and multiple opportunities
and reminders. By concealing his diagnosis—which undoubtedly impacted his ability to work as
a security guard—Flaherty violated NRC regulations requiring that nuclear plant security
personnel demonstrate trustworthiness and reliability. See 10 C.F.R. § 50.5(a)(2). Entergy was

28

well within its rights to strip him of his Unescorted Access Authorization. Without the
Unescorted Access Authorization, he lacked the “necessary qualifications” to perform his job.
See McNelis v. Penn. Power & Light Co., 867 F.3d 411, 415 (3d Cir. 2017) (finding that failure
to maintain access authorization constituted inability to perform the essential functions of
employee’s position). Accordingly, he was “unqualified under the ADA as a matter of law.”
Silver v. Entergy Nuclear Ops., Inc., 290 F. Supp. 3d 234, 246 (S.D.N.Y. 2017). 11
Flaherty contends that his Unescorted Access Authorization was wrongfully revoked. In
his opposition memorandum, he states that Entergy’s reliance on Drs. Boyd and Baker’s reports
was “unreasonable and misplaced” because he had disclosed his PTSD and CFS earlier. (Mem.
in Opp. at 18). As explained above, he has offered some evidence that Entergy’s human
resources department and “Leave Team” were notified of his PTSD in May 2014, nine months
before he cited fatigue in declining to work mandatory overtime. (Pls. Ex. 4, 5). But he has
offered no evidence that Entergy was aware of his CFS, other than his own contradictory
affidavit, the relevant portions of which have been stuck. There is, accordingly, no evidence that
his Unescorted Access Authorization was improperly revoked based on his failure to disclose his
CFS. Flaherty has thus failed to make a prima facie showing of discrimination, warranting
summary judgment as to the discrimination claims.
2.

Entergy’s Stated Reason for Termination Was Not Pretextual

Furthermore, and in any event, Entergy has offered a legitimate, non-discriminatory
reason for its decision to terminate Flaherty, and he has failed to show that the stated reason for
termination was pretextual. Flaherty did not disclose his CFS to anyone at Entergy until

11

“The denial of UAA renders an individual unqualified where, as here, UAA is an essential function of the
job, regardless of whether the individual bringing the claim asserts he is actually disabled or regarded as disabled by
his employer.” Silver, 290 F. Supp. 3d at 246.

29

February 2015, despite the condition’s high likelihood of adversely impacting his ability to serve
as a security officer at a nuclear power plant. (Beabout Dep. at 14-15, 17). After learning of the
CFS, his supervisors initiated an investigation. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 80-81). The Access
Authorization department concluded that he had never informed Entergy of his CFS. (Colburn
Aff. ¶¶ 23-25). After he was evaluated by Drs. Baker and Boyd, Entergy concluded that he had
not been forthcoming about his CFS and revoked his Unescorted Access Authorization. (Id. Exs.
L, M). Without that authorization, he could no longer work as a security officer and was
terminated. (Id. Ex. N).
Flaherty has offered no admissible evidence in support of his contention that his
termination was pretextual. His opposition memorandum solely relies on his affidavit’s claims
that he disclosed the CFS diagnosis in mid-2014. (Mem. in Opp. at 22). However, those
statements have been struck. Accordingly, the motion for summary judgment will be granted as
to Count One.
C.

Failure to Accommodate
1.

Whether Accommodation Was Possible

Flaherty further contends that Entergy failed to accommodate his disability. At the
summary judgment stage, a plaintiff “must produce enough evidence for a reasonable jury to find
that (1) he is disabled within the meaning of the ADA, (2) he was able to perform the essential
functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, and (3) [his employer], despite
knowing of [his] disability, did not reasonably accommodate it.” Rocafort v. IBM Corp., 334
F.3d 115, 119 (1st Cir. 2003).
In his opposition, Flaherty relies on two arguments. First, he reiterates his earlier
contention that Entergy was aware of both his PTSD and CFS diagnoses, and cleared him to

30

return to work after his FMLA leave. However, he has not provided any evidence to show that
Entergy was informed of his CFS.
Second, and more importantly, Flaherty contends that he did not “constitute an
unreasonable risk to the public health and safety or the common defense and security, including
the potential to commit radiological sabotage.” (Mem. in Opp. at 25). He alleges that the PTSD
and CFS did not interfere with his ability to serve as a security officer. This argument is
unavailing for multiple reasons.
As described above, Entergy revoked his Unescorted Access Authorization for lack of
trustworthiness, based (at a minimum) on his failure to disclose his CFS diagnosis. That
authorization was an essential requirement to his job, and thus he was categorically barred from
continuing as a security officer, even if an accommodation was possible.
In addition, the VA had already determined Flaherty was 70% disabled by July 5, 2012.
(Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 140). That disability rating later increased to 90% on November 25, 2015,
and 100% on January 6, 2017. (Id. at 126, 140). Flaherty has not posited, and the Court is
unaware of, any reasonable accommodation that would allow an individual who is substantially
disabled by both PTSD and CFS to guard a nuclear reactor while carrying a firearm.
Finally, Flaherty is wholly unqualified to substitute his own opinion and judgment in
place of qualified professionals to determine whether he was fit for duty. See 10 C.F.R. § 73,
App. B(2)(b) (“A licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician trained in part to identify
emotional instability shall determine whether armed members of the security organization . . .
have no emotional instability that would interfere with the effective performance of assigned
duties and responsibilities.”). It is generally not the place of courts, let alone lay persons, to
question the judgment of informed medical professionals. See Murphy v. United Parcel Serv.,

31

Inc., 527 U.S. 516, 522 (1999) (“Had a physician examined petitioner . . . we would not secondguess that decision.”). And after Drs. Baker and Boyd had rendered their opinions, both parties
were barred from seeking a second determination. See 10 C.F.R. § 26.189(d) (“Neither the
individual nor licensees . . . may seek a second determination of fitness if a determination of
fitness . . . has already been performed by a qualified professional.”).
To the extent Flaherty’s failure-to-accommodate claims arise out of Entergy’s purported
failure “to engage in an interactive process,” that argument must also fail. “[L]iability for failure
to engage in an interactive process ‘depends on a finding that, had a good faith interactive
process occurred, the parties could have found a reasonable accommodation that would enable
the disabled person to perform the job's essential functions.’” Jones v. Nationwide Life Ins.
Co.¸696 F.3d 78, 91 (1st Cir. 2012) (quoting Kvorjak v. Maine, 259 F.3d 48, 52 (1st Cir. 2001)).
Perhaps if Flaherty had timely disclosed his diagnoses, the parties could have developed an
accommodation. However, by concealing a condition that was likely to materially impact his
ability to work as a security officer, he lost his Unescorted Access Authorization, making it
impossible to perform the essential functions of his job. See Jones v. Walgreen Co., 679 F.3d 9,
20 (1st Cir. 2012).
2.

Whether Plaintiff Administratively Exhausted His Claims

Summary judgment will be granted on Count Two as to the failure-to-accommodate
claims because those claims were not administratively exhausted. “[T]he ADA mandates
compliance with the administrative procedures specified in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, and that, absent special circumstances, . . . , such compliance must
occur before a federal court may entertain a suit that seeks recovery for an alleged violation of
Title I of the ADA.” Bonilla v. Muebles J.J. Alvarez, Inc., 194 F.3d 275, 277 (1st Cir. 1999); see

32

also Rivera-Diaz v. Humana Ins. of P.R., Inc., 748 F.3d 387, 389 (1st Cir. 2014) (“Claims of
employment discrimination and retaliation under the ADA are subject to the procedural
requirements of Title VII.”).
Title VII requires that before filing suit, a plaintiff must file a claim with the EEOC
“‘within one hundred and eighty days after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred’
or within 300 days if ‘the person aggrieved has initially instituted proceedings with [an
authorized] state or local agency,’” in this case the MCAD. Bonilla, 194 F.3d at 278 (quoting 42
U.S.C. § 2000e-5(e)). The employee may sue in federal court only if the EEOC or MCAD
dismisses the administrative charge, or if he does not bring civil suit or enter into a conciliation
agreement within 180 days of the filing of the administrative charge. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5(f)(1);
see also Franceschi v. U.S. Dep’t of Veterans Affairs, 514 F.3d 81, 85 (1st Cir. 2008). “In either
case, the EEOC must send the employee notice, in the form of what is known as a right-to-sue
letter.” Franceschi, 514 F.3d at 85; see also Goldstein v. Brigham & Women's Faulkner Hosp.,
Inc., 80 F. Supp. 3d 317, 323-24 (D. Mass. 2015) (“[A] plaintiff cannot file a federal claim until
she has received a notice of right-to-sue from the EEOC, which is provided upon dismissal by
the EEOC or at the request of the plaintiff after the EEOC has had the complaint for 180
days.”). 12
The administrative-exhaustion requirement extends to claims under Mass. Gen. Laws ch.
151B. See Lattimore v. Polaroid Corp., 99 F.3d 456, 464 (1st Cir. 1996) (“Both Title VII and
Chapter 151B require an employee to file an administrative charge as a prerequisite to
commencing a civil action for employment discrimination.”). Because “[t]hat purpose would be
frustrated if the employee were permitted to allege one thing in the administrative charge and

12

The parties have not submitted the right-to-sue letter. However, there is a letter from plaintiff’s counsel
addressed to the EEOC requesting a right-to-sue letter. (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 95).

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later allege something entirely different in a subsequent civil action[,]” “in employment
discrimination cases, ‘[t]he scope of the civil complaint is . . . limited by the charge filed with the
[MCAD] and the investigation which can reasonably be expected to grow out of that charge.’”
Id. (quoting Powers v. Grinnell Corp., 915 F.2d 34, 38 (1st Cir. 1990)).
The MCAD charge filed by Flaherty says nothing whatsoever about any failure to
accommodate; it solely alleges discrimination on the basis of disability. Even allowing for
reasonable inferences, there is no basis to construe the MCAD charge as including an allegation
of a failure to accommodate.
Flaherty contends that because he cited Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B, § 4(16) in his MCAD
charge, Entergy was provided sufficient notice of his failure to accommodate claims. That
argument is unavailing. A threadbare recitation to a broad statutory provision does not support
the conclusion that the MCAD charge included allegations of failure to accommodate,
particularly where the charge specified that Flaherty “was discriminated against by [Entergy] on
the basis of Disability” and “charge[d] the Respondent with discrimination on the basis of
disability.” (Keith Decl. Ex. 2 at 102-03). To the extent Flaherty relies on the fact that he was
proceeding pro se when he filed the MCAD charge, even pro se litigants must comply with
procedural and substantive law. See Cummings v. Pearson Educ., Inc., 2006 WL 151880, at *2
(D. Mass. Jan. 18, 2006) (citing Lefebvre v. Comm’r of Internal Revenue Serv., 830 F.2d 417,
419 (1st Cir. 1987)).
Because the failure to accommodate claims are beyond the scope of the MCAD charge,
Flaherty “failed to fulfill the exhaustion requirement necessary to maintain his Title VII and
Chapter 151B [failure to accommodate] claims.” Camarck v. Nat’l R.R. Passenger Corp., 486 F.
Supp. 2d 58, 97 (D. Mass. 2007). Accordingly, summary judgment will be granted as to Count

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Two.
V.

Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons, the motion of defendant Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. to

strike is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part, and the motion for summary judgment is
GRANTED.
So Ordered.

/s/ F. Dennis Saylor
F. Dennis Saylor IV
United States District Judge

Dated: July 9, 2018

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