# Crawford

> District Court, N.D. Alabama · December 23, 2025

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/11231045

## Case

- **Full name:** Anthony Crawford v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
- **Court:** District Court, N.D. Alabama
- **Decided:** December 23, 2025
- **Opinion:** 100trialcourt
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION

ANTHONY CRAWFORD, }
}
Plaintiff, }
}
v. } Case No. 2:24-cv-1692-EGL
}
FRANK BISIGNANO, }
COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL }
SECURITY, 1 }
}
Defendant. }

MEMORANDUM OPINION
Anthony Crawford has asked the Court to review a final adverse decision of
the Commissioner of Social Security. The Commissioner denied Crawford’s claims
for supplemental security income (SSI) based on an Administrative Law Judge’s
finding that Crawford was not disabled. Crawford argues that the ALJ improperly
evaluated the opinions of several consultative doctors, erroneously assessed
Crawford’s subjective symptoms of the limiting effects of his vision impairment,
and wrongly determined his residual functional capacity to work despite his

1 On May 6, 2025, Frank Bisignano became the Commissioner of the Social Security
Administration. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(d), the Court substitutes
Commissioner Bisignano as the defendant in this action. See FED. R. CIV. P. 25(d) (Although the
public officer’s “successor is automatically substituted as a party” when the predecessor no longer
holds office, the “court may order substitution at any time ….”).
impairments. After reviewing the administrative record, for the reasons discussed
below, the Court affirms the decision of the Commissioner.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
To succeed in his administrative proceedings, Crawford had to prove he was
disabled. Raper v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., 89 F.4th 1261, 1273 (11th Cir. 2024). “A

claimant is disabled if he is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason
of a medically-determinable impairment that can be expected to result in death or
which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12
months.” Gaskin v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., 533 F. App’x 929, 930 (11th Cir. 2013)

(citing 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A)).2
An ALJ follows a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine
whether a claimant has proven that he is disabled. Raper, 89 F.4th at 1273. The ALJ

must evaluate
(1) whether the claimant engaged in substantial gainful work; (2)
whether the claimant has a severe impairment; (3) whether the severe
impairment meets or equals an impairment in the Listings of
Impairments; (4) whether the claimant has the residual functional
capacity (“RFC”) to perform [his] past relevant work; and (5) whether,

2 Title II of the Social Security Act governs applications for benefits under the Social Security
Administration’s disability insurance program. Title XVI of the Act governs applications for SSI.
“For all individuals applying for disability benefits under title II, and for adults applying under
title XVI, the definition of disability is the same.” Social Security Administration, Disability
Evaluation Under Social Security, www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/general-
info.htm.
in the light of the claimant’s RFC, age, education, and work experience,
other jobs exist in the national economy the claimant can perform.

Portwood-Braun v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., No. 22-11491, 2023 WL 2417856, at *1
(11th Cir. Mar. 9, 2023) (citing 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(a)(4)); see Winschel v.
Comm’r, Soc. Sec., 631 F.3d 1176, 1178 (11th Cir. 2011). “The claimant has the
burden of proof with respect to the first four steps.” Wright v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec.,
327 F. App’x 135, 136-37 (11th Cir. 2009). “Under the fifth step, the burden shifts
to the Commissioner to show that the claimant can perform other jobs that exist in

the national economy.” Id. at 137.
Crawford applied for SSI benefits in September 2021. Doc. 10-2 at 252.3
Crawford initially alleged that his disability began in February 2020 but later

amended his alleged onset date to September 17, 2021. Doc. 10-2 at 49-50, 252. The
Commissioner initially denied Crawford’s claim, and Crawford requested a hearing
before an ALJ. Doc. 10-2 at 133-134, 155-157, 173-174. Crawford and his attorney
attended a telephone hearing with an ALJ on January 3, 2024. Doc. 10-2 at 45. A

vocational expert testified at the hearing, (Doc. 10-2 at 63-65), and a different
vocational expert later submitted vocational interrogatories, (Doc. 10-2 at 359-362).

3 Crawford also applied for disability insurance benefits, (Doc. 10-2 at 250), but dismissed that
application at the administrative hearing, (Doc. 10-2 at 49-50).
The ALJ issued an unfavorable decision on May 14, 2024. Doc. 10-2 at 26-
37. On October 24, 2024, the Appeals Council declined Crawford’s request for

review, (Doc. 10-2 at 4-7), making the Commissioner’s decision final and ripe for
judicial review. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
EVIDENCE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD

Crawford’s Medical Records
To support his application, Crawford relied on medical records relating to the
diagnoses and treatment of bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis with uveitic
glaucoma, right eye blindness, glaucoma of the left eye, bilateral carpal tunnel

syndrome, left shoulder arthropathy, major depressive disorder, ethanol abuse, and
cannabis use. The Court has reviewed Crawford’s complete medical history and
summarizes the following medical records because they are most relevant to this

appeal.
Vision Impairments
In July 2020, Crawford’s suffered from recurrent bilateral granulomatous
anterior uveitis and uveitic glaucoma. Doc. 10-2 at 393-394. Crawford reported

stable vision in his left eye. Id. at 393. He could not tolerate Diamox but treated his
glaucoma with Cosopt and Brimonidine eye drops. Id. at 393, 394. On July 16, 2020,
Crawford underwent a cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement in his left

eye. Id. at 397-402. At a September 2020 follow up, Crawford’s left eye was “doing
great” after the cataract surgery, his implanted lens was “in good position,” and he
had full confrontational fields in both eyes. Doc. 10-2 at 410-16. Crawford’s right

eye was inflamed on a September 2020 visit but less inflamed on an October 2020
visit. Id. at 415, 422, 424.
In December 2020, Crawford’s left eye lens was clear; the uncorrected

distance and intermediate visual acuity in his left eye was 20/60-1, and pinhole
acuity was 20/40; his confrontational visual fields in both eyes were full to finger
counting; his right eye lens had extensive synechiae and a hazy, poor view; and his
right eye pressure had increased to 40 from 30 a month prior. Id. at 381, 382, 384,

386, 436, 453. His diagnoses included ocular hypertension in this right eye and
bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis with uveitic glaucoma. Id. at 384-385.
Crawford continued Cosopt eye drops. Id. at 388. Dr. Atik recommended a shunt

procedure for Crawford’s right eye glaucoma. Id. at 387, 456.
In January 2021, Crawford underwent a shunt procedure with synechiolysis
for glaucoma in his right eye. Id. at 389-392. At post-op visits in January 2021,
Crawford reported pain in his right eye, and his right eye pressure was 32. Id. at 460,

464, 469. Crawford’s left eye lens capsule, cortex, and nucleus were clear. Id. at 469.
In February 2021, Crawford had “nuclear sclerosis 2+” in his right eye lens and
increased right eye pressure. Doc. 10-3 at 1, 15. At February and March 2021 follow-

up visits, Crawford’s distance and intermediate visual acuity in his left eye was
20/50-2 and 20/50. Id. at 8, 18. In March 2021, Crawford had full confrontational
fields in his left eye, but he could not see fingers with his right eye. Id. at 20. In April

2021, Crawford reported no pain in his right eye but had a “hazy white cataract” and
ocular hypertension in that eye. Id. at 30, 33.
In June and July 2021, Crawford had 20/40 distance and intermediate visual

acuity and full confrontational fields in his left eye. Id. at 48, 49, 59, 68. The July
2021 medical notes indicate that his doctor wanted to hold off on surgery for
Crawford’s right eye cataract partly because he had “one good seeing eye.” Id. at 70.
At an ophthalmology visit in April 2022, Crawford complained that his eyes were

“throbbing.” Id. at 198. His uncorrected left eye distance and intermediate visual
acuity was 20/100-3, but he had full confrontational fields in his left eye. Id. at 200,
215. To treat his glaucoma, doctors prescribed Crawford multiple eye drops to

administer up to eight times a day. Id. at 212-213, 230.
A May 2022 treatment note indicates that Crawford’s left eye lens was in
“good position” but had “opacity across the lens surface.” Id. at 234. In June and
August 2022, Crawford had confrontational fields full to finger counting in both

eyes. Id. at 244-245; Doc. 10-4 at 3. Crawford reported pain and discomfort in both
eyes in November 2022 and had “abnormal field to finger counting” in his right eye.
Doc. 10-4 at 52. In December 2022, Crawford reported falling five times the prior

year because of his vision. Id. at 80. He had recurrent inflammation in his right eye
and worsening inflammation in his left eye, and his left eye pressure was “too high.”
Id. at 76, 86, 88, 98.

In January 2023, Crawford’s uveitis was “better,” and his eye pressure was
“OK.” Id. at 127, 129. At a February 2023 follow up, his right eye pressure was
better, but inflammation was worse. Id. at 160, 163. Crawford’s eye pressure was

“great” in April 2023 while taking Diamox 500 mg. Doc. 10-5 at 17. In May 2023,
Crawford’s best corrected distance visual acuity in his left eye was 20/40, and his
best corrected reading or close work visual acuity in that eye was 20/50. Doc. 10-4
at 180. His right eye pressure was better. Id. at 446. His confrontational fields were

full to finger counting in both eyes, and he had “some pigment” on his left eye lens.
Id. at 187. In June 2023, Crawford underwent a shunt revision for his right eye
cataract. Id. at 193-201. At a post-op examination, Crawford could see light in his

right eye, had stable vision, and had confrontational fields full to finger counting in
both eyes. Id. at 233, 236. Crawford’s doctor restarted Cosopt eye drops because his
right eye pressure was “too high.” Id. at 431. In September 2023, Crawford’s visual
acuity in his right eye was better, but treatment notes indicated that he had been on

medications for “quite some time without resolution of inflammation.” Id. at 335,
338. The inflammation in both of his eyes was “improving.” Id. at 358, 361. His
vision was stable in October 2023. Id. at 304.
Treatment notes from December 2023 indicated that Crawford’s uveitis
symptoms included blurry vision, eye pain, and itchiness and that he had “received

multiple rounds of steroid eye drops” and had taken various doses of oral Prednisone
for years. Id. at 238. Crawford’s visual acuity in his left eye was 20/40+3. Id. at 253.
His confrontational field in his left eye was full to finger counting, but he could not

see fingers with his right eye. Id. at 255.
Depression
In July 2021, Crawford reported that he experienced “some depression” after
the death of his son. Doc. 10-3 at 151. Crawford stated that he did not have anxiety

and that his “concentration is fine.” Id. His mental status exam was normal. Id. at
153. Crawford was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and prescribed
Cymbalta, Seroquel, and Remeron. Doc. 10-3 at 154. Crawford reported in April

2022 that his depression “began around 2020 when he lost vision in his right eye.”
Id. at 190. He indicated that he worried about “financial stressors” and “going
completely blind.” Id. Crawford rated his depression at a “5/10 at worse” and
indicated that he had “more good days than bad.” Id. at 191. His mental status exam

was “[u]nremarkable.” Id. at 193. Crawford denied difficulty concentrating in
August 2022. Doc. 10-4 at 19, 21.
In October and December 2022, he reported no problems with mental

functioning, and his mental status exams were normal. Id. at 39, 41, 111, 114.
Crawford reported moderate depression symptoms and poor concentration and focus
in July 2023. Id. at 386. Treatment notes indicated that Crawford’s caregiver

reported that Crawford was compliant with his depression medications, drank
alcohol until he passed out, and had been falling. Doc. 10-4 at 392.
Dr. Kenneth Randall Smith’s Consultative Vision Examination

At the request of the Social Security Administration, Dr. Kenneth Randall
Smith examined Crawford’s visual acuity in December 2020. Doc. 10-2 at 364, 367-
372. Dr. Smith indicated that Crawford’s distance and reading visual acuity with
best correction in his right eye was “CF,” or the ability to count fingers. Id. at 367;

see Doc. 10-5 at 60. Crawford’s best corrected distance visual acuity in his left eye
was 20/50-2, and his best corrected reading or close work visual acuity was 20/125.
Id. Dr. Smith noted that Crawford had restricted visual field and normal muscle

function in both eyes. Id. Dr. Smith’s diagnoses included bilateral chronic uveitis
and glaucoma. Id. at 368, 370. Dr. Smith recommended that Crawford take low
visual acuity precautions in the workplace. Id. at 368.
In May 2023, Dr. Smith conducted a second visual examination of Crawford

at the Social Security Administration’s request. Doc. 10-4 at 179-184. Dr. Smith
noted that Crawford’s best corrected distance and reading or close work visual acuity
in his right eye was 20/LP. Id. at 180. Crawford’s best corrected distance visual

acuity in his left eye was 20/40, and his best corrected reading and close work visual
acuity was 20/50. Id. Dr. Smith noted that Crawford’s right eye pressure was 58, and
his left eye pressure was 34; Dr. Smith wrote that Crawford needed to follow up with

his glaucoma specialist “ASAP.” Id. at 182. Dr. Smith recommended that Crawford
take low visual acuity precautions in the workplace. Id. at 181.
Dr. Pauline Hightower’s Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment

On July 11, 2022, at the request of the Social Security Administration, Dr.
Hightower reviewed Crawford’s medical records and evaluated his mental residual
functional capacity. Doc. 10-2 at 77-78, 82-83. Dr. Hightower opined that Crawford
was not significantly limited in his ability to carry out short, simple instructions;

sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision; work in coordination with
or in proximity to others without being distracted; and make simple work-related
decisions. Id. at 83. Dr. Hightower opined that Crawford had moderate limitations

in his ability to carry out detailed instructions; maintain attention and concentration
for extended periods; perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular
attendance, and be punctual; and complete a normal workday and workweek without
interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and perform at a consistent pace

without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods. Id. at 83.
Dr. Hightower explained that Crawford could “carry out short and simple
instructions and attend and concentrate for 2 hour periods on simple tasks with
customary breaks and rest during the regular workday” and might “miss 1-2 days a
month of work due to psychiatric signs and symptoms.” Id.

Dr. Rachel Harvey’s Consultative Visual Examination
In August 2022, at the request of the Social Security Administration, Dr.
Harvey examined Crawford’s visual acuity. Doc. 10-3 at 251-255. Crawford’s best

corrected visual acuity in his left eye was 20/40; he had color perception in his left
eye but had “light perception only” in his right eye; and he had normal muscle
function in both eyes. Id. at 252-253. Dr. Harvey indicated that Crawford’s prognosis
was poor for his right eye but good for his left eye with continued medical care. Id.

at 253.
Dr. Eric Wiener’s Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment
On April 24, 2023, at the request of the Social Security Administration, Dr.

Wiener reviewed Crawford’s medical records and assessed his mental residual
functional capacity. Doc. 10-2 at 100-101, 103-104. Dr. Wiener opined that
Crawford had mild limitations in his ability to understand, remember, and apply
information; interact with others; and adapt or manage himself. Id. at 100. Like Dr.

Hightower, Dr. Wiener assessed that Crawford had moderate limitations in his
ability to concentrate, persist, and maintain pace. Id. at 100. Dr. Wiener opined that
Crawford did not have memory and understanding limitations and was not

significantly limited in his ability to carry out short and simple instructions; perform
activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual; sustain an
ordinary routine without special supervision; work with others without being

distracted by them; and make simple work-related decisions. Id. at 104. Dr. Wiener
agreed with Dr. Hightower that Crawford was moderately limited in his ability to
carry out detailed instructions; maintain attention and concentration for extended

periods; and complete a workday and workweek without interruptions from
psychologically based symptoms and perform a consistent pace without an
unreasonable number and length of rest periods. Id. Dr. Wiener explained that
Crawford “seemed capable of performing simple, repetitive tasks with brief lapses

of focus and with low productivity demands.” Id.
Crawford’s Function Report
At the request of the Social Security Administration, Crawford completed an

adult function report in March 2023. Doc. 10-2 at 301-308. Crawford reported that
his “very limited sight” and inability to drive limited his ability to work. Id. at 301,
304. He indicated that he did not prepare meals because he could not “read boxes,”
could not see colors, and could not differentiate money or make change. Id. at 303.

Crawford reported that his vision impairments affected his depth perception on his
right side and his ability to walk alone, climb stairs, and complete tasks. Id. at 306.
He wrote that he could pay attention, finish what he started, follow simple written

and oral instructions, and had no issues with memory or concentration. Id.
Administrative Hearing
The ALJ held Crawford’s telephone administrative hearing on January 3,

2024. Doc. 10-2 at 45. Crawford testified that he could not work “simply because of
[his] eyesight.” Id. at 50. He stated that he lost sight in his right eye and had “good
days and bad days in [his] left eye.” Id. Crawford explained that because of his vision

impairments, he could not drive, bumped into things, had cloudy vision in his left
eye, applied steroid drops in his left eye hourly each day, wore dark sunglasses inside
and outside because of light sensitivity, watched television from two or three feet
away, and needed someone with him if he went outside. Id. at 51-52, 58, 61. He

indicated that when he went outside, his eye pressure increased, causing cloudiness
and itching in his eye that sometimes took a day to resolve. Id. at 51, 56, 60.
Crawford testified that if he did not have vision impairment, he would be working.

Id. at 53.
Vocational expert Eric Anderson testified during Crawford’s administrative
hearing. Id. at 63. VE Anderson classified Crawford’s past work as a kitchen helper
as medium, unskilled work with a reasoning level of 2.4 Id. In response to Crawford’s

4 The Department of Labor has published the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), which the
Social Security Administration “frequently relies on.” Washington v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 906
F.3d 1353, 1356 (11th Cir. 2018). The DOT “list[s] occupations existing in the economy and
explain[s] some of the physical and mental requirements of those occupations.” Thomas v.
Berryhill, 916 F.3d 307, 309 n.1 (4th Cir. 2019). Relevant here, the DOT provides six levels of
reasoning development, with level 6 occupations requiring the highest degree of reasoning skills
and level 1 the lowest. A job with a reasoning level of 2 requires “commonsense understanding to
carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions” and to “[d]eal with problems
attorney’s hypothetical, VE Anderson testified that no jobs were available for an
individual who could not avoid common workplace hazards. Id. at 64-65. Because

the ALJ had questions regarding the extent of Crawford’s vision limitations based
on the consultative examinations in the record, the ALJ did not pose hypotheticals
to the vocational expert at the hearing. Id. at 63. Instead, the ALJ consulted a vision

medical expert to better understand Crawford’s vision impairments.
Dr. Lawrence Schaffzin’s Medical Interrogatories and Medical Statement
After the administrative hearing, at the request of the ALJ, board certified
ophthalmologist Dr. Schaffzin reviewed Crawford’s medical records provided by

the Social Security Administration and completed medical interrogatories and a
medical statement on January 10, 2024. Doc. 10-5 at 47, 50-60. Citing Crawford’s
extensive medical records, Dr. Schaffzin found that Crawford suffered from bilateral

chronic granulomatous anterior uveitis with uveitic glaucoma. Id. at 57, 60. Dr.
Schaffzin opined that Crawford’s impairments did not meet or medically equal a
vision impairment described in the Listing of Impairments because his visual acuity
was better than 20/200, he had full field of vision in his left eye, and his “mean

deviation [was] better than -22.” Id. at 58, 60.

involving a few concrete variables in or from standardized situations.” Dictionary of Occupational
Titles, Appendix C - Components of the Definition Trailer, 1991 WL 688702 (G.P.O). A reasoning
level of 1 requires “commonsense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions”
and to “[d]eal with standardized situations with occasional or no variables in or from these
situations encountered on the job.” Id.
Dr. Schaffzin found that despite blindness in his right eye, Crawford had
“minimal limitation of depth perception overall” and could “perform any task

requiring fair to good depth perception.” Id. at 59. Dr. Schaffzin assessed that
Crawford had “no visual limitations” in his left eye and could avoid ordinary hazards
in the workplace, read “very small” newspaper and book print, view a computer

screen, “determine difference in shape and color of small objects,” shop, travel
without a companion for assistance, ambulate without an assistive device, climb a
few steps at a reasonable pace using a handrail, and prepare simple meals and feed
himself. Id. at 53, 55, 60. Dr. Schaffzin opined that Crawford should never climb

ladders or scaffolds; occasionally could tolerate unprotected heights and moving
mechanical parts; and should avoid “concentrated exposure to hazards such as
heights and dangerous machinery.” Id. at 53, 54, 59.

Vocational Expert Interrogatories
The ALJ asked vocational expert Marissa Howell to review Crawford’s
medical record and submit interrogatory answers regarding the jobs that Crawford
could perform despite his impairments. Doc. 10-2 at 358-362. VE Howell classified

Crawford’s past work as a dishwasher as medium exertion, unskilled work with a
reasoning level of 2. Id. at 360. The ALJ in Interrogatory 7 asked VE Howell to
assume a hypothetical individual with the same age, education, and work experience

as Crawford with the following limitations:
He can occasionally climb ramps and stairs. He can frequently balance,
stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. He should avoid ladders, ropes,
scaffolds, unprotected heights, hazardous machines, open bodies of
water, and commercial driving. He can have occasional exposure to
extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, vibration, and pulmonary
irritants such as fumes, odors, dusts, gasses, and poorly ventilated areas.
He can frequently handle, finger, and feel. He can understand,
remember, and carry out simple instructions.

Id. VE Howell indicated that the individual could not perform Crawford’s past work
but could perform light, unskilled work with a reasoning level of 2 as a garment
sorter with 252,000 available jobs nationally, a ticket marker with 2,451,000
available jobs nationally, or an usher with 54,970 available jobs nationally. Id. at
360-61.
ALJ DECISION
On May 14, 2024, the ALJ issued a decision that concluded that Crawford
was not disabled. Doc. 10-2 at 26-37. The ALJ found that Crawford had not engaged
in substantial gainful activity since his alleged onset date. Id. at 29.5 The ALJ
determined that Crawford suffered from the severe impairments of bilateral
granulomatous anterior uveitis with uveitic glaucoma bilaterally, right eye blindness,
glaucoma of the left eye, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder arthropathy,
major depressive disorder, ethanol abuse, and cannabis use. Id. Based on a review

5 The ALJ indicated that Crawford alleged disability as of his amended onset date of September
17, 2021, but stated that Crawford had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since February
17, 2020, his initial disability onset date. Doc. 10-2 at 29.
of the medical evidence, the ALJ concluded that Crawford did not have an
impairment or a combination of impairments that met or medially equaled the

severity of the listed impairments in 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1. Doc.
10-2 at 30.
Considering Crawford’s impairments, the ALJ evaluated his residual

functional capacity. Id. at 31-35. The ALJ determined that Crawford had the RFC to
perform:
light work ... except [h]e can occasionally climb ramps and stairs. He
can frequently balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. He should
avoid ladders, ropes, scaffolds, unprotected heights, hazardous
machines, open bodies of water, and commercial driving. He can have
occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity,
vibration, and pulmonary irritants such as fumes, odors, dusts, gasses,
and poorly ventilated areas. He can frequently handle, finger, and feel.
He can understand, remember, and carry out simple instructions.

Id. at 31.
Based on this RFC and relying on VE Howell’s interrogatory answers, the
ALJ concluded that Crawford could not perform his past relevant work as a kitchen
helper. Id. at 35. The ALJ also found that based on VE Howell’s interrogatory
answers, other jobs existed in significant numbers in the national economy that
Crawford could perform, including garment sorter, ticket marker, and usher. Id. at
36. Accordingly, the ALJ determined that Crawford was not disabled as defined by
the Social Security Act. Id. at 37.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The scope of review in this matter is limited. “When, as in this case, the ALJ

denies benefits and the Appeals Council denies review,” a district court “review[s]
the ALJ’s ‘factual findings with deference’ and [his] ‘legal conclusions with close
scrutiny.’” Riggs v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., 522 F. App’x 509, 510-11 (11th Cir. 2013)

(quoting Doughty v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 1274, 1278 (11th Cir. 2001)).
A district court must determine whether substantial evidence in the record
supports the ALJ’s factual findings. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). “The phrase ‘substantial
evidence’ is a ‘term of art’ used throughout administrative law to describe how courts

are to review agency factfinding. Under the substantial-evidence standard, a court
looks to an existing administrative record and asks whether it contains ‘sufficien[t]
evidence’ to support the agency’s factual determinations.” Biestek v. Berryhill, 587

U.S. 97, 102-03 (2019) (quoting T-Mobile South, LLC v. Roswell, 574 U.S. 293, 301
(2015), and Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938)).
Substantial evidence means “‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might
accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Biestek, 587 U.S. at 103 (quoting

Consolidated Edison Co., 305 U.S. at 229). When evaluating the administrative
record, a district court may not “decide the facts anew, reweigh the evidence,” or
substitute its judgment for that of the ALJ. Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1178 (internal

quotations and citations omitted). If substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s factual
findings, then a district court “must affirm even if the evidence preponderates against
the Commissioner’s findings.” Costigan v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., 603 F. App’x 783, 786

(11th Cir. 2015) (citing Crawford, 363 F.3d at 1158-59); see also Mitchell v. Comm’r,
Soc. Sec., 771 F.3d 780, 782 (11th Cir. 2015).
With respect to an ALJ’s legal conclusions, a district court must determine

whether the ALJ applied the correct legal standards. Hayes v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., No.
24-11434, 2025 WL 1000862, at *6 (11th Cir. Apr. 3, 2025) (quoting Moore v.
Barnhart, 405 F.3d 1208, 1211 (11th Cir. 2005)). The Commission’s “failure to
apply the correct law or to provide the reviewing court with sufficient reasoning for

determining that the proper legal analysis has been conducted mandates reversal.”
Hayes, 2025 WL 1000862, at *6 (quoting Cornelius v. Sullivan, 936 F.2d 1143,
1145-46 (11th Cir. 1991)).

DISCUSSION
Crawford contends that the ALJ made several reversible errors in finding that
Crawford was not disabled. The Court is not persuaded.

Evaluation of Medical Opinions
Crawford argues that the ALJ improperly evaluated the medical opinions of
state agency consultants Dr. Hightower and Dr. Wiener. The Court disagrees. An

ALJ must consider five factors when evaluating the persuasiveness of a medical
opinion: supportability, consistency, relationship with the claimant, specialization,
and “other factors.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.920c(1)-(5); see Harner v. Social Security
Admin., Comm’r, 38 F.4th 892, 897 (11th Cir. 2022). The most important factors are

supportability and consistency, and an ALJ must “explain how [he] considered the
supportability and consistency factors for a medical source’s medical opinions ... in
[his] determination or decision.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.920c(b)(2). When considering the

supportability of a medical opinion, “[t]he more relevant the objective medical
evidence and supporting explanations presented by a medical source are … the more
persuasive the medical opinions … will be.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.920c(c)(1). And when
considering the consistency of a medical opinion, “[t]he more consistent a medical

opinion[] … is with the evidence from other medical sources and nonmedical
sources in the claim, the more persuasive the medical opinion[] … will be.” 20
C.F.R. § 416.920c(c)(2).

The ALJ found Dr. Hightower’s opinion “somewhat persuasive” but
explained that Dr. Hightower’s finding that Crawford “would have multiple
absences [was] not supported by the record” because the “limited treatment records
noted [in the ALJ’s opinion] show[ed] no exacerbation in mental health issues that

would result in absences.” Doc. 10-2 at 34. The ALJ also noted that Crawford’s
“limited treatment notes reflect[ed] no persistent or significant limits” in
concentration, persistence, or pace, and that Crawford “repeatedly exhibit[ed]

normal psychiatric exams,” (Doc. 10-2 at 30), including good memory and good
concentration, (Doc. 10-3 at 101, 105). The ALJ also found Dr. Wiener’s opinion
“somewhat persuasive” but explained that “portions of Dr. Wiener’s opinion [were]

offered in broad undefined terms.” Doc. 10-2 at 34. The ALJ noted that Dr. Weiner
did not define “brief lapses of focus, low productivity, and repetitive tasks” and that
those descriptions are not defined “in resources used as a foundation for vocational

expert testimony.” Id.
In evaluating Dr. Hightower’s opinion, Crawford argues that the ALJ
“provided no explanation” regarding the consistency and supportability of Dr.
Hightower’s opinion that Crawford was moderately limited in his ability to perform

activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within
customary tolerances and to complete a normal workday and workweek without
interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and to perform at a consistent

pace without an unreasonable number of length of rest periods. Doc. 12 at 5-6.
Crawford claims the ALJ ignored these parts of Dr. Hightower’s opinion. Doc. 12 at
7. The Court disagrees.
The ALJ adequately assessed Dr. Hightower’s and Dr. Wiener’s opinions

under 20 C.F.R. § 416.920c(c)(2). Contrary to Crawford’s assertion, the ALJ did not
have to mention all the specific limitations discussed by Dr. Hightower and Dr.
Wiener in their opinions and explain the reason for each omission to adequately

assess their opinions. See Matos v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., No. 21-11764, 2022 WL
97144 *6 (11th Cir. Jan. 10, 2022) (“Although the ALJ did not specifically discuss
Matos’s bipolar diagnosis, the ALJ was not required to discuss every piece of

evidence in evaluating Matos’s claim.”). The ALJ indicated that he considered the
medical opinions and prior administrative medical findings in accordance with 20
C.F.R. § 416.920c(c)(2) in reaching his RFC determination, (Doc. 10-2 at 31), and

explained adequately why he found the opinions only partially persuasive.
The ALJ sufficiently explained why he did not agree fully with Dr.
Hightower’s opinion regarding absences and pointed to substantial evidence in the
record to support that Crawford did not have significant limitations in his ability to

concentrate, persist, and maintain pace. The ALJ noted Crawford’s limited treatment
notes showing that he had no persistent or significant issues with concentration,
persistence, or maintaining pace and Crawford’s self-reports that he had no memory

or concentration issues and could follow simple written and oral instructions. See
Doc. 10-2 at 30 (“The claimant reports no memory issues” and “that he can follow
written and oral instructions.”). The ALJ also adequately explained why he did not
find totally persuasive Dr. Wiener’s opined limitations that he defined in broad

terms. In making this finding, this Court is mindful that it may not “decide the facts
anew, reweigh the evidence,” or substitute its judgment for that of the ALJ.
Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1178 (internal quotations and citations omitted).
Contrary to Crawford’s argument, (Doc. 12 at 8), Dr. Hightower and Dr.
Wiener did not find that Crawford had significant limitations maintaining a regular

work schedule and completing a normal workday. Dr. Hightower opined that
Crawford could complete a normal workday with customary breaks and rest, and Dr.
Wiener opined that Crawford had no limitation in maintaining a regular work

schedule and moderate limitation in completing a normal workday. The ALJ agreed
with Dr. Hightower and Dr. Wiener that Crawford had some moderate limitations in
concentration, persistence, and pace and accounted for those limitations in the RFC
by limiting Crawford to unskilled work and simple instructions. Doc. 10-2 at 30-31.

Based on its review of the administrative record, the Court finds that the ALJ
properly evaluated Dr. Hightower’s and Dr. Wiener’s opinions under 20 C.F.R. §
416.920c(c)(2), and substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s findings on this issue.

Evaluation of Crawford’s Subjective Symptoms
Crawford argues that the ALJ improperly evaluated his subjective symptoms
regarding his visual limitations. His arguments lack merit.
“A three-part ‘pain standard’ applies when a claimant attempts to establish

disability through [his] own testimony of pain or other subjective symptoms.” Malak
v. Comm’r, Soc. Sec., 131 F.4th 1280, 1287 (11th Cir. 2025) (citing Wilson v.
Barnhart, 284 F.3d 1219, 1225 (11th Cir. 2002)). Under this standard, the claimant

must show “(1) evidence of an underlying medical condition, and either (2) objective
medical evidence confirming the severity of the alleged [symptoms] arising from
that condition, or (3) a showing that the objectively determined medical condition is

of such a severity that it can be reasonably expected to give rise to the alleged
[symptoms].” Id. (internal quotations and citations omitted).
When evidence in the record shows an impairment that reasonably could

produce the claimant’s subjective symptoms, the ALJ must evaluate the intensity
and persistence of the symptoms to determine how those symptoms limit the
claimant’s ability to work. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c), 416.929(c). In considering the
intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of a claimant’s symptoms, an ALJ must

“examine the entire case record, including the objective medical evidence; an
individual’s statements about the intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of
symptoms; statements and other information provided by medical sources and other

persons; and any other relevant evidence in the individual’s case record.” SSR 16-
3p, 2017 WL 5180304, at *4.
In evaluating a claimant’s reported symptoms, an ALJ must consider:
(i) [the claimant’s] daily activities;
(ii) [t]he location, duration, frequency, and intensity of [the
claimant’s] pain or other symptoms;
(iii) [p]recipitating and aggravating factors;
(iv) [t]he type, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of any
medication [the claimant] take[s] or ha[s] taken to alleviate ... pain or
other symptoms;
(v) [t]reatment, other than medication, [the claimant] receive[s] or
ha[s] received for relief of ... pain or other symptoms;
(vi) [a]ny measures [the claimant] use[s] or ha[s] used to relieve ...
pain or other symptoms (e.g., lying flat on your back, standing for 15
to 20 minutes every hour, sleeping on a board, etc.); and
(vii) [o]ther factors concerning [the claimant’s] functional limitations
and restrictions due to pain or other symptoms.

20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1529(c)(3), 416.929(c)(3). If an ALJ decides not to credit a
claimant’s subjective symptoms, “the ALJ must articulate specific and adequate
reasons for doing so, or the record must be obvious as to the credibility finding.”
Malak, 131 F.4th at 1287 (citing Foote v. Chater, 67 F.3d 1553, 1561-62 (11th Cir.
1995)).
Here, the ALJ conceded that Crawford’s “medically determinable
impairments could reasonably be expected to cause some symptoms and/or
functional limitations” but found that Crawford’s statements “concerning the
intensity, persistence, and limiting effects of these symptoms [were] inconsistent

with the objective medical evidence, treatment regimen and response to treatment,
and daily activities.” Doc. 10-2 at 32. Crawford argues that “while the ALJ’s
decision then provided a summary of some of the evidence,” the ALJ never
explained how the evidence in the record contradicted Crawford’s subjective

symptoms. Doc. 12 at 13. Again, the Court disagrees.
The ALJ acknowledged Crawford’s subjective statements regarding his
inability to work because of blindness in his right eye, blurred and cloudy vision in

his left eye, light insensitivity, falls, and need to sit close to the television. Doc. 10-
2 at 31-32. To support his finding that Crawford’s statements regarding the limiting
effects of his symptoms were inconsistent with the objective medical evidence, the

ALJ thoroughly discussed the evidence in the record, (id. at 32-35), and noted that
“objective testing consistently showed that the claimant had 20/40 left eye vision”
for “distance, reading, and close work”; “stable left eye vision”; and normal muscle

function in the left eye, (id. at 32, 33). The ALJ pointed to Dr. Schaffzin’s medical
opinion based on objective testing in the record that Crawford had “no left eye visual
limitations” and “minimal limits in depth perception.” Id. at 32, 35. The ALJ noted
that Dr. Schaffzin, who reviewed Crawford’s extensive medical record, opined that

Crawford could avoid ordinary workplace hazards, read “very small” newspaper and
book print, view a computer screen, and “determine difference in color and shape in
small objects.” Id. at 34; see Doc. 10-5 at 50-60.

The Court agrees with the Commissioner that the Court must read the ALJ’s
opinion as a whole and not in isolated sentences. See Doc. 14 at 17 (citing Raper, 89
F.4th at 1275). Doing so, the Court finds that the ALJ properly evaluated Crawford’s
subjective symptoms, and substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s finding that

Crawford’s statements regarding the limiting effects of his vision impairments were
inconsistent with the objective evidence in the record.
Hypothetical to the Vocational Expert and Residual Functional Capacity
Crawford argues that the ALJ’s hypothetical to the vocational expert and the

ALJ’s RFC determination did not account adequately for Crawford’s moderate
limitations in his ability to concentrate over a period of time, perform activities
within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, complete a normal work day without

interruptions, maintain a particular work pace over the course of a workday or
workweek, and persist in work activities. Doc. 12 at 6, 16-17. Crawford contends
that because the ALJ did not include in his hypothetical to the vocational expert or
in the RFC determination all of Dr. Hightower’s and Dr. Wiener’s opined

limitations, the ALJ’s RFC determination is flawed and unsupported by substantial
evidence. Crawford’s arguments lack merit.
A claimant’s RFC is the “most [a claimant] can still do despite [his]

limitations.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(a)(1), 416.945(a)(1). In assessing a claimant’s
RFC, an ALJ must “consider the limiting effects of all ... impairment(s), even those
that are not severe.” 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1545(e), 416.945(e). “The RFC assessment
must be based on all relevant evidence in the case record,” including medical history,

reports of daily activities, medical source statements, and the effects of symptoms,
including pain. SSR 96-8p, 1996 WL 374184 at *5 (italics in original).
For a hypothetical to a vocational expert to constitute substantial evidence to

support an ALJ’s RFC finding, the hypothetical must account for a claimant’s
limitations in concentration, persistence, and pace. Winschel, 631 F.3d at 1180-81.
An ALJ may do so explicitly by including those limitations in the hypothetical

questions to a vocational expert or by “limiting the hypothetical to include only
unskilled work” if the “medical evidence demonstrates that [the] claimant can
engage in simple, routine tasks or unskilled work despite limitations in

concentration, persistence, and pace.” Id. at 1180; see also Mijenes v. Comm’r of
Soc. Sec., 687 F. App’x 842, 846 (11th Cir. 2017) (“Because the medical evidence
showed that Mijenes could perform simple, routine tasks despite her limitations in
concentration, persistence, and pace, the ALJ’s limiting of Mijenes’s functional

capacity to unskilled work sufficiently accounted for her moderate difficulties in
concentration, persistence, and pace.”). An ALJ is not required to include in the
hypothetical to the vocational expert or in the RFC finding non-exertional limitations

unsupported by the record. Tackett v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., No. 21-11852, 2022 WL
2314095, at *3 (11th Cir. June 28, 2022) (citing Crawford v. Comm'r, Soc. Sec., 363
F.3d 1155, 1161 (11th Cir. 2004)).
Here, the ALJ included in the hypothetical to the vocational expert and in his

RFC determination the non-exertional limitation of understanding, remembering,
and carrying out simple instructions. Doc. 10-2 at 359-362. That limitation in the
hypothetical to the vocational expert sufficiently accounted for Crawford’s moderate

difficulties in concentration, persistence, and pace. The record in this case
demonstrates that Crawford could engage in simple, routine tasks or unskilled work
despite his moderate limitations in concentration, persistence, and pace. Crawford

reported in his adult function report that he could pay attention, finish what he
started, follow simple written and oral instructions, and had no issues with memory
or concentration. Id. at 306. Crawford repeatedly had normal psychiatric symptoms,

including good memory and good concentration. Doc. 10-3 at 101, 105. Crawford
testified that he could work but for his vision impairment, and he did not claim that
he could not work because of his inability to concentrate, persist, or maintain pace
in a work setting. Based on the entirety of Crawford’s administrative record, the

ALJ’s limiting of Crawford to simple instructions and unskilled work sufficiently
accounted for his moderate limitations in concentration, persistence, and pace.
Crawford’s reliance on Samuels v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 959 F.3d 1042 (11th

Cir. 2020), is misplaced. See Doc. 12 at 15-16. Samuels had severe bipolar disorder,
and the Commissioner’s medical expert opined that Samuels was “markedly limited”
in her ability to perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance,
and be punctual within customary tolerances. Id. at 1047. Yet, the ALJ’s

hypothetical to the vocational expert did not include these marked limitations and
only included that Samuels could understand, remember, and carry out short, simple
work instructions and occasionally interact with the public. Id. The Eleventh Circuit

found that these few non-exertional limitations in the hypothetical to the vocational
expert did not account for all of Samuel’s marked limitations caused by the “episodic
nature” of her severe bipolar disorder. Id. Unlike the record in Samuels, Crawford

did not suffer from bipolar disorder and did not have marked limitations in his ability
to concentrate, persist, and maintain pace. Crawford’s administrate record showed
that he could follow simple instructions, had no memory or concentrations issues,

and could perform unskilled work despite his moderate limitations in concentration,
persistence, and maintain pace.
Crawford also argues that the ALJ “erred by failing to reconcile an apparent
conflict between the Dictionary of Titles (DOT) and the testimony of the vocation

expert” regarding the jobs that Crawford could perform despite his impairments.
Doc. 12 at 8. Based on a hypothetical to the vocational expert that included a non-
exertional limitation of understanding, remembering, and carrying out simple

instructions, the vocational expert found that Crawford could work at unskilled jobs
with a reasoning level of 2, including as a garment sorter, ticket marker, or usher.
Doc. 10-2 at 359-362.
Crawford argues that Dr. Hightower’s finding that Crawford was limited to

“short” and simple tasks conflicts with jobs that have a reasoning level of 2, “which
requires, at a minimum, carrying out ‘detailed’ written and oral instructions.” Doc.
12 at 9. But this argument simply repackages Crawford’s earlier failed argument that

the ALJ was required to accept or expressly reject each of Dr. Hightower’s findings.
The ALJ did not and was not required to credit Dr. Hightower’s finding that
Crawford could perform only “short” tasks. Substantial evidence undercuts that
opinion. Thus, the ALJ did not err when its RFC did not limit Crawford to “short”
tasks, but instead limited him only to understanding, remembering, and carrying out
simple instructions.
And there is no apparent conflict between an RFC that limits a claimant to the
ability to understand, remember, and carry out simple instructions and jobs with a
reasoning level of two. Buckwalter v. Acting Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 5 F.4th 1315, 1323
(11th Cir. 2021) (“There is not an apparent conflict here between Buckwalter’s RFC,
which limits her to the ability to ‘understand, carry-out, and remember simple
instructions,’ and the identified positions with a reasoning level of two.’’).
Based on its evaluation of the administrate record, the Court finds that the ALJ
properly evaluated Crawford’s RFC, and substantial evidence, including the
vocational expert’s interrogatory answers, support the ALJ’s RFC findings.
CONCLUSION
The Court AFFIRMS the decision of the Commissioner.
DONE and ORDERED this 23rd day of December, 2025.

Canad ta lor
EDMUND G.LACOURJR.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/11231045. Public record. Not legal advice.