Opinion ID: 2783279
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Appeals Council Proceedings

Text: Jones requested that the Appeals Council (“AC”) review the ALJ’s decision. He argued remand was required for consideration of new material evidence that was not available at the time of the ALJ’s decision. In support of his argument, Jones relied upon a post-hearing letter addressed to his counsel from Dr. Roybal, dated August 26, 2011, which stated: Barry Jones was under my care from June 12, 2008, until January 15, 2010, for treatment of the lumbar spine. On May 4, 2009, after conservative treatment failed, I performed anterior lumbar interbody fusion at 4-5. I never assigned an impairment rating because payment for Mr. Jones’s medical care was not handled through Workers Compensation. Had I been asked to assign a rating, I would have assigned a whole body impairment rating of not less than 20% based on his pathology, course of treatment, and response to treatment. I do not believe Mr. Jones would have been able to tolerate employment requiring prolonged walking or standing at least two-thirds of an 8-hour work day during the period that he was under my care. Further, I do not believe he would have been able to tolerate employment that did not allow him to change positions amongst sitting, standing, and moving around at will. R. at 1010. Based on Dr. Roybal’s letter, Jones argued the ALJ’s conclusion he was not disabled because he could perform a full range of light work before January 28, 8 Case: 14-13325 Date Filed: 03/02/2015 Page: 9 of 15 2011, was contrary to the weight of the evidence. The AC found no reason to review the ALJ’s decision and denied Jones’s request for review. In reaching its decision, the AC stated it had considered Dr. Roybal’s August 26, 2011, letter. The district judge affirmed the AC’s decision.