Hi all, just wanted to post my success in fixing this issue:
I took the cardboard/wood panel off, carefully pulled back the plastic covering that is tacked on to expose the locking/door opening mechanism inside the door. I found the the cable that opens the upper rear latch was the culprit for my stuck door. when I pulled on the door opening lever, I put some extra tension on the cables that operate the latches to determine the one that wasnt opening enough to release the door. I took a 3/8" socket and loosened the bolt that holds the cable lever mechanism. I was able to shift this piece a bit to the left so that when the opening lever is pressed, there is enough tension to fully open the door. I recognize this might not be a fix for everyone but felt like sharing what worked for me.
Cheers!