Hope M. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia adopted an unopposed report and recommendation concerning Hope M.’s appeal from the denial of supplemental security income. The court affirmed the Commissioner of Social Security’s decision, denied the claimant’s motion for summary judgment, and dismissed the case with prejudice.

Holdings

1. When no specific written objection is timely filed, the district court may adopt a magistrate judge's report and recommendation without conducting de novo review unless the recommendation is clearly erroneous or contrary to law.
2. The magistrate judge's report and recommendation was not clearly erroneous or contrary to law, and the Commissioner's decision denying supplemental security income was affirmed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the district court could adopt the magistrate judge's report and recommendation without de novo review when neither party filed a timely objection.
2. Whether the magistrate judge's recommendation to affirm the Commissioner's denial of supplemental security income was clearly erroneous or contrary to law.
3. Whether the Administrative Law Judge adequately addressed the claimant's mild limitations in the residual-functional-capacity assessment.

Disposition

affirmed