Summary
holding that the ALJ's decision to give little weight to a treating medical source's opinion was supported by substantial evidence when that source "was not treating with [the claimant] during the relevant period" "rendered his opinion more than 4 years past the date last insured, and was commenting on a time period several years before his treating relationship with the claimant began[]"
Summary of this case from Cisan v. SaulOpinion
CASE NO. 1:18CV1191
03-26-2019
LAUREN G. RULAND, Plaintiff, v. NANCY A. BERRYHILL, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
JUDGE BENITA Y. PEARSON MEMORANDUM OF OPINION AND ORDER
An Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") denied Plaintiff Lauren G. Ruland's application for disability insurance benefits ("DIB") after a hearing in the above-captioned case. That decision became the final determination of the Commissioner of Social Security when the Appeals Council denied the request to review the ALJ's decision. The claimant sought judicial review of the Commissioner's decision, and the Court referred the case to Magistrate Judge Kathleen B. Burke for preparation of a report and recommendation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636 and Local Rule 72.2(b)(1). On March 8, 2019, the magistrate judge submitted a Report and Recommendation (ECF No. 14) recommending that the Court affirm the Commissioner's decision.
Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b)(2) provides that objections to a report and recommendation must be filed within 14 days after service. On March 11, 2019, Plaintiff filed a Response to the Report and Recommendation (ECF No. 15), stating that Plaintiff will not be filing objections. Furthermore, the Commissioner has not filed any objections, evidencing satisfaction with the magistrate judge's recommendations. Any further review by this Court would be a duplicative and inefficient use of the Court's limited resources. Thomas v . Arn, 728 F.2d 813 (6th Cir. 1984), aff'd , 474 U.S. 140 (1985); Howard v . Secretary of Health and Human Services, 932 F.2d 505 (6th Cir. 1991); United States v . Walters, 638 F.2d 947, 949-50 (6th Cir. 1981).
Accordingly, the Report and Recommendation of the magistrate judge is hereby adopted. The decision of the Commissioner of Social Security is affirmed. Judgment will be entered in favor of Defendant.
IT IS SO ORDERED. March 26, 2019
Date
/s/ Benita Y . Pearson
Benita Y. Pearson
United States District Judge