Valdes v. Commissioner of Social Security

Background

Sean Valdes brought this action seeking judicial review of the Commissioner of Social Security’s final decision that he was not entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. Valdes was represented by counsel, as was the Commissioner.

Motions and recommendation

Valdes filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings, which asks the court to decide the case based on the parties’ written submissions. The Commissioner filed a cross-motion for judgment on the pleadings. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn issued a Report and Recommendation advising that Valdes’s motion be denied and the Commissioner’s motion be granted. The Report and Recommendation stated that the parties had fourteen days to object, but neither party objected or requested additional time.

Ruling

Under the governing procedure, the district court reviewed the Report and Recommendation for clear error because no timely objection had been filed. Judge Vernon S. Broderick found no clear error and adopted the Report and Recommendation in its entirety. The court therefore denied Valdes’s motion for judgment on the pleadings and granted the Commissioner’s cross-motion. It directed the Clerk’s Office to terminate any open motions, enter judgment in accordance with the order, and close the case.