Opinion
CASE NO. 13-CV-270-LAB-BGS
08-11-2014
CHRISTINA LEE CASTLE, Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
ORDER ADOPTING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Castle challenges the denial of her claim for disability benefits under the Social Security Act. The challenge was referred to Magistrate Judge Skomal for a Report and Recommendation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636, after which Castle and the Commissioner filed cross-motions for summary judgment. On May 20, 2014, Judge Skomal issued his R&R, finding that Castle's summary judgment motion should be denied and the Commissioner's summary judgment motion should be granted.
The Court reviews an R&R on dispositive motions pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b): "The district judge must determine de novo any part of the magistrate judge's disposition that has been properly objected to. The district judge may accept, reject, or modify the recommended disposition; receive further evidence; or return the matter to the magistrate judge with instructions."
Here, however, Castle filed no objection to the R&R, and that carries heavy consequences. Under both the Standing Order of the undersigned Judge and the Local Rules of the Court, the failure to file an objection to a motion may be construed as consent to the motion being granted—and the Court extends this to the failure to file an objection to an R&R. See Standing Order 4(b); Local Rule 7.1(f)(3)(c).
In any event, the Court has reviewed Judge Skomal's thorough R&R and finds it is correct. It is ADOPTED. Castle's motion for summary judgment is therefore DENIED, and the Defendant's motion for summary judgment is GRANTED.
IT IS SO ORDERED. DATED: August 11, 2014
/s/_________
HONORABLE LARRY ALAN BURNS
United States District Judge