Morgan Morales v. Martin O'Malley, 103 F.4th 469 (7th Cir. 2024). · Go Syfert
Morgan Morales v. Martin O'Malley, 103 F.4th 469 (7th Cir. 2024). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
308 citation events (308 in the last 25 years) across 10 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Rodney T. v. Frank J. Bisignano Commissioner of Social Security Administration (insd, 2026-05-07)
Treatment trajectory · 2024 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
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Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Rodney T. v. Frank J. Bisignano Commissioner of Social Security Administration
S.D. Ind. · 2026 · signal: see, e.g. · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
nowhere does identify what evidence the alj overlooked or discounted, nor does she explain how the rfc determination should have been different. even more, seems to resist that she bears this evidentiary burden on appeal. she is mistaken.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Christopher M. Hayden v. Commissioner of Social Security, sued as Frank Bisignano
N.D. Ind. · 2026 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is not enough to criticize the alj's decision .... must point to evidence compelling the conclusion that the adverse disability decision lacks substantial support in the record.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Judith T. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
aljs are subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Kara K. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is not enough to nitpick the alj's order. to warrant reversal, must show that the alj's determination was not supported by substantial evidence.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Pittman v. O'Malley (2×)
S.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
cannot do that work for her. indeed, time and again we have underscored that our role as a court of review is not to 'reweigh the evidence, resolve debatable evidentiary conflicts, determine credibility, or substitute our judgment for the alj's determination.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Coffey v. O'Malley (2×)
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
to warrant reversal, must show that the alj's determination was not supported by substantial evidence.... and there is no way to satisfy that burden without grappling with the evidence ....
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Lawrence v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Nale v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Thompson v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: accord · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements' - an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Guminski v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
to warrant reversal, must show that the alj's determination was not supported by substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Rivkin v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Locke v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Hladky v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Wilson v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"- an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Salik v. Commissioner of Social Security (2×)
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
to warrant reversal, must show that the alj's determination was not supported by substantial evidence. . . . and there is no way to satisfy that burden without grappling with the evidence . . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Adams v. O'Malley (2×) also: Cited "see"
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) JONES v. O'MALLEY
S.D. Ind. · 2024 · signal: see, e.g. · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
based on this evidence, the alj reasonably determined that morales's mental limitations were mild and did not warrant or require any functional limitations.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Lopez v. O'Malley (2×)
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
. . . time and again we have underscored that our role as a court of review is not to "reweigh the evidence, resolve debatable evidentiary conflicts, determine credibility, or substitute our judgment for the alj's determination.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Horstman v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
. . . aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements"-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) ANDREWS v. O'MALLEY
S.D. Ind. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
aljs are 'subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements'-an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Trombello v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is not enough to criticize the alj's decision about her functional capacity to work. she must point to evidence compelling the conclusion that the adverse disability decision lacks substantial support in the record.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Busby v. O'Malley
N.D. Ill. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is not enough to criticize the alj's decision about her functional capacity to work. she must point to evidence compelling the conclusion that the adverse disability decision lacks substantial support in the record
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Hudson v. Bisignano (2×) also: Cited "see"
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
must demonstrate with references to evidence why the alj's determinations lack substantial support in the administrative record.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Brittany C. v. Frank Bisignano Commissioner of Social Security
S.D. Ind. · 2026 · confidence medium
To merit remand, a claimant “must point to evidence compelling the conclusion that the adverse disability decision lacks substantial support in the record.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 470 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) R. Dunbar v. Frank J. Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ind. · 2026 · confidence medium
To warrant reversal, the burden is on the claimant to “point to evidence compelling the conclusion that the adverse disability decision lacks substantial support in the record.” Morales v. O'Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 470 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Anne A. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security (2×)
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
Judicial review of the ALJ’s decision is thus “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024); see Clifford v. Apfel, 227 F.3d 863, 869 (7th Cir. 2000); Stevenson v. Chater, 105 F.3d 1151, 1153 (7th Cir. 1997).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Joshua L. Gilbertson v. Frank Bisignano (2×)
W.D. Wis. · 2026 · confidence medium
Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Keith L. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security (3×)
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
Judicial review of the ALJ’s decision is thus “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024); see Clifford v. Apfel, 227 F.3d 863, 869 (7th Cir. 2000); Stevenson v. Chater, 105 F.3d 1151, 1153 (7th Cir. 1997).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jacob Dvorak v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ind. · 2026 · confidence medium
“It is not enough to criticize the ALJ’s decision about her functional capacity to work.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 470 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Thomas J. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit further has clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Carmen L. Florey v. Commissioner of Social Security (2×) also: Cited "see"
C.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The district court’s role is “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Billie J. Kline v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
N.D. Ind. · 2026 · confidence medium
Even under the deferential review afforded the ALJ’s opinion, see Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024) (citing Warnell v. O’Malley, 97 F.4th 1050, 1053 (7th Cir. 2024)), the Court finds that the ALJ has not supported this aspect of her decision with substantial evidence and has not built a logical bridge between the evidence and the decision.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michael M. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit further has clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Frankie L. White v. Commissioner of Social Security
C.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The district court’s role is “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Robbie S. v. Frank Bisignano, Social Security Commissioner (3×)
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
In addition, the Court notes that “ALJs are ‘subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements’— an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.” Morales v. O'Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024) (quoting Warnell v. O'Malley, 97 F.4th 1050, 1053 (7th Cir. 2024)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michelle H. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit has further clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Denna C. v. Frank Bisignano
S.D. Ind. · 2026 · confidence medium
Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Rachel L.B. v. Commissioner of Social Security
C.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
Significantly, the minimal articulation obligation “extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Richard N. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit has further clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Stephen H. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
To warrant reversal, [Plaintiff] must show that the ALJ’s determination was not supported by substantial evidence.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Justin T. v. Commissioner of Social Security
C.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The district court’s role is “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Marisela A. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
(Id. (citing A.R. 25 (“At the hearing, [Marisela] alleged that she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield for 28 years.”).) But a claimant must do more than “nitpick.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) David D. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit has further clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Martha C. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit has further clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michael M. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security (2×)
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
Judicial review of the ALJ’s decision is thus “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024); see Clifford v. Apfel, 227 F.3d 863, 869 (7th Cir. 2000); Stevenson v. Chater, 105 F.3d 1151, 1153 (7th Cir. 1997).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Marcie K. v. Frank J. Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
Fatal to these arguments, Plaintiff makes almost no attempt to “grapple with the evidence” to satisfy her burden of “showing that the ALJ’s determination was not supported by substantial evidence.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024) (citation modified).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gene L. v. Frank Bisignano
N.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
Judicial review of the ALJ’s decision is “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024); see also Clifford v. Apfel, 227 F.3d 863, 869 (7th Cir. 2000).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Elizabeth Plemon v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (2×)
W.D. Wis. · 2026 · confidence medium
The court’s job is not to nitpick the ALJ’s decision, Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024), but only to determine whether it is supported by substantial evidence, which, the Supreme Court has emphasized, is a low bar, Biestek v. Berryhill, 587 U.S. 97, 103 (2019).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lorenzo F. v. Commissioner of Social Security
C.D. Ill. · 2026 · confidence medium
The district court’s role is “limited to ensuring that substantial evidence supported the ALJ's decision and that the ALJ applied the correct legal standards.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 472 (7th Cir. 2024).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Philip K. v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security
N.D. Ill. · 2025 · confidence medium
The Seventh Circuit has clarified that district courts, on review of ALJ decisions in Social Security appeals, are subject to a similar minimal articulation requirement as ALJs: “A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties . . . with enough information to follow the material reasoning underpinning a decision.” Morales v. O’Malley, 103 F.4th 469, 471 (7th Cir. 2024).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Morgan Morales
v.
Martin O'Malley
23-2796.
Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
May 31, 2024.
103 F.4th 469
In the

United States Court of Appeals
For the Seventh Circuit
____________________
No. 23-2796
MORGAN MORALES,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.

MARTIN J. O’MALLEY, Commissioner of Social Security,
Defendant-Appellee.
____________________

Appeal from the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division.
No. 1:22-cv-01834-KMB-RLY — Kellie M. Barr, Magistrate Judge. ____________________

SUBMITTED APRIL 23, 2024 — DECIDED MAY 31, 2024
____________________

Before EASTERBROOK, SCUDDER, and KIRSCH, Circuit Judges.

SCUDDER, Circuit Judge. Morgan Morales challenges an ad- ministrative law judge’s determination that she is not disa- bled and therefore not entitled to Social Security disability benefits. We have no difficulty affirming, as abundant evi- dence supports that decision. But we want to underscore a few important points in response to Morales’s appeal. Per- haps foremost, Morales misunderstands the burden she bears on appeal: It is not enough to criticize the ALJ’s decision about

2 No. 23-2796

her functional capacity to work. She must point to evidence compelling the conclusion that the adverse disability decision lacks substantial support in the record. This appeal also warrants renewing our related observa- tion in Warnell v. O’Malley, 97 F.4th 1050, 1053 (7th Cir. 2024), that ALJs are “subject to only the most minimal of articulation requirements”—an obligation that extends no further than grounding a decision in substantial evidence. The same holds true for district courts who themselves see meaningful num- bers of appeals from adverse administrative disability deter- minations. A district (or magistrate) judge need only supply the parties (and us, if a further appeal is pursued) with enough information to follow the material reasoning under- pinning a decision. In no way does that obligation require re- cording or repeating accurate information already supplied by an ALJ. We say all of this not just to encourage efficiency, but to help ensure a focus on what matters most—the sub- stance of disability decisions challenged on appeal. I Morales applied for benefits in 2020, alleging ongoing dis- ability caused by several conditions, including bipolar disor- der, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and narcolepsy. After stay- ing in an inpatient mental health treatment center in 2019, she started on prescription medications to better manage her con- ditions. Morales reported that the medication helped to stabi- lize her mood, anxiety, and sleep disorder, with her attorney then saying during the disability determination hearing that those conditions were in remission. The ALJ denied Morales’s application for benefits. After finding mild mental limitations and a severe impairment

No. 23-2796 3

from her sleep disorder, the ALJ determined that Morales’s mild mental impairments did not limit her ability to perform basic work activities, including her past job as a material han- dler. II A Morales tells us that she challenges the ALJ’s residual functional capacity finding. But she never moves beyond in- sisting the determination is inaccurate. Nowhere does she identify what evidence the ALJ overlooked or discounted, nor does she explain how the RFC determination should have been different. Even more, Morales seems to resist that she bears this evidentiary burden on appeal. She is mistaken. It is not enough to nitpick the ALJ’s order. To warrant re- versal, Morales must show that the ALJ’s determination was not supported by substantial evidence. See Gedatus v. Saul, 994 F.3d 893, 900 (7th Cir. 2021). And there is no way to satisfy that burden without grappling with the evidence: Morales must demonstrate with references to evidence why the ALJ’s determinations lack substantial support in the administrative record. We cannot do that work for her. Indeed, time and again we have underscored that our role as a court of review is not to “reweigh the evidence, resolve debatable evidentiary conflicts, determine credibility, or substitute our judgment for the ALJ’s determination.” Id. In the final analysis, the ALJ’s determination reflected ad- equate consideration of Morales’s medical history (as docu- mented in her medical records), the evaluation from her treat- ing nurse practitioner, the assessments of several experts, and Morales’s own testimony. Based on this evidence, the ALJ

4 No. 23-2796

reasonably determined that Morales’s mental limitations were mild and did not warrant or require any functional lim- itations. The ALJ also reasonably determined that Morales would be able to perform her past work as a material handler. B The second front of Morales’s appeal is one that surprises us, for she takes to criticizing the district court’s decision— actually, a decision entered by a magistrate judge presiding by consent of the parties. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). We say sur- prise because our focus is on Morales’s challenge to the ALJ’s denial of benefits. See Biestek v. Berryhill, 139 S. Ct. 1148, 1153– 54 (2018). Put another way, our review is of the ALJ’s decision, aided by the intermediate review first conducted by the dis- trict court. See Elder v. Astrue, 529 F.3d 408, 413 (7th Cir. 2008). Regardless, Morales’s criticism of the magistrate judge’s opinion misses the mark. She insists, for example, that the magistrate judge erred by “improperly adopting” the Com- missioner’s arguments, finding that Morales had not carried her burden of proof, and not remanding for further explana- tion from the ALJ. These contentions fall flat, for anyone reading the chal- lenged opinion would see that the magistrate judge con- ducted an adequate review of the ALJ’s determination and correctly applied the law. District courts and magistrates shoulder no obligation whatsoever to conform their opinions to any particular template or to produce decisions of any par- ticular length. As the magistrate judge here properly recog- nized, her role was limited to ensuring that substantial evi- dence supported the ALJ’s decision and that the ALJ applied

No. 23-2796 5

the correct legal standards. See Stephens v. Berryhill, 888 F.3d 323, 327 (7th Cir. 2018). The magistrate judge here did just that. Her analysis ad- dressed Morales’s primary challenges to the ALJ’s decision with clarity and efficiency. There certainly was no need for the magistrate to recreate (by retyping) Morales’s medical his- tory or to repeat unnecessary background facts. As long as we can follow the magistrate judge’s reasoning—and here we can do so with ease—nothing else is necessary. For these reasons, we AFFIRM.