# Muoio

> District Court, N.D. Ohio · February 19, 2026

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/11268610

## Case

- **Full name:** Mariono J. Muoio v. Commissioner of Social Security
- **Court:** District Court, N.D. Ohio
- **Decided:** February 19, 2026
- **Opinion:** 100trialcourt
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

Mariono J. Muoio, Case No. 4:24CV2175

Plaintiff,
-vs- JUDGE PAMELA A. BARKER

Magistrate Judge James E. Grimes, Jr.
Commissioner of Social
Security
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND
Defendants. ORDER

This matter is before the Court on the Objection of Plaintiff Mariono Muoio (“Plaintiff” or
“Muoio”) to the Report and Recommendation of Magistrate Judge James E. Grimes, Jr. regarding
Plaintiff's request for judicial review of Defendant Commissioner of the Social Security
Administration's (“Defendant” or “Commissioner”) denial of his applications for Child’s Insurance
Benefits (“CIB”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) under the Social Security Act. (Doc.
No. 12.) For the following reasons, Plaintiff's Objection is overruled, the Report & Recommendation
(“R&R”) is accepted, and the Commissioner's decision is affirmed.
I. Procedural History
In August and September 2022, respectively, Muoio filed his applications for CIB and SSI,
alleging a disability onset date of February 17, 2021. (Doc. No. 6 (Transcript [“Tr.”] ) at 49. ) The
applications were denied initially and upon reconsideration, and Muoio requested a hearing before an
administrative law judge (“ALJ”). (Id.) On January 22, 2024, the ALJ conducted a telephonic
hearing at which Muoio was represented by counsel and testified. (Id.) See also Tr. 72-98. A
vocational expert (“VE”) also testified. (Id.)
On March 4, 2024, the ALJ found that Muoio was not disabled. (Tr. 49-60.) The ALJ
determined that Muoio suffered from the severe impairments of obesity, Crohn’s disease/irritable
bowel syndrome, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder - unspecified, and autism. (Tr. 52.)
The ALJ found that Muoio’s impairment did not meet or medically equal the requirements of a listed
impairment and that he retained the residual functional capacity (“RFC”) to perform medium work
but with the following non-exertional limitations: he “is limited to the performance of simple, routine

tasks and to the making of no more than simple, work-related decisions, conducted in a work setting
that requires no more than occasional interaction with co-workers, supervisors, or the public, which
setting is routine, in that it contemplates few changes.” (Tr. 52-54.) The ALJ then concluded that
Muoio could perform certain jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy and,
therefore, was not disabled. (Tr. 58-59.) The Appeals Council declined to review the ALJ's decision,
and the ALJ's decision became the Commissioner's final decision. (Tr. 1-4.)
Muoio seeks judicial review pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(g) and 1383(c). (Doc. No. 1.) The
case was referred to the Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636 and Local Rule 72.2(b)(1) for
a Report and Recommendation. In the R&R, the Magistrate Judge concludes that the ALJ’s decision
is supported by substantial evidence and recommends that the decision be affirmed. (Doc. No. 11.)

On May 21, 2025, Muoio filed the following Objection to the R&R:
I. The ALJ failed to account for the limitations opined by the State Agency
Mental Health Reviewing Experts

(Doc. No. 12.) The Commissioner filed a Response on May 22, 2025. (Doc. No. 13.) The Court has
conducted a de novo review of the issues raised in Plaintiff’s Objection.

2
II. Relevant Medical and Opinion Evidence1
Muoio was born in 2003 and was eighteen (18) years old on his alleged disability onset date.
(Tr. 58.) He graduated from high school and has no past relevant work. (Tr. 80.) In January 2022,
Muoio was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, major depressive order, and autistic disorder. (Tr. 423,
456.) The record reflects that, between January 2022 and January 2024, he received mental health
treatment in the form of therapy and medication. See, e.g., Tr. 380-402, 408-459, 491-510.

On December 16, 2022, state agency psychological consultant Courtney Zeune, Psy.D.,
completed a Psychiatric Review Technique (“PRT”) (Tr. 102) and Mental RFC Assessment (Tr. 104-
105). In the PRT, Dr. Zeune found that Muoio had: (1) no limitations in understanding, remembering,
or applying information; (2) moderate limitations in adapting or managing himself; (3) moderate
limitations in interacting with others; and (4) moderate limitations in concentrating, persisting, or
maintaining pace. (Tr. 102.)
In the Mental RFC, Dr. Zeune offered a series of opinions regarding Muoio’s mental
functional limitations based on her review of Muoio’s medical records. Relevant herein, Dr. Zeune
opined that Muoio was “moderately limited” in his abilities to: (1) maintain attention and
concentration for extended periods; (2) complete a normal workday and workweek without

interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and to perform at a consistent pace without an
unreasonable number and length of rest periods; (3) accept instructions and respond appropriately to

1 The Magistrate Judge’s thorough recitation of the medical and opinion evidence need not be repeated in full and is
incorporated herein. Rather, for purposes of this Opinion, the Court recites only that evidence which is necessary to
resolution of the instant Objection.

3
criticism from supervisors; and (4) respond appropriately to changes in the work setting.2 (Tr. 105.)
Dr. Zeune also opined that Muoio was “markedly limited” in his ability to interact appropriately with
the general public. (Id.) In the narrative portion of the form, Dr. Zeune explained that Muoio “retains
the ability to complete moderately complex tasks in a routine work environment with no contact with
the general public and superficial contact with others” and that “changes should be explained in
advance.” (Tr. 105.)

On April 23, 2023, on reconsideration, state agency psychological consultant Leslie Rudy,
Ph.D., agreed with Dr. Zeune’s PRT (Tr. 122.) However, on June 1, 2023, Dr. Rudy assessed
Muoio’s Mental RFC differently than Dr. Zeune in certain respects. (Tr. 124-125.) Specifically, Dr.
Rudy found that, in addition to the moderate limitations assessed by Dr. Zeune (supra), Muoio was
also “moderately limited” in his abilities to: (1) carry out detailed instructions; (2) perform activities
within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within customary tolerances; (3)
work in coordination with or in proximity to others without being distracted by them; and (4) get
along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes. (Tr. 124.)
In addition, while Dr. Zeune opined that Muoio was “markedly limited” in his ability to interact
appropriately with the general public, Dr. Rudy found that he was “moderately limited” in this

category. (Id.) Lastly, in the narrative portion of the form, Dr. Rudy explained that Muoio is able to
carry out 1 to 4 step tasks in a setting without demands for unusually fast pace or high production;

2 Dr. Zeune also opined that Muoio was “not significantly limited” in his abilities to: (1) carry out very short and simple
instructions; (2) carry out detailed instructions; (3) perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and
be punctual within customary tolerances; (4) sustain an ordinary routine without special supervision; (5) work in
coordination with or in proximity to others without being distracted by them; (6) make simple work-related decisions; (7)
ask simple questions or request assistance; (8) get along with coworkers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting
behavioral extremes; (9) maintain socially appropriate behavior and adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness;
(10) be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions; (11) travel in unfamiliar places or use public
transportation; and (12) set realistic goals or make plans independently of others. (Tr. 105.)
4
“interact on an occasional and superficial basis;” and adapt to occasional changes which are
implemented gradually. (Tr. 124-125.)
III. The Hearing and the ALJ Decision
A. Relevant Hearing Testimony
The ALJ conducted a telephonic hearing on January 22, 2024. (Tr. 72-98.) Among other
things, Muoio testified that he had graduated from high school but that he did not have a driver’s

license and had no past relevant work. (Tr. 80.) He testified that he lived at home with his parents
and “pretty much stay[ed] in bed all day.” (Tr. 79, 83.) Muoio explained that the only people he
really gets along with are his parents and that, when he is around others, he usually doesn’t speak and
keeps to himself. (Tr. 83.)
Muoio testified that he had about two panic attacks a week triggered by stressful events like
going to the doctor. (Tr. 84.) He testified that he attended counseling twice a month, which helped
“a little bit.” (Tr. 85.) Muoio confirmed that he takes mental health medication but indicated that it
was not helpful. (Id.) He testified that he did not perform household chores, struggled with personal
hygiene, and could not perform any type of quick errand in the community. (Tr. 86.) Muoio testified
that he previously played basketball and had a girlfriend that he had met online, but that his only

current social activity was going to his uncle’s house once a week. (Tr. 86-87.) He also indicated
that he had “suicidal types of thoughts” multiple times a week and that he had cut himself in the past.
(Tr. 88-89.) Muoio explained that he sleeps at least four hours or so during the day. (Tr. 89.) He
was “not sure” if there was any kind of work that he could do on a regular basis. (Id.)
Importantly, the ALJ then posed the following hypothetical questions to the VE:
Q: And you've already determined there's no past work to consider, so I'm going
to go directly to hypotheticals today. And for my first hypothetical, I'd like
5
you to presume an individual of the same age, educational background and
work experience as the Claimant. I'd like you to presume the individual can
perform the full range of medium work subject to the following limitations.
The individual would be limited to the performance of simple, routine tasks
and simple work related decisions, and limited to occasional interactions with
supervisors, coworkers, or the general public. The individual can tolerate few
changes in a routine work setting. Are there jobs in the national economy such
an individual could perform?

A: Yes there are, Your Honor. There would be work at all levels; would be limited
to unskilled work, simple routine tasks. Some examples at the medium level,
again all medium, SVP 2. We have order puller, DOT 922.687-058, there are
approximately 200,000 jobs in the national economy. A second example
would be hand packager, DOT is 920.586-010, there are approximately
300,000 jobs in the national economy. And a third example would be laundry
laborer, DOT is 361.687-018, there are approximately 160,000 jobs in the
national economy.

Q: Okay for my second hypothetical, I'd like you to consider all the same
circumstances of the first hypothetical. But here I'd like you to presume
that the individual is limited to occasional and superficial interactions
with supervisors, coworkers or the general public with that being defined
as no more than just cursory interactions with those individuals. Are
there jobs in the national economy that this individual could perform?

A: Yes, there are. The examples given previously would still apply.

(Tr. 91-92) (emphasis added). Later, Muoio’s counsel asked the VE the following questions relating
to the ALJ’s second hypothetical:
Q: Okay. And with regards to interaction between workers and supervisors for
things such as task direction, constructive criticism, explanation, job
performance evaluation, things of that nature, does that sort of interaction
generally take place at the time and discretion of the supervisor or the worker?

A: I believe it varies. It's hard to pinpoint the frequency or the duration of those
kinds of communications but if they are to a point where they're disruptive or
not a meeting goal between a supervisor and the employee, it would be difficult
to maintain employment.

Q: Okay. All right. And as far as for like say a performance evaluation between a
supervisor and a worker, in your opinion that wouldn't require anything above
cursory with regards to the quality of interaction?
6
A: Again, it's -- it's hard to pinpoint but the -- the supervisors are in charge. They
determine the -- the workload and the various variables of the job, and if the
employee cannot follow within those parameters it would be difficult to
maintain employment.

Q: The only reason I was asking is the Judge had added a limitation for occasional
and superficial interaction that included the supervisors, or unless I
misunderstood first hypothetical #2. And you had indicated that would not
cause any change in your prior job examples. So I was just trying to understand
how that would work in a work setting if somebody couldn't have more than
cursory interaction with regards to quality with the supervisor.

A: I think in the unskilled jobs it's a little bit more tolerable, but the -- the
interaction should still be, you know, within normal agreeable limits that they
can take criticism, follow directions, and if that can't happen there would be
difficulty maintaining the job.

Q: Okay. And if we were to further define the superficial when we're talking about
cursory if we're talking about cursory such as limited interaction such as
exchanging basic greetings, if it were defined in that sense would I be correct
that would preclude the ability to sustain competitive work activity?

A: If that's the only type of interaction they could deal with, then yes, it would,
because that -- that would be much less than superficial interaction.

(Tr. 94-95.) Upon further questioning from counsel, the VE testified that none of the three
representative jobs he had identified would involve coordinating or leading others, being responsible
for the work outcomes and results of other workers, or working with others in a group or team. (Tr.
96-97.) The VE testified that this was because the jobs he had identified (i.e., order puller, hand
packager, and laundry laborer) involved “simple, routine tasks” and were “at superficial interaction.”
(Tr. 96.)
B. The ALJ Decision
On March 4, 2024, the ALJ issued a decision, finding that Muoio is not disabled. (Tr. 49-60.)
Relevant here, the ALJ found that Muoio’s major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and autism
7
constituted severe impairments. (Tr. 52.) He further determined that, while these impairments caused
moderate limitations in certain respects, they did not (considered singly and in combination) meet or
medically equal the criteria of a listed impairment under social security regulations. (Tr. 52-54.)
The ALJ then proceeded to assess Muoio’s RFC. The ALJ first discussed Muoio’s subjective
complaints and medical records, including those relating to his mental health impairments. Among
other things, the ALJ noted that Muoio followed “a regimen of psychotropic medications” and that

these medications “are reported as effective ..., and [his mental health] impairments have generally
been assessed as controlled.” (Tr. 56.) The ALJ also noted that Muoio’s mental status examinations
have “consistently, albeit not universally, reported either mildly adverse, or benign findings.” (Id.)
In sum, the ALJ concluded that “the evidence would indicate that the symptom limitations relevant
to these impairments are not as severe as alleged.” (Id.)
The ALJ then discussed the opinions of Drs. Zeune and Rudy, as follows:
The state agency psychological consultant, Courtney Zeune, Psy.D., indicated that the
claimant could complete moderately complex tasks in a routine environment, with no
public contact, superficial interaction with others, where changes could be explained
in advance. The state agency psychological consultant, Leslie Rudy, Ph.D., indicated
that the claimant could perform one-to-four-step tasks with no fast pace or high
production quotas, involving occasional and superficial interaction with others, where
occasional changes could be implemented gradually. Each of these doctors had the
opportunity to review the evidence of record, to which each cited liberally in support
of their conclusions, and each is well versed in the terminology and analytical
framework employed in the disposition of these claims.

The record shows a claimant with chronic psychological disorders which would be
expected to, and which the claimant reports (4E/7) do, interfere with his concentration
and task completion. However, the claimant is thought to be of average intellect and
to possess a normal fund of knowledge (5F/52). He is said to exhibit normal
concentration (5F/52), and is reliably reported as attentive, whether or not he is
symptomatic of mood (5F/15, 11), (8F/6, 8, 12, 18), (3F/12, 20, 31), and is said to
exhibit a coherent and logical thought process, whether or not is [sic] symptomatic of
mood (5F/15, 11), (8F/6, 8, 12, 18), (3F/12, 20, 31). Provided he is limited to the
performance of simple, routine tasks and to the making of no more than simple, work-
8
related decision, the evidence shows he has retained sufficient, residual, cognitive
function to engage in competitive work.

The claimant has reported anxiety in groups (4E/6). However, he has no legal history
(5F/40), is discernibly able to function in public spaces, as when he walks his dogs
(3F/10), (8F/10), or plays basketball (3F/14). He socializes with his father and uncle
(3F/17), initiated a romantic relationship during the period relevant to this claim
(3F/18), and is typically described in the record in “pro-social” terms: with a normal
affect (1F/6), (2F/10), (4F/2), or with normal behavior and an appropriate affect
(3F/31), (5F/11), (8F/6, 12). This faculty persists, even if he is discernibly
symptomatic of mood (3F/16), (5F/15), (8F/8, 18). Provided the frequency of his
interaction with others is controlled, the evidence shows he has retained
sufficient, residual, social function to engage in competitive work.

The claimant has described a poor reaction to stressors and changes (4E/8). However,
he is reported to exhibit good insight and judgment (5F/52). There are no indications
of impulsivity, regardless of whether or not he is discernibly symptomatic of mood
(5F/15, 11, 9, 5), (8F/6, 8, 12, 18). The claimant’s mental status examinations have
not materially deteriorated (5F/15), compare with (8F/6), despite changes and
stressors including a break-up with his girlfriend (3F/21) and his father’s
diagnosis/prognosis with Parkinson’s disease (5F/32). Provided he is limited to the
performance of work that is simple and routine to begin with, conducted in a work
setting free of the need to mull complex decisions, and, where he would not be asked
to respond to constant change, the record indicates he has retained sufficient, residual,
adaptive capacity to engage in competitive work.

The opinion of Dr. Zeune overstates the claimant’s cognitive capacity, his social
and adaptive limitations. The opinion of Dr. Rudy overstates the claimant’s
cognitive capacity (up to four step tasks) and limitations (no fast pace or high
production). He overstates the claimant’s social and adaptive limitations. These
opinions remain, as regards the types, if not the degree, of limitations that might
be expected in the workplace, at least partially consistent with, and supported by,
the overall evidence of record and so are partially persuasive.

(Tr. 57-58) (emphasis added). The ALJ then assessed the following RFC: “I find that the claimant
has the residual functional capacity to perform medium work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(c) and
416.967(c) except that the claimant is limited to the performance of simple, routine tasks and to the
making of no more than simple, work-related decisions, conducted in a work setting that requires no
9
more than occasional interaction with co-workers, supervisors, or the public, which setting is routine,
in that it contemplates few changes.” (Tr. 54.)
Based on the testimony of the VE at the hearing, the ALJ concluded that there are jobs that
exist in significant numbers in the national economy that Muoio could perform, including the
representative jobs of order puller, hand packager, and laundry preparer. (Tr. 59.) Thus, the ALJ
found that Muoio is not disabled under social security regulations. (Id.) On October 15, 2024, the

Appeals Council declined to review the ALJ's decision (Tr. 1-3), making the ALJ's decision the
Commissioner's final decision.
IV. The Report & Recommendation (Doc. No. 11)
Muoio filed a Complaint in this Court on December 16, 2024, and the case was referred to
Magistrate Judge Grimes for a Report and Recommendation. In his Brief on the Merits, Muoio
emphasized that both Dr. Zeune and Dr. Rudy had opined that Muoio was limited to superficial
interactions with others. (Doc. No. 7 at PageID# 541.) Muoio noted that, although the ALJ included
a limitation to occasional interactions in the RFC, he failed to include a limitation to superficial
interactions. (Id.) Muoio asserted that “there is a distinct difference between ‘superficial’ and
‘occasional’ interaction,” with the former relating to the quality of interaction one can sustain with

others and the latter relating to the quantity or frequency of interactions that one can sustain with
others. (Id. at PageID# 543.) Muoio maintained that, because of this key difference between these
terms, the ALJ was required to adequately explain why he omitted a limitation to superficial
interactions from the RFC. (Id. at PageID# 544.) Instead, Muoio argued, the ALJ’s reasoning was
cursory making it “impossible to trace his reasoning.” (Id. at PageID#s 544-545.)

10
The Commissioner disagreed, arguing that the ALJ adequately explained that he found Dr.
Zeune’s and Dr. Rudy’s opinions to be only partially persuasive and that their proposed social
limitations were inconsistent with other evidence in the record. (Doc. No. 9.) The Commissioner
further noted that, even if the ALJ erred by omitting a limitation to superficial interaction in the RFC,
any error is harmless “because the vocational expert testified that the same jobs existed in the same
numbers in the national economy that Plaintiff could perform even if the limitation to superficial

contact with others was included in the RFC.” (Id. at PageID# 556.)
On May 7, 2025, Magistrate Judge issued his R&R, in which he recommended that this Court
affirm the Commissioner’s decision. (Doc. No. 11.) First, relying on Reeves v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
618 Fed. Appx. 267 (6th Cir. 2015), the Magistrate Judge concluded that there is no inconsistency
between an occasional interaction limitation and a superficial interaction limitation and, therefore,
“the ALJ was not duty-bound to explain why he omitted a superficial limitation from the RFC.” (Id.
at PageID# 578-579.) Second, the Magistrate Judge found that, even if the term occasional could be
said to be inconsistent with the term superficial, Muoio “has not shown that the ALJ failed to explain
why he omitted a superficial limitation.” (Id. at PageID#s 579-581.) Lastly, the Magistrate Judge
found that, even if the ALJ erred, any such error would be harmless3 because the VE expressly

testified that if the hypothetical individual described by the ALJ (and in the RFC) was also limited to
superficial interaction with others, that individual could still perform the three jobs that the VE had
identified. (Id. at PageID#s 582-583.)

3 The Magistrate Judge noted that “Muoio does not disagree that a harmless error analysis could apply here.” (Id. at
PageID# 582, fn 7.)
11
Muoio filed an Objection to the R&R on May 21, 2025, to which the Commissioner responded
on May 22, 2025. (Doc. Nos. 12, 13.)
V. Standards of Review
A. Review of Objections to R&R
Under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1), “[a] judge of the court shall make a de novo determination of
those portions of the report or specified proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is

made.” 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C); see Powell v. United States, 37 F.3d 1499 (Table), 1994 WL
532926 at *1 (6th Cir. Sept. 30, 1994) (“Any report and recommendation by a magistrate judge that
is dispositive of a claim or defense of a party shall be subject to de novo review by the district court
in light of specific objections filed by any party.”) (citations omitted); Orr v. Kelly, 2015 WL 5316216
at *2 (N.D. Ohio Sept. 11, 2015) (citing Powell, 1994 WL 532926 at *1). See also Fed. R. Civ. P.
72(b)(3). “A judge of the court may accept, reject, or modify, in whole or in part, the findings or
recommendations made by the magistrate judge.” 28 U.S.C. §636(b)(1).
The Sixth Circuit has held that general objections to a Magistrate Judge’s report and
recommendation are insufficient. Miller v. Currie, 50 F.3d 373, 380 (6th Cir.1995). See also Brown
v. City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2017 WL 4712064 (6th Cir. 2017). “A general objection, or one

that merely restates the arguments previously presented, is not sufficient to alert the court to alleged
errors on the part of the magistrate judge.” Aldrich v. Bock, 327 F.Supp.2d 743, 747 (E.D. Mich.
2004). Rather, “[t]he objections must be clear enough to enable the district court to discern those
issues that are dispositive and contentious.” Miller, 50 F.3d at 380 (citing Howard v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., 932 F.2d 505, 508–09 (6th Cir.1991)). “‘[B]are disagreement with the conclusions
reached by the Magistrate Judge, without any effort to identify any specific errors in the Magistrate

12
Judge's analysis that, if corrected, might warrant a different outcome, is tantamount to an outright
failure to lodge objections to the R&R.’” Arroyo v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 2016 WL 424939 at *3 (E.D.
Mich. Feb. 4, 2016) (quoting Depweg v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 2015 WL 5014361 at *1 (E.D. Mich.
Aug. 24, 2015)) (citing Howard, 932 F.2d at 509).
Moreover, parties cannot “raise at the district court stage new arguments or issues that were
not presented” before the magistrate judge's final report and recommendation. See Murr v. United

States, 200 F.3d 895, 902 n.1 (6th Cir. 2000) (“Courts have held that while the Magistrate Judge Act,
28 U.S.C. § 631 et seq., permits de novo review by the district court if timely objections are filed,
absent compelling reasons, it does not allow parties to raise at the district court stage new arguments
or issues that were not presented to the magistrate.”). See also Swain v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 379
Fed. Appx 512, 517-18 (6th Cir. 2010) (“A claim raised for the first time in objections to a magistrate
judge’s report is deemed waived.”); Nasser v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 598 F.Supp.3d 614, 621 (E.D.
Mich. 2022), aff’d, 2022 WL 17348838 (6th Cir. Dec. 1, 2022).
B. Review of Social Security Decisions
Under the Social Security Act, a disability renders the claimant unable to engage in substantial
gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can result in

death or that can last at least twelve months. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A); 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a).
The impairment must prevent the claimant from doing the claimant's previous work, as well as any
other work which exists in significant numbers in the region where the individual lives or in several

13
regions of the country. 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A). Consideration of disability claims follows a five-
step review process.4 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.
The Court's review of the Commissioner's decision to deny benefits is limited to determining
whether the ALJ applied the correct legal standards and whether the findings are supported by
substantial evidence. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). “Substantial evidence is ‘more than a scintilla of evidence
but less than a preponderance; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as

adequate to support a conclusion.’” McGlothin v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 299 Fed. Appx. 516, 521 (6th
Cir. 2008) (quoting Rogers v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 486 F.3d 234, 241 (6th Cir. 2007) (internal citation
omitted)).
If substantial evidence supports the Commissioner's finding that the claimant is not disabled,
that finding must be affirmed even if the reviewing court would decide the matter differently. Cutlip
v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 25 F.3d 284, 286 (6th Cir. 1994) (citation omitted). A reviewing
court is not permitted to resolve conflicts in evidence or to decide questions of credibility. Bass v.
McMahon, 499 F.3d 506, 509 (6th Cir. 2007) (citation omitted). Moreover, the Commissioner's

4 Under this five step review, the claimant must first demonstrate that he is not currently engaged in “substantial gainful
activity” at the time of the disability application. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(b) and 416.920(b). Second, the claimant must
show that he suffers from a “severe impairment” in order to warrant a finding of disability. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(c) and
416.920(c). A “severe impairment” is one that “significantly limits . . . physical or mental ability to do basic work
activities.” Abbott v. Sullivan, 905 F.2d 918, 923 (6th Cir. 1990). Third, if the claimant is not performing substantial
gainful activity, has a severe impairment that is expected to last for at least twelve months, and the impairment, or
combination of impairments, meets or medically equals a required listing under 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix
1, the claimant is presumed to be disabled regardless of age, education or work experience. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(d)
and 416.920(d). Before considering step four, the ALJ must determine the claimant’s residual functional capacity; i.e.,
the claimant’s ability to do physical and mental work activities on a sustained basis despite limitations from his
impairments. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(e) and 416.930(e). At the fourth step, if the claimant’s impairment or combination
of impairments does not prevent him from doing his past relevant work, the claimant is not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§
404.1520(e)-(f) and 416.920(e)-(f). For the fifth and final step, even if the claimant’s impairment does prevent him from
doing his past relevant work, if other work exists in the national economy that the claimant can perform, the claimant is
not disabled. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(g), 404.1560(c), and 416.920(g). See Abbot, 905 F.2d at 923.

14
decision must be affirmed even if substantial evidence also exists in the record to support a finding
of disability. Felisky v. Bowen, 35 F.3d 1027, 1035 (6th Cir. 1994) (citing Mullen v. Bowen, 800 F.2d
535, 545 (6th Cir. 1986)).
VI. Plaintiff’s Objection to the R&R
Muoio first objects to the Magistrate Judge’s conclusions that there is no inconsistency
between the terms occasional and superficial and, therefore, the ALJ was not required to explain why

he omitted a limitation to superficial interactions from the RFC. (Doc. No. 12.) Muoio argues that
the Magistrate Judge misinterpreted Reeves, supra, asserting that the Sixth Circuit did not find, in
that case, that the terms superficial and occasional are interchangeable but rather simply found that
there was no inconsistency between the state agency psychologists’ opinions and the RFC in that
specific case. (Id.) Muoio maintains that the instant case is more analogous to Kinney v. Comm’r of
Soc. Sec., 2024 WL 2273365 (6th Cir. 2024), in which the Sixth Circuit found that an ALJ erred by
failing to explain why he omitted from the RFC a state agency physician’s opinion that the plaintiff
required flexible break schedules. (Id.) Muoio argues that the ALJ likewise erred here because Drs.
Zeune and Rudy both limited him to superficial interaction with coworkers and supervisors and that,
despite finding that these opinions to be partially persuasive, the ALJ failed to explain why he omitted

a superficial interaction limitation from the RFC. (Id.)
In support of this Objection, Muoio cites a slew of district court decisions (both from within
and outside of this Circuit) in which courts have “acknowledged the significant difference and
distinction between the terms ‘superficial interaction’ and ‘occasional interaction.’” (Id. at PageID#s
588-591.) Lastly, Muoio relies on an Appeals Council decision that was apparently issued in a
different case, in which an Administrative Appeals Judge concluded that the term “superficial

15
interaction” is “distinguishable and distinct from” the term “occasional interaction,” with the former
relating to “the depth, kind and quality of social interactions” and the latter relating to the “frequency
of interaction with others.” (Id. at PageID# 591.) Based on the above, Muoio argues that the terms
superficial and occasional are distinct terms with different meanings, and that the Magistrate Judge
erred in finding to the contrary and on that basis concluding that the ALJ was not required to explain
why he omitted a limitation to superficial interactions with coworkers and supervisors from the RFC.

At Step Four, the ALJ must determine a claimant's RFC by considering all relevant medical
and other evidence. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e). When there is an opinion from a medical
source or prior administrative medical finding about a claimant's capabilities, an ALJ must explain
how persuasive the ALJ finds that opinion or finding.5 See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c(b), 416.920c(b).
See also Reeves, 618 Fed. Appx at 275. Importantly, “[a]n ALJ need not incorporate every limitation
from a medical source's recommendation, even if it finds that medical source to be persuasive.”
Kinney, 2024 WL 2273365 at * 3. See also Reeves, 618 Fed. Appx at 275 (“[E]ven where an ALJ
provides ‘great weight’ to an opinion, there is no requirement that an ALJ adopt a state agency
psychologist's opinion verbatim; nor is the ALJ required to adopt the state agency psychologist's
limitations wholesale.”); Poe v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 342 Fed. Appx 149, 157 (6th Cir. 2009) (finding

that, when assessing a claimant's RFC, an ALJ “is not required to recite the medical opinion of a
physician verbatim in [her] residual functional capacity finding… [and] an ALJ does not improperly

5 The ALJ considers five factors to determine persuasiveness: (1) supportability; (2) consistency; (3) the source's
relationship with the claimant, including length of treatment relationship, frequency of examinations, purpose of the
treatment relationship, and examining relationship; (4) the source's specialization; and (5) any other factors that tend to
support or contradict a medical opinion. 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520c(c)(1)-(5), 416.920c(c)(1)-(5). The regulations require
the ALJ to “explain how [the ALJ] considered the supportability and consistency factors for a medical source's medical
opinions.” See id. at §§ 404.1520c(b)(2), 416.920c(b)(2).
16
assume the role of a medical expert by assessing the medical and nonmedical evidence before
rendering a residual functional capacity finding.”)
However, under Social Security Ruling (“SSR”) 96-8p, if the ALJ's “RFC assessment
conflicts with an opinion from a medical source, the [ALJ] must explain why the opinion was not
adopted.” SSR 96-8p, Assessing Residual Functional Capacity in Initial Claims, 1996 WL 374184
at * 7 (July 2, 1996). See also Echevarria v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2025 WL 3470314 at * 6 (N.D.

Ohio Dec. 3, 2025); Bobak v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2025 WL 2664461 at * 11 (N.D. Ohio Sept. 18,
2025), report and recommendation adopted by 2026 WL 281039 (N.D. Ohio Feb. 3, 2026). The
reasons for the ALJ's conclusions about the medical opinions must be stated in a manner that allows
the reviewing court to “trace the path of the ALJ's reasoning” from evidence to conclusion. Stacey
v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 451 Fed. Appx 517, 519 (6th Cir. 2011).
In the instant case, Muoio objects to the Magistrate Judge’s conclusion that the ALJ was not
required, under SSR 96-8p, to explain why he omitted a limitation to superficial interactions in the
RFC, because there is no conflict between the terms superficial and occasional. As discussed below,
district courts in this Circuit are divided on this issue.
The first step in determining whether there is a conflict between the terms superficial and

occasional is examining the meaning of each of those terms. The Social Security Administration
(“SSA”) has defined certain terms and concepts that are often used in evaluating disability, including
(notably) the term occasional, which is defined as meaning “from very little up to one-third of the
time.” SSR 83-10, 1983 WL 31251 at * 5 (Jan. 1, 1983). The SSA has not, however, defined the
term superficial, in either the Social Security Act or any of its corresponding regulations, SSRs,
policies, or manuals. See, e.g., Bobak, 2025 WL 2664461 at * 10; Tammy W. v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,

17
2024 WL 4284251 at * 4 (S.D. Ohio Sept. 25, 2024). Moreover, although the Dictionary of
Occupational Titles (“DOT”) defines numerous vocational terms related to interacting with others
(including “mentoring,” “negotiating,” “instructing,” “supervising,” “diverting,” “persuading,”
“speaking-signaling,” “serving,” and “taking instructions-helping”), it does not define the term
“superficial” as it may relate to any of those terms. See Bobak, 2025 WL 2664461 at * 11 (citing
DOT, App'x B, http://occupationalinfo.org/appendxb1.html). See also Stoodt v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,

2022 WL 721455 at * 16-17 (N.D. Ohio Jan. 13, 2022), report and recommendation adopted by 2022
WL 716105 (N.D. Ohio Mar. 10, 2022) (noting that neither the DOT nor the Selected Characteristics
of Occupations (“SCO”) define the term “superficial”).
In his Objection, Muoio argues that that the Appeals Council has not only defined the term
superficial, but has concluded that the terms superficial and occasional are definitionally distinct.
(Doc. No. 12 at PageID# 591.) In support of this argument, Muoio directs this Court’s attention to a
redacted copy of an Appeals Council decision (“the AC Decision”) dated July 27, 2022, in which an
Administrative Appeals Judge discusses the meaning of the terms superficial and occasional
interaction in the context of a different, unidentified claimant’s social security application.6 (Id.) For
the following reasons, Muoio’s argument is without merit.

6 The record reflects that Muoio submitted a redacted copy of the AC decision to the ALJ during the administrative
proceedings below. (Tr. 331.) Although redacted, it is clear that the AC decision involves a different claimant. (Tr. 332-
335.) In the AC Decision, Administrative Appeals Judge Sunmee Jo discusses the opinions of two state agency
psychologists who opined (in relevant part) that the claimant in that case should be limited to “no more than occasional,
superficial interaction with others.” (Tr. 334-335.) The ALJ had found these opinions to be “mostly persuasive,” but
rejected the opinion that the claimant needed no more than superficial interaction with others on the grounds that the term
superficial interaction “is not a vocationally proper term.” (Id.) The Administrative Appeals Judge disagreed, finding as
follows: “‘[S]uperficial interaction’ is a term that is readily defined, understood and applicable to a work setting, as it
speaks to the depth, kind and quality of social interactions, and indicates that the claimant could not have sustained more
than shallow or cursory interactions with others, i.e., coworkers, the general public, and/or supervisors. This term is
distinguishable and distinct from ‘occasional’ which describes the frequency of interaction with others and how much
interaction the claimant could tolerate on a sustained basis.” (Id.)
18
First, the Court notes that Muoio failed to cite or otherwise bring the AC Decision to the
attention of the Magistrate Judge, either in his opening Brief on the Merits or his Reply Brief. (Doc.
Nos. 7, 10.) Nor did Muoio otherwise argue, at any point before the Magistrate Judge, that the
Appeals Council had defined the term superficial and/or determined in a binding decision that the
terms superficial and occasional were distinct terms with different meanings. (Id.) The Court finds
that, by failing to raise this argument before the Magistrate Judge, Muoio forfeited it for purposes of

the instant Objection. See Murr, 200 F.3d at 902, n.1. Moreover, even assuming arguendo that
Muoio had not forfeited this argument, the Court would nonetheless find it to be without merit.
Numerous district courts within this Circuit have rejected the argument that the AC Decision at issue
herein constitutes binding authority in unrelated social security appeals. See Bobak, 2025 WL
2664461 at * 10 (“The Appeals Council's definition in a remand order for [an] unrelated case does
not constitute an official definition by the SSA that is binding on it at large or on this Court.”)
(collecting cases); Dallas B. v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2025 WL 3710871 at * 5 (S.D. Ohio Nov. 7,
2025) (same), report and recommendation adopted by 2025 WL 3709000 (S.D. Ohio Dec. 22, 2025);
Jared W. v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 2022 WL 17842947 at *6 (S.D. Ohio Dec. 22, 2022), report and
recommendation adopted by 2023 WL 1960600 (S.D. Ohio Feb. 13, 2023) (same). The Court agrees

and, accordingly, finds Muoio’s reliance on the AC Decision to be misplaced.
In the absence of an established definition of the term superficial, district courts within this
Circuit remain divided over whether there is a conflict between the terms superficial and occasional
in the context of social interaction limitations. Relying on the Sixth Circuit’s decision in Reeves,7

7 In Reeves, two state agency psychologists opined that the plaintiff was moderately limited in his ability to interact
appropriately with the public and is “able to relate to a few familiar others on a superficial basis.” Reeves, 618 Fed. Appx.
at 275. The ALJ assigned their opinions “great weight,” but then translated the opinions that plaintiff could “relate to a
19
some district courts have found that the term occasional does not conflict with the term superficial
(particularly in the context of unskilled work) and therefore an ALJ need not explain his or her reasons
for applying one term over the other. See, e.g., Stephen D. v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 734 F.Supp.3d
729, 739 (S.D. Ohio 2024); Martin v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2025 WL 3153381 at * 2 (W.D. Mich.
Nov. 12, 2025); Chermagne W. v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2025 WL 1993507 at * 6-7 (S.D. Ohio July
17, 2025).

Other district courts, however, have held that the terms are not interchangeable because
occasional relates to the frequency or quantity of time a claimant spends interacting with others,
whereas superficial relates to the quality of the interactions.8 See, e.g., Hutton v. Comm’r of Soc.
Sec., 2020 WL 3866855 at * 4 (S.D. Ohio July 9, 2020), report and recommendation adopted by,

few...on a superficial basis” into an RFC limitation to “only occasional interaction with the public.” Reeves v. Colvin,
2014 WL 4675321 at *4, 8 (N.D. Ohio Sept. 18, 2014). Before both the district court and the Sixth Circuit, the plaintiff
argued that the RFC limitation to occasional interaction was inconsistent with the ALJ's acceptance of the psychologists'
opinions limiting plaintiff to superficial interactions. The Sixth Circuit rejected that argument as “without merit,”
concluding that “the ALJ's mental RFC determination was supported by substantial evidence in the record and is not
inconsistent with either of the state agency psychologists' opinions.” Id. (emphasis added).

8 A recent decision of the Sixth Circuit (which was issued after the R&R herein) may lend some support to this latter
view. In Mabry-Schlicher v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2025 WL 1604376 (6th Cir. June 6, 2025), the district court had
previously remanded the case to the ALJ on the grounds that the ALJ had improperly rejected the opinions of state agency
psychologists that plaintiff was limited to superficial contact as “vocationally irrelevant;” and instead only limited plaintiff
to occasional interaction with coworkers and supervisors. Id. at *2. On remand, the ALJ included a limitation in the RFC
to “superficial contact,” which the ALJ defined as “retaining the ability to receive simple instructions, ask simple
questions, and receive performance appraisals but as lacking the ability to engage in more complex social interactions
such as persuading other people or rendering advice.” Id. On appeal, plaintiff argued that the ALJ had failed to comply
with the district court’s remand order and that the ALJ’s definition of “superficial contact” was impermissibly narrow.
The Sixth Circuit rejected both arguments. First, the Sixth Circuit rejected the argument that the ALJ had failed to comply
with the remand order, noting that “the social restrictions [in the superficial contact limitation] relate to the quality and
character of social interaction, rather than mere duration of interaction, and thus comport with the remand order.” Id. at
* 4. The Sixth Circuit then rejected the plaintiff’s argument that the ALJ’s “superficial contact” limitation was overly
narrow, finding that the term superficial is undefined by social security regulations and guidance and that “[l]acking
extensive guidance, the ALJ delineated specific social restrictions based on his understanding of what a ‘superficial
contact’ limitation requires in this context.” Id. at * 5. Although the Sixth Circuit does not directly address the issue of
whether superficial and occasional are distinct terms with different meanings, it does appear to recognize a distinction
between the terms superficial and occasional, i.e., that the term superficial interaction relates to the quality of interactions,
as opposed to (and distinct from) “mere duration of interaction,” which is often associated with occasional interaction.
Id. at * 4.
20
2020 WL 4334920 (S.D. Ohio July 28, 2020); William H. v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2022 WL 4591304
at * 5 (S.D. Ohio Sept, 30, 2022); Lindsey v. Comm'r Soc. Sec., 2018 WL 6257432 at *4 (S.D. Ohio
Nov. 30, 2018).
The Court need not decide this issue. Even assuming arguendo that there is a conflict
between the terms superficial and occasional, the Court agrees with the Magistrate Judge that the ALJ
adequately explained his reasons for omitting a limitation to superficial contact with coworkers and

supervisors from the RFC for the reasons set forth below.
In his decision, the ALJ expressly acknowledged Dr. Zeune’s opinion that Muoio is limited
to superficial interaction with others, as well as Dr. Rudy’s opinion that Muoio is limited to occasional
and superficial interaction with others. (Tr. 57.) The ALJ explained, however, that he found that Dr.
Zeune’s and Dr. Rudy’s opinions “overstate[d] [Muoio’s] social and adaptive limitations,” and were
only “partially persuasive.” (Tr. 58.) The ALJ noted that Muoio (1) had no legal history; (2) was
“discernibly able to function in public spaces,” (3) socialized with his father and uncle; (4) had
initiated a romantic relationship during the period relevant to his claim; and (5) was typically
described in the record in “pro-social” terms, i.e., with normal affect, normal behavior, etc. (Id.)
Moreover, earlier in the decision, the ALJ noted that Muoio “follows a regimen of psychotropic

medications,” which have been “reported as effective.” (Tr. 56.) The ALJ further indicated that
Muoio’s medical records show that his mental impairments “have generally been assessed as
controlled” and that “mental status examinations included in the evidence have consistently, albeit
not universally, reported either mildly adverse, or benign findings.” (Id.)
Notably, the ALJ then explained that “[p]rovided the frequency of [Muoio’s] interactions
with others is controlled, the evidence shows he has retained sufficient, residual, social function to

21
engage in competitive work.” (Tr. 58) (emphasis added). As noted supra, the term “occasional” is
defined in social security guidance as meaning “from very little up to one-third of the time”, i.e., in
terms of the quantity or frequency of interactions. See SSR 83-10, 1983 WL 31251 at * 5. The Court
finds that, by stating that Muoio could engage in competitive work “provided the frequency of his
interactions with others is controlled,” the ALJ adequately explained that he agreed with Dr. Rudy’s
opinion that Muoio was limited to occasional contact with others, but that he did not agree with Dr.

Zeune’s and Dr. Rudy’s opinions that he was also limited to superficial contact with others. Muoio
does not make any meaningful argument to the contrary.
In sum, while it might have been preferable if the ALJ had more explicitly addressed his
decision to omit a limitation to superficial contact, the Court finds that, reading the decision as a
whole, the ALJ provided sufficient explanation to allow this Court to trace the path of his reasoning.
See Stacey, 451 Fed. Appx at 519. Accordingly, the Court finds that, even if there is a conflict
between the terms superficial and occasional, remand is not required because the ALJ adequately
explained why he omitted a limitation to superficial contact with coworkers and supervisors from the
RFC.
Lastly, and as noted above, the Magistrate Judge found that, even assuming the ALJ had not

adequately explained why he omitted a limitation to superficial contact, any error in this regard would
be harmless since the VE testified that, even if the hypothetical individual described by the ALJ (and
in the RFC) was also limited to superficial interaction, the individual could still perform the three
jobs that the VE had identified. (Tr. 91-92.) Muoio objects to the Magistrate Judge’s conclusion that
any error was harmless. (Doc. No. 12 at PageID#s 593-594.) He maintains that the ALJ failed to
define the term superficial before offering the second hypothetical to the VE and, therefore, the VE’s

22
testimony “about whether someone limited to ‘superficial’ interaction could sustain work is
unreliable as it is completely unclear as to what definition” the VE was applying to the term. (Id.)
Muoio further asserts the AC Decision provides a definition of “superficial” and that, based on this
definition, the VE “found that an individual would be unable to sustain employment.” (Id.) Thus,
Muoio argues that the ALJ’s error was not harmless and remand is required.
Muoio’s Objection is without merit. As set forth supra, the ALJ did, in fact, provide a

definition of the term superficial to the VE during the hearing. Specifically, the ALJ asked the VE
to “consider all the same circumstances of the first hypothetical” but “to presume that the individual
is limited to occasional and superficial interactions with supervisors, coworkers or the general public
with that being defined as no more than just cursory interactions with those individuals.” (Tr.
92)(emphasis added). Thus, the ALJ clearly defined the term superficial for purposes of the VE’s
vocational testimony.9 (Id.) Notably, in response to this question, the VE testified that the three
previous jobs he had identified in response to the first hypothetical (i.e., order puller, hand packager,
and laundry laborer) “would still apply” even with a limitation to superficial interactions, as defined
by the ALJ above. (Tr. 92.) The VE also later reiterated that these three jobs involved “simple,
routine tasks” and were “at superficial interaction.” (Tr. 96.)

The Court also rejects Muoio’s argument that the ALJ should have used the definition of the
term superficial set forth in the AC Decision and that “based on that definition, the [VE] would have
found that an individual would be unable to sustain employment.” (Doc. No. 12 at PageID# 594.)

9 The definition provided by the ALJ to the VE is actually consistent with the definition of the term superficial that was
offered by Muoio’s own counsel during his opening statement at the hearing. Specifically, Muoio’s counsel stated, in
relevant part, that “[t]he Appeals Council has defined the superficial interaction [as] no more than cursory or shallow...”
(Tr. 79.)
23
As an initial matter, as set forth supra, neither this Court nor the ALJ are bound by the AC Decision
because “the Appeals Council’s definition in a remand order for [an] unrelated case does not
constitute an official definition by the SSA that is binding on it at large or on this Court.” Bobak,
2025 WL 2664461 at * 10. See also Stephen D. v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 2023 WL 4991918 at *14
(S.D. Ohio Aug. 4, 2023) (“a single Appeals Council order in an unrelated case is not binding on the
Commissioner and has no precedential value beyond the case in which it was entered”), report and

recommendation adopted, 734 F.Supp.3d 729 (S.D. Ohio May 16, 2024); Tammy W., 2024 WL
4284251 at *4 (finding that the ALJ was not bound by the Appeals Council's definition of the term
“superficial” from an unrelated case).
In any event, the Court disagrees with Muoio that “based on [the Appeals Council’s]
definition, the [VE] found that an individual would be unable to sustain employment.” (Doc. No. 12
at PageID# 594.) In the AC Decision, the Administrative Appeals Judge defined the term superficial
interaction as meaning that “the claimant could not have sustained more than shallow or cursory
interactions with others, i.e. coworkers, the general public, and/or supervisors.” (Tr. 335.) This is
essentially the same definition of superficial that the ALJ posed to the VE during the second
hypothetical -- in response to which the VE testified that the hypothetical individual would still be

able to perform the jobs of order puller, hand packager, and laundry laborer. (Tr. 92.) Thus, this
argument is without merit and rejected.10

10 The Court notes that Muoio’s counsel asked the VE the following question during the hearing: “if we were to further
define the superficial when we're talking about cursory -- if we're talking about cursory such as limited interaction such
as exchanging basic greetings, if it were defined in that sense, would I be correct that would preclude the ability to sustain
competitive work activity?” (Tr. 95.) The VE responded that “[i]f that's the only type of interaction they could deal with,
then yes, it would, because that -- that would be much less than superficial interaction.” (Id.) (emphasis added). Thus,
the VE did not believe that the narrow definition of superficial offered by Muoio’s counsel (i.e., “exchanging basic
greetings”) was consistent with the definition of the term superficial interaction provided by the ALJ. Nor did the VE
24
Accordingly, even assuming arguendo that the ALJ had not adequately explained his reasons
for omitting a limitation to superficial contact from the RFC, any error would be harmless in light of
the VE’s testimony that there were representative jobs in significant numbers in the national economy
for a hypothetical individual with Muoio’s RFC that was also limited to superficial interactions with
supervisors, coworkers, or general public. 11
V. Conclusion

For all of the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff’s Objection (Doc. No. 12) is overruled. The Court
accepts the Magistrate Judge’s Report and Recommendation (Doc. No. 11), and the Commissioner’s
decision is affirmed.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Pamela A. Barker
PAMELA A. BARKER
Date: February 19, 2026 U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE

otherwise testify that an individual with Muoio’s RFC that was limited to superficial interaction (as defined by the ALJ)
would be unable to sustain competitive employment.

11 As a final note, the Court finds that Muoio’s reliance on the Sixth Circuit’s decision in Kinney v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
2024 WL 2273365 (6th Cir. May 20, 2024) is misplaced. In Kinney, the ALJ found a medical opinion to be “consistent
with and supported by the record as a whole” and “persuasive,” but then omitted a limitation contained therein requiring
flexible breaks without explanation. Id. at *5. The Sixth Circuit determined that “although the ALJ was not required to
incorporate the flexible break scheduling limitation, the failure to do so without explaining its omission warrant[ed]
reversal” given the fact that the ALJ found the medical examiner's opinion to be persuasive. Id. at * 9. Kinney is
distinguishable from the instant case for several reasons. First, unlike Kinney, the ALJ in the instant case did not state
that he found the opinions of Drs. Zeune and Rudy fully persuasive. Rather, the ALJ found that Dr. Zeune’s and Dr.
Rudy’s opinions were only “partially persuasive.” Courts have distinguished Kinney on this basis. See, e.g., Haahr v.
Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 2024 WL 5242214 at * 4 (N.D. Ohio Dec. 30, 2024). Second, in Kinney, the VE testified on cross-
examination that a flexibility limitation would be considered an accommodation. See Kinney v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec.,
2023 WL 5042599 at * 6 (N.D. Ohio June 12, 2023). Thus, the ALJ’s failure to include a flexible break limitation in the
RFC could not be considered harmless error. However, as discussed above, any error by the ALJ in the instant case was
harmless because the VE testified that Muoio could perform the jobs of order puller, hand packager, and laundry laborer,
even with a further limitation to superficial contact. Accordingly, Kinney is distinguishable from the instant action and
does not require a different result.

25

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/11268610. Public record. Not legal advice.