MATOUSEK v. VA (2019)

Susan Neal Matousek appeals the district court's order dismissing her civil action for failure to state a claim under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2) (2012).^* On appeal, we confine our review to the issues raised in the Appellant's brief. See 4th Cir. R. 34(b). Because Matousek's informal briefs and other documents filed on appeal do not challenge the bases for the district court's disposition, Matousek has forfeited appellate review of the court's order. See Jackson v. Lightsey, 775 F.3d 170, 177 (4th Cir. 2014) (“The informal brief is an important document; under Fourth Circuit rules, our review is limited to issues preserved in that brief.”). Accordingly, we grant Matousek's motion to seal medical and personal information, deny her petition for initial hearing en banc, and affirm the district court's judgment. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

FOOTNOTES

FOOTNOTE.   Although the district court dismissed the action without prejudice, the court's order is final and appealable under Goode v. Cent. Va. Legal Aid Soc'y, Inc., 807 F.3d 619, 623 (4th Cir. 2015), and Martin v. Duffy, 858 F.3d 239, 247 (4th Cir. 2017).

PER CURIAM:

Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.