145 F. Supp. 3d 382

Marvin CHARLES, Plaintiff, v. UPS NATIONAL LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN, et al., Defendants.

CIVIL ACTION No. 12-06223

United States District Court, E.D. Pennsylvania.

Signed 10/29/2015

Filed 10/30/2015

*384Kirk L. Wolgemuth, Wolgemuth & Dunlap Law Offices, Lancaster, PA, for Plaintiff.

Melissa Murphy Weber, Elliott Green-leaf, P.C., Blue Bell, PA, for Defendants.

MEMORANDUM

Stengel, District Judge

This case stems from Aetna’s' denial of long-term disability benefits ünder an ERISA-covered- employee benefits plan.1 The parties have filed cross motions for summary judgment. For the reasons stated below, I will grant the plaintiffs motion in part and enter judgment in favor of the plaintiff on Count I. - ,

1. BACKGROUND

Plaintiff Marvin Charles is a 57-year-old high school graduate.2 He started working *385at UPS as a Pre-loader/Porter.3 He was promoted to the role of package car driver in 1992, making between $50,000-60,000 a year.4 Prior to working at UPS, Mr. Charles was a dock worker for eight years and a self-employed farm owner for twelve years.5 As part of his employment with UPS, Mr. Charles participated in the UPS National Long-term Disability Benefits Plan.6

About thirty years ago, Mr, Charles was in a motor vehicle accident causing him brain trauma.7 Subsequently, he was diagnosed with partial complex seizure disorder.8 The plaintiff took Depakote for several months and then stopped.9 He remained seizure-free for many, many years.10 In .the spring of 2008, he began working with his doctor to again treat the condition after having a grand mal seizure.11-His primary care physician (PCP) referred him for blood tests and an MRI/MRA . of the brain.12 His PCP also told him to see his neurologist , about “initiating medication.”13 His neurologist then prescribed a medication called lamotrigine, also known as Lamictal, to control his seizures.14 Because he was taking anti-seizure medication, the plaintiff could no longer drive a truck for UPS because Department of Transportation regulations prevented him from doing so.15

Mr. Charles stopped working at UPS on June 1, 2009.16 He applied for short-term *386disability (STD) benefits, which he began receiving on June 8, 2009.17 Those benefits, paid through the Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund, expired on February 17, 2010.18 On May 17, 2010, the plaintiff returned to work at UPS on a part-time basis in a different position.19 His new position as a pre-loader did not require him to drive. The plaintiff was making $23.75 per hour at that time, working 20 hours a week over 5 days.20 He continued to receive STD benefits at a reduced rate while working part-time.

a. Plaintiffs Initial Disability Determination Under “Own Occupation” Test

The plaintiff then applied for long term disability (LTD) benefits on May 25, 2010.21 On June 8, 2010, Aetna denied his claim as untimely.22 The plaintiff appealed the denial on July 2, 2010.23 On the first level of appeals, the initial decision was originally upheld.24 At the final level, UPS clarified that the plaintiff, as a union member, had the benefit of an extended period of short-term disability; Aetna recalculated the claim period to be timely.25

*387On November 16, 2010, Aetna authorized the plaintiff to receive LTD benefits effective February 18, 2010 until February 17, 2012.26 Aetna’s reason for its decision was that the plaintiff was still taking Lac-mital and was subject to the restrictions of no climbing, driving, or operating machinery by his POP.27 The administrative file also notes that the plaintiffs disability decision was further “supported” by that fact that he had returned to work with hourly restrictions.28 The plaintiff received $2600.00 a month, which is 60% of his predisability earnings.29

In March 2011, Aetna requested updated information from the plaintiff and his treating medical physicians about his condition.30 The plaintiff and his physicians informed Aetna that he continued on his anti-seizure medication as his current treatment plan and had remained seizure-free.31 On his claim questionnaire, the plaintiff himself indicated that he had “trouble staying asleep.”32 He also indicated that he does drive but only typically drives ten miles daily.33

b. Plan Terms Regarding Test Change After Two Years

The terms of the LTD plan dictate that the test for determining, whether a participant is disabled changes after two years.34 A participant’s initial determination of disability is based on whether he is disabled from his “own occupation.”35 After receiving benefits, for two-years, a participant will only continue to receive benefits if he is unable to perform any “reasonable occupation.”36 The plan defines a “reasonable occupation” as “any gainful activity” for which a participant is “or may- reasonably become, fitted by education, training, or experience; and [wjhich results in, or can be expected to result in, an income of more than 60% of your adjusted predisability earnings.”37

*388c. Plaintiffs Disability Decision under the “Reasonable Occupation” Test

In June 2011, Aetna began reviewing the plaintiffs file to determine if he would continue receiving benefits under the “reasonable occupation” test.38 Aetna mailed the plaintiff a letter, explaining this change and indicated that it would consider the following information in making its determination: 1) the plaintiffs medical- condition and. how it may limit his ability to work on a regular basis; 2) the skills and knowledge he has from his education and experience; 3) his prior occupations; 4) and jobs he could perform based on his vocational and physical abilities.39 The plaintiff was asked to fill out forms which included some of this information.40

As part of this review, the plaintiffs PCP submitted an attending physician statement that said the plaintiff could perform “heavy physical demand level work” but must “avoid heights, no driving, climbing or- operating heavy machinery.”41 The statement also noted that the plaintiff was still taking Lacmital but noted no adverse effects from the medication.42 His doctor continued to limit him to working only part-time.43 The doctor indicated that the plaintiff would never return to “full duty.”44 On a form checklist provided by Aetna, the plaintiffs doctor also limited his ability to operate a motor vehicle, “hazardous machines,” or “power tools.”45

In October 2011, Aetna calculated the plaintiffs predisability salary as $54,412.80 and found sixty percent of that salary to be $32,647.68, giving the plaintiff an adjusted CPI hourly of $15.89.46 This calculation assumes that the plaintiff will be able to work full time. After these calculations, Aetna’s file noted that based on the plaintiffs restrictions/limitation to part-time work arid his work history as a farmer and driver “there is potential for transferrable skills to alternate occupations [but] it is unlikely occupations will be identified to exist in the [labor market] as part time meeting part time RW of $31.78/hr.”47

On November 2, 2011, Aetna then contacted the plaintiffs PCP and neurologist to clarify why the plaintiff was restricted to part-time work.48 The plaintiffs PCP indicated that he could not work more than four hours a day “due to stress which may cause seizure episodes.”49 In the plaintiffs file, an Aetna employee noted: “Do medicals support only part-time work? If not, [disability benefits manager] recommends peer review.”50 The note then reiterated what was already provided by the plaintiffs doctors and concluded with the finding that there was “no medical documentation submitted supporting restrictions and limitations of a 4 hour work day” but that the limitations of “no driving, operating *389hazardous machinery or working heights is supported due to [history] of seizures.”51 On November 4, 2011, Aetna recommended a neurological peer-to-peer review to determine if the part-time work restriction was supported.52

1. Dr. Cohan’s Report

Aetna referred the plaintiffs case to Dr. Vaughn Cohan, a neurologist with whom Aetna had contracted, for a peer review.53 After reviewing the plaintiffs medical records, Dr. Cohan found that his medical information failed “to support functional impairment for the entire timeframe.” Dr. Cohan determined that the plaintiffs recommended “safety sensitive restrictions no longer apply” because there was no medical documentation to support these restrictions.54 He found “no evidence of any functional impairment to adverse' medication effect.”55 Dr. Cohan noted that “no clinical reports” would prevent the plaintiff from working full-time.56

On November 23, 2011, Aetna faxed a copy of Dr. Cohan’s report to the plaintiffs neurologist and PCP, asking each to confirm whether the plaintiff could return to full-time work in “any reasonable occupation.”57 Specifically, Aetna- requested “objective clinical exam findings including current office and/or chart notes, along with any quantifiable documentation.. .including labs, blood work, x-rays, and the results' of any diagnostic tests showing why Mr. Charles is not able to return to work at the above mentioned functional capacity.”58 The plaintiffs neurologist responded with a handwritten note directing Aetna to refer all LTD claims and questions to the plaintiffs PCP.59

*390In light of Dr. Cohan’s report, Aetna’s notes indicate that research was done on whether the plaintiff could serve as a driver at UPS again.60 After looking at the DOT regulations, Aetna seemed to determine that he would be covered by the regulations and could not return to the role of package car driver.61

2. Vocational Analysis

Following that determination, Aetna recommended- that the file be sent for vocational analysis.62 This vocational analysis included both a transferrable skills analysis and a labor market analysis.63 The note regarding this vocational analysis indicated that the plaintiff had the following work restrictions and limitations: “no unprotected heights, operating dangerous equipment, or machinery.”64 The note calculated a “reasonable wage hourly amount” to be $16,25.65 The Adjusted Predisability Earnings and Reasonable Wage Calculation worksheet calculated a reasonable wage to be $16.25.66 The plaintiff was listed as being able to perform “heavy” work.67

The vocational analysis was conducted by Genex Services to determine if the plaintiff could be employed in other “reasonable” occupations based on his skills and earnings.68 On January 30,2012, Aetna received the labor market analysis but sent it back to Genex for further clarification.69 On February 6, 2012, Aetna received the finalized analysis.70

Relying on Dr. Cohan’s report, Genex found that the plaintiff could perform heavy work.71 Specifically, the vocational analysis noted that the plaintiff had been seizure-free for three years. Genex identified five occupations which the plaintiff could do: “license inspector, freezer operator, mixer operator, warehouse supervisor, and brake adjuster.”72 It concluded that the plaintiff could perform sedentary, light, medium, or heavy work with a reasonable wage of $16.25, making him qualified for such “potential occupations.”73 These were considered to be “potential occupations,” which were defined as occupations that the plaintiff can learn “within 30 days and require no previous occupational experience.”74 These positions had a *391potential earning between $18.74 an hour up to $32.02 an hour, above the plaintiffs reasonable wage of $16.25.75 They were all listed as being “light” work.76 These positions would provide the plaintiff with' an earning potential within the plan terms of a reasonable wage, assuming that the plaintiff worked full-time.77

In looking at local job openings within a hundred-mile radius of the plaintiffs home, Genex determined that there was a viable labor market for these occupations.78 While the report found that there are usually 1930 annual positions open in those five occupations, - only four current openings were identified.79 According to the report, a viable labor market for the plaintiff did exist.80

Genex included several positions in the area as examples of these occupations. Among these positions were listings for: 1) a cargo inspector with BVAO North America in Philadelphia; 2) a data collection associate for Crossmark in Lancaster, PA; 3) a forklift operator in Pedricktown, New Jersey; 4) a warehouse lead position in Lancaster, PA, and 5) and an automobile technician position in Ephrata, PA.81

On February 8, 2012, Aetna determined that the plaintiff was no longer eligible for disability benefits effective February 18, 2012.82 In a letter dated February- 9, 2012, Aetna terminated- the plaintiffs benefits, claiming that, there was insufficient medical evidence in- the administrative file to support a part-time work restriction.83 According to Aetna, the plaintiff had “the physical capacity to perform reasonable occupations, for which [he was] fitted given [his] education, training, and work experience.”84 Aetna concluded that the plaintiff no longer met the'definition of the disabled under the “reasonable occupation” test.85

*392d. Plaintiffs Appeal of His Denial and Federal Litigation

On March 1, 2012, the plaintiff appealed this determination, according to Aetna’s appeals procedure.86 In support .of his appeal, the plaintiff submitted a letter from his PCP dated March 20, 2012 stating that he was restricted to working pastime because the Lacmital used to treat his seizures caused him significant sedation.87 His physician stated “we must continue to limit his hours worked on a daily basis to 5 per day, for his health and safety, as working longer hours would put him at risk of making mistakes due to-fatigue and somnolence, including potentially falling asleep at the wheel on the way home.”88 The letter indicated that the plaintiff was doing well on his current treatment regimen of Lacmital and would recommend its continuation.89

On April 25, 2012, Aetna informed plaintiffs counsel that they would issue a timely decision by May 26, 2012.90 On May 29, 2012, -Aetna informed plaintiffs counsel that it needed an additional 30 days to issue a decision,- as permitted by -the Plan.91

Aetna referred the plaintiffs case for another peer review.92 This review was conducted by Dr. Kenneth Root, and his report was issued on June 4, 2012.93 Dr. Root noted that though the plaintiffs seizures were well controlled by medication, “it would be advisable and reasonable to recommend a job in which the claimant would not be driving, -working in high places, such as ladders or rooftops, and to avoid using ¡power equipment, if at all possible.”94 In interpreting the plaintiffs doctor’s previous restriction to part-time work, Dr. Root noted that “[d]riving to and from work is not considered a job respon-sibility____”95 Dr. Root then stated that there were no findings of neurological functional impairment due to the plaintiffs medication side effects from the time period of 2/18/12 to 5/31/12.96 He went on to say that the plaintiff was “experiencing some fatigue after four to five hours, presumably due to lamotrigine, but- this has not been documented.”97 Ultimately, Dr. *393Root found that “there .[was] a lack of documented evidence, of objective neurological functional impairment in the claimant from 2/18/12 to '5/81/12 which would preclude him from working any occupation.”98 Part of his decision relied upon the fact that the plaintiff had not visited either his PCP or his neurologist during that time frame.99

On June 25, 2012, Aetna contacted the plaintiffs neurologist in order to' clarify what the plaintiffs impairment and functionality level was.100 On August 30, 2012, the plaintiffs attorney sent Aetna a .letter demanding a decision, which was several months overdue.101

On September 5,2012, Aetna finally rendered a decision, affirming the plaintiffs denial of benefits, again reiterating that no medical evidence supporting a finding of disability.102 On September 10, 2012, the plaintiff requested a copy of his administrative file .from Aetna.103 On October 16, 2012, the plaintiff filed this action against Aetna and the UPS National LTD Plan.104 He claims that the defendants violated his rights under ERISA by both denying him LTD benefits and by failing to provide him with the plan document and his administrative file within the requisite time frame. The parties filed cross motions for summary judgment.

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW FOR COUNT I

The parties' dispute which standard of review applies to the plaintiffs LTD benefits denial. “[A] denial of benefits challenged under [ERISA] § 1132(a)(1)(B) is to be reviewed under a-de novo standard unléss the benefit plan gives the administrator or fiduciary discretionary authority to determine eligibility for .benefits or to construe the terms of the plan.” Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989). When an administrator or fiduciary is given discretion, a court reviewing a denial reviews the administrative record to determine if the ad? ministrator’s decision was the arbitrary and capricious or an abuse of discretion. See Mitchell v. Eastman Kodak Co., 113 F.3d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1997); Estate of Schwing v. Lilly Health Plan, 562 F.3d 522, 525 (3d Cir.2009). Under the abuse-of-discretion standard, a court “may overturn an administrator’s decision only if it is ‘without reason, unsupported by substantial evidence or erroneous as a matter of law.”’ Viera v. Life Ins. Co. of North America, 642 F.3d 407, 413 (3d Cir.2011)(quoting Miller v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 632 F.3d 837, 845 (3d Cir.2011)). In other words, the court’s ability to reverse a denial under the arbitrary and capricious *394standard is narrower than if the standard of review is de novo.

“Whether a plan administrator’s exercise of power is mandatory or discretionary depends on the terms of the plan.” Luby v. Teamsters Health, Welfare, and Pension Trust Funds, 944 F.2d 1176, 1180 (3d Cir.1991). A plan may expressly or implicitly confer discretionary powers on a plan administrator or other fiduciary. See id. “[T]he terms of the plan are construed without deferring to either party’s interpretation.” Id. (quoting Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 112, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989)). The party claiming that the arbitrary and capricious standard applies bears the burden of proving that its decision should be given deference. See Viera, 642 F.3d at 413 (citing Kinstler v. First Reliance Std. Life Ins. Co., 181 F.3d 243, 249 (2d Cir.1999)). For this reason, the standard of review is typically a legal determination that can be decided on a motion for summary judgment.105

a. The Structure of the Plan

Two documents together serve as the terms of the LTD Plan: the Booklet-Certificate for “Long Term Disability Benefits” and the Group Accident and Health Insurance Policy.106 The Policy is a form document or “shell.”107 It “sets out the terms and conditions governing the relationship between UPS and Aetna and Aetna’s duties.”108 The Policy is an agreement entered into between Aetna and UPS as the Policyholder.109 It states that the “Policy Contents” includes all provisions within the Policy itself and those included in the *395Booklet-Certificate for “Long Term Disability Benefits”.110

The Booklet Certificate is the Summary Plan Description (SPD) for the Plan but also serves as part of the plan document.111 The Booklet-Certificate states that coverage under the LTD Plan is “subject to all the conditions and provisions of the Group Insurance Policy” and is, in fact, “part of the Group Insurancé Policy.”112 The Booklet-Certificate lays out the specific terms of coverage for LTD benefits.113 It “describes the main features of the plan” and “[additional provisions are described elsewhere in the group policy."114 While the Booklet-Certificate includes terms and conditions which could only be interpreted as relating to LTD benefits, the Policy contains language which could apply to other UPS plans.

b. Arbitrary and Capricious is the Standard of Review

The defendants claim the standard of review is “arbitrary and capricious” because the Group Accident and Health Insurance Policy gives Aetna discretion in making LTD benefits decisions. The plaintiff argues that the discretionary language in the Policy does not apply to the LTD Plan but instead applies to the UPS Group Accident and Health Insurance Plan, based on the title of the Policy.115

The discretionary- language cited by the defendants is found in the section titled “Administrative Matters” of the Policy. It states:

We [Aetna] have discretionary authority to review all denied claims for benefits under this Policy. “This includes, but is not limited to, the denial of certification of the medical necessity of hospital or medical treatment.”
In performing its review, We shall have discretionary authority to determine whether and to what extent employees and beneficiaries are entitled to benefits; and construe any disputed or doubtful terms of this Policy.
We shall be deemed to have properly exercised -such*' authority unless We abuse our discretion by acting arbitrarily and capriciously. We have the right to adopt reasonable policies, procedures, rules; and interpretations of this Policy *396to promote orderly and efficient administration.

Doc. No. 21, Ex. 3 at 48 (Aetna 842)(em-phasis in original).116

The plaintiff argues that the. reference to “medical necessity” indicates that the provision applies to some sort of health insurance plan, not a LTD Plan.117 While I agree that the language regarding medical necessity would imply a relation to a health plan, this superfluous language does not necessarily render the previous sentence invalid. That sentence clearly states: “We have discretionary authority to review all denied claims for benefits under this Policy.” (emphasis added).118 The Policy includes LTD benefits.119 By the clear language of the terms of the Plan, Aetna has been given discretionary authority over all benefits determination decisions under the Policy, including LTD benefits decisions.120 *397For this reason, the standard of review is arbitrary and capricious or abuse of discretion.

The plaintiff argues that the standard is de novo because the plan does not state that the Plan administrator’s authority has been delegated to Aetna. The plaintiff cites no binding law for this proposition.. Who serves as the plan .administrator is somewhat of an open question. UPS is listed as the plan administrator in the Booklet-Certificate.121 Yet, several documents sent to the plaintiff indicate that Aetna is the plan administrator.122

In deciding the- standard of review, however, this point has little relevance. The terms of the plan may confer discretionary authority implicitly to a third party. When discretion to make benefits determinations is conferred on a non-named fiduciary, that person or "entity will be considered a fiduciary of the plan. “[0]ne is a fiduciary to the extent 'he exercises any discretionary authority or control.” Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989)(emphasis in ‘original). See also § 405 of ERISA, 29 U.S.C. § 1105(c)(explaining when a named fiduciary may delegate fiduciary duties to a non-named party thereby making that non-named person or entity liable for a breach of fiduciary duties). Here, the Plan Document gives Aetna discretion to make benefits determinations. Even if UPS is the plan administrator in name, UPS has implicitly delegated its authority to make benefits determinations to Aetna in the Plan Document. Aetna is, thereby, liable for,a fiduciary breach from a benefits determination.

The plaintiff also argues that the UPS Plan does- not contain any provision allowing it to designate fiduciary duties to another party, citing to § 405 of ERISA, 29 U.S.C. § 1105. Section 405 discusses “liability for breach of co-fiduciary,” Section 1105(c) states that “a plan may expressly provide for procedures.. .for named fiduciaries to designate a person other than named fiduciaries to carry out fiduciary responsibilities____ If a plan expressly provides for a procedure... and pursuant to such procedure any fiduciary responsibility ,pf a named fiduciary is allocated to any person... then such named fiduciary shall not be liable for an act or omission of such person in carrying out such responsibility” except for certain situations. This section explains how a named fiduciary may delegate its fiduciary responsibilities to non-fiduciaries, thereby making persons not named as fiduciaries subject to liability under ERISA. See Marx v. Meridian Bancorp, Inc., Fed.Appx. 645, 650 (3d Cir.2002). See also Confer v. Custom Engineering Co., 952 F.2d 34, 37 (3d Cir.1991)(“ERISA permits a plan to designate more than one fiduciary, 29 U.S.C. § 1102(a).(l), and ERISA permits a plan to provide for a procedure by which a named fiduciary can designate others a.s fiduciaries, 29 U.S.C. § 1105(c)(1)(B).”).

When a third party who has not been given discretional^ authority to do so.by the plan itself makes benefits determinations, the delegation of authority confer deference on.those benefits decisions. For example, in Anderson v. Unum Life Ins. Co. of America, 414 F.Supp.2d 1079 (M.D.Ala.2006) — a case cited by the plain*398tiff — discretionary authority was granted by the plan to Unum. Id. at 1095. However, the court found that the deferential standard of review did not apply to a benefits decision because it was made by UnumProvident employees, not Unum employees. Id. at 1095-96, 1100. Unum did not have the authority under the Plan to delegate its discretionary authority to UnumProvident. Id. at 1100. See also Rodriguez-Abreu v. Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., 986 F.2d 580, 583-85 (1st Cir.1993)(finding that deference not required because Plan Administrator was not given deference by the plan document, only Named Fiduciaries; Plan Administrator made the benefits determination); Sanford v. Harvard Industries, Inc., 262 F.3d 590, 596-97 (6th Cir.2001)(“Harvard’s plan specifically clothes the Board with discretionary authority to decide benefits eligibility. Nevertheless, the court determined that it was not the Board that denied Sanford his benefits, but rather the company at a meeting prompted by a union grievance held under the auspices of the CBA____Having ascertained that the decision to revoke Sanford’s benefits was made by an unauthorized body and not by the Board, the district court concluded that it was appropriate to review Harvard’s denial of benefits de novo.”); Davidson v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., 998 F.Supp. 1, 8 (D.Me.l998)(standard of review is de novo because Liberty Life made claims decisions, but plan only grants discretion to Liberty Mutual). However, this is. not our case. Here, Aetna was given discretionary authority by the terms of the Plan. The plaintiffs argument is not applicable.

I will review Aetna’s decision under the arbitrary and capricious or abuse of discretion standard.123

III. SUMMARY JUDGMENT STANDARD

Summary judgment is appropriate “if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). A dispute is “genuine” when “a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party” based on the evidence in the record. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). A factual dispute is “material” when it “might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law.” Id.

A party seeking summary judgment initially bears responsibility for informing the court of the basis for its motion and identifying those portions of the record that “it believes demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact.” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). Where the non-moving party bears' the burden of proof on a particular issue at trial, the moving party’s initial Celotex burden can be met simply by demonstrating to the district court that “there is an absence of evidence to support the non-moving party’s case.” Id. at 325, 106 S.Ct. 2548. After the moving party has met its initial burden, the adverse party’s response must cite “particular parts of materials in the record, including depositions, documents, electronically stored information, affidavits or declarations, stipulations (including those made for purposes of the motion *399only), admissions, interrogatory answers, or other materials.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1). Summary judgment is therefore appropriate when the non-moving party fails to rebut by making a factual showing that is “sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party’s case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial.” Celotex, 477 U.S. at 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548.

Under Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the court must draw “all justifiable inferences” in favor of the non-moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505. The court must decide “not whether ..-..the evidence ¡unmistakably favors one side or the other but whether a fair-minded jury could return .a verdict for the plaintiff on the evidence presented.” Id. at 252, 106 S.Ct. 2505. If the non-moving party has produced more than a “mere scintilla of evidence” demonstrating a genuine issue of material fact, then the court may not credit the moving party’s “version of events against the opponent, even if the quantity of the [moving party’s] evidence far outweighs that of its opponent.” Big Apple BMW, Inc. v. BMW of N. Am., Inc., 974 F.2d 1358, 1363 (3d Cir.1992).

IV. Count I: Plaintiffs ERISA Claim Based on Denial of Benefits

The plaintiffs first claim alleges a violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) under 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B). This section allows an ERISA-covered plan participant to bring a civil action against the Plan “to recover benefits due to him under the terms of his plan, to enforce his rights under the terms of the plan, or to clarify his rights to future benefits under the terms of the plan.”124 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B). The plaintiffs main .contention is that Aetna’s benefits determination did not comply with the terms of the UPS LTD Plan,

The parties dispute several points about the benefits determination, but I see none as genuine disputes of material fact. These disputes center on whether there was or was not medical evidence in the record to support the benefits determination. The administrative record has been provided by the court. Under the abuse-of-discretion standard, a court “may overturn an administrator’s decision only if it is ‘without reason, unsupported by substantial evidence or erroneous as a matter of law.’” Viera v. Life Ins. Co. of North America, 642 F.3d 407, 413 (3d Cir.2011)(quoting Miller v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 632 F.3d 837, 845 (3d Cir.2011)). Whether the decision was not supported by evidence in the record — making it an abuse of discretion — is something this court can decide on summary judgment. After reviewing the administrative record, I find that Aetna’s benefits determination was an abuse of discretion, for the reasons explained below.

a. Requiring Clinical or Objective Evidence Was an Abuse of Discretion

First, Aetna argues that there was insufficient medical evidence to support a finding of impairment. Specifically, Aetna argues that there was no clinical evidence to show that the plaintiffs seizure medication adversely affected him, requiring a restriction to part-time work. This was Aetna’s rationale for denying the plaintiffs claim on appeal.125 Aetna’s .denial of the plaintiffs claim based on a lack of clinical evidence was an abuse of discretion.

Several documents from the plaintiffs physicians indicate that he was experiencing fatigue from taking L'acmital, which could impact his workplace safety. In May *4002010, the plaintiffs PCP submitted an Attending Physician Statement which stated that the plaintiff could not drive, climb, or operate machinery as part of his work.126 The statement listed “Lacmital” as a medication prescribed and noted that “sedation” was a side effect of that medication. While this statement did not restrict the plaintiff to part-time work, it did indicate that the plaintiffs restrictions on the type of work he could do were in place “indefinitely” and that the plaintiff could “never” return to full duty as a package car driver.127

In August 2011, the plaintiffs PCP submitted an attending , physician statement that said the plaintiff could perform “heavy physical demand level work” but must “avoid heights, no driving, climbing or operating heavy machinery.”128 The statement also noted that the plaintiff was still taking Lacmital but noted no adverse effects from the medication.129 His doctor limited the plaintiff to only working 4 hours a day.130 The doctor indicated that the plaintiff would never return to “full duty.”131 On a form checklist provided by Aetna, the plaintiffs doctor indicated that the plaintiff could not operate a motor vehiclé, “hazardous machine,” or “power tools,”132 These restrictions were considered to be “lifelong.” The plaintiffs treating neurologist did not fill out an attending physician statement and instead referred Aetna to the determinations made by the plaintiffs PCP.133

When Aetna contacted the plaintiffs PCP about whether the part-time work restriction was necessary, the- plaintiffs PCP explained that the plaintiff could not work more than four hours a day “due to stress which may cause seizure episodes;” this is noted in the plaintiffs file.134 After the plaintiffs claim was denied, the plaintiffs physician provided- a letter stating: “we must continue to limit his hours workéd on a daily basis-to 5 per day, for his health and safety, as working longer hours would put him at risk of making mistakes due to fatigue and somnolence, including potentially-falling asleep at the wheel on the way-home;”135

In addition; Aetna’s own files offer evidence that á part-time work restriction was necessary. Aetna’s reason for finding that the plaintiff was disabled in the first place was because he was taking Lacmital and was Subject to the restrictions of no climbing, driving, or operating machinery by his PCP.136 The administrative file itself *401notes that the plaintiffs disability decision was further “supported” by that fact that he had returned to work with hourly restrictions.137

Though Dr. Root ultimately found that the plaintiff was not impaired, he noted that the plaintiff was “experiencing some fatigue after four to five hours, presumably due to lamotrigine.... ”138 Dr. Root noted that though the plaintiffs seizures were well controlled by medication, “it would be advisable and reasonable to recommend a job in which the claimant would not be driving, working in high places, such as ladders or rooftops, and to avoid using power equipment, if at all possible.”139

The'defendants further argue that there was no clinicalov “objective” evidence to support the restrictions placed on the plaintiff. Both Dr. Cohan and Dr. Root made this point in determining that the plaintiff was not disabled.140 Though it’s not clear what type of clinical evidence Aetna thought was missing, Aetna implicitly argues that the plaintiffs self-reported feelings of fatigue and his doctor’s diagnosis that Lacmital caused this sedation were not enough to show disability.141 Aetna’s expectation that the plaintiff should undergo some additional “clinical” test to prove that he is, in fact, experiencing fatigue from his medication is arbitrary and capricious. See Mitchell v. Eastman Kodak Co., 113 F.3d 433, 443 (3d Cir.1997)(finding that requiring clinical evidence to prove plaintiff had chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition with no “dip, stick” lab test was arbitrary and capricious).142

The Food and Drug Administration has indicated that- tiredness, insomnia, lack of coordination, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and sleepiness are .all common side effects of Lacmital.143 As with every medication, some people are more affected by a drug than others. Continuous, monitoring by a physician is typically how people determine what the right drug treatment is for their condition, Mr. Charles’- physicians were continuously monitoring his treatment with Lacmital. -Both his neurologist and POP found that this- treatment was successful and should remain unchanged. *402To expect more under these circumstances is an abuse of discretion,

b. Aetna had an inherent conflict of interest which appeared to have tainted its decision

The plan defines a “reasonable occupation” as “any gainful activity” for which a participant is “or may reasonably become, fitted by education, training, or experience; and [w]hich results in, or can be expected to result in, an income of more than 60% of your adjusted predisability earnings.”144 Aetna calculated the plaintiffs predisability salary as $54,412.80 and found sixty percent of that salary to be $32,647.68, giving the plaintiff an adjusted CPI hourly of $15.89.145 This calculation assumes that the plaintiff will be able to work full time.

After these calculations, Aetna noted that based on the plaintiffs restrictions/limitation to part-time work and his work history as a farmer and driver “there is potential for transferrable skills to alternate occupations [but] it is unlikely occupations will be identified to exist in the [labor market] as part time meeting part time RW of $31.78/hr.”146 After this note was written, Aetna sought to “clarify” whether the part-time restriction was necessary, ultimately concluding that it was not.

When the administrator having discretion over claims determinations is an insurance company which both evaluates and pays benefits under the plan, an inherent conflict of interest exists. See Culley v. Liberty Life Assur. Co. of Boston, 339 Fed.Appx. 240, 242-43 (3d Cir.2009)(discussing Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. v. Glenn, 554 U.S. 105, 112-15, 128 S.Ct. 2343, 171 L.Ed.2d 299 (2008)). This conflict of interest is one factor that a court should consider when deciding if a benefits determination was an abuse of discretion. Glenn, 554 U.S. at 115-19, 128 S.Ct. 2343 (explaining Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989)). Aetna is an insurance company that both evaluates and pays for LTD benefits under the Plan. This situation presents a conflict of interest. This conflict does appear to have influenced Aetna’s decision. From the beginning of the “reasonable occupation” review, Aetna’s notes indicate that its biggest concern was with the bottom line.

After determining that the plaintiff would need to be making over $30 hour under his current restrictions, Aetna then referred his case for a peer-to-peer review to determine if the part-time restriction only (not any of the other restrictions) was necessary.147 This sequence of events raises questions about the propriety of Aetna’s ultimate decision.

c. Aetna’s Use of the Plaintiffs Vocational Analysis Was an Abuse of Discretion

The plaintiff argues that the vocational analysis offered jobs that were not “reasonable” under the terms of the plan, given the plaintiffs noted work restrictions.148 I agree.

After reviewing the plaintiffs medical evidence and before referring the plaintiffs file for a peer review and vocational *403analysis, Aetna’s file noted that the part-time restriction was not supported by the medical evidence but that “[t]he limitations of no driving, operating hazardous machinery or working heights is supported due to hx of seizures.”149 The plaintiffs case was then referred to Dr. Cohan and to Genex for a vocational analysis.

Dr. Cohan found that the plaintiffs safety restrictions were no longer necessary because he remained seizure-free for three years.150 Aetna claims Genex was given both Dr. Cohan’s report and the plaintiff’s other medical information.151 Nonetheless, it does not appear that Genex seriously considered the work restrictions imposed by the plaintiffs doctors in conducting its vocational analysis.

The vocational analysis identified five occupations which the plaintiff could do: “license inspector, freezer operator, mixer operator, warehouse supervisor, and brake adjuster.”152 These were considered to be “potential occupations,” which were defined as occupations that the plaintiff can learn “within 30 days and require no previous occupational experience.”153 These positions had a potential earning between $18.74 an hour up to $32.02 an hour.154 They were, all listed as being “light” work.155

By the very nature of the job titles, the plaintiff would be unqualified to be a freezer operator or a mixer operator, based on his work restrictions. The plaintiff was restricted from “operating dangerous equipment ] or machinery.” The forklift operator position, an example of a job falling in these categories of work, would require the plaintiff to drive a forklift.156 The report also noted that this job may not be appropriate because the “[flashing beacons may trigger epileptic fits.”157 Given the circumstances, the plaintiff would be unqualified for this type of position.

In addition, the vocational analysis did not comply with the plan terms and/or Aetna’s interpretation of those plan terms. The plaintiff has no experience working in the automotive industry. To expect him to become trained in this area of expertise within 30 days or to not have prior experience in this area is contradicted by the report itself. The automotive technician position offered as an example required at least one year of experience repairing cars.158

*404In looking at local job openings within a hundred-mile radius of the plaintiffs home, the vocational analysis determined that there was a viable labor market for these occupations.159 While the report found that there are usually :1930. annual positions open in those five occupations, only four current openings were identified.160 Yet the report still found that a “viable labor market” for the plaintiff did exist.161

These openings by their very qualifications failed to account for the plaintiffs medical limitations. The cargo inspector position, data collection associate position, and automotive technician position required valid driver’s licenses.162 Though it is not clear if the three jobs require driving as part of their job responsibilities, the details imply that driving may be required. To think that the plaintiff would be qualified for those positions when he’ could not return to his driver position with UPS is illogical. A medical professional nor a vocational analyst is needed to come-to that conclusion.

The fact that Aetna determined' that a “reasonable” job market for the plaintiff was a 100-mile-radius of his home was also an abuse of discretion under the circumstances.163 The plaintiffs medical condition prevents him from driving long distances. The plaintiff himself indicated that he did not drive far for that reason. .His POP also indicated that his medication could cause sedation if he worked a full day, potentially causing him to fall asleep at the wheel. To expect the plaintiff to commute from his home in Lancaster to Philadelphia' or to Predericktown, both of which would require at least one hour’s commute one way, is unreasonable.

Viewing all of these facts together, Aet-na’s reliance on the vocational’ analysis as evidence for its decision would be an abuse of discretion.

d. Aetna’s Treatment of the Plaintiff’s Appeal is an Abuse of Discretion

From the record provided, Aetna did,not seem to consider the additional information offered by the plaintiff in rendering its appeal decision. In support of his appeal, the plaintiff submitted a letter from his POP stating that he was restricted to working part time because the Lac-mital used to treat his seizures caused him significant sedation.164 His physician stated “we must continue to limit his hours worked on a daily basis to 5 per day, for his health and safety, as working longer hours would put him at risk of making mistakes due to fatigue and somnolence, including potentially falling asleep at the wheel on the way home.”165

During the plaintiffs appeal, Aetna referred his case to Dr. Root for a second peer review. In line with the plaintiffs doctors, Dr. Root’s report found that the plaintiffs safety restrictions were warranted and that “it would be advisable and reasonable to recommend a job in which the claimant would not be driving, working in high places, such as ladders or rooftops, and to avoid using power equipment, if at all possible.”166 He also went on to say that *405the plaintiff was “experiencing some fatigue after four to five hours, presumably due to lamotrigine, but this has not been documented.”167 These findings cast doubt on Aetna’s reliance on-the vocational analysis and on Dr. Cohan’s report in making its initial decision.

There is no indication in the record that Aetna did anything to resolve these conflicting medical opinions or to include this additional information into its analysis. For example, Aetna did not order an independent medical examination. See Morgan v. The Prudential Insu. Co. of America, 755 F.Supp.2d 639, 647 (E.D.Pa.2010)(“Dr. Howard did not physically examine Morgan. The absence of an examination is a factor in analyzing the differences in the opinions of the consultant and the treating physician.”) (citing Kaufmann v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 658 F.Supp.2d 643, 650 (E.D.Pa.2009)). Aetna was not required to conduct an independent medical examination of the plaintiffs. See, e.g., Thompson-Harmina v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., No. Civ.A.04-425, 2004 WL 2700342, at *3 (E.D.Pa. Nov. 23, 2004). “However, where the insured’s treating physician’s disability opinion is unequivocal and based on a long term physician-patient relationship, reliance on a non-examining physician’s opinion premised on a records review alone is suspect'and suggests that the insurer is looking for a reason to deny benefits.” Morgan, 755 F.Supp.2d at 647.168

There is also no evidence in the record to show that Aetna reconsidered its use of the vocational analysis, which had not considered the restrictions recommended by Dr. Root. The record itself provides very little information about what steps were taken during the six months the plaintiff waited for his appeal decision. A referral for a peer review is the only action noted.169 From what has been provided, the only logical conclusion is that Aetna simply affirmed its previous decision. This is inappropriate.

Overall, Aetna’s determination appears to have given great weight to their own experts while giving little, if any, consideration to the plaintiffs own treating physicians.170 Without further explanation, this is an abuse of discretion. See Ricca v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 747 F.Supp.2d 438, 445-46 (E.D.Pa.2010)(“Given the conflicting evidence in the record, Prudential’s decision to accept the opinions and conclusions of its experts without explanation is itself arbitrary and capricious. The evidence of plaintiffs subjective complaints of pain and physical limitations must be considered along with evidence that her complaints are groundless.”).171

*406e. Aetna’s Denial of LTD Benefits Was an Abuse of Discretion

An administrator’s decision is arbitrary and capricious “if it is “without • reason, unsupported, by substantial evidence or erroneous as a matter of law.’” Miller v. American Airlines, Inc., 632 F.3d 837 (3d Cir.2011)(quoting Abnathya v. Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., 2 F.3d 40, 45 (3d Cir.1993))(quotations and citations omitted). Aetna’s decision to deny the plaintiff benefits was unsupported by substantial evidence and was, thereby arbitrary and capricious. Aetna gave great weight to the opinions of its own experts and afforded little, to no, weight to the plaintiffs own physicians. Under the circumstances, the plaintiffs physicians — who had been treating him for several years — would be better able to recommend health and safety conditions than doctors who simply reviewed his medical files.

From reading the record, it is clear that Aetna’s goal was to deny the plaintiffs claim. After calculating what LTD benefits the plaintiff would be entitled under the plan, Aetna noted that based on the plaintiffs restrictionsfiimitation to part-time work and his work history as a farmer and driver “there is potential for transferrable skills to alternate occupations [but] it is unlikely occupations will be identified to exist in the [labor market] as part time meeting part time RW of $31.78/hr.”172 Then, all actions and analysis taken by Aetna after that point skewed towards negating those work restrictions.

The UPS LTD Plan was set up as part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Plan itself was very specific; the plaintiff had to both be able to work a “reasonable occupation” based on his experience or, in the least, “may reasonably become, fitted by education, training, or experience” and the occupation need to provide “an income of more than 60% of your adjusted predis-ability earnings” in order to be reasonable.173 Aetna is charged with finding both of these factors before making a denial. After reviewing the record, I cannot find that Aetna has offered substantial evidence to show it complied with. these terms of the Plan. See Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. v. Glenn, 554 U.S. 105, 118, 128 S.Ct. 2343, 171 L.Ed.2d 299 (2008)(“[T]he court furthermore observed that MetLife had emphasized a certain medical report that favored a denial of benefits, had deemphasized certain other reports that suggested a contrary conclusion, and had failed, to provide its independent vocational and medical experts with all of the relevant evidence. ...All .these serious concerns, taken together with some degree of conflicting interests on MetLife’s part, led the court to set aside MetLife’s discretionary decision. ... We can find nothing improper in the way in which the court conducted its review.” (citations omitted)).

For these reasons, I will find judgment in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant on Count I.

V. Count II: Plaintiffs ERISA Section 502(c) Claim

The plaintiffs second claim alleges a violation of ERISA under 29 U.S.C. § 1132(c), also known as ERISA § 502(c). This section requires that a plan adminis*407trator shall mail requested plan materials to a participant “within 30 days after such request.”174 If an administrator fails to provide these materials within that time frame, the court in its discretion may impose a $100 a day fine for non-compliance. 29 U.S.C. § 1132(c)(1).'

The plaintiff claims that he requested “all relevant, documents from Aetna including plan documents relating to his claim for disability insurance benefits” on September 10, 2012.175 According to the complaint, the plaintiff had not received those documents as of-the filing of the complaint on October 16, 2012. Given that Aetna would have 30 days to provide the information, Aetna would have been at least 6 days overdue in providing this information. The plaintiff seeks the statutory penalties for not mailing the requesting information during the statutory period.176

Neither party addresses Count II in their motion or response to the cross-motion. At this point, it appears that the plaintiff is entitled to receive penalties for at least 6 days. However, it is not clear when the plaintiff finally received the requested, information.177 Without more information, I cannot make a final judgment on this claim. The parties may submit motions on how this claim should be resolved.

VI. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, I will grant the plaintiffs motion for summary judgment and deny the defendant’s motion. Judgment in favor of the plaintiff will be entered on Count I only.

An appropriate Order follows.

Charles v. UPS National Long Term Disability Plan
145 F. Supp. 3d 382

Case Details

Name
Charles v. UPS National Long Term Disability Plan
Decision Date
Oct 30, 2015
Citations

145 F. Supp. 3d 382

Jurisdiction
United States

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