Denial Of Disability Benefits Based On Medical Records Review Was Not Arbitrary, Judge Rules

Mealey's (March 4, 2020, 7:35 AM EST) -- LONDON, Ky. — The insurer of an Employee Retirement Income Security Act disability plan did not act arbitrarily or capriciously in denying benefits under the plan’s any-occupation standard, even though it had granted them under the earlier own-occupation standard and despite conflicting medical opinions, because the insurer relied on a medical records reviewer who considered the opinions and medical records of other physicians when determining the claimant’s restrictions, a federal judge in Kentucky ruled March 2 (Gina Young v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance. Co., et al., No. 6:19-61-KKC, E.D. Ky., 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 35385)....