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<title>LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Disability Insurance Legal News</title>

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<description>Headline Disability Insurance Legal News from LexisNexis&#174;</description>

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<title>LexisNexis&#174; Headline Disability Insurance Legal News</title>

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<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>

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<link>http://www.mealeysonline.com/mealey/ppv/articleSearch.do?searchTerm=%22%2010-5 Mealeys Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 1%20(2009)%20%22&amp;pageLimit=10&amp;pageNumber=0&amp;publication=All+Mealey+Publications%3BMEALEY%3BMEALEY&amp;relativeDateValue=NONE&amp;fromDate=&amp;toDate=&amp;loc=mealeysrss</link>
<title>Reliance On Medical Reviews Was Reasonable, 3rd Circuit Says</title>
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<![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA - A plan administrator's denial of benefits to a claimant with soft tissue injuries arising from an automobile accident was reasonable, the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Nov. 9 in an unpublished decision. The appeals court said the insurer reasonably relied on medical reviews finding that the claimant was not disabled (Stephanie L. Ford v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, No. 08-4191, 3rd Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 24514). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 1 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Court: Evidence Supports Benefit Termination During Any-Occupation Period</title>
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<![CDATA[CINCINNATI - An ERISA-governed disability insurer that terminated benefits to a claimant by relying on the opinion of reviewers that the claimant did not actually suffer a stroke as claimed by his treating physician and had no cognitive deficits acted reasonably, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 29 (David B. Cox v. Standard Insurance Co., et al., No. 08-2033, 6th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 23851). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 2 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>9th Circuit: Benefit Termination Was Abuse Of Discretion</title>
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<![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Nov. 5 reversed a grant of summary judgment to a group disability insurer, finding that the plan administrator abused its discretion in terminating benefits to a claimant with fibromyalgia (Marie Chellino v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., et al., No. 08-15803, 9th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 24350). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 3 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Judge: Evidence Does Not Support Benefit Denial</title>
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<![CDATA[LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Medical evidence surrounding a claimant's disability status is not significant enough to warrant a termination of benefits, a federal judge in Kentucky ruled Nov. 5 (Debbie Evans v. The Hartford, No. 3:08-CV-550, W.D. Ky.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 102886). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 4 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Disability Claimant Not Entitled To Continuing Benefits, Federal Judge Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[TAMPA, Fla. - A disability insurer governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act reasonably determined that a claimant was not entitled to benefits under the policy's "any gainful employment" provision because the claimant failed to demonstrate that he could not perform a sedentary job, a federal judge in Florida ruled Oct. 6 in granting the insurer's motion for summary judgment (Paul Harris v. UNUM Life Insurance Company of America, No. 8:08-cv-2328-T-26TGW, M.D. Fla.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 102033). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 5 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Montana Commissioner's Rejection Of Discretionary Clauses Not Preempted</title>
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<![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO - Montana's practice of disapproving discretionary clauses in disability insurance policies is not preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 27 (Standard Insurance Co. v. John Morrison, state auditor, ex. Officio Commissioner of Insurance, No. 08-35246, 9th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 23598). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 6 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Benefit Denial Was Reasonable, 11th Circuit Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[ATLANTA - The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Oct. 27 ruled that an ERISA-governed disability plan administrator's decision to terminate benefits to a claimant with fibromyalgia and depression was reasonably supported by the evidence, finding that the claimant failed to meet her burden of proof that he suffered from an ongoing disability (Trina Gipson v. Administrative Committee of Delta Air Lines Inc., et al., No. 09-11748, 11th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 23662). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 7 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Does Not Bar Coverage, 6th Circuit Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[CINCINNATI - The pre-existing condition exclusion in a group disability plan does not bar coverage to a claimant who was treated for symptoms during the look-back period but had not yet received a diagnosis related to her disability, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Nov. 4 (Ruth A. Mitzel v. Anthem Life Insurance Co., et al., No. 08-4033, 6th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 24216). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 8 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Disability Action Barred By Three-Year Limitations Period, Judge Finds</title>
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<![CDATA[TRENTON, N.J. - A breach of contract action that was filed more than three years after a disability insurer's formal denial of benefits is barred by the statute of limitations, a federal judge in New Jersey ruled Nov. 6 in an unpublished decision (Louis Diodato III v. Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., et al., No. 09-03532, D. N.J.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 103715). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 9 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Claimant Failed To Exhaust Administrative Remedies, 5th Circuit Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[NEW ORLEANS - The Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Nov. 3 ruled that a claimant who failed to file an appeal of her benefit denial within 180 days as required by a disability plan failed to exhaust her administrative remedies and is barred from filing suit for wrongful denial of benefits (Debra Swanson v. Hearst Corporation Long Term Disability Plan, No. 09-20159, 5th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 24055). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 10 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>State Law Claims Preempted By ERISA, Michigan Federal Judge Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[DETROIT - State law claims for breach of contract, bad faith and emotional distress arising from the denial of disability benefits are preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a federal judge in Michigan ruled Nov. 6 (Tammy Ciaramitaro v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, No. 09-CV-13492, E.D. Mich.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 103610). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 11 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>News From The LexisNexis Insurance Law Center</title>
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<![CDATA[[Editor's Note: The following items of interest appeared recently on the LexisNexis Insurance Law Center. Devoted to insurance litigation and the insurance industry, the Insurance Law Center is where you can connect with other insurance professionals to discuss the hottest issues. Become a regular contributor. Visit the center on the open Web for insurance-related headlines, discussion, expert commentary and more at: http://law.lexisnexis.com/practiceareas/insurance.] 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-5 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 12 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>11th Circuit: Insurer Properly Considered Subjective Complaints</title>
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<![CDATA[ATLANTA - An ERISA-governed disability insurer that denied benefits to a claimant with fatigue, weakness and muscle pain acted reasonably, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 2, finding that the insurer properly considered the claimant's subjective complaints of pain, doctor reports and medical reviews (Susan Keith v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, No. 09-10695, 11th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 21704). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 1 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Calculation Of Benefits Was Reasonable Under Plan Language, 1st Circuit Finds</title>
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<![CDATA[BOSTON - An ERISA-governed disability plan that reduced the amount of benefits to a disabled employee was reasonable, the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 14. The insurer concluded that commissions should not have been considered in the calculation of the employee's total disability benefit amount (Cheryl Wallace v. Johnson &amp; Johnson, et al., No. 09-1069, 1st Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 22529). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 2 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Fraud, Negligence Claims Barred By Statute Of Limitations, Judge Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[TULSA, Okla. - Fraud and negligence claims against a doctor who performed an independent medical exam are barred by the two-year statute of limitations, a federal judge in Oklahoma ruled Oct. 13, finding that claims against the disability plan for conspiracy are preempted by ERISA (Robin Cameron v. The Forest Hills IPA, Inc., et al., No. 09-CV-0311-CVE-PJC, N.D. Okla.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 95190). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 3 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>3rd Circuit: Statute Of Limitations Bars ERISA Claim For Underpayment</title>
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<![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA - A disability claimant's claim for underpayment of benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act was barred by the statute of limitations, which began to run on the date that the claimant first notified the plan and its administrator that his benefits were not calculated correctly, the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 8 in an unpublished opinion (Joseph M. Lutz, et al. v. Philips Electronics North America Corporation, et al., No. 08-3943, 3rd Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 22281). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 4 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Disability Claimant's Lawsuit Is Time-Barred, 10th Circuit Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[DENVER - A long-term disability plan's limitations period was enforceable under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act because it was "easily determinable," the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Sept. 30 in finding that the claimant's lawsuit was untimely filed (Carol Ann Salisbury v. Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, No. 08-3316, 10th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 21455). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 5 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Insurer Failed To Consider Subjective Pain, Federal Judge Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A federal judge in Kentucky on Oct. 14 ruled that an ERISA-governed disability insurer that denied benefits to a claimant with rheumatoid arthritis acted arbitrarily, finding that the insurer failed to consider objective pain and failed to explain its reasoning for reaching a different conclusion than that of the Social Security Administration (Vickie Costello v. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, No. 08-00157, W.D. Ky.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 95828). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 6 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>7th Circuit: Disability Insurer Properly Credited Consulting Doctors' Opinions</title>
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<![CDATA[CHICAGO - A disability insurer's denial of benefits did not violate the Employee Retirement Income Security Act by crediting consulting physicians' opinions that were based on their access to the claimant's employment history because the claimant claimed that her condition was negatively affected by the stress of her job, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed Sept. 18 (Elizabeth Black v. Long Term Disability Insurance, No. 07-3550, 7th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 20762). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 7 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Records Support Insurer's Denial Of Benefits, Judge Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[SACRAMENTO, Calif. - An ERISA-governed insurer's denial of disability benefits to a claimant with multiple sclerosis was supported by the administrative record, a federal judge in California ruled Sept. 29, finding that it was not an abuse of discretion for the insurer to rely on record reviews and employment reports (Ginger Seitles v. Unum Provident, Unum Life Insurance Company of America, No. S-04-2725, E.D. Calif.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 90582). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 8 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Court: Insurer Entitled To Rescind 2 Policies</title>
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<![CDATA[TACOMA, Wash. - A federal judge on Oct. 15 ruled that a disability insurer is entitled to rescind two policies that were issued based in part on an oral personal history interview where the claimant did not disclose that he had been treated by a psychiatrist within six months of the interview date (The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. v. Richard L. Koch, No. C08-5394, W.D. Wash.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 96210). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 9 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Action Time-Barred Because Of Late Notice, 11th Circuit Finds</title>
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<![CDATA[ATLANTA - The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Oct. 21 in an unpublished opinion that an action to recover disability benefits under an ERISA-governed policy is time-barred because the claimant failed to file a claim within the plan's one-year notification period (Beatriz Martinez-Claib, M.D. v. Business Men's Assurance Company of America, et al., No. 08-16781, 11th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 23074). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 10 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Documents Do Not Show Lack Of Discretion, 9th Circuit Says</title>
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<![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Oct. 20 in an unpublished opinion ruled that a claimant failed to show that an insurer did not have discretionary authority warranting a de novo standard of review and that the claimant was not entitled to a new administrative appeal on remand (Michael Cremin v. McKesson Corporation Employees' Long Term Disability Benefit Plan, et al., No. CV-07-1302, 9th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 22974). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 11 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Contract, Bad Faith Claims Preempted By ERISA, Judge Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO - Claims for breach of contract, bad faith and emotional distress arising from the denial of benefits under a group disability policy are preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a federal judge in California ruled Oct. 6 (Gregory L. Bowling v. Prudential Insurance Company of America, et al., No. C 09-01581, N.D. Calif.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93434). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 12 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Claimant Allowed Discovery Into Conflict Of Interest, Federal Judge Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[CHICAGO - A federal judge in Illinois on Oct. 9 granted in part a motion to compel discovery information into an ERISA-governed insurer's conflict of interest (J. Kevin Garvey v. Piper Rudnick LLP Long Term Disability Insurance Plan, et al., No. 08-C-1093, N.D. Ill.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94694). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 13 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Bad Faith Claim Allowed To Proceed, Federal Judge Finds</title>
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<![CDATA[ORLANDO - A federal judge in Florida on Oct. 15 let stand claims of civil conspiracy and bad faith alleged against Unum Group Corp. arising from a denial of disability benefits but dismissed claims for breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation, finding that they had not been properly pleaded (Ronnie Hogan v. Provident Life and Accident Insurance Co., et al., No. 6:08-cv-1897, M.D. Fla.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 95921). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 14 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>News From The LexisNexis Insurance Law Center</title>
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<![CDATA[[Editor's Note: The following items of interest appeared recently on the LexisNexis Insurance Law Center. Devoted to insurance litigation and the insurance industry, the Insurance Law Center is where you can connect with other insurance professionals to discuss the hottest issues. Become a regular contributor. Visit the center on the open Web for insurance-related headlines, discussion, expert commentary and more at: http://law.lexisnexis.com/practiceareas/insurance.] 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-4 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 15 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Judge: Benefit Denial Decision Was Not Supported By The Evidence</title>
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<![CDATA[LOS ANGELES - An ERISA-governed disability insurer that terminated benefits to a claimant with chronic neck pain abused its discretion, a federal judge in California ruled Sept. 15, finding that the insurer cited select evidence to support its decision and relied on ambiguous reviews (Graciela Saffon v. Wells Fargo &amp; Company Long Term Disability Plan, et al., No. CV04-1237, C.D. Calif.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84152). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 1 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Record Reviews Support Benefit Denial, Maryland Federal Judge Says</title>
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<![CDATA[BALTIMORE - An ERISA-governed disability insurer that denied benefits to a claimant with back pain did not abuse its discretion, a federal judge in Maryland ruled Sept. 14, saying there is sufficient evidence in the record to support the carrier's benefit denial (Marlene Krajewski v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., No. 08-2406, D. Md.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83741). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 2 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<link>http://www.mealeysonline.com/mealey/ppv/articleSearch.do?searchTerm=%22%2010-3 Mealeys Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 3%20(2009)%20%22&amp;pageLimit=10&amp;pageNumber=0&amp;publication=All+Mealey+Publications%3BMEALEY%3BMEALEY&amp;relativeDateValue=NONE&amp;fromDate=&amp;toDate=&amp;loc=mealeysrss</link>
<title>6th Circuit Finds Termination Was Supported By Record</title>
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<![CDATA[CINCINNATI - Statements from a claimant's treating physicians that he could return to work supports an insurer's decision to terminate long-term disability benefits to a claimant suffering from chronic pain syndrome, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Sept. 21 (George Likas v. Life Insurance Company of North America, No. 07-6514, 6th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 20917). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 3 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<link>http://www.mealeysonline.com/mealey/ppv/articleSearch.do?searchTerm=%22%2010-3 Mealeys Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 4%20(2009)%20%22&amp;pageLimit=10&amp;pageNumber=0&amp;publication=All+Mealey+Publications%3BMEALEY%3BMEALEY&amp;relativeDateValue=NONE&amp;fromDate=&amp;toDate=&amp;loc=mealeysrss</link>
<title>ERISA Plan Failed To Adequately Explain Basis For Benefit Denial</title>
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<![CDATA[CHICAGO - A plan administrator that terminated benefits to a claimant with multiple sclerosis did not adequately explain its reasoning for rejecting the claimant's treating physicians' opinions that the claimant was disabled, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled July 23, remanding the claim to the administrator for further review (Nancy Love v. National City Corporation Welfare Benefits Plan, No. 08-1722, 7th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 16168). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 4 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<link>http://www.mealeysonline.com/mealey/ppv/articleSearch.do?searchTerm=%22%2010-3 Mealeys Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 5%20(2009)%20%22&amp;pageLimit=10&amp;pageNumber=0&amp;publication=All+Mealey+Publications%3BMEALEY%3BMEALEY&amp;relativeDateValue=NONE&amp;fromDate=&amp;toDate=&amp;loc=mealeysrss</link>
<title>Reconsideration Request Counts As An Appeal, Ohio Magistrate Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[COLUMBUS, Ohio - A request for reconsideration of a benefits decision counts as an appeal and meets the requirement for an exhaustion of benefits, a federal magistrate judge in Ohio ruled Sept. 17 (Lawrence D. Brogan v. The Hartford Life Insurance Co., No. 2:08-cv-765, S.D. Ohio; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 85101). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 5 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<link>http://www.mealeysonline.com/mealey/ppv/articleSearch.do?searchTerm=%22%2010-3 Mealeys Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 6%20(2009)%20%22&amp;pageLimit=10&amp;pageNumber=0&amp;publication=All+Mealey+Publications%3BMEALEY%3BMEALEY&amp;relativeDateValue=NONE&amp;fromDate=&amp;toDate=&amp;loc=mealeysrss</link>
<title>Missouri Federal Judge Allows Claim Over LTD Benefits To Stand</title>
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<![CDATA[ST. LOUIS - A federal judge on Sept. 14 ruled that a disability claimant that alleges that she was denied the opportunity to apply for long-term disability benefits after her short-term benefits claim was denied did not fail to exhaust her administrative remedies (Donna Blake v. Express Scripts Inc., et al., No. 4:09-CV-563, E.D. Mo.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83491). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 6 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Policy's 3-Year Limitations Period Is Enforceable, 6th Circuit Says</title>
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<![CDATA[CINCINNATI - A three-year contractual limitations period in four separate disability policies is valid and enforceable, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Sept. 2 in an unpublished opinion (Harmond H. Schaefer v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co., dba Equitable and Disability Management Services Inc., No. 08-2198, 6th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 19987). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 7 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Divided 9th Circuit: ERISA Requirements Not Met By Summary Plan Description</title>
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<![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO - In affirming that a claim for disability benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act was untimely because it was not filed within the contractual one-year statute of limitations period, a divided Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Sept. 9 found that the placement and display of the statue of limitations in the plan's summary plan description met plan participants' reasonable expectations, assuming that the "reasonable expectation" doctrine applied (Donna Scharff v. Raytheon Company Short Term Disability Plan, et al., No. 07-55951, 9th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 20130). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 8 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>6th Circuit: ERISA Plan's Claim Accrual Date Governs In Disability Case</title>
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<![CDATA[CINCINNATI - Parties may contract for the date on which a claim under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act accrues, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 24 in finding a disability claimant's claim barred by the plan's three-year statute of limitations (Jerry Rice v. Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance Company, No. 08-4180, 6th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 18962). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 9 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Conflict Of Interest Affected Decision-Making Process, 9th Circuit Finds</title>
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<![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO - An ERISA-governed insurer's conflict of interest affected its decision to terminate benefits to a claimant with back problems, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Sept. 14, reversing a grant of summary judgment to the insurer. The appeals court held that the insurer abused its discretion in terminating benefits (Robert Montour, et al. v. Hartford Life &amp; Accident Insurance Co., No. 08-55803, 9th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 20378). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 10 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<link>http://www.mealeysonline.com/mealey/ppv/articleSearch.do?searchTerm=%22%2010-3 Mealeys Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 11%20(2009)%20%22&amp;pageLimit=10&amp;pageNumber=0&amp;publication=All+Mealey+Publications%3BMEALEY%3BMEALEY&amp;relativeDateValue=NONE&amp;fromDate=&amp;toDate=&amp;loc=mealeysrss</link>
<title>Disability Policy Is Governed By ERISA, Federal Judge Holds</title>
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<![CDATA[PHILADELPHIA - A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that two disability policies that were issued to two corporate officers under a split-fee arrangement are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, holding that the issue over disputed benefits will proceed as an action governed by ERISA. The insurer moved for judgment on the pleadings, and on Sept. 24, the judge ordered the parties to participate in a settlement conference set for Oct. 15 (William D. Spillane v. AXA Financial Inc., et al., No. 08-2151, E.D. Pa.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 63739). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 11 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Coverage Terminated Because Of Ethical Violation, 6th Circuit Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[CINCINNATI - A disability insurer that terminated coverage to a claimant whose medical license was suspended acted reasonably, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Sept. 3 in an unpublished opinion (Niranjan Lal v. United States Life Insurance Co., No. 07-2009, 6th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 19984). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 12 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Protective Order Request Over Disputed Discovery Requests Denied</title>
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<![CDATA[PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A blanket protective order in a discovery dispute involving an ERISA-governed long-term disability insurer is not warranted, a federal magistrate judge in Rhode Island ruled Sept. 15, finding that the disputes should be resolved through the traditional discovery process (Lorene Roccon Thompson v. UBS Financial Services Inc., et al., No. 09-033S, D. R.I.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84347). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 13 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>7th Circuit: Disability Plan Administrator Owes No Fiduciary Duty To Plan Sponsor</title>
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<![CDATA[CHICAGO - A disability plan administrator was not a fiduciary with respect to the plan sponsor under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed Aug. 18 (Sharp Electronics Corporation v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, No. 08-2959, 7th Cir.; 2009 U.S. App. LEXIS 18385). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 14 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>Apparent Bad Faith Claims Meet Requirements Of Federal Jurisdiction, Judge Rules</title>
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<![CDATA[COLUMBUS, Ohio - The potential recovery associated with an apparent bad faith claim against an insurer is sufficient to establish federal jurisdiction, an Ohio federal judge ruled Aug. 5, denying a plaintiff's motion to remand her complaint to state court (Estate of William A. Millhon, et al. v. Unum Life Insurance Co., No. 2:08-cv-652, S.D. Ohio, Eastern Div.; 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68299). 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 15 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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<title>News From The LexisNexis Insurance Law Center</title>
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<![CDATA[[Editor's Note: The following items of interest appeared recently on the LexisNexis Insurance Law Center. Devoted to insurance litigation and the insurance industry, the Insurance Law Center is where you can connect with other insurance professionals to discuss the hottest issues. Become a regular contributor. Visit the center on the open Web for insurance-related headlines, discussion, expert commentary and more at: http://law.lexisnexis.com/practiceareas/insurance.] 
<a href="http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&amp;keyenum=25271&amp;keytnum=0&amp;searchtype=get&amp;search=10-3 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Disab. Ins. 16 (2009)&amp;view=full&amp;ORIGINATION_CODE=00144" target="_blank">Full story on lexis.com</a>]]>
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