ALZZA v. PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
Filing
48
OPINION. Signed by Judge John Michael Vazquez on 2/7/18. (DD, )
Not for Publication
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
VICTORIA ALZZA,
Civil Action No. 15-5 194 (JMV)
Plaintiff
V.
OPINION
PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF
AMERICA,
Defendant.
John Michael Vazguez, U.S.D.J.
This case arises from Plaintiff Victoria Aizza’s (“Plaintiff’ or “Aizza”) claim for long-term
disability benefits and Defendant Prudential Insurance Company of America’s (“Defendant” or
“Prudential”) denial of her claim.
Plaintiff challenges Defendant’s determination under the
Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C.
(“ERISA”).
§ 502(a) et seq.
This matter comes before the Court by way of Plaintiffs motion for summary
judgment (D.E. 32) and Defendant’s cross-motion for summary judgment (D.E. 33). Both motions
are pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56. The Court reviewed all submissions made in
support and in opposition to the motions,1 and considered the motions without oral argument
‘In this Opinion, Plaintiffs Complaint (D.E. 1) will be referred to as “Compi.” Plaintiffs brief
in support of her motion for summary judgment (D.E. 32) will be referred to as “P1. Br.”
Defendant’s brief in opposition (D.E. 37) will be referred to as “Def. Opp. Br.” Plaintiffs reply
brief(D.E. 39) will be referred to as “P1. Reply.” Defendant’s brief in support of its motion for
summary judgment (D.E. 33) will be referred to as “Def. Br.” Plaintiffs brief in opposition
pursuant to L. Civ. R. 78.1(b). For the reasons stated below, Plaintiffs motion is DENIED and
Defendant’s cross-motion is GRANTED.
I.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND2
Aizza began working for Barnabas Health Inc. (“Barnabas”) at Monmouth Medical Center
on June 1, 2009 as an operating room nurse. PRU 004, 212. Defendant issued to Barnabas a group
insurance policy, the Barnabas Health Long Term Disability Insurance Plan (the “Plan”). PRU
2 83-465. The Plan qualified as an ERISA employee welfare benefit plan. Under the Plan, benefits
were provided by Defendant, while Barnabas is the plan sponsor and plan administrator. PRU
359; D$OMF
¶ 4.
Plaintiff was enrolled in the Plan.
The parties dispute which documents constitute the Plan. The three relevant documents
are (1) the group insurance contract between Prudential and Barnabas (the “Group Contract”), (2)
the Saint Barnabas Health Care Systems (“SBHCS”) Benefit Program Summary Plan Description
(the “Employer Plan Document”), and (3) a booklet/certificate prepared by Prudential in
connection with the Plan (the “Booklet”). PRU 283-598.
The Group Contract
The Group Contract, PRU 283-3 15, provides the Plan’s general rules, plan schedules, and
amendments to the Plan.
(D.E. 36) will be referred to as “P1.
to as “Def. Reply.”
Opp. Br.”
Defendant’s reply brief(D.E. 38) will be referred
2
The Court cites directly to the administrative record (marked as PRU 077212-000881-000001,
et seq.), which was attached as Exhibit A to Plaintiffs motion for summary judgment (D.E. 32)
and attached as Exhibit A to the Declaration of Robert T. Szyba in support of Defendant’s cross
motion for summary judgment (D.E. 33). The Court refers to the administrative record by the
last three digits (e.g. PRU 077212-000881-000001 will be referred to as “PRU 001”).
2
The Booklet
The Booklet, PRU 3 16-357, expands on the basic provisions of the Group Contract. The
Booklet states, in part, as follows:
You are disabled when Prudential determines that:
• you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties
of your regular occupation due to sickness or injury;
• you are under the regular care of a doctor; and
• you have a 20% or more loss in your monthly earnings due
to the sickness or injury.
.
Prudential will assess your ability to work and the extent to which
you are able to work by considering the facts and opinions from:
• your doctors; and
• doctors, other medical practitioners or vocational experts of
our choice.
Material and substantial duties means duties that:
• are normally required for the perfonnance of your regular
occupation; and
• cannot be reasonably omitted or modified.
Regular occupation means the occupation you are routinely
performing when your disability begins. Prudential will look at your
occupation as it is normally performed instead ofhow the work tasks
are performed for a specific employer or at a specific location.
Sickness means any disorder of your body or mind, but not an injury;
pregnancy including abortion, miscarriage or childbirth. It includes
an elective treatment or procedure that is not medically necessary.
Disability must begin while you are covered under the plan.
PRU 330. The Booklet also describes the scope of its coverage of mental illness:
The Disabilities, which, as detenTlined by Prudential, are due in
whole or part to mental illness have a limited pay period during your
lifetime.
The limited pay period for mental illness is 24 months during your
lifetime.
3
PRU 33$.
The Certificate/Booklet further provides definitions for “injury,” “regular care,”
“doctor,” “monthly earnings,” and “elimination period.” PRU 330-33 1.
The Employer Plan Document
The Booklet also includes the 2011 Employer Plan Document. The parties debate the
significance of the Employer Plan Document.3 PRU 466-59$. The Booklet expressly states that
“[T]he [Employer Plan Document] is not part of the Group Insurance Certificate. It has been
provided by your Employer and included in your Booklet-Certificate upon the Employer’s
request.” PRU 459 (emphasis added).
The Employer Plan Document states, in part, on its second page:
This booklet is intended to provide a summary of the major
provisions of certain benefit plans in which you may be eligible to
participate. Your benefits are described as clearly as possible with
minimal use of the technical words and phrases appearing in the
legal plan documents. However, the official documents and
insurance contracts remain the final authority and, in the event ofa
conflict with this booklet, will govern in all cases.
PRU 467 (emphasis added). Later, the Employer Plan Document contains the following language
under the header “Standard of Review” in reference to “Disability, Life and AD&D Appeals
Procedures”:
Prudential will have full discretion and authority to determine
questions concerning the interpretation or administration of the life,
AD&D, business travel accident and LTD benefits under the plan,
including, without limitation, all questions relating to eligibility for
these plan benefits. Prudential has discretionary authority to grant
or deny benefits under the plan. The determination of Prudential
will be conclusive and binding regarding all persons for all
As discussed below, Plaintiff claims that the Employer Plan Document “clearly states that it is
not part of the legal plan documents and that the official documents and insurance contracts
remain the final authority.” Plaintiffs Statement of Disputed Facts, D.E. 36-1. Defendant, on
the other hand, argues that the Employer Plan Document is part of the binding Plan documents.
Def. Br. at 5-$.
4
purposes. SBHCS has full discretion and authority with respect to
all other benefits under the plan.
PRU 579.
Plaintiffs Claim and Defendant’s Denial
On March 2, 2013, Plaintiff submitted a disability claim indicating that she could not work
as of February 26, 2013 due to a “panic disorder.” PRU 004, 247. Plaintiff applied for long-term
disability benefits pursuant to the Plan. PRU 220. In order to claim benefits, a person must be
disabled through her elimination period—which is “a period of continuous disability which must
be satisfied before you are eligible to receive benefits from Prudential.” PRU 247. Plaintiffs
elimination period specific to her claim was March 2, 2013 through August 28, 2013. PRU 247.
In support of her claim, Plaintiff submitted medical records from Stress Care of New
Jersey, LLC. The records included office notes from both psychiatrist Dr. Manfred Obi, M.D.,
and therapist Laurie Wisotsky.
PRU 064-094.
On March 2, 2013, Plaintiff had an initial
psychiatric assessment with Dr. Obi in which she complained of “anxiety,” and Dr. Obi noted that
the Plaintiff had a reported history of “[p]anic attacks, palpitation, difficulty in breathing, feeling
of freight [sic], impaired memory. Also [Plaintiff] has a lot of [a]nxiety, lump in the throat and
sweaty palm.
Patient is sad, irritable, forgetfulness [sic], enhedonia [sic] and feeling of
hopelessness.” PRU 091. Dr. Obi diagnosed Plaintiff as follows: “AXIS I: PANIC DISORDER;
AXIS IB: ADD; AXIS III: None; AXIS IV: ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.” PRU 092. Dr. Obi
prescribed Plaintiff Sertraline, Concerta, and Clonazepam. PRU 093.
The Court assumes that axis diagnoses are pursuant to DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual ofMental Disorders, 5th Edition. In the same report, Dr. Obi reports that Plaintiff had a
current Global Assessment of Functioning (“GAF”) score of 55, which indicates moderate
symptoms.
5
Plaintiff returned to Dr. Obi a number of times in 2013. On March 8, Dr. Obi noted that
Plaintiff “is feeling the same. Still having anxiety but focusing better.” PRU 090. On March 16,
Dr. Obi indicated that Plaintiff was “still feeling depressed and [a]nxiety. No motivation, poor
appetite. Low energy.” PRU 088. Dr. Obi also noted that Plaintiffs mood was “[e]uphoric.”
PRU 088. On March 30, Dr. Obi stated that Plaintiff “is feeling sad with some anxiety” and her
mood as “[s]ad. [a]nxious.” PRU 087. On April 13, 2013, Dr. Obi noted that Plaintiff was
“reluctant to take care of self.” ORU 025. Dr. Obi further indicated that Plaintiff did not have
psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, depression, manic/hypornanic mood, sleep difficulty, obsessions,
changes in appetite, or changes in weight; Plaintiff also did not report neurological symptoms of
memory difficulty, speech difficulty, headaches, and changes in weight. PRU $5. On May 10,
Dr. Obi wrote that Plaintiff “is feeling tired and sad. Patient is feeling anxious and cries alot [sic].”
PRU 082. Plaintiffs mood was noted as “euphoric.” PRU 083. On May 20, Dr. Obi noted that
Plaintiff complained of “anxiety episodes” and “feeling overwhelme[d].” PRU $0. Plaintiff also
reported psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep difficulty, and weight loss, as well as
neurological symptoms of short term memory impairment. PRU 080. Dr. Obi noted Plaintiffs
mood as sad and anxious. PRU 081.
Plaintiff further saw Dr. Obi on June 7, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, September
13, September 30, and October 22. In all of these appointments, Dr. Obi found that Plaintiff did
not report any of the listed psychiatric or neurological symptoms—including anxiety, depression,
manic/hypomanic mood, sleep difficulty, obsessions, changes in appetite, memory difficulty,
speech difficulty, headaches, or seizures—except for Plaintiffs report of short term memory
impairment and weight loss on May 20, 2013. PRU 062-079. Dr. Obi’s reports also state that
Plaintiffs mental status examination—which looks at factors including Plaintiffs appearance,
6
grooming, behavior, psychomotor, speech, form of thought, insight, and judgment—was always
unremarkable in all categories except for “mood” and “affect.” PRU 062-079. Plaintiffs observed
mood on each of those respective visits was euthymic except for March 2 and 8, when it was
“anxious” and “irritable, PRU 090-091, on May 20, when it was “sad” and “anxious,” PRU 081,
and on August 16, when it was “sad,” “anxious,” and “irritable,” PRU 070. An euthymic mood is
normal and non-depressed. Plaintiffs “affect” was observed to be “appropriate” in all reports,
except on October 22, 2013, when Plaintiffs affect was observed to be “inappropriate.” PRU 065.
On a Prudential “Mental Status Examination Form” completed by Dr. Obi on November
19, 2013, he stated that “Claimant not ready to return to work. Claimant will need limited hours
if she does return in the future.” PRU 099. Dr. Obi also stated that “returning to work is not
feasible at this time. Claimant’s anxiety needs to be managed.” PRU 100. However, in reaching
his conclusion, Dr. Obi does not examine the specific duties and responsibilities of an operating
room nurse.
As noted, Plaintiff also saw therapist Laurie Wisotsky. In her psychotherapy progress note
dated October 29, 2013, Wisotsky noted that Plaintiff discussed stress due to her grandfather’s
health and the ending of a personal relationship. Wisotsky further indicated that she and Plaintiff
“discussed [Plaintiffi’s tendency to pull away from stress and to not allow herself to feel emotions
associated with the stress she is facing. [Plaintiffi has been finding ways to focus on herself and
to spend time with friends.” PRU 094. On July 29, 2014, Wisotsky stated that Plaintiffs
anxiety has been very difficult to cope with and has caused
[Plaintiff] to be unable to work. She has been having many
problems with her memory and is unable to focus on daily tasks.
[Plaintiff] becomes emotional at times as well. She continues to
work through issues from her past which have had a significant
impact on her current ability to function.
PRU 160.
7
First Detenuination
On November 22, 2013, Defendant notified Plaintiff in a letter signed by Disability Claims
Manager Stefan Schuster that it had completed a review of her claim and determined that she was
not entitled to benefits. PRU 220-225. In the denial letter, Defendant provided a “Summary of
Medical Infoniiation Reviewed” in which Defendant detailed the numerous medical examinations
and treatments provided to Plaintiff. PRU 222-224. The letter then stated the following in its
“Summary” section:
After reviewing all the available medical infonnation, it fails
to provide compelling evidence and exam data that consistently
describes functional impairments of sufficient intensity and severity
as to preclude you from working. There are basic mental status
examination findings listed on a recent disability form suggestive of
some memory and calculation difficulties, however these are not
extensive tests ofcognition and lack validity measures. As outlined
above, the majority of the mental status examines documented in Dr.
essentially
were
records
visit
office
actual
Obi’s
normal/unremarkable which most often presenting with good
appearance, good grooming, cooperative calm behavior, normal
psychomotor, normal speech, euthymic mood, appropriate affect,
logical thought, oriented in all spheres and good insight and
judgment and no delusions/hallucinations.
While Dr. Obi recently filled out a disability form offering
the opinion that you remain unable to work until anxiety can be
managed, the majority of actual office visit records lack compelling
evidence of serious functional impairment. Therefore, we have
determined that the information in your file does not support
impairment that iroitld prevent you from peiforming material and
substantial duties of your regular occupation. After a thorough
evaluation of the infonnation in your file, we have determined that
you do not meet the definition of disability as defined above.
Therefore, we have denied your claim.
PRU 224 (emphases added).
$
First Appeal
On January 17, 2014, Defendant acknowledged Plaintiffs request for a reconsideration of
her claim. PRU 227-228. In the notification letter, Defendant stated that it had requested all
therapy notes from Wisotsky but only received the October 29, 2013 note. Id. Defendant therefore
indicated to Plaintiff that “you will need to complete the attached authorization and return it to us
by January 27, 2014. We will then request the actual notes.” PRU 228. On March 12, 2014,
Defendant notified Plaintiff that it received the requested records from Wisotsky. PRU 234. Dr.
Jessica Chaudhary, M.D., a physician board certified in clinical neuropsychology, conducted an
independent review for Defendant. PRU 150-156, 247. Dr. Chaudhary submitted her findings to
Defendant in a report dated March 26, 2014. PRU 150-156. Dr. Chaudhary found, in part, that
Plaintiffs “subjective reports of anxiety, panic attacks, inability to concentrate, sleep and memory
loss are not consistent with the documentation provided.” PRU 153. Dr. Chaudhary concluded,
in part, as follows:
There is no evidence to suggest Ms. Aizza is unable to work given
that she is able to care for others and make decisions for others, as
noted in her ability to care for her uncle and grandfather. While she
is noted to have mild memory and attention issues they are not
severe enough to preclude employment. Her mental status exam
throughout record review consistently demonstrates appropriate
insight/judgment, appropriate affect and unremarkable review of
both neurological and psychiatric symptoms. She is also on an
appropriate medication regimen, and when combined with therapy,
this is an effective treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety
and attention deficit.
PRU 155.
On April 1, 2014, Defendant notified Plaintiff that it had completed the review of Plaintiffs
request for reconsideration and stated: “We have determined our decision was appropriate and
have upheld our decision to disallow your claim for LTD [long-term disability] benefits.” PRU
9
235. The letter further detailed the reasons for the upholding of Defendant’s prior determination.
PRU 236-238.
Second Appeal
On August 13, 2014, Defendant notified Plaintiff that it had received her second appeal
regarding her claim. PRU 240. Plaintiff also submitted additional medical records, including
evaluations by Stephen Craig, Ph.D., and medical records from neurologist Haodong Song, M.D.
PRU 161-174, 175-185.
Craig completed a “Cognitive & Memory Evaluation” in which he described Plaintiffs
condition based on a number of scales and measures.5 PRU 16 1-174. In sum, Craig stated that
while on some tests, Plaintiff performed satisfactorily, “Ms. Alzza evidenced significant deficits
on virtually all aspects of verbal and non-verbal memory as measured by the TOMAL-2.” PRU
173. As such, Craig concluded that “in addition to the presence of broad based anxiety (ICD-9
300.02, 300.2) and an apparent clinically significant level of inattention (as well as
hyperactivity/impulsivity) (ICD-9 314.01), I believe that there is also a separate and distinct
memory impairment present (ICD-9 780.93).” PRU 174.
Song found that on the Global Cognitive Score, Plaintiff scored more than one standard
deviation below average in “memory,” “executive function,” “attention,” and “information
processing speed.” PRU 179-180. Song also stated that Plaintiff scored below average in “verbal
function” and “motor skills” and above average in “visual special.” PRU 180. Overall, Song states
Craig’s report includes a clinical interview/patient history and describes Plaintiffs place on a
number of tests and scales including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (4th edition), the Test
of Memory and Learning (2nd edition), the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual
Motor integration (5th edition), the Connors Adult AD/HD Rating Scale, the Attention Deficit
Disorder Evaluation Scale (Adult Form—Self-Report Version), the Brief Symptom Inventory,
and the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (3rd edition).
10
that Plaintiff’s Global Cognitive Score is more than one standard deviation below average. PRU
180.
Prudential had the second appeal independently reviewed by licensed psychologist
Rebecca Goodman, Ph.D. Goodman concluded, in part, that
It is reasonable to conclude, based on these records, that Ms. Aizza
had full-time sustained work capacity as of February 26, 2013. She
had worked until that time, and there is no evidence of new condition
that might explain her becoming unable to work. There is no
credible evidence of functional impairment in these records.
PRU 209.
On October 15, 2014, Defendant notified Plaintiff that it had, again, “determined that our
decision was appropriate and have upheld our decision to disallow your claim for LTD benefits.”
PRU 246. The letter stated, in part:
Afier reviewing your entire claim, we have determined that there is
no impairing condition or restrictions/limitations to preclude you
from performing the material and substantial duties of your
occupation as a Nurse continuously throughout the elimination
period and beyond. The records lack evidence of any kind of
significant functional impairment. While there are noted to be
symptoms of depression, anxiety, and some mild difficulties with
memory, these are not functionally impairing. There is no evidence
to suggest significant cognitive disruption. We have detenTlined that
the information in your file does not support impairment that would
prevent you from performing material and substantial duties of your
regular occupation. As a result, we have upheld our decision to deny
your claim for LTD benefits. This decision is final and cannot be
appealed further to Prudential. If you still disagree with the above
decision, you may file a lawsuit under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA allows you to file suit for
policy benefits and reasonable attorney’s fees.
PRU 249.
11
On July 2, 2015, Plaintiff filed a Complaint pursuant to ERISA. D.E. 1. Both parties have
now moved for summary judgment, D.E. 32, 33, and each has submitted her/its respective
opposition, D.E. 36, 37, and replies, D.E. 38, 39.
IL
LEGAL STANDARDS
A.
Summary Judgment Standard
A moving party is entitled to summary judgment where “the movant shows that there is no
genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.”
Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). A fact in dispute is material when it “might affect the outcome of the suit
under the governing law” and is genuine “if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return
a verdict for the non-moving party.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986).
Disputes over irrelevant or unnecessary facts will not preclude granting a motion for summary
judgment. Id. “In considering a motion for summary judgment, a district court may not make
credibility determinations or engage in any weighing of the evidence; instead, the non-moving
party’s evidence ‘is to be believed and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in his favor.”
Marino v. Indus. Crating Co., 35$ F.3d 241, 247 (3d Cir. 2004) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at
255)). A court’s role in deciding a motion for summary judgment is not to evaluate the evidence
and decide the truth of the matter but rather “to determine whether there is a genuine issue for
trial.” Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249.
A party moving for summary judgment has the initial burden of showing the basis for its
motion and must demonstrate that there is an absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Cclotcx
Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986). Afler the moving party adequately supports its motion,
the burden shifts to the nonmoving party to “go beyond the pleadings and by her own affidavits,
or by the depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, designate specific facts
12
showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Id. at 324 (internal quotation marks omitted). To
withstand a properly supported motion for summary judgment, the nonmoving party must identify
specific facts and affirmative evidence that contradict the moving party. Anderson, 477 U.s. at
250. “{I]f the non-movant’s evidence is merely ‘colorable’ or is ‘not significantly probative,’ the
court may grant summary judgment.” Messa v. Omaha
Prop.
& Cas. Ins. Co., 122 F. Supp. 2d
523, 528 (D.N.J. 2000) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249-50)).
Ultimately, there is “no genuine issue as to any material fact” if a party “fails to make a
showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party’s case.” Celotex
Corp., 477 U.S. at 322. “If reasonable minds could differ as to the import of the evidence,”
however, summary judgment is not appropriate. See Anderson, 477 U.S. at 250-51. The standard
does not change when parties file cross-motions for summary judgment. When ruling on crossmotions, “the court must consider the motions independently, and view the evidence on each
motion in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion.” Morro v. DBMG Casino
LLC, 112 F. Supp. 3d 260, 276 (D.N.J. 2015) (internal citations omitted).
B.
Standard of Review in an ERISA Denial of Benefits Claim
The Court has jurisdiction over this ERISA matter pursuant to 29 U.S.C.
§
11 32(a)(1 )(B).
The parties dispute the appropriate standard of review. Usually, “decisions are presumptively
reviewed de novo
.
.
.
[but will] be reviewed for abuse of discretion where the Plan has granted
discretionary decision-making authority.” Ho
Goldman Sachs & C’o. Grp. Long Term Disability
Plan, No. 2:13-CV-6104-KM-MAH, 2016 WL 8673067, at *5 (D.N.J. Oct. 28, 2016); see also
Firestone Tire & Rubber C’o. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115 (1989) (“[A] denial of benefits
challenged under
[
502(a)(l)(B)] is to be reviewed under a de novo standard unless the benefit
plan gives the administrator or fiduciary discretionary authority to deteniiine eligibility for benefits
13
or to construe the terms of the plan.” (brackets in original)). Plaintiff argues that the Court should
review Prudential’s detern-iination de novo because “it is unclear from the plan documents whether
the plan grants such discretionary authority to the plan administrator.” P1. Br. at 14. Defendant
argues that an abuse of discretion standard (also referred to as an “arbitrary and capricious”
standard) applies because “the Plan documents expressly and uniformly grant Prudential the
discretion to make claim determinations.” Def. Br. at 6.
The Court must first determine which documents are considered part of the Plan, and then
determine whether the Plan’s documents grant to Prudential the discretion that it claims. The
parties focus on the following language: (1) “proof of continuing disability, satisfactory to
Prudential” from the Booklet, and (2) “Prudential will have full discretion and authority to
determine questions concerning the interpretation or administration of the.
.
.
LTD benefits under
the plan” in the Employment Plan Document and other similar language. Prudential heavily relies
on the language in the Employment Plan Document.
The Court first finds that the Booklet’s language stating that Defendant may request that
Plaintiff “send proof of continuing disability, satisfactory to Prudential, indicating that [Plaintiff]
is under the regular care of a doctor,” is not enough, standing alone, to warrant the deferential
standard of review. See Viera v. Lfe Ins. Co. of N Am., 642 f.3d 407, 417 (3d Cir. 2011)
(observing that “no single phrase such as ‘satisfactory to us’ is likely to convey enough infonnation
to permit an insured to distinguish between plans that do and plans that do not confer discretion
on the administrator.” (quotations and brackets omitted)); see also Diaz v. Prttdential Insurance
Co. ofAmerica, 424 f.3d 635 (7th Cir. 2005); Ho, 2016 WL 8673067, at *7;.
As to the Employer Plan Document, Prudential points to the following language
Prudential will have full discretion and authority to determine
questions concerning the interpretation or administration of the life,
14
AD&D, business travel accident and LTD benefits under the plan,
including, without limitation, all questions relating to eligibility for
these plan benefits. Prudential has discretionary authority to grant
or deny benefits under the plan. The detenriination of Prudential
will be conclusive and binding regarding all persons for all
purposes. SBHCS has full discretion and authority with respect to
all other benefits under the plan.
PRU 579. Plaintiff responds that the Employer Plan Document is not part of the Plan’s documents.
In support, Plaintiff points to the following language in the Employer Plan Document:
This booklet is intended to provide a summary of the major
provisions of certain benefit plans in which you may be eligible to
participate. Your benefits are described as clearly as possible with
minimal use of the technical words and phrases appearing in the
legal plan documents. However, the official documents and
ins itrance contracts remain the final authority and, in the event ofa
conflict with this booklet, will govern in alt cases.
PRU 567 (emphasis added).
Generally, courts suggest that summary plan descriptions are not necessarily considered a
legally enforceable plan document. CIGNA Corp. v. Amara, 563 U.S. 421, 438 (2011) (holding
“that the summary documents, important as they are, provide communication with beneficiaries
about the plan, but that their statements do not themselves constitute the terms of the plan for
purposes of § 502(a)(1)(B).”); cf Ho, 2016 WL 8673067, at *9 (summarizing that ‘courts have
agreed that Amara poses no automatic bar to a written instrument’s express incorporation of tenTis
contained in a summary plan description.”). In reviewing the scope of Amara, Judge McNulty
recently engaged in a “case-specific analysis” and looked to Eitgene S. v. Horizon Blue Cross Blue
Shield ofNew Jersey, 663 F.3d 1124, 1131 (10th Cir. 2011), in deciding whether a summary plan
*9• According
description was incorporated into a plan’s documents. Ho, 2016 WL 8673067, at
to Judge McNulty, the Eugene S. court held that Amara stood for the propositions that: “(1) the
terms of the SPD [summary plan descriptions] are not enforceable when they conflict with
15
governing plan documents, or (2) the SPD cannot create terms that are not also authorized by, or
reflected in, governing plan documents.” Ho, 2016 WL $673067, at *9 (quoting Ettgene S., 663
F.3d at 1131). Essentially, Judge McNulty found that when the language in the underlying plan
documents conflicts with the language in an employer plan document, the underlying plan
document controls.
Here, the Employer Plan Document does not state that it is explicitly part of the Plan. To
the contrary, it expressly states that “the official documents and insurance contracts remain the
final authority and, in the event of a conflict with this booklet, will govern in all cases.” PRU 467.
The Plan’s lack of strong discretionary language is in direct conflict with the absolute discretion
articulated in the Employer Plan Document.6 Prudential cites to no language that indicates that
the Employer Plan Document is incorporated into the Plan documents or that some aspects of the
Plan are set out in separate documents. Importantly, although neither party brings it to the Court’s
attention, the following language is included in the Booklet: “The Summary Plan Description is
not part of the Group Insurance Certificate. It has been provided by your Employer and included
in your Booklet-Certificate upon the Employer’s request.” PRU 459; see Ho, 2016 WL $673067,
at *9 (finding that identical language “explicitly disclaims incorporation in the Plan”); K/ian
i’.
*4 (D.N.J. Mar.
Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., No. CIV.A. 0$-2292(SDW), 2010 WL 12$6030, at
31, 2010).
Therefore, because the Employer Plan Document is not controlling, because the
Employer Plan Document has an express waiver, and because the Group Contract and Booklet do
By way of example, assume that the opposite were true. If the underlying plan contract and
summary (here, the Booklet) granted the administrator full discretion, but the employer sponsor
released a summary (here the Employer Plan Document) indicating that the administrator did not
have such discretion, the administrator would nevertheless have full discretion pursuant to the
actual contract and the summary of the contract.
6
16
not confer discretionary authority to Defendant, the Court reviews Defendant’s determination de
novo.7 See, e.g., Schwartz v. Prudential Ins. Co. ofAm., 450 F.3d 697, 699 (7th Cir. 2006).
a. De Novo Standard of Review
When a court exercises de novo review over an administrator’s denial of claimed benefits,
the court must “determine whether the administrator.
.
.
made a correct decision.” Viera, 642 F.3d
at 413 (internal citation omitted). “The administrator’s decision is accorded no deference or
presumption of correctness. The court must review the record and detennine whether the
administrator properly interpreted the plan and whether the insured was entitled to benefits under
the plan.” Id. at 413—14 (internal quotations and citations omitted); Khan, 2010 WL 1286030, at
*6 (“[B]ecause we are conducting a de novo review, we examined the evidence that was before
Prudential as well as the evidence provided in support of the Motions for Summary Judgment.”).
Finally, in reviewing a denial of benefits claim, a court should consider both structural and
procedural concerns. Uqdah v. Unum Lfe Ins. Co. ofAm., No. 14-6367, 2015 WL 5572678, at *6
(D.N.J. Sept. 21, 2015) (citing Estate of Schwing v. The Lilly Health Plan, 562 F.3d 522, 525-26
(3d Cir. 2009)). A structural inquiry “focuses on the financial incentives created by the way the
plan is organized, i.e., whether there is a conflict of interest” and a procedural inquiry addresses
“how the administrator treated the particular claimant.” Miller, 632 F.3d at 845 (internal quotation
marks omitted) (quoting Post v. Hartford Ins. Co., 501 f.3d 154, 162 (3d Cir. 2007)). Plaintiff
does not claim that there was a procedural problem and instead argues that there is a structural
conflict of interest. See P1. Reply at 8-9.
Defendant points to fleisher v. Standard Ins. Co., 679 F.3d 116 (3d Cir. 2012) and Osborne v.
Aetna, 2013 WL 3168657 (D.N.J. June 20, 2013) in support of their argument that Defendant
deserves an arbitrary and capricious standard of review. However, in both Fleisher and
Osborne, the court found that language in the plan documents granted the defendant discretion.
Here, however, the Court finds that the language Defendant points to is not part of the Plan.
17
III.
ANALYSIS
A. Structural Conflict of Interest
As an initial matter, there is a presumed structural conflict of interest where, as here, the
insurance company both reviews claims and pays out benefits. Estate ofSchwing, 562 F.3d at 526.
“The existence of a conflict of interest, however, is not dispositive.” Uqday, 2015 WL 5572678,
at
*
6 (quoting Estate of Schwing, 562 F.3d at 525-27). Instead, the fact that a conflict of interest
exists is just one factor of many that a court must consider when detennining whether the
administrator improperly denied a claim. Estate of Schwing, 562 F.3d at 525-26 (“[B]enefits
determinations arise in many different contexts and circumstances, and, therefore, the factors to
be considered will be varied and case-specific.”). Here, while noting the conflict, Plaintiff fails to
point to any facts suggesting that the inherent structural conflict had a direct impact on Defendant’s
decision to deny her long-term disability benefits.
In addition, Defendant hired independent
reviewers to examine Plaintiffs administrative file on her first and second appeals. See Mtcccino
V.
Long Term Disability Plan for Choices Eligible Emps. of Johnson & Johnson, No. 11-3641,
2012 WL 2119152, at *10 (D.N.J. June 11, 2012) (stating that the “[ajdditional potential for
structural conflict of interest is further mitigated when
.
.
.
the employer hires a third-party to
administer the plan”) (citing Pinto v. Reliance Standard Life Ins., 214 f.3d 377, 383 (3d Cir. 2000).
Accordingly, the Court is aware of the potential for a structural conflict of interest in this case, and
considers it as one factor in its analysis.
18
B. lie Novo Review of Defendant’s Denial of Plaintiff’s Claim
Turning to the de novo review of Defendant’s denial of Plaintiffs LTD claim, Plaintiff
makes a number of arguments why Defendant’s determination should not be upheld.8 The Court
takes each argument in tunt
First, Plaintiff argues that Defendants used the wrong standard in examining her claim.
Instead of determining whether Plaintiffs claimed condition “impairs her ability to perfonn the
substantial and material functions of her specific job,” Plaintiff argues that Defendant examined
whether Plaintiffs condition “significantly impair[s] her functioning.” P1. Br. at 20. Plaintiff
continues that the relevant “criterion is not whether Ms. Aizza could work generally but rather
could she perform the substantial duties of her own occupation.” P1. Reply at 2. Defendant
responds that its decision was based on the medical reports provided to it, and that “the results of
the objective testing [described in Plaintiffs medical records] undermine any claim that she had a
functional impairment that precluded her from working in her own job.” Def.
Opp. at 15.
It is clear that Defendant is required to conduct its review of Plaintiffs claim in light of the
material and substantial duties of her regular occupation. Thus, Plaintiff correctly notes that the
issue was not her functional capacity vis-à-vis any potential job that she could perform. The
Booklet states, in part:
You are disabled when Prudential determines that:
• you are unable to perfonri the material and substantial duties
of your regular occupation due to sickness or injury.
Material and substantial duties means duties that:
The Court notes that Defendant accurately describes the burden of proof in the claims process.
Under the Plan, Plaintiff bears the burden of providing evidence that she is eligible to receive
benefits under the Plan. While Defendant must consider the evidence that Plaintiff provides, the
burden is on Plaintiff to provide sufficient evidence to sustain the claim.
8
19
•
•
are normally required for the performance of your regitlar
occttpation; and
cannot be reasonably omitted or modified.
Regular occupation means the occupation you are routinely
performing when your disability begins. Prudential will look at your
occupation as it is normally performed instead of how the work tasks
are performed for a specific employer or at a specific location.
PRU 330 (emphases added). The Court focuses its inquiry on whether Defendant evaluated
Plaintiffs claims in light of the duties “normally required for the performance of [her] regular
occupation,” PRU 330, that is, as an operating room nurse.
Plaintiff does point to some language in which the Defendant uses “functional impairment”
to examine Plaintiffs condition. However, the Court finds that Defendant ultimately used the
correct standard when determining that Plaintiffs claim does not “support impairment that would
prevent [her] from performing material and substantial duties of your regular occupation.” PRU
249 (Second Appeal Determination). for example, in Defendant’s letter to Plaintiff describing the
reasons for its denial of her second appeal, Defendant devotes a paragraph to describing the tasks
involved in Plaintiffs occupation as an operating room nurse. Defendant indicated as follows:
Prudential will look at your occupation as it is normally performed
instead of how the work tasks are performed for a specific employer
or at a specific location. You are a Registered Nurse. The job
description provided by your employer indicates that your job
requires general nursing care to patients in a hospital and operating
room. Medications are prescribed as well as treatments in
accordance with approved nursing techniques. You are required to
prepare equipment and aids [sic] physician during treatments and
examinations of patients. You are required to observe patients,
record significant conditions and reactions, and notify supervisors
or physicians regarding the patient’s condition and reaction to drugs,
treatments, and significant incidents. You are also expected to takes
[sic] temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to
detect deviations from normal and assess condition of patient.
PRU 249. Defendant then added the following:
20
Afler reviewing your claim, we have determined there is no
impairing condition or restrictions/limitations to preclude you from
performing the material and substantial duties of your occupation as
a Nurse continuously throughout the elimination period and beyond.
We have determined that the information in your file does not
support impairment that would prevent you from performing
material and substantial duties of your regular occupation. As a
result, we have upheld our decision to deny your claim for LTD
benefits
PRU 249.
The Court finds that Defendant examined Plaintiffs claim under the correct standard:
whether Plaintiff was unable to perform the material and substantial duties of her regular
occupation due to sickness or injury. While Defendant also referenced functional impairment, see,
e.g., PRU 249, this is not a case in which Defendant ignored the requirements of Plaintiffs regular
occupation. Instead, Defendant clearly set forth Plaintiffs regular occupation (and Plaintiff does
not contest Defendant’s recitation) and analyzed Plaintiffs claimed disability in light of that
occupation.
Plaintiff next argues that Defendant’s determination was inconsistent with the medical
evidence. P1. Br. at 19-25. The Court finds that Defendant’s reviewers examined all of Plaintiffs
medical evidence and considered the evidence in a maimer consistent with the Plan. While it is
true that Plaintiffs health professionals opined that Plaintiff could not work, Defendant’s
reviewers reasonably found these opinions inconsistent with the underlying medical records. F or
example, Dr. Obi stated on November 19, 2013 that “Claimant not ready to return to work.
Claimant will need limited hours if she does return in the future.” PRU 099. Dr. Obi also stated
that “returning to work is not feasible at this time. Claimant’s anxiety needs to be managed.” PRU
100. However, as noted by Defendant, Dr. Obi fails to explain why Plaintiff could not return to
work, Def.
Opp. at 10, and also consistently noted underlying symptoms that were unremarkable.
21
Importantly, Dr. Obi fails to discuss the requirements of Plaintiffs regular occupation and why
Plaintiffs impairment prevent her from working.
Defendant’s reviewers considered Dr. Obi’s opinion. but concluded that the underlying
symptoms did not support his conclusion that Plaintiff could not return to work. PRU 152, 257258, 205. For example, Dr. Chaudhary, the independent reviewer on Plaintiffs first appeal, found
as follows:
There are numerous inconsistencies in the record between the
subjective report from the claimant and the objective evaluation by
Dr. Obi. The majority of the objective reporting from Dr. Obi
beginning with the intake notes from 3/2/13 reveals an
unremarkable review of systems [sic], normal affect, euthymic
mood and appropriate insight and judgment.
PRU 152. Dr. Goodman, the independent reviewer on Plaintiffs second appeal, similarly found
that “there are numerous inconsistencies in the record between the claimant’s subjective report and
the objective evaluation by Dr. Obi.” PRU 205. On July 29, 2014, Therapist Laurie Wisotsky and
Psychiatrist Lyubov Shkarnpa noted that Plaintiffs “anxiety has been very difficult to cope with
and has caused [Plaintiffi to be unable to work. She has been having many problems with her
memory and is unable to focus on daily tasks.” PRU 160. However, the administrative record
shows that Defendant’s reviewers similarly found this opinion inconsistent with the underlying
information. for example, Dr. Chaudhary stated that “[t]he ability to make decisions and care for
another is not consistent with an impairing psychological condition.” PRU 154. Dr. Goodman
concurred. PRU 205 (“The majority of the observations by Dr. Oh and Ms. Wisotsky suggests
no evidence of functional impainrient.”).
In conducting a de novo review, the Court agrees with Defendant’s assessment. Plaintiffs
subjective complaints to her healthcare professionals were inconsistent with their objective
findings. As noted, Plaintiff was often found to have a euthymic mood. In addition, Plaintiff was
22
consistently found to have a good appearance, good grooming, cooperative calm behavior, noniial
psychomotor, normal speech, appropriate affect, logical thought, orientation in all spheres, good
insight and judgment, and no delusions or hallucinations. Plaintiff was also able to help care for
a family member. Moreover, and critically, Plaintiffs medical professionals failed to analyze
Plaintiffs limitation in light of the duties of her regular occupation.
The Court also finds that Defendant’s reviewer on Plaintiffs second appeal thoroughly
examined the opinions and observations of Dr. Song and Dr. Craig.9 Dr. Goodman found that
while scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory test administered by Dr. Craig “suggest anxiety and
obsessive-compulsive symptoms
.
.
.
this test does not have symptom validity indicators with
which to verify the credibility of scores.” PRU 207.
Importantly, when Defendant denied
Plaintiffs initial claim, it put her on notice that she her submission lacked not only testing but
testing with “validity measures.” PRU 224. Dr. Goodman also observed that “[t]he Million
Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-Ill (MCMI-III) has symptom validity scales, and Ms. Alzza’s scores
were within normal limits on those.” PRU 207. In short, Dr. Goodman found that there was
enough to “raise doubts about the credibility of Ms. Alzza’s self-report.” PRU 207. Following a
de novo review of the record, the Court agrees with Defendant’s assessment.’°
In sum, the Court finds that Plaintiff fails to raise any genuine issue of material fact
regarding Defendant’s determinations in its initial denial of Plaintiffs claim, or in its denial of
Plaintiff provided the additional medical information from Dr. Song and Dr. Craig on her
second appeal. DSOMF at ¶ 73. Accordingly, only Dr. Goodman examined these records.
Plaintiff also briefly argues that Defendant failed to have Plaintiff “evaluated by a physician of
their choosing to confinTi or contradict the opinions of those treating physicians.” P1. Br. at 22.
However, the Plan does not require Defendant to conduct an Independent Medical Exam
(“IME”). Rather, the Plan states that Defendant “may require [a claimant] to be examined by
doctors, other medical practitioners or vocational experts” of their choice. PRU 330.
Accordingly, Defendant was under no obligation to conduct an independent exam of Plaintiff.
‘°
23
Plaintiffs first and second appeals. Therefore, Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is
granted and Plaintiffs motion for summary judgment is denied.
C. Attorneys’ Fees
Plaintiff contends that pursuant to Section 1132(g)(1), she is entitled to recover reasonable
attorneys’ fee and costs in this action. P1. Br. at 26. “Pursuant to that statute, the defendant in an
ERISA action usually bears the burden of attorney’s fees for the prevailing plaintiff.” Biytus v.
Spang & Co., 203 F.3d 238, 242 (3d Cir. 2000). However, because Plaintiff is not the prevailing
party, she is not entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees or costs.
IV.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons and for good cause shown, Plaintiffs motion for summary
judgment (D.E. 32) is DENIED, and Defendant’s Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment (D.E. 33)
is GRANTED. An appropriate form of Order accompanies this opinion.
Dated: February 7, 2018
John Michael Vazc(ez,(9LS.D.J.
24
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