Henarie v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America
Filing
50
OPINION AND ORDER: Granting Henarie's Motion for Summary Judgment 31 and denying Prudential's Motion for Summary Judgment 28 . Henarie is entitled to judgment in the amount of $410,000.00. The parties are to confer on an a ward of prejudgment interest, costs and fees. If they agree, Henarie shall submit a proposed judgment by June 24, 2013. If the parties cannot agree, the Court will hold a telephone conference to determine how to proceed. Signed on 5/29/2013 by Judge Garr M. King. (pc)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF OREGON
PORTLAND DIVISION
ROBERT L. HENARIE,
Plaintiff,
v.
THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE
COMPANY OF AMERICA,
Defendant.
Megan E. Glor
John C. Shaw
621 SW Morrison, Suite 900
Portland, OR 97205
Attorneys for Plaintiff
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Civil Case No. 3:11-CV-00994-KI
OPINION AND ORDER
John MacMillan
MacMillan, Scholz & Marks, P.C.
900 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 1800
Portland, OR 97204
Attorney for Defendant
KING, Judge:
Pursuant to the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C.
§ 1132(a)(1)(B), plaintiff Robert Henarie challenges defendant Prudential Insurance Company of
America’s decision to terminate his long-term disability benefits. Pending before me are the
parties’ cross-motions for summary judgment [28, 31]. For the following reasons, I grant
Henarie’s motion for summary judgment and deny Prudential’s motion.
BACKGROUND
Henarie was working as a partner with the accounting firm KPMG until mid-September
2005–he had been there for almost 30 years. Five months later, on February 28, 2006, Henarie
submitted a claim for disability benefits to Prudential supported by a statement from his primary
care physician, Dr. Eugene Uphoff, diagnosing Henarie with sick sinus syndrome, syncope,
migraine headaches, and an inability “to reliably perform calculations and cognitively process
complex information.” AR 339. Prudential approved Henarie’s long-term disability claim under
a provision of the Plan allowing for 24 months of payments for a mental illness (depression, in
this case). Henarie disputes that his disability is solely due to depression and asserts entitlement
to an additional $410,000, plus pre-judgment interest, which represents slightly fewer than
14 months of additional monthly payments of $30,000 each until his 60th birthday.
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LEGAL STANDARDS
In this ERISA case, given the stipulation of the parties, the court is tasked with assessing
the validity of Henarie’s claim under a de novo standard of review. Firestone Tire & Rubber v.
Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115 (1989); Def.’s Mem. in Supp. of Mot. for Summ. J. 15 (reflecting
stipulation of the parties). Under this standard, the plan administrator is not entitled to deference;
the court “simply proceeds to evaluate whether the plan administrator correctly or incorrectly
denied benefits[.]” Abatie v. Alta Health & Life Ins., 458 F.3d 955, 963 (9th Cir. 2006) (en
banc). It is the claimant’s burden of proof to establish that he was disabled under the terms of the
plan. Muniz v. Amec Constr. Mgmt., Inc., 623 F.3d 1290, 1295-96 (9th Cir. 2010). The court’s
review is generally limited to the administrative record and only in very limited circumstances
may the court consider extrinsic evidence. Opeta v. Nw. Airlines Pension Plan for Contract
Emps., 484 F.3d 1211, 1217 (9th Cir. 2007).
FACTS
I.
Policy Language
The main issue in this case is whether Henarie’s disability is now excluded from
Prudential’s Plan. Prudential does not dispute Henarie suffers from physical impairments and
from depression and anxiety. Rather, the insurance company argues Henarie is limited to only 24
months of payments because his disability is “due in whole or in part” to a mental illness.
The language at issue is as follows:
What Disabilities Have a Limited Pay Period Under Your Plan?
Disabilities due to a sickness or injury which, as determined by Prudential,
are primarily based on self-reported symptoms have a limited pay period
during your lifetime.
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Disabilities which, as determined by Prudential, are due in whole or in part
to mental illness also have a limited pay period during your lifetime.
The limited pay period for self-reported symptoms and mental illness
combined is 24 months during your lifetime.
KPMG Group Contract at 00028 (emphasis in original) [ECF No. 27-1].
However, “Prudential will not apply the mental illness limitation to dementia if it is a
result of . . . trauma . . . or other conditions not listed which are not usually treated by a mental
health provider or other qualified provider using psychotherapy, psychotropic drugs, or other
similar methods of treatment as standardly accepted in the practice of medicine.” Id. at 00029
(emphasis added).
Finally, Prudential will consider Henarie disabled if he is “unable to perform the material
and substantial duties of your regular occupation as a partner of KPMG or any other ‘Big
Four’ accounting firms due to your sickness or injury; and you are under the regular care of a
doctor.” Id. at 00026 (emphasis in original).
II.
Henarie’s Medical History
Henarie stopped working at KPMG, after almost 30 years, in mid-September 2005.1 He
filed his claim with Prudential five months later and only after he was certain he could not return
to work. Prudential contends the record reflects Henarie suffers from depression. Henarie argues
the medical evidence shows he is disabled from physical illnesses, including a traumatic brain
injury and post concussive syndrome (“PCS”).
1
Prudential, in its briefing, contends Henarie “went out of work” on September 16, and
Henarie says he “left work” on September 15. Compare Prudential’s Mem. in Supp. of Summ.
J. 1 with Henarie’s Mem. in Supp. of Summ. J. 4.
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A.
Henarie’s Physicians
Henarie began experiencing syncopal spells (fainting) in July or August 2005. On August
18, as a result of one of these spells while driving, he pulled over to the curb and awoke in his
neighbor’s yard. AR 231. At the emergency room, he described headaches for the past several
weeks and a syncopal spell one week before where he fell and hit his neck. He reported “no
difficulty with any specific neurologic complaints.” Id. He exhibited no tenderness over the
head or scalp and a head CT scan was negative other than some chronic sinus disease. The ER
physician recommended a heart monitor, rest, and reevaluation.
Henarie followed up with his primary care physician, Dr. Eugene Uphoff. Henarie
described the driving episode in the same way–he blacked out while driving and ended up in his
neighbor’s yard. He noted one other syncopal episode in the shower and reported increasing
headaches as a result. His only other complaint was chest pain. Dr. Uphoff referred Henarie to a
cardiologist.
Dr. Aly Rahimtooia, at the Oregon Clinic–Cardiology Division, examined Henarie.
Henarie told the doctor about passing out three times in the last four weeks. The first time was
just after finishing a shower; Henarie fell down and hit his head. See also AR 268 (consistently
reporting fell in shower the first time and woke up with a bruise on his head). The second time
occurred while he was in the shower, and he awoke on the floor. The final time was while he
was driving, when he ran into a curb (described above). Dr. Rahimtooia noted, “He has been
having difficulties with memory as well as headaches, though there is some thought that this may
represent postconcussion syndrome.” AR 239. The doctor recommended an echocardiogram,
noticed the normal head CT, but thought “other etiologies, particularly neurologic ones, cannot
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be excluded.” AR 240. He recommended neurologic input if his cardiovascular evaluation was
negative.
Henarie and his wife made an appointment with Dr. Thomas Kasten because they were
“frustrated with not knowing why he has had the syncope and wanting to speed up his workup for
possible causes.” AR 245. Dr. Kasten noted five syncopal episodes in the past five weeks, the
third of which “landed him in the hospital after he lost consciousness while driving his car and
ran into a cement wall in a neighbor’s yard.” AR 244. Henarie described persistent headache
over the last three weeks, different from his occasional migraine headaches. He “does note some
being less well able to concentrate, being easily distracted, sleeping less well in the past three
weeks. He also has not worked in the past three weeks. He has a very demanding jobs where
errors are not acceptable and he feels unable to return to work at this time.” Id. Henarie reported
a history of depression. Dr. Kasten reassured Henarie and his wife that the workup thus far had
been appropriate.
Henarie went to Dr. Richard Rosenbaum on September 13, 2005. He described hitting
the retaining wall, but doubted a head injury. He mentioned having headaches all his life, but
now getting “left occipital burning pain . . . after hitting head with first spell, intermittent, lasts
couple of hours, present most days, treatment acetaminophen; left temporal headache also began
after hitting head, present most days, lasts about an hour, takes apap.” AR 248. He also reported
feeling depressed, although having some depression for years due to stress at work, and recent
anxiety. He believed his memory was worse and he observed some tingling in his fingers and
toes. Dr. Rosenbaum diagnosed syncope versus seizure, probable concussion, and migraine plus
new post traumatic headache. Dr. Rosenbaum wrote to Dr. Uphoff, reporting a normal
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neurologic examination, but needing to exclude seizures with an MRI and a sleep deprived EEG.
He also remarked, “He does have a long history of migraine, and now has mild post concussive
effects including trouble with memory and headaches.” AR 252. Dr. Rosenbaum expected the
symptoms to improve over a period of months.
Henarie’s sleep-deprived EEG was mildly abnormal and his MRI was essentially negative
in late September 2005.
Henarie told Dr. Shawn Patrick about his “frequent massive headaches, which have
occurred since he fell and struck his head in the shower but [which] also seem to have become
more frequent since he has been having syncopal episodes.” AR 260. Dr. Patrick reviewed
Henarie’s heart monitor results and found “a significant set of sinus pauses at the time of one of
these episodes consistent with sick sinus syndrome.” AR 261. To correct the problem,
Henarie had a pacemaker implanted on October 20, 2005.
Despite the pacemaker, Henarie continued to complain to Dr. Uphoff of fatigue, cold
fingers and toes, nausea, and persistent headaches, confusion and forgetfulness. AR 295.
At Dr. Uphoff’s request, psychologist Dr. Larry Friedman evaluated Henarie’s memory
impairment on December 7, 2005. Henarie described several syncopal episodes beginning in
July 2005, including falling and striking his head in the bathroom and losing consciousness while
driving. He reported experiencing no obvious head trauma. Henarie complained of almost
constant headache since the first syncopal episode, limited ability to concentrate for more than 15
minutes, and a less reliable memory. He tested in the superior range of verbal intellectual ability,
in the average to high average range of nonverbal intellectual ability. His processing speed index
was average and his testing on abstraction, logical analysis and conceptual flexibility was in the
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average range. Dr. Friedman thought some of the minor abnormalities and inconsistencies in the
test results were due to emotional and psychological factors based on Henarie’s self-reported
symptoms of depression. He opined, “There is little reason to suspect objective
neuropsychological dysfunction on the basis of this test record . . . . Mr. Henarie appears to be
seriously depressed.” AR 308.
Henarie reported to Dr. Uphoff that Dr. Friedman found his memory and intellectual
function to be normal, but that he was severely depressed and Henarie “concur[red] with this
assessment.” AR 310. Dr. Uphoff prescribed Fiorinal for headaches and Cymbalta for
depression. A January 2006 report reflected Henarie’s depression was “only somewhat
improved.” AR 318. Henarie expressed amazement that he was able to do as much work for as
long as he did since two people had filled his position at the office.
Dr. Gordon Lindloom began seeing Henarie for depression at the end of January 2006.
Henarie also complained of extreme exhaustion, hypersomnia, severe and debilitating right
hemisphere migraine headaches, memory loss, and inability to concentrate or remember simple
information presented orally or in writing. He reported losing consciousness on three occasions,
and receiving a concussion after hitting a wall while driving. AR 509. Dr. Lindbloom diagnosed
“Major Depression, Single Episode, Severe, with no psychotic features.” AR 358. Dr.
Lindbloom did make a side note that, “His memory problems and energy problems look like
brain injury. How much of this might be attributable to depression is probably unknowable
except through a significant period . . . of trial and error learning[].” AR 509.
In progress note after progress note, and in various letters and reports, Dr. Lindbloom
repeated his hypothesis that Henarie’s Type A personality (working 2400 hours a year for 30
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years), combined with the stress of his job, his father’s death, and his son’s drug abuse, resulted
in “neurological burnout.” AR 512; see also 510, 513, 359. After reviewing Dr. Friedman’s test
results, Dr. Lindbloom opined, “With the absence of neurological or psychological test findings
of insult or debilitation, it is realistic to hope that Mr. Henarie’s problems with memory and
concentration will gradually fade away. He has begun to read again. Numerous small incidents
he has reported to me and his general quick thinking and responsiveness to me in our treatment
sessions are early signs of recovery in this domain.” AR 362. Instead, according to Dr.
Lindbloom, memory lapses, concentration problems, and depression are “typical of system in
collapse.” AR 512.
Henarie returned to Dr. Rosenbaum on February 3, 2006, complaining of recurrent
headaches that increased with stress. Dr. Rosenbaum noted normal exam and normal MRI of the
brain a few months previously obviated the need for brain imaging. He directed Henarie to stop
taking Vicodin and Flomal in case chronic analgesic use was the culprit, and instructed him to
avoid eating preserved meats. “His headache may be a symptom of his depression, for which he
is already pursuing treatment.” AR 328.
Dr. Uphoff commented on February 17 that Henarie was considering disability because of
his loss of focus and attention, memory problems and headaches. Although he “performed well”
on the neuropsych evaluation, he was “found to be profoundly depressed.” AR 330. Henarie
was taking antidepressants but “doesn’t feel it has made a lot of difference” and described his
brain as being “in neutral.” Id. Dr. Uphoff opined, “He really is disabled and cannot return to
work because of his inability to maintain focus and attention.” Id.
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Henarie saw his primary care physician, Dr. Uphoff, on March 21, 2006. At that time he
reported improved headaches on Toprol, but cold hands and feet, depression being treated with
Cymbalta, problems with his right knee, and TMJ pain. AR 343.
In 2006 and 2007, in visits with Dr. Uphoff, Henarie complained of dizziness, continued
intractable depression despite medication and counseling, tremors, memory problems, episodic
chest pain, and a broken ankle after a vertigo-induced fall. Dr. Lindbloom also continued to
counsel Henarie about his anxiety and depression. A visit to Dr. Rosenbaum in January 2007
yielded medication changes for headache treatment.
Dr. Uphoff referred Henarie to Dr. Michael B. Fleming to evaluate Henarie’s vertigo.
Henarie complained of dizziness, vertigo, confusion, and occasional problems with speech, but
he thought the latter two symptoms were due to medication. Dr. Fleming diagnosed vestibular
neuronitis2 and recommended vestibular rehabilitation.
Toward the end of 2007, Henarie saw Dr. Christina Peterson, a neurologist at the Oregon
Headache Clinic. Henarie complained about word finding problems since the car accident and
memory difficulty, although not for “off the wall things.” AR 635. Based on questionnaires he
completed about the frequency and impacts of his headaches, Dr. Peterson noted his Migraine
Diability Assessment Score was a grade 4 out of 4, representing severe disability. Similarly his
Headache Impact Test was 68, a very severe impact. She recommended various prescription
changes.
2
“[A] disorder of uncertain etiology that is characterized by transitory attacks of severe
vertigo.” www.merriam-webster.com/medlineplus/vestibular neuronitis (last visited 5/23/13).
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In late 2007 and early 2008, Dr. Edward Lairson at the Orthopedic & Fracture Clinic
treated Henarie for severe left foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 with epidural steroid injections.
Henarie reported short-term memory loss in providing his medical history.
At Dr. Rosenbaum’s suggestion, Dr. Hubert Leonard saw Henarie in early 2008 for
headaches. Henarie described a long history of headaches beginning in his childhood, and by his
early twenties he had headaches every day requiring six to eight aspirin a day. Henarie described
having near daily mild to moderate headaches the past ten years. He then reported several head
injuries from syncope-induced falls and stressful family situations in 2004 and 2005, causing
markedly worse headaches and migraines occurring days in a row. By then he was taking ten
tabs of aspirin a day. Dr. Leonard commented on Henarie’s “longstanding medication overuse.”
AR 693. Topamax helped to decrease the number of headaches, but Henarie mentioned still
having them five days a week. Dr. Leonard doubted he could “render him headache free” but
would try to lessen the pain.
Dr. Leonard commented, “Whether the mild concussions aggravated his underlying
headache disorder is not clear.” AR 693. Dr. Leonard cautiously increased the dosage of
Topamax, but suggested remaining aware of any cognitive/memory and language problems or
worsening anxiety as those side effects were occasionally seen with the drug. Dr. Leonard saw
Henarie a total of nine times throughout 2008 and 2009, and diagnosed Henarie with chronic
daily migraine, history of medication overuse, anxiety and depression, as well as chronic low
back pain with hip radiation and mild Parkinsonian tremors triggered or worsened by medication.
In 2009, Dr. Leonard wrote a statement in support of Henarie’s first appeal opining that
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Henarie’s low back pain limited his activity level, and his combined medication caused
symptoms of lack of focus, memory gaps, tremors, impaired balance, anxiety and depression.
Henarie scheduled one last appointment with Dr. Uphoff on January 23, 2008, before the
doctor’s retirement and transfer of Henarie’s care to Dr. Cynthia Shaff-Chin. Dr. Uphoff noted
Henarie’s ankle fracture, vertigo, continuing migraines, low energy and continuing depression.
Dr. Shaff-Chin, in a visit a week later, assessed back pain, depression, migraine headaches and
hypertension.
Dr. Peterson, at the Oregon Headache Clinic, observed cognitive confusion and attributed
it to the higher dose of Topamax prescribed by Dr. Leonard. She asked Henarie to watch for
cognitive slowing or loss of word finding on the increased Topamax dose. Henarie “indicate[d]
that he has always spoken slowly. He did have some cognitive decline when he first reached
Topamax 100 mg, but feels that this has dissipated and assures me that he will watch for this.”
AR 720.
By February 2008, Henarie told Dr. Leonard that his headaches were down to two a week
and that the Topamax was helping. Dr. Leonard commented Henarie was slow moving and slow
speaking, with a minor tremor in his hands and mild facial masking, and recommended
eliminating the Seroquel.
Henarie continued twice a month therapy sessions with Dr. Lindbloom. He consistently
complained of headaches, vertigo, and memory problems. He also described a visit with friends
who called the next day to check on Henarie because they were concerned about his difficulty
tracking the conversation, his sagging face and his bent posture the night before.
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On March 26, 2009, at the request of his counsel, Henarie participated in a functional
capacity evaluation. Physical therapist Patrick Pua found Henarie restricted to light level with
material handling, but could handle only 15 to 20 minutes of sitting, standing or walking before
pain affected his tolerance. Pua believed Henarie would have difficulty traveling–meaning
“airplane rides & transfers while carrying heavy loads, working at different workstations and
makeshift computer stations at hotel rooms. In light of his postural restrictions, I feel that this
component of his physical capacity restricts him from performing his former work as a
CPA/auditor.” AR 919.
B.
Reviewing Physicians
In June 2006, during Prudential’s initial review of Henarie’s claim, Dr. Joyce Bachman,
an internal medicine consultant, reviewed Henarie’s medical records. She thought Henarie’s sick
sinus syndrome, blood pressure, migraines, and TMG were well controlled by medication, but
thought headaches were an “ongoing problem.” AR 81. Although she did not believe Henarie’s
depression was limiting, she recommended a psychiatrist should review the record.
In July 2006, Prudential had a psychiatric consultant review Henarie’s medical records.
On July 13, Dr. Stephen Gerson issued an extensive report opining Henarie was not disabled by
depression or anxiety. About a week later, Dr. Gerson spoke with Dr. Lindbloom who informed
Dr. Gerson that Henarie was not interested in going back to work, and that Henarie had “taxed
his neuroendocrine system over the years to the point where he has had a diffuse collapse and a
fragmentation of his adrenals and stressed self regulatory system. [Dr. Lindbloom] doesn’t feel
the claimant will be able to substantially reintegrate to the point where he could go back to work;
however, he does feel he is improving somewhat in the recent period.” AR 452.
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On July 23, based in part on his conversation with Dr. Lindbloom, Dr. Gerson changed
his opinion. He concluded Henarie exhibited a
mild to moderate level of psychological and cognitive impairment primarily based
on depression and ongoing poorly treated anxiety. . . . His current lifestyle is
clearly at a markedly less functional level than what would be necessary for him
to function as a very high level partner at [KPMG]. I don’t think he has the
cognitive and emotional capacity to return to work as a high level partner at
[KPMG] at this time. This state is likely to persist, particularly given the
limitations in his current treatment . . . . I think the claimant is functionally
impaired for the functions of his job as a partner at [KPMG].
AR 453-54. He noted he “predicate[d] my change in opinion from my 7/13 report on [the] fact
that there is NO evidence of prior disability behavior on the part of the claimant, the credibility of
Dr. Lindbloom, and the reality of a VERY demanding high level job, all in the context of
treatment with limitations and possible iatrogenic cognitive contribution of unclear Medication
regimen.” AR 453.
Dr. Landy Sparr prepared an independent psychiatric evaluation on August 28, 2006 and,
after reviewing medical records including Dr. Gerson’s opinion, administering the MMPI-2, and
interviewing Henarie for three hours, diagnosed Henarie with Major Depressive Disorder, severe,
without psychotic features, with obsessive-compulsive traits. Dr. Sparr described slow speech
with long response latencies, quiet mood, and flat affect. He observed Henarie’s highly impaired
immediate memory and difficulty concentrating on tasks. Henarie could not recall three words
after five minutes, made mistakes on serial sevens and could not name the Governor. He
hesitated identifying the President and at first said President Carter. He thought Henarie’s
primary psychological impairment was his inability to concentrate, which Dr. Sparr believed was
“directly related to his major depressive disorder and is part of the symptom cluster.” AR 483.
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He found it “doubtful that his impairment is organic and instead appears to be entirely related to
his profound psychological depression.” Id.
When approaching the 24-month deadline for the expiration of benefits, Prudential hired
an internal medicine physician to review the file. On June 27, 2008, Dr. Jill Fallon
recommended neuropsychological testing with MMPI “to determine if cognitive dysfunction and
personality changes exist and if so, if they were due to organic changes and/or medication and/or
depression.” AR 66.
Accordingly, Dr. Richard Kolbell conducted a Neuropsychological Independent Medical
Examination on three separate days, July 30, August 6, and August 7, 2008, because Henarie
“was exceedingly slow throughout forensic interview and testing[.]” AR 791. Dr. Kolbell
mentioned Henarie “was very organized in his presentation and in the supplementary materials he
provided. Affect was prominently depressed, and remained so throughout examination and
testing.” AR 792. Henarie told Dr. Kolbell about a history of closed head injury, once when he
was five years old, and again in 2005 related to the syncopal episode when he had the car
accident. (Dr. Kolbell documented Henarie stopped working three months before the car
accident, but in fact other records indicate Henarie worked until mid-September, almost a month
after the car accident.)
Dr. Kolbell administered a number of tests to determine Henarie’s cognitive abilities:
On the Twenty-One Item Memory Test, he obtained a score of 12/21, which is
only slightly above chance and well below levels typically obtained by individuals
even with well documented brain injury or dementia. Similarly, on the Test of
Memory Malingering, he obtained scores of 28/50, 37/50, and 33/50, which again,
compared to normative samples, are well below the range obtained by individuals
with severe head injury, dementia, or other well documented cognitive disorders.
These scores are most often associated with patients who are not putting forth
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adequate effort or may be malingering. On the Victoria Symptom Validity Test,
he obtained scores of 17/24, 3/24, and 20/48; the overall pattern is of very
marginal validity. Specifically, obtaining 3/24 items correct is so significantly
beyond the chance level that it can be only reasonably interpreted as intentional
effort to perform poorly. Further, his response latencies, averaging approximately
10 seconds per item, are 2-3 times beyond the levels of performance by simulated
malingerers. This is also multiple times greater than individuals who are
compensation-seeking. On the PAI, Negative Impression Management is nearly 3
standard deviations above the mean, and Malingering Index of T-71 is highly
significant. On the MMPI-2, he produced an FBS-34, which, according to the
scientific literature, is only seen among individuals who are intentionally
exaggerating cognitive and/or psychological deficits. On the Trauma Symptom
Inventory, his responses were atypical and severely elevated, and his entire profile
is invalid. On the Brief Symptom Inventory, he elevated 6/9 clinical scales at
greater than 3 standard deviations above the mean (T-80). These findings are
rarely seen outside individuals who are so severely mentally ill they require
hospitalization.
Finally, the claimant’s time in completing all tests was extraordinarily slow when
compared to over 2,000 patients examined in the past ten years in my practice.
Performance that is so excessively slow has not been seen in other individuals,
even with well documented psychological disorders. Indeed, he required
approximately eight hours to complete these measures.
AR 798. Dr. Kolbell diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate, per Records; Probable
Malingering, per Slick, et al (1999) Criteria.
One week after the interview, Henarie provided a five-page, single-spaced letter, which
he wrote with the assistance of his wife, correcting and elaborating on statements he made during
the longer than two-hour interview. Dr. Kolbell thought the letter called into question Henarie’s
memory complaints since “he was able to recall detailed aspects of an extensive forensic
interview and relate them to his wife, who prepared and organized documents, and submit[ted]
this to me a full week later[.]” AR 802.
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III.
Insurance Policy Proceedings
Henarie worked full-time for KPMG from September 8, 1975 to mid-September 2005.
He applied for Long-Term Benefits under the Prudential Plan on February 28, 2006, alleging sick
sinus syndrome, with syncope and migraine headache as secondary afflictions. He asserted
memory loss and cerebral dysfunction as additional impairments.
Prudential requested Henarie’s medical records and hired an investigator to conduct
surveillance. The investigator learned Henarie’s son would be graduating on June 17, 2006, and
a second round of surveillance was planned. The surveillance revealed Henarie was “usually at
home during the day” and occasionally left with his wife. AR 402. Neighbors did not see him
working in his yard.
As reflected above, Prudential reviewing physician Dr. Bachman found no physical
restrictions, but recommended a referral to Dr. Gerson. While Dr. Gerson initially thought
Henarie was not disabled, he changed his mind after speaking with Henarie’s therapist, Dr.
Lindbloom, and opined Henarie suffered from mild to moderate cognitive impairment from
depression and anxiety. Dr. Sparr, also a psychiatrist, confirmed the diagnosis.
Prudential approved Henarie for benefits effective September 15, 2006 based on his
psychiatric condition only. As a result, his benefits were terminated on September 15, 2008
under the 24-month mental health limitation under the Plan. Right before termination, Prudential
reviewed the new medical records, Dr. Fallon’s report, and Dr. Kolbell’s report. Prudential
concluded Henarie could perform his regular occupation since he was not precluded from
sedentary work and his neuropsychological testing was invalid due to poor effort and/or
exaggerated responses.
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After learning that Henarie had hired counsel and intended to appeal, on September 25,
2008 Prudential hired an investigator to place him under surveillance. The investigator watched
Henarie’s movements from October 14 through 16, and again on October 25 and 26. The
investigator saw Henarie leave his home for five minutes one day and, on another day, drive to
the hospital and then ride in the car to an office building. On a final day, the investigator
followed Henarie, as the passenger in a car, to an office building and then to a shopping center
where he appeared to pick up a prescription. The investigator captured five minutes of activity
on videotape and reported no sign of physical or mental disabilities.
Represented by counsel, Henarie filed an appeal on July 13, 2009. He listed the
documents he enclosed with his appeal on the first page of his letter, including letters from Dr.
Lindbloom (dated February 19, 2009), Dr. Shaff-Chin (dated April 1, 2009), and a letter from Dr.
Leonard (dated June 12, 2009). AR 905, 908, and 911. Counsel also quoted extensively from
these letters in his own appeal letter. Dr. Lindbloom and Dr. Shaff-Chin disputed any
malingering. For example, Henarie “had gone from being a productive and successful
businessman to someone who now struggles to manage various treatments for his complex
medical conditions” opined Dr. Shaff-Chin. AR 909. She noted he “is not a malingerer in any
sense of the word and greatly desires to have his health improve.” AR 910.
The appeal also included the observations of a retired managing partner who used to work
with Henarie, and who has known him since 1975. Henarie walked slowly with tentative steps
and exhibited a slower reaction time. “He has to really think about his responses when questions
are posed to him, as if he is at a loss for the right words. . . . I look at Bob now and do not see the
same person I knew when he was working at KPMG.” AR 916.
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The theme of the appeal was that Henarie had been diagnosed with additional physical
medical conditions, including spinal stenosis and foraminal narrowing, seizures/involuntary
movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease, chronic renal insufficiency, elevated creatine kinase,
numbness in his legs and feet, and cognitive dysfunction. Henarie’s contention was that these
additional medical problems, plus the previously diagnosed syncopal spells, migraine headaches,
and PCS, combined to make him disabled independent of any psychiatric condition.
Prudential requested an internist, Dr. Judith Esman, and a neurologist, Dr. Steven
McIntire, review the record on appeal. The doctors together believed Henarie’s history of
syncope, some balance problems, and history of frequent falls warranted limitations such as
avoiding work at heights, climbing ladders, and negotiating uneven surfaces. The degenerative
changes in his lumbar spine would mean Henarie could lift or carry no more than 20 pounds
occasionally and 10 pounds frequently, was limited to bending/reaching below the waist, could
sustain no more than 15 minutes per hour of walking and standing, with walking no more than
two hours in an eight-hour day. Henarie’s ability to sit was unrestricted, but Henarie should
change position once every hour for three to five minute intervals. Additionally, the doctors
agreed that, “due to his history of syncope[, Henarie] should not drive in a professional capacity.”
AR 996. Dr. McIntire clarified that he meant Henarie should not be driving others or driving
large vehicles as part of his work, such as a bus or truck driver. AR 1004. The doctors found no
limitations related to: migraine headaches, sick sinus syndrome, bradycardia causative
dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, seizures, concerns about Parkinson’s disease, lack of
arm strength, renal insufficiency, elevated creatine and CPK, and PCS.
Page 19 - OPINION AND ORDER
With respect to headaches, Dr. McIntire specifically commented that Henarie lacked the
history of emergency room visits or inpatient treatment for his headaches which those suffering
from impairing migraines typically have. He opined there were additional medications Henarie
had not tried, and that the headaches were likely due to “medication overuse or rebound
headaches.” AR 1003.
Dr. McIntire also found cognitive dysfunction not supported by the objective testing, but
consistent with malingering, and no history or objective findings suggestive of seizures or
abnormal movement disorder.
On October 7, 2009, Prudential informed Henarie that it had properly terminated his
benefits. It concluded, after summarizing the reports of the reviewing doctors, that Henarie did
not have a physiological impairment that would preclude him from performing his regular
occupation as an Audit Partner. The headaches fell under the self-reported limit in the plan.
On June 4, 2010, Henarie’s counsel submitted a second appeal. He provided many of the
same documents as those accompanying the first appeal, but he also provided updated statements
from Dr. Lindbloom (dated May 14, 2010), Dr. Leonard (dated May 24, 2010), and an evaluation
from a pain management consultant (dated May 22, 2010). AR 1030-75. However, Prudential
did not receive all of the enclosures–it did not receive the 2010 letters from Dr. Lindbloom and
Dr. Leonard. Henarie’s counsel did quote extensively from the 2010 letters in his appeal letter,
which Prudential did receive. The 2010 letters, as quoted by counsel, hypothesized that
Henarie’s depression, balance problems, fatigue, memory problems, attention problems,
headaches, anxiety, slowed speech and slowed thinking were the result of PCS or a traumatic
brain injury. Prudential called Henarie’s counsel to see if there were any further medical records
Page 20 - OPINION AND ORDER
to submit, but did not mention the missing enclosures. Counsel responded that the appeal was
complete.
Prudential asked Alan Cusher, Ph.D., to complete a review of Henarie’s file after the
second appeal, in August 2010. Dr. Cusher did not reference the most recent appeal letter, the
medical records quoted in the letter, or the diagnosis of PCS. Dr. Cusher summarized Dr.
Kolbell’s report and noted raw data was not provided. “Taken at face value,” Dr. Cusher opined,
“[Dr. Kolbell’s] findings would not support the presence of functional impairment due to the fact
that the neuropsychological testing was considered invalid and there would not be sufficient
confidence that the data would provide an accurate assessment of functioning in general. This
does not preclude the presence [of] impairment but renders this particular evaluation of little use
in objectively measuring functioning (whether impaired or unimpaired).” AR 15-16. Dr. Cusher
also pointed out Dr. Kolbell did not compare the test results obtained by Dr. Friedman and Dr.
Sparr. Dr. Cusher concluded, “At this point, almost two years after Dr. Kolbell’s evaluation and
over four and one half years after Dr. Friedman’s more detailed analysis would require review of
the respective raw data.” AR 16.
From a physical perspective, also in August 2010, Dr. Richard Day reviewed the claim
and concluded Henarie could work at a sedentary level.
On August 19, 2010, Prudential upheld the decision to terminate Henarie’s benefits.
Page 21 - OPINION AND ORDER
DISCUSSION
I.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Henarie argues his primary disability is due to PCS, which qualifies as “dementia caused
by trauma” under the Plan and not subject to the 24-month mental illness limitation.3 As I stated
at oral argument, this is a case that could have gone either way. I am persuaded, however, to rule
in favor of Henarie for the following reasons: Henarie’s physicians provided in-depth, coherent
explanations that, looking back through Henarie’s medical history and trying to put the puzzle
back together, provide the only rational explanation for Henarie’s rapid deterioration and
symptoms after a 30-year work history. Prudential’s consultants, in contrast, could not
persuasively explain why his symptoms would not preclude Henarie’s work as a high-powered
partner at KPMG and did not adequately evaluate the legitimacy of PCS as a diagnosis. In
addition, I conclude Prudential’s sloppy approach to Henarie’s claim, and specifically its
treatment of his second appeal, puts a thumb on the scale for Henarie.
I start first with Henarie’s character and the reason he stopped working. For almost 30
years Henarie worked for KPMG. He worked twice as much as was required, billing 2500 hours
a year when only 1250 were required. He began treatment for depression in 2004, but continued
to work at the same high level. He planned, in fact, to continue working five more years before
retiring. Notably, Dr. Gerson, on whose opinion Prudential relied in eventually approving
Henarie’s claim, underscored that “there is NO evidence of prior disability behavior on the part
of the claimant[.]” AR 453. Instead of retiring as planned, however, Henarie developed
3
Henarie raised additional arguments, but I need not address them as this one is
dispositive.
Page 22 - OPINION AND ORDER
syncope, precipitating bouts of unconsciousness that resulted in him hitting his head on at least
one occasion. During another one of these episodes, he found himself in a neighbor’s yard
having driven up over the curb and into a retaining wall. Both Prudential and Dr. Gerson seemed
to recognize that Henarie would not have stopped working but for the syncopal episodes. AR
177.
Dr. Uphoff, Henarie’s primary care physician, submitted the disability application
identifying sick sinus syndrome, syncope and migraine headaches as his major afflictions, but
Prudential consultant Dr. Gerson was persuaded by Henarie’s psychologist, Dr. Lindbloom, to
conclude Henarie was incapable of performing his “VERY demanding high level job” at KPMG
due to his depression. AR 453. Dr. Gerson found Dr. Lindbloom to be a “credible informant.”
Id.
Although Dr. Lindbloom and most of Henarie’s other providers initially landed on
depression to explain Henarie’s memory and cognitive problems, Dr. Lindbloom and Dr.
Leonard later explained in their 2010 reports, as quoted by Henarie’s counsel in his second
appeal letter, that Henarie’s symptoms were more obviously connected to a closed head injury.
Prudential did not receive the letters from these physicians as part of the second appeal, but
counsel quoted from them extensively in his letter. Specifically, counsel quoted from Dr.
Lindbloom’s report, in which Dr. Lindbloom listed the PCS-related symptoms the doctor had
observed in Henarie, including impaired coordination, impaired balance, sleep problems, fatigue,
seizures, memory problems, attention and concentration problems, headaches, dizziness,
depression not responsive to psychological intervention, anxiety, photophobia, phonophobia,
Page 23 - OPINION AND ORDER
impaired social interactions, slowed speech and slowed thinking. Counsel also reported Dr.
Lindbloom’s anecdotal corroboration of Henarie’s concentration problems.
Henarie’s counsel additionally quoted Dr. Leonard’s observations of Henarie’s cognitive
dysfunction, memory problems, lack of attention, slow speech, and concentration problems. He
explained he initially thought Henarie’s symptoms were related to medications, but after multiple
medication changes he thought PCS was to blame.
Post-concussive syndromes are generally not related to the severity of the initial
injury and these symptoms may persist for years. Post-concussive syndrome can
include cognitive dysfunction, memory impairment, inability to concentrate,
decreased attention as well as altered mood.
AR 1078. Counsel explained to Prudential that Dr. Leonard believed Henarie was “unlikely to
make any additional improvement.” Id.4
I suppose Dr. Lindbloom and Dr. Leonard’s reports could certainly be characterized as
“advocacy letters.” Nevertheless, the letters are detailed, well-supported, and provide the only
explanation for the constellation of symptoms suffered by Henarie. I concede that the timing of
the letters is somewhat troubling, coming so late in the proceeding, but I simply cannot accept
Prudential’s assertion that two separate doctors would jeopardize their licenses to lie so Henarie
4
Prudential argues I should remand, rather than considering the “extra-record” material.
First, I have not considered the underlying source material, only Henarie’s counsel’s accurate
summary of the doctors’ reports in the letter Prudential received. Further, remand is not
appropriate as Prudential has made it clear it would have made the same decision. Finally, the
court may hear “evidence outside the administrative record when the standard of review of the
administrative decision is de novo.” Gunn v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., 399 Fed. App’x.
147, 150 n.8 (9th Cir. 2010) (citing Banuelos v. Constr. Laborers’ Trust Funds for Southern Cal.,
382 F.3d 897, 904 (9th Cir. 2004)). See also Opeta v. NW Airlines Pension Plan, 484 F.3d 1211,
1217 (9th Cir. 2007) (court may exercise its discretion to consider evidence “only when
circumstances clearly establish that additional evidence is necessary to conduct an adequate de
novo review of the benefit decision”).
Page 24 - OPINION AND ORDER
could collect additional insurance proceeds. I think it is much more likely Henarie’s physicians
seized on depression early, a diagnosis Henarie accepted, and only with time have they had an
opportunity to accurately assess Henarie’s diagnosis. Furthermore, while it is true Henarie
suffered from depression before his syncope, it was not debilitating. Indeed, it was only after the
syncope-induced falls that Henarie suffered the other symptoms related to PCS, which
precipitated his leaving work. Prudential’s reviewing doctors neglected to grapple with the fact
that Henarie continued to work through his depression, and it was only after he experienced the
syncopal episodes that he began complaining of headaches of a different kind, cognitive slowness
and memory impairments.
Prudential argues there is no evidence of a concussion, pointing to Henarie’s normal MRI
result following Dr. Rosenbaum’s examination of him in September 2005. Prudential neglects to
cite to any medical source supporting the proposition that a normal MRI precludes a diagnosis of
PCS. In contrast, Henarie provided sources indicating minor head injuries, which may induce the
symptoms reported by Henarie, may not produce brain abnormalities on an MRI or CT scan. AR
1097, 1117. Before the normal MRI, both Dr. Rahimtooia and Dr. Rosenbaum noted the
possibility of PCS. AR. 239 (memory problems “may represent postconcussion syndrome”); AR
252 (Henarie presented with “mild post concussive effects including trouble with memory and
headaches”). Dr. Rahimtooia agreed a normal head CT is “reassuring,” but thought other
neurologic etiologies for Henarie’s headaches and memory loss should not be excluded. AR 240.
Even after the normal MRI, Dr. Lindbloom said, “His memory problems and energy problems
look like brain injury. How much of this might be attributable to depression is probably
unknowable except through a significant period . . . of trial and error learning[].” AR 509.
Page 25 - OPINION AND ORDER
There is no question the medical record shows a litany of missed signs. Dr. Friedman
found “little reason to suspect objective neuropsychological dysfunction” and pinned Henarie’s
cognitive dysfunction on depression. AR 308. Dr Friedman’s diagnosis failed to account for
Henarie’s increased, and different, headaches. Without explanation, Dr. Sparr similarly believed
Henarie’s impairment was not organic, but thought it was related to his “profound psychological
depression.” AR 483. Dr. Uphoff, Henarie’s primary care physician until the doctor retired,
noticed depression, headaches and problems with focus and attention and referred him to a
psychiatrist. AR 310, 352. Dr. Lindbloom began treating Henarie for depression and anxiety,
which he believed was caused by a breakdown after several stressful years. These doctors missed
the bigger picture which is that, even after the pacemaker was implanted, Henarie’s fatigue,
memory loss, and cognitive dysfunction continued. He also had dizziness, periodic chest pain,
and headaches of a different nature than before.
I do not ignore Henarie’s latest neuropsychological examination producing invalid results
and suggesting Henarie was malingering. Dr. Kolbell’s conclusions are well-documented. I do
note, however, that Dr. Kolbell incorrectly dated the car accident as occurring three months after
Henarie stopped working, when the syncopal episodes and car accident actually precipitated his
absence from work. I question whether this incorrect chronology may have colored Dr. Kolbell’s
observations. Furthermore, Henarie’s detailed letter, which he prepared with the help of his wife,
undermines Dr. Kolbell’s conclusion of malingering. If Henarie was trying to achieve specific
test results, he would not seek to contradict his poor performance by submitting an articulate and
thorough letter. Finally, Prudential consultant Dr. Cusher’s analysis of Henarie’s cognitive
impairments was inconclusive. He suggested Dr. Friedman’s analysis was more detailed,
Page 26 - OPINION AND ORDER
questioned why Dr. Kolbell did not consider Dr. Friedman’s and Dr. Sparr’s test results to
explain why Henarie’s effort would have decreased over time, and agreed Dr. Kolbell’s report
did “not preclude the presence [of] impairment but renders this particular evaluation of little use
in objectively measuring functioning (whether impaired or unimpaired).” AR 16.
In the end, given the requirements of being a partner at KPMG, I simply do not accept
Prudential’s assertion that Henarie is capable of performing his old job. Henarie’s job as a
partner accountant at KPMG required a great deal of top-level thinking and performance. This is
not a policy triggered only when Henarie is unable to work any job; it is a policy providing
benefits to Henarie once he shows he cannot perform the material duties of his own job. The
KPMG job required Henarie to “maintain the highest level of knowledge about [his] partners,
their clients, their clients’ industries and the general accepted accounting principles applicable in
those industries.” AR 320. He needed to be an “[e]ffective communicator with the ability to
facilitate resolution of complex technical issues within SEC rules & regulations and Firm
professional practice policies, procedures and standards.” Id. Finally, his job required him to
“[k]eep pace with new and expanding accounting/SEC rules and interpretations” and devote
“[a]dequate time commitment to perform the responsibilities of an SEC Reviewing Partner.”
AR 322.
Additionally, although quoted extensively in counsel’s second appeal letter, and not
included among the enclosures, Prudential never informed counsel that the letters were missing.
Furthermore, despite the extensive analysis in counsel’s letter, Prudential never considered these
opinions and they are unrebutted. I am bothered by Prudential’s failure to specifically request the
obviously missing documentation in support of Henarie’s second appeal. I seriously question
Page 27 - OPINION AND ORDER
whether Prudential’s consultants, Dr. Day and Dr. Cusher, reviewed the appeal or any appeal
exhibits. I agree with Prudential that the doctors need not list the material they reviewed, but
their opinions ought to reflect that they read and digested Henarie’s arguments. Neither of them
seriously considered the PCS diagnosis which is highlighted in Henarie’s counsel’s letter.
I am not dissuaded by the fact that Henarie never objected to Prudential’s decision to
award benefits based on a diagnosis of depression. Prudential’s view is that Henarie accepted
over $700,000 in benefits without objecting to the finding and it was only after the termination
that Henarie began to argue disability based on other grounds.
Henarie replies that he could not have objected because Prudential’s decision to award
him benefits was not an “adverse benefit determination,” meaning “a denial, reduction or
termination of . . . .a benefit[.]” 29 C.F.R. § 2560.503-1(m)(4). Even if it were an adverse
decision, Prudential did not inform Henarie of his appeal rights in violation of regulations.
29 C.F.R. § 2560.503-1.
In sum, Henarie has established that he is disabled under the terms of the Plan and that
Prudential incorrectly relied on the mental illness limitation in the Plan to terminate his benefits.
II.
Remedy
Henarie demands the $30,000 per month he was due, which was terminated on
September 15, 2008, until his 60th birthday on November 4, 2009, which totals $410,000.
The parties dispute whether Henarie is entitled to prejudgment interest, and in what
amount. They both requested the opportunity to confer and, if necessary, hold additional
proceedings.
Page 28 - OPINION AND ORDER
The Court also notes Henarie’s demand for costs and attorney fees. The parties are also
directed to confer on these amounts.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, I grant Henarie’s Motion for Summary Judgment [31] and
deny Prudential’s Motion for Summary Judgment [28]. Henarie is entitled to judgment in the
amount of $410,000. The parties are to confer on an award of prejudgment interest, costs and
fees. If they agree, Henarie shall submit a proposed judgment by June 24, 2013. If the parties
cannot agree, the Court will hold a telephone conference to determine how to proceed.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this
29th
day of May, 2013.
/s/ Garr M. King
Garr M. King
United States District Judge
Page 29 - OPINION AND ORDER
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