Potts v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co. (272 F. Supp. 3d 690, 2017)

MEMORANDUM OPINION

KIM R. GIBSON, UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

I. Introduction

Before the Court are motions for summary judgment by Jennifer Potts, Plaintiff (ECF No. 56) and Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (“HLAIC” or “Hartford. Life”), Defendant. (ECF No. 59.) The issues have been fully briefed (see ECF Nos. 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63,' 64, 65, 66, 67) and both motions are ripe for disposition. For the reasons that follow, Plaintiffs motion will be DENIED and Defendant’s motion will be GRANTED.

II. Jurisdiction

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, as Plaintiffs claim arises under federal law. Venue is proper under 29 U.S.C. § 1332(e)(2).

III. Background

A. Procedural History

Plaintiff initiated this lawsuit by filing a complaint in the Western District of Kentucky on September 21,2015. (ECF No. 1;) Plaintiffs complaint alleged “Breach of Contract” and “Breach of Fiduciary Duty.” (Id.) On October 16, 2015, Defendant filed a motion to dismiss Plaintiffs “Breach of Fiduciary Duty” claim (ECF No, 6) as well as an answer. (ECF No. 5.) On January 11, 2016, Defendant .filed a motion to transfer this case to this Court (ECF No, 25.), which Plaintiff did not oppose. (See ECF No. 20.)

An Initial Rule 16 Scheduling Conference was held before this Court on March 8, 2016. (ECF No. 33.) After mediation, proved unfruitful (see ECF No, 40), the Court entered a Scheduling Order granting the parties leave to brief the motion to dismiss under the law of the Third Circuit. (ECF No. 41.) This Court then granted Defendant’s motion to dismiss Plaintiffs “Breach of Fiduciary Duty” claim on August 9, 2016. (ECF No. 47.) Thus, the only claim left at this juncture is Plaintiffs “Breach of Contract” claim.

B. Factual History

This case involves Defendant’s denial of Plaintiffs benefits for long-term disability under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. §§ 1101, et seq. (“ERISA”). The following facts are undisputed.

Plaintiff was employed with Denny’s, where she worked as a General Manager from January. 7, 2010 through April 25, 2012. (ECF No. 63 at 1.) Through her employment with Denny’s, Plaintiff participated in an employee welfare benefit plan (“Plan”). (Id. at 1.) The Plan provides for both short-term disability (“STD”) and long-term disability (“LTD”) (Id. at 1-2; ECF No. 58 at 1-2.); these benefits are funded by an insurance policy (“Policy”) issued by Defendant. (ECF No. 61 at 1.) Under the Policy, “Disability or Disabled means You are prevented from performing one or more of the essential duties of: 1) Your Occupation during the Elimination Period; 2) Your Occupation, for the 24 month(s) following the Elimination Period, and as a result Your Current Monthly Earnings are less than 80% of Your Indexed Pre-Disability Earnings; and 3) after that, Any Occupation.” (AR. 0028.)

Plaintiff ceased work on April 26, 2012, after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Thoracic Disc Disease. (ECF 58 at 2.) Plaintiff applied for STD benefits immediately after ceasing work. (Id.) On April 30, 2012, Defendant determined that Plaintiff could not perform her job duties and approved Plaintiffs claim for STD benefits, effective April 26, 2012. (Id.) Defendant paid Plaintiff STD benefits for the maximum time period allowed under the policy. (Id.) On January 18, 2013, after reviewing medical reports from several medical specialists who had treated Plaintiff in the preceding months, Defendant determined that Plaintiff was disabled from her own occupation and approved Plaintiff’s claim for LTD,benefits. (ECF No. 63 at 3-4.)

Plaintiff continued to receive LTD benefits for the next twenty-four (24) months— the entirety of the “Own Occupation” period. (ECF Ño. 58 at 2; AR. 0224.) When the Own Occupation period ended, Defendant terminated Plaintiffs LTD benefits, effective January 1, 2015. (ECF No. 63 at 12.) Plaintiff appealed Defendant’s decision, and Defendant denied Plaintiffs appeal. (Id. at 17.) This lawsuit followed.

Because Plaintiff alleges that Defendant improperly denied her LTD benefits based on her medical conditions, it is necessary to review Plaintiffs treatment history' and Defendant’s reviews of Plaintiffs claims for benefits. While the record before this Court is quite voluminous, this Court will set forth a concise summary of the uncontested facts most relevant to the pending motions.

1. Plaintiff Ceases Work and is Awarded Short and Long-Term Disability Benefits

In April, 2012, Dr. Kern diagnosed Plaintiff with Fibromyalgia and noted that Plaintiff had subjective symptoms of “leg pain/weakness/fatigue.” (AR. 1005.) Dr. Kern indicated that Plaintiff could not return to work at that time. (Id.) On April 26, 2012, Plaintiff ceased work and was shortly thereafter awarded STD benefits. After receiving STD benefits, Plaintiff continued to be treated by Dr. Kern for a variety of issues, including, but not limited to, fibromyalgia, chronic pain in various parts of her body, depression, adjustment reaction, and other emotional disturbances. (See AR. 1000-1003, 0997, 0979-80, 0976, 0992-93, 0972-73.) On at least two occasions, Dr. Kern indicated in her notes that Plaintiff might need to see a psychiatrist. (AR. 1003, 0977.)

Plaintiff also was seen by a pain management specialist, Alice Jones, DNP. On October 1, 2012, Ms. Jones filled out Defendant’s “Attending Physician’s Statement of Functionality” (“APSF”) and reported that Plaintiffs “primary diagnosis is chronic pain/syndrome, hip pain.” (AR. 0942^43.) Ms. Jones further noted that she was “unable to determine” Plaintiffs functional capacity, and stated that Plaintiff “needs to be referred for functional capacity tests.” (AR. 0943.) On November 11, 2012, Ms. Jones filled out a form letter sent by Defendant, in which she stated that Plaintiff “needs functional capacity testing.” (AR. 0905.)

Defendant approved Plaintiffs claim for LTD benefits on January 18, 2013, effective November 1, 2012, after determining that Plaintiff was disabled from her own occupation. (AR. 0290-0293; EOF No. 63 at 4.) The letter was signed by “Tanya A. Walsh, Ability Analyst[,] Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co.” (AR. 0292.)

Plaintiff continued to be seen by various medical professionals, and Defendant regularly requested information from these providers about Plaintiffs medical conditions. On July 26, 2013, Ms. Jones checked the boxes on a form stating that Plaintiff could perform “light” and “sedentary work” on a “full-time basis.” (AR. 0730; AR. 0733.) Defendant then contacted Dr. Kern and asked whether she concurred with Ms. Jones’ opinion. Dr. Kern noted that she had not seen Plaintiff since April and would “defer to pain mgmt.” (AR. 0692-93.)

Plaintiff met with Dr. Kern on September 13, 2013. Following the appointment, Dr. Kern wrote a letter in which she stated that “I understand by both your correspondence and from the patient that Pain management stated she was able to perform light duty.” (AR. 0685.) However, Dr. Kern stated that Plaintiff “proves to be a hard case,” and that “it is my opinion that she remain out of work.” (Id.) Dr. Kern further noted that Plaintiff had an appointment on October 10, 2013, with a chiropractor, Dr. Rizzo, who “is going to do a Functional Capacity test on her to see her ability to do work.” (Id.) Ultimately, Plaintiff did not complete the functional capacity test because Dr. Rizzo was not certified to administer it and other providers were prohibitively expensive. (AR. 0119.) Defendant did not offer to pay for Plaintiff to undergo a functional capacity test.

In a letter dated June 2, 2013, Dr. Rita Kammiel, Plaintiffs psychiatrist, noted that Plaintiff was unable to work because of “depression, lack of motivation, poor concentration, and trouble coping with physical pain.” (AR. 0786.) On October 5, 2013, Dr. Kammiel filled out Defendant’s “Attending Physician’s Statement of Disability” (“APSD”) form, indicating that Plaintiff suffers from chronic pain syndrome, depression, and bipolar disorder. (AR. 0676-687.) Dr. Kammiel also reported that Plaintiff had “No Ability” or “Minimal Ability” in eleven (11) out of twelve (12) work-related activities. (Id. at 0677.)

In a letter to Defendant dated November 20, 2013, Dr. Kern wrote “Please note, I am not treating any condition — but pt. has diagnosis of fibromyalgia & thoracic disc disease. She is unable to stand for long periods of time or sit.” (AR. 0674.) Dr. Kern further stated “I think it is unreasonable to think she can work full time.” (Id.)

Plaintiff returned to Dr. Kern on January 8, 2014. Dr. Kern noted Plaintiffs various diagnoses, stated that Plaintiff reported tenderness when pressure was applied to her upper back, and opined that while “[a]lone either of her diagnoses may not qualify her” for Social Security benefits, “her significant depression along with Thoracic radiculopathy/Fibromyalgia make for a poor work candidate.” (AR. 0596.) Plaintiff saw Dr. Kern again on May 8, 2014. Dr. Kern again noted Plaintiffs, various diagnoses, stated that Plaintiff “recoils from light touch to the chest wall, upper extremity, and upper back,” and reiterated that, while she might not qualify for Social Security, she is a “poor work candidate.” (AR. 0593.)

Plaintiff returned to Ms. Jones, the pain specialist, on February 12, 2014 (AR. 0430-431), March 14, 2014 (AR. 0428-429), and April 11, 2014. (AR. 0426-427.) During each of these visits, Ms. Jones listed Plaintiffs diagnoses,. noted that Plaintiff had been placed on disability, and stated that a physical examination of Plaintiff revealed “tenderness” in her back that radiated to her sides, as well as hypersensitivity to touch. (See AR.' 0430-431; AR. 0428-429; AR. 0426-427.) No evidence has been presented that Ms. Jones -ever revised her opinion that Plaintiff could perform full-time “light” and “sedentary work.” (See AR. 0730; AR. 0733.)

Around the same time, Plaintiff began seeing Diana Hewlett, DNP, a pain management specialist who worked in the same practice as Ms. Jones. Plaintiff met ■with Ms. Hewlett on May 9, 2014 (AR. 0424-425), June 6, 2014 (AR. 0422-423), July 18, 2014-(AR. 0420-421), August 15, 2014 (AR. 0418-419), September 12, 2014 (AR. 0415-416), October 10, 2014 (AR. 0412-413), November 7, 2014 (AR. 0409-410), and December 5, 2014. (AR. 0406-407.) Ms. Hewlett’s write-ups from these visits were extremely similar. In each one, she listed Plaintiffs diagnoses and reported that Plaintiffs physical examination revealed tenderness in her back and supporting muscles that radiated out to her sides, as well as elbow tenderness and hypersensitivity to touch. Notably, during this extensive course of treating Plaintiff for pain, Ms. Hewlett never stated that she disagreed with her colleague Ms. Jones’ July, 2013 statement that Plaintiff could perform “light” and “sedentary work” on ■ a “full-time basis.” (See AR. 0730; AR. 0733.)

After being -placed on LTD under her Policy with Defendant, Plaintiff filed for Social Security Disability benefits. Her claim was initially denied on February 14, 2013. (See AR. 0629-639.) Plaintiff appealed. In January, 2014, Plaintiff testified at a hearing before the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). (See Id. at 0629.) On May 19, 2014, the ALJ denied Plaintiff s appeal. (Id,) The ALJ found that Plaintiff suffered from “severe impairments” such as Fibro-myalgia, Thoracic Herniatations, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Adjustment Reaction, (Id. at 0631.) However, the ALJ found that Plaintiff “does not have an impairment or combinar tion of impairments that meets or medically equals the severity”'necessary to qualify for' Social Security Disability benefits. (Id. at 0632.) The ALJ noted that “claimant’s subjective allegations are unsupported -by the record,” and further stated that “the medical evidence simply does not corroborate the level and effect of her alleged-symptoms.” (Id, at 0636.) The ALJ further stated that Plaintiff “has the. residual functional capacity to perform light work.” (Id, at 0634.) However, the ALJ listed various restrictions on Plaintiffs physical activities regarding her return to work, and stated that Plaintiff should only work in a low-stress environment that is slow paced and requires minimal contact with others. (Id.)

The day after the ALJ denied Plaintiffs Social Security Disability appeal, Dr. Kern responded to a letter that Defendant had sent her inquiring into Plaintiffs condition. Dr. Kern indicated that Plaintiff was not capable of performing sedentary full-time work. (AR. 0621.) Dr. Kern stated that Plaintiff “cannot stand for long periods of time, or sit.” (Id.) Dr. Kern also indicated that she did not expect Plaintiffs ability to work to change in the future. (Id.)

On June 1, 2014, Dr. Kern filled out an APSD form provided by Defendant, and stated that Plaintiff reported pain in her chest, back, arms, and legs. (AR. 0611.) Dr. Kern noted that Plaintiffs prognosis was “fair/poor.” (Id.) However, Dr. Kern noted that Plaintiff “sees pain management monthly” and that Dr. Kern was “only treating cholesterol].” (Id.) Dr. Kern did not fill out the part of the form that assessed Plaintiffs work-related abilities and restrictions. She noted that Plaintiffs work abilities were “not assessed this visit,” and advised Defendant to “consult pain management.” (Id. at 0612.)

In early October, Dr. Kammiel filled out a functional capacity form provided by Defendant, and noted that Plaintiff had “No Ability” or “Moderate Ability” on ten (10) of the eleven (11) work-related activities that Dr. Kammiel assessed. (AR. 0598.) Dr. Kammiel also noted that Plaintiff was suffering from bi-polar disorder and chronic pain syndrome. (AR. 0597-599.) Plaintiff saw Dr. Kammiel again on November 7, 2014. Dr. Kammiel stated that Plaintiff had bi-polar disorder and was “unable to work due to impact of physical pain on her mood and depression.” (Alt. 0579-580.)

2. Plaintiffs Own Occupation Period Ends, and Defendant Investigates Whether Plaintiff Meets the Definition of Disabled Under the Any. Occupation Standard

Under Plaintiffs Policy, her LTD benefits expired on November 1, 2014, two years after they went into effect. (See AR. 0028.) On November 11, 2014, Defendant wrote to Plaintiff explaining that her LTD benefits had lapsed, and that “you must be considered totally disabled... in order to continue to be eligible for LTD benefits.” (AR. 0240.) In other words, because the Own Occupation period had ended, Plaintiff could only continue to receive LTD benefits if she were unable to work “Any Occupation.” Defendant noted that it was investigating whether Plaintiff was fully disabled'as required for her to continue to receive LTD benefits. (Id.) Defendant further advised Plaintiff that any benefits she received after November 1, 2014 (when her Own Occupation benefits lapsed) “should not be construed as an admission of continued liability,” (Id.) The letter was signed by “Tanya R. Walsh, Senior Ability Analyst[,] Hartford Life and Accident Co.” (Id.) ,

Over the next six months, Defendant reviewed Plaintiffs case to determine whether she was disabled under the Any Occupation standard. Defendant obtained two doctors from Medical Consultants Network to conduct record reviews of Plaintiffs medical file. (ECF No. 58 at 2.) Plaintiff was not physically examined by either of these physicians. (ECF. No. 65 at 4.) Both physicians were licensed ¡and Board Certified. (ECF No. 63 at 9.) Neither was licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania. (ECF No; 65 at 4.)

The first' review was conducted by Dr. Akshay Sood. (AR. 0561-567.) Dr. Sood reviewed 168 pages of Plaintiffs medical records.- (AR. 0561.) Dr. Sood also contacted two of the physicians who had treated Plaintiff. Dr. Kern would not speak with Dr. Sood, but she transmitted a message to him through her nurse, who reported that Plaintiff could not be touched because everything hurt her. (AR. 0564.) Dr. Sood •had better luck with Ms. Hewlett, who worked alongside Ms. Jones and served as one of Plaintiff’s pain specialists. According to Dr. Sood, Ms. - Hewlett indicated during their phone conversation that she still believed that her colleague Ms. Jones’ report from July 26, 2013, was accurate. (Id.) In Ms. Jones’ July 26, 2013 report, she stated that Plaintiff could perform “light” and “sedentary work”. on a “full-time basis.” (AR. 0730; AR. 0733.)

After reviewing Plaintiffs medical records and speaking with Dr. Kern (albeit via her nurse) and Ms. Hewlett, Dr. Sood determined that Plaintiff could return to full-time work. (AR. 0565.) However, Dr. Sood noted certain “medically necessary functional. limitations and/or restrictions” regarding Plaintiffs work abilities. (Id.) For instance,.Dr. Sood stated that Plaintiff “can never climb ladders or- stairs or balance or operate at heights or drive commercial vehicles or operate heavy equipment” and cannot “bend, twist, squat, crouch or stoop.” (Id,) Dr. Sood also noted that, in an eight-hour work shift, Plaintiff could only “sit one hour at a time for a total of six hours,” could only “stand for 30 minutes at. a time for a total of four hours,” and could only “walk for 30-minutes at a time for a total of.two hours.” (Id.)

The second review was conducted by Dr. Kathleen Seibel, a psychiatrist. (AR. 0553-559.) Dr. Seibel attempted to speak with Dr. Kammiel, Plaintiffs psychiatrist, but the receptionist told Dr, Siebel that Dr. Kammiel would charge him for the time she spent on the phone with him. (Id. at 0557.) Dr. Siebel consulted with Medical Consultants Network, which advised her to go forward with the review notwithstanding her inability to speak with Dr. Kam-miel. (Id.) .

Upon finishing her review, Dr, Siebel stated that, based on the dearth of psychiatric records, the illegibility of .the few notes written by Dr. Kammiel, and the fact that Plaintiff had never undergone a “complete, thorough psychiatric evaluation that is legible,” it was “unclear” which psychiatric symptoms were being monitored. (Id. at 0558.) Dr. Siebel stated “I do not agree that this claimant has impairment from a psychiatric disorder based on the records available for me to review.” (Id. at 0557.) Dr. Siebel observed that “the intensity of treatment does not support impairment secondary to a psychiatric disorder,” and concluded that “there is no objective information that supports restrictions or. limitations secondary to a psychiatric disorder.” (Id.)

After Drs. Sood and Siebel.. submitted their findings, Defendant performed an “Employability Analysis Report” (“EAR”) to determine which occupations Plaintiff could perform given the limitations and restrictions noted by Drs. Sood and Siebel. (AR. 0512-531.) The “Ability Profile,” which listed all of Plaintiffs limitations in one, single-spaced column, was almost two full-pages long. (Id at 0515-516.) The report identified six occupations that Plaintiff could perform given her restrictions. (Id at 513.) All six of the occupations would allow Plaintiff to earn more than the minimum amount required by her Policy. (Id) Based on the EAR, Defendant determined that Plaintiff was not totally disabled as required for her to continue to receive LTD benefits during the Any Occupation period.

On December 31, 2014, Defendant informed Plaintiff, via letter, that it was terminating her LTD benefits effective January 1, 2015. (AR. 0224.) The letter stated that, based on Drs. Sood and Sie-bel’s independent reviews of Plaintiffs medical file, Defendant did not believe that Plaintiff was totally disabled. The letter detailed the above-stated restrictions that Dr. Sood believed were medically necessary for Plaintiff to return to work, and listed the six job matches that were produced by the EAR given Plaintiffs restrictions and salary requirements. (Id. at 0227.) The letter informed Plaintiff how to file an appeal. The letter was signed by “Tanya R. Walsh, Senior Ability Analyst[,] Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co.” (Id.)

3. Plaintiff's Appeal and. Defendant’s Subsequent Revieio

Plaintiff appealed the decision. (AR. 0496-501.) In her appeal letter, Plaintiff raiséd several “issues” with Defendant’s decision. Plaintiff alleged that her LTD benefits were terminated “without any medical support,” that Defendant improperly failed to have Plaintiff undergo a functional capacity test, that Defendant used an inappropriate employability test, and that Defendant improperly required her to apply for Social Security benefits to show that she was totally disabled. (Id. at 0497-498.) To support her appeal, Plaintiff filed a form completed by Dr. Kern, in which Dr. Kern stated that Plaintiff was restricted to sitting a maximum of 2 hours in an 8-hour workday, and further stated that Plaintiff was unable to participate in full-time sedentary employment. (AR. 0487-488.) Dr. Kern filled out this form on March 12, 2015. However, the last time Dr. Kern had actually seen plaintiff was on November 7,2014. (AR. 0216.)

In her appeal letter, Plaintiff further requested that Defendant identify whatever additional information Defendant believed it needed for Plaintiffs claim to be granted, and requested that Defendant “obtain a functional capacity evaluation.” (AR. 0484-485.) Defendant responded to these requests in a letter, dated July 13, 2015. (AR. 0220.) Defendant stated that “a full explanation of why [Plaintiffs] claim was terminated was given” in the termination letter. (Id.) Defendant further stated that it would not arrange for a functional capacity evaluation, because “the issue is [Plaintiffs] work ability as of 12/31/2014.” (Id.) This letter was signed by Mary Floyd, Appeal Specialist^] Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co.” (Id.)

In its review of Plaintiffs appeal, Defendant obtained three additional independent medical opinions from Maureen Smith Ruffell, M.D., Board Certified in Psychiatry, Dr. James Boscardin, M.D., Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery, and Dr. Brian Peck, M.D., Board Certified Rheuma-tology. (ECF No. 63 at 13.) None of these physicians is licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Ruffell completed her review on August 6, 2015. (AR. 0360-374.) Dr. Ruffell noted that she reviewed “[a]ll records provided by the Hartford.” (Id. at 0360.) Dr. Ruffell also noted that she had called Dr. Kemmiel’s office on multiple occasions, and sent Dr. Kemmiel written questions concerning her treatment of Plaintiff, but that Dr. Kemmiel never responded. (Id. at 0874-376.) Dr. Ruffell noted that, based on her review of Plaintiffs medical file, “there is no indication that the claimant is psychotic, unable to exercise adequate every day judgment, immobilized, by her depression or unable to care for herself.” (Id. at 0367.) Dr. Ruffell further noted that “I did not find any documentation of a cognitive exam showing any significant memory, concentration or attention deficit.” (Id.) Dr. Ruffell further stated that “[w]hile there is sparse information about [Plaintiffs] actual daily functionality,” the fact that Plaintiffs medical file indicated that Plaintiff planned a trip to Germany in May of 2013, and the fact that she regularly travelled 6-hours to visit her páin specialists, were “inconsistent with the claim of a severe condition that precludes work activity.” (Id.) Dr. Ruffell also observed that Plaintiffs psychiatric care appeared to be limited to “medication management sessions every 3 months” with Dr. Kammiel, a course of treatment which “is not consistent with what would be expected for a severe condition.” (Id. at 0368.) Dr. Ruffell ended her report by stating that “I did not find information that supports signs of severity that would preclude work activity despite her symptoms if she were motivated to return to the workplace.” (Id. at 0373.)

Dr. Peck’s report was also issued' on August 6, 2015. (AR. 0340-348.) Dr. Peck contacted Dr. Kern by telephone on July 16, 2015, at 12:45 p.m. (Id. 0340.) Dr. Peck reports that Dr. Kern stated that Plaintiff was unable to perform full-time sedentary work due to her pain. (Id. at 0341.) However, Dr. Peck noted- that Dr. Kern had previously “outlined [restrictions and limitations] consistent with medium work” on a disability form from April of 2012. (Id. at 0343.) After performing a record review of the notes and reports from Ms. Hewlett, Ms. Jones, and Drs. Kern and Kammiel, reviewing imaging studies such as x-rays and MRIs, and listing Plaintiffs likely diagnoses, Dr. Peck concluded that “[Plaintiff] is capable of performing light level work as defined by the DOL-DOT on a full-time basis for the time period in question.” (Id. at 0347.)

Dr. Boscardin also completed his review on August 6, 2015. (AR. 0351-357.) Dr. Boscardin reviewed “[a]ll records provided by the Hartford.” (Id. at 0351.) Dr. Boscar-din stated that his review was limited to “orthopedic issues.” (Id. at 0355.) Dr. Bos-cardin reviewed the' imagining studies in Plaintiffs, such as MRIs and x-rays, and noted that the images “indicate degenerative changes, but nothing that would cause a significant neurological or functional limitation.” (Id. at 0354.) Dr. Boscardin attempted to speak with Ms. Jones, one of Plaintiffs pain specialists, but Ms. Jones never returned his call, (Id.) However, Dr. Boscardin states that he spoke with Dr. Kern on July 30, 2015, at 10:25 a.m.; Dr. Kern “opined” that Plaintiff was able to perform light-duty work as of January 1, 2015, but stated that psychological issues might impair her ability to function in a full-time job. (Id.) Dr. Boscardin concluded that Plaintiff was able to perform full-time light level work “8 hours a day, 40 hours a week.” (AR. 0355.) He noted that Plaintiff had no restrictions on grasping or typing, could walk and stand for up to an hour at a time for a.maximum of three hours each day,. could lift up to twpnty pounds, and that Plaintiff had no restrictions for sitting, though she should be allowed to shift positions for comfort as needed. (Id.)

In consideration of the reports submitted by these independent medical reviewers, as well as the other information in Plaintiffs file, Defendant denied Plaintiffs appeal in a letter dated August 11, 2015, (AR, 0214-220.) The letter noted that Defendant’s review of Plaintiffs claim “has been conducted separately from the individuals who made the original decision to terminate benefits and without deference to that decision.” (Id. at 0214.) The letter noted that Plaintiffs “claim file has been reviewed in its entirety” (Id.), and listed nine (9) additional sources of information that were considered during the appeal. (Id.) The letter provided a chronology of Defendant’s review of Plaintiffs claim, from its initial denial to the appeal decision, and summarized the findings of all five (5) independent doctors who had reviewed Plaintiffs file. (Id. at 0215-219.) Defendant stated that based on Plaintiffs medical information, the opinions of Plaintiffs treatment providers (i.e. Dr. Kern, Dr. Kemmiel, Ms. Hewlett, and Ms. Jones), and the reviews provided by the independent reviewing physicians, Defendant determined that Plaintiff was capable of performing “sedentary to light duty work” as of January 1, 2015. (Id. at 0219.) The letter further stated that the EAR, which had listed occupations that accommodated Plaintiffs restrictions and satisfied her compensation requirements, remained valid. (Id.) The letter was signed “Mary Floyd, Appeal Specialist[,] Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co.” (Id.)

Approximately six weeks after Defendant denied her appeal, Plaintiff filed this lawsuit.

IV. Legal Standards

A. Summary Judgment

“Summary judgment is appropriate only where ... there is no genuine issue as to any material fact ... and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Melrose, Inc. v. Pittsburgh, 613 F.3d 380, 387 (3d Cir.2010) (quoting Ruehl v. Viacom, Inc., 500 F.3d 375, 380 n. 6 (3d Cir. 2007)); see also Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a). Issues of fact are genuine “if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving .party.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986); see also McGreevy v. Stroup, 413 F.3d 359, 363 (3d Cir. 2005). Material facts are those that will affect the outcome of the trial under governing law. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505. The Court’s role is “not to weigh the evidence or to determine the truth of the matter, but only to determine whether the evidence of record is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmov-ing party.” Am. Eagle Outfitters v. Lyle & Scott Ltd., 584 F.3d 575, 581 (3d Cir. 2009). “In making this determination, ‘a court must view the facts in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party and draw all inferences in that party’s favor.’ ” Farrell v. Planters Lifesavers Co., 206 F.3d 271, 278 (3d Cir.2000) (quoting Armbruster v. Unisys Corp., 32 F.3d 768, 777 (3d Cir. 1994).

The moving party bears the initial responsibility of stating the basis for its motion and identifying those portions of the record that demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548. If the moving party meets this burden, the party opposing summary judgment “may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials” of the pleading, but “must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Saldana v. Kmart Corp., 260 F.3d 228, 232 (3d Cir. 2001) (quoting Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587 n. 11, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986)). “For an issue to. be genuine, the nonmovant needs to supply more than a scintilla of evidence in support of its position — there must be sufficient evidence (not mere allegations) for,a reasonable jury to find for the nonmovant.” Coolspring Stone Supply v. Am. States Life Ins. Co., 10 F.3d 144, 148 (3d Cir. 1993); see also Podobnik v. U.S. Postal Serv., 409 F.3d 584, 594 (3d Cir. 2005) (noting that a party opposing summary judgment “must present more than just bare assertions, conclusory allegations or suspicions to show the existence of a genuine issue”) (internal quotation marks omitted).

B. ERISA

“[A], denial of benefits challenged under § 1132(a)(1)(B) is to be reviewed under a de novo standard unless the benefit plan gives the administrator or fiduciary discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits or to construe the terms of the plan.” Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989). “Thus, when an employee benefit plan grants discretionary authority to a plan administrator, a court must apply the deferential standard of arbitrary and capriciousness.” McDonald v. Appleton Papers Inc. Ret. Plan, No. CIV.A. 3:13-181, 2014 WL 4660683, at *3 (W.D. Pa. 2014), citing Fleisher v. Standard Ins. Co., 679 F.3d 116, 120 (3d Cir.2012); see also Doroshow v. Hartford Life & Acc. Ins. Co., 574 F.3d 230, 233 (3d Cir. 2009) (“When the administrator has discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits... the decision must be reviewed under an arbitrary and capricious standard.”). “The plan administrator bears the burden of proving that the arbitrary and capricious standard of review applies,” Viera v. Life Ins. Co. of N. Am., 642 F.3d 407, 413 (3d Cir. 2011) (internal citations omitted).

“The arbitrary and capricious standard is also applicable where reviewing decisions are made by parties other than the administrator, so long as the plan provides that the administrator can delegate the duty to another party, and the administrator properly designated that duty.” Cipriani v. Liberty Life Assurance Co. of Boston, No. 4:12-CV-1335, 2015 WL 5923454, at *2 (M.D. Pa. 2015), citing Parelli v. Bell Atl.-Pa., No. 98-3392, 2000 WL 764914, at *3 (E.D. Pa. 2000). “However, if the plan does not include a provision that allows the administrator to designate others to carry out fiduciary responsibilities, evaluate claims, or construe the terms of the plan, then any delegation of that discretion would be unauthorized and any determinations made by an unauthorized third party, would be subject to a less deferential de novo standard of review.” Cipriani, 2015 WL 5923454 at *2 (internal citations omitted).

V. Discussion

A. Applicable Standard of Review

The parties do not dispute that the Policy gives Defendant the discretion to determine Plaintiffs eligibility for benefits. (See ECF No. 63 at 2.) However, Plaintiff claims that Defendant improperly delegated its decision-making authority in violar tion of the Policy, and therefore contends that this Court should apply a de novo standard of review. (See ECF No. 57 at 2-4.) Defendant asserts that it did not delegate any decision-making authority, and that its decision to terminate Plaintiffs benefits is therefore entitled to an arbitrary and capricious standard of review. (See ECF No. 64 at 4-7.)

Plaintiffs improper delegation argument is straightforward. The Policy states that “We have full discretion and authority to determine eligibility benefits and to construe and interpret all terms and provisions of The Policy.” (AR. 0027.) “We” is defined as “the insurance company named on the face page of The Policy.” (AR. 0031.) The face page of the Policy names “Hartford Life <& Accident Insurance Company.” (AR. 0001.) Thus, the Policy delegated discretionary authority only to HI-LAC. (ECF No. 57 at 3.) However, it is undisputed that the people who made the claim decision were formally employed by Hartford Fire. Insurance Company, not HILAC. (ECF No. 64 at 2.) Plaintiff contends that the fact that the decision-makers were not employed by HILAC constitutes improper delegation and entitles her to de novo review. {See ECF No. 57 at 2-4; ECF No. 62 at 6-8.)

Defendant responds by stating that it did not delegate decision-making authority because the people who made the claims decision “were acting as agents of, and on behalf of, Hartford [Life].” (ECF No. 64 at 2.) To support this contention, Defendant notes that Hartford Life and Hartford Fire are subsidiaries of the same holding company and that the holding company “does not transact any business” (ECF No. 60-2 at 2), but that “for administrative purposes, Hartford Fire pays the salaries of all employees of [the holding company’s] subsidiary and affiliate companies.” {Id. at 3.) Defendant asserts that the persons who terminated Plaintiffs benefits and upheld that decision on appeal were “solely responsible for adjudicating LTD claims under insurance policies issued by HLAIC,” and “were not responsible for adjudicating any claims under insurance policies issued by Hartford Fire.” {Id.) Defendant further asserts that “at all times” the persons making Plaintiffs claim decisions were “acting on behalf of HILAC and with the authority of HILAC.” {Id.) Defendant further states that “Hartford Fire is not associated in any way with the Policy or the adjudication or payment of claims arising thereunder.” (Id.) Finally, Defendant notes that the persons who signed Plaintiffs claim decision letters were identified in the letters as employees of “Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co.” {see AR. 0214-19, 0224-28) and that the letterhead contained the same “The Hartford” logo that appeared directly above the “Harford Life and Accident Insurance Company” on the face page of Plaintiffs Policy. (See AR 0001.)

Based on the evidence discussed above, this Court finds that Defendant has established that Hartford Life — not Hartford Fire — made the benefits decisions that Plaintiff challenges. It is undisputed that the terms of the policy vested Hartford Life with discretionary authority. Therefore, Plaintiffs claims are subject to the deferential arbitrary and capricious standard of review.

This Court notes that at least three federal district courts in the Third Circuit have been presented with very similar factual circumstances in recent years. Each of these courts found that the ERISA defendant did not improperly delegate decision-making authority, and therefore held that the decisions to deny or terminate benefits would be subject to review under an arbitrary and capricious standard.

In Lucas v. Liberty Life Assur. Co., 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 184860 (E.D. Pa. 2014), plaintiff was insured under a plan that gave Liberty Life “sole discretion” to interpret the policy and determine eligibility for benefits. Id. at 1. However, Liberty Mutual, not Liberty Life, paid the employee who denied plaintiffs appeal. Id. at 22. The court rejected Plaintiffs contention that “Liberty Mutual made the benefits determination.” Id. The court noted that it was “apparent throughout the administrative record that those individuals [who were making eligibility decisions] were acting as agents of Liberty Life; sending correspondence on behalf -of Liberty Life and ultimately being supervised by Liberty Life.” Id. at 23-24. The court found that Liberty Life made the benefit determination because there was “simply no evidence that Liberty Mutual had any involvement in the benefits determination, other than issuing paychecks to the agents of Liberty Life.” Id. .at 24. Therefore, the court held that the denial of plaintiffs claim would be subject to the arbitrary and capricious standard of review. Id.

The district court reached the same conclusion in Cipriani v. Liberty Life Assurance Co. of Boston, No. 4:12-CV-1335, 2015 WL 5923454 (M.D. Pa. 2015), a case with extremely similar facts to Lucas. Like plaintiff in Lucas, plaintiff in Cipriani “acknowledge[d] that the plan gives Liberty Life this discretionary authority,” but claimed that de novo review was appropriate because “Liberty Life delegated this function to Liberty Mutual, an unauthorized third party.” Id. at 3. In response, Defendant noted that Liberty Mutual employees who are assigned to work for Liberty Life, and who make eligibility decisions regarding Liberty Life’s policies, “generally devote 100% of their time working for Liberty Life” and are “under the control and ultimate supervision of the officers and board of directors of Liberty Life.” Id. at 4. The court found that while the decision-makers were paid by Liberty Mutual, they were acting on behalf of, and under the control of, Liberty Life. Id. at 6. Thus, Liberty Life, not Liberty Mutual, had discretion over eligibility determinations. Id. Therefore, “there was no unauthorized delegation of authority” Id. at 6, and denial of plaintiffs claim would be subject to review based on an arbitrary and capricious standard. Id.

Similarly, in Shatto v. Liberty Life Assur. Co, 2016 WL 5374106, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 131097 (E.D. Pa. 2016), plaintiff argued for a de novo standard of review “because Liberty Mutual made the claims decisions, rather than Liberty Life, and because there is no provision in the Policy which allows delegation of the authority to handle and decide claims,” Id. at 21. The court found that Liberty Life, not Liberty Mutual, had authority over plaintiffs claim and appeal. Id. at 29. For instance, while “letters to Plaintiff bore the Liberty Mutual logo,” they also “displayed a return address for Liberty Life and were mailed in Liberty Life envelopes,” Id. at 28; plaintiff was advised that his appeals should be made to Liberty Life, Id.; the signature block for plaintiffs Appeal Review Consultant stated that-she worked for “Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston, A Liberty Mutual Company,” Id. at fn. 7; and “correspondence to Plaintiff from the company coordinating the independent medical examination referred to Liberty Life, not Liberty Mutual.” Id. at 29. The court held that, like the plaintiff in Lucas, “[p]laintiff has not adduced evidence showing that Liberty Mutual was involved in Liberty Life’s processes for benefits determinations other than by issuing paychecks to the personnel assigned to Plaintiffs claim.” Id. at 28. Therefore, “the appropriate standard of review is the deferential arbitrary and capricious standard.” Id. at 30.

Unlike in the cases cited above, Liberty Life is not the defendant here — Hartford Life is. However, the facts here are very similar to the eases involving Liberty Life, and the same conclusion follows, Hartford Life had ^express authority to determine eligibility benefits. While the discretion was exercised ■ by Ms, Walsh and Ms. Floyd, who were formally employed by Hartford Fire, these persons were clearly acting as agents of Hartford Life. Defendant has presented uncontested, evidence that “Ms. Walsh and Ms. Floyd were solely responsible for adjudicating LTD claims under insurance policies issued by HLA-IC,” and “were not responsible for adjudicating any claims under insurance policies issued by Hartford Fire.” (EOF No. 62-2 at 3.) In. fact, “Hartford Fire is not associated in any way with the Policy, or the adjudication or payment of claims arising thereunder,” (Id) Instead, Hartford Life is fully responsible for all aspects of adjudicating claims for LTD benefits. (Id)

The lengthy record of communication between Plaintiff,, her medical providers, and Hartford Life further establishes that the decision-makers were acting as agents of Hartford Life. For instance, the letters that Ms. Walsh and. Ms. Laberge sent to Drs. Kern and Kammiel had “Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Co.” in the signature block below their names, and did not include any reference to Hartford Fire. (See, e.g., AR. 0622; AR. 0674; AR. 929; AR. 608; AR. 682.) Moreover, the letters denying Plaintiffs claim for LTD benefits and appeal, signed by Ms. Walsh and Ms. Floyd, respectively, both had “Hartford Life, and Accident Insurance Co.” in the signature block below their names, and did not mention Hartford Fire. (See AR. at 214-19; AR. 224-28.) In fact, Plaintiff has not pointed to a single correspondence with anyone who identified himself or herself as acting on behalf, .of Hartford Fire.

Plaintiff relies on Anderson v. Unum Life Ins. Co. of Am., 414 F.Supp.2d 1079 (M.D. Ala. 2006) to advance her argument that de novo review is appropriate. However, Anderson does not apply here for several reasons. For one, Anderson is a nonbinding case from a different circuit. More importantly, the facts in Anderson are vastly different from the facts-in this case. In Anderson, the court found that the insurance issuer, Unum Insurance Company, had improperly delegated decision-making authority to UnumProvident. Id. at 1086-87. In reaching this conclusion, the court relied on a “multi-page General Services Agreement entered into-between Un-umProvident and its subsidiary] Unum, which indicates that Unum assigned claims and administration duties to UnumProvi-dent.” Id. at 1086 (internal citations to the record omitted). Pursuant to the agreement, UnumProvident provided “comprehensive claims management services,” including but not limited to '“[r]eview of claims and medical flies.” Id. at 1087. In fact, the agreement explicitly stated that UnumProvident was an independent contractor, not an agent or employee of Unum, Id. By contrast, Plaintiff has not pointed to any agreement indicating that Hartford Fire will provide claims management services and, as explained above, the people who Hartford Fire paid were acting as agents of Hartford -Life.' Thus, Anderson is inapposite to this case.

Plaintiff has not presented any evidence that Hartford Fire was involved in the decision to terminate her benefits, other than the fact that the .persons who made the decisions were formally employed by Hartford Fire. This Court finds that Hartford Life sufficiently established that it retained the discretion that it had under the plan, and that Hartford Life was the entity that made the claims decisions. Therefore, this court will subject the termination of Plaintiffs LTD benefits to the arbitrary and capricious standard of review. See Lucas, 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 184860. at *24; Cipriani, 2016 WL 5923464 at *7; Shatto, 2016 WL 5374106 at *8, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 131097 at *29.

Plaintiff further asserts that Hartford Life waived its argument that the standard of review was altered from de novo. Specifically, Plaintiff claims that, despite the fact that Hartford Life bore the burden of establishing that the Policy granted discretion and that the discretion was exercised by persons authorized to do so, Hartford Life “relegated its argument on these two elements... to a footnote” in its motion for summary judgment. (ECF No. 62 at 6.) The Court agrees with Plaintiff that Defendant could have done a more thorough job fleshing out its argument in its motion for summary judgment. However, this Court does not find Plaintiff’s argument compelling.

To support her argument, Plaintiff cites Lunn v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 283 Fed.Appx. 940 (3d Cir. 2008), where the Third Circuit stated that “argument's raised in passing (such as, in a footnote), but not squarely argued, are considered waved.” Id. at 943. However, Lunn and this case are dissimilar. In Lunn, the Third Circuit stated that the District Court improperly failed to convert a motion to dismiss into a motion for summary judgment when the District Court considered evidence that was not in the pleadings. Id. at 942. However, the appellant never raised the issue on appeal. Id.. In a footnote, appellant cited cases holding that district courts are limited to evidence presented on the face of the complaint when deciding a motion to dismiss, but appellant “d[id] not challenge the District Court’s consideration” of the evidence outside the face of the pleadings in his case. Id. at 943. The Third Circuit held that appellant had waived the argument because he had failed to raise it and because the cases discussing the relevant rule were only presented in-a footnote.

Unlike the appellant in Lunn, Defendant has actually raised the issue that the footnote discussed. In the body of Defendant’s motion for summary judgment, Defendant asserts that “Hartford is vested with discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits” (ECF No. 60 at 13); the footnote follows this sentence and provides a detailed explanation of that assertion. Further, Defendant attached to its motion for summary judgment a three-page sworn affidavit from Ms. Annette ' Moore, Director of Litigation and Appeals for the Group Benefits Department at The Hartford, in which Ms. Moore describes the relationship between Hartford Life and Hartford Fire and explains that the decision-makers were agents of Hartford Life. (See ECF No. 60-2 at 2-4.) Finally, Defendant spends approximately five pages of its brief in opposition to Plaintiffs motion for summary judgment arguing why the decision-makers were agents of Hartford Life, and why an arbitrary and capricious standard of review is therefore appropriate. (ECF. No. 64 at 9-14.) In sum, this Court finds that Defendant has clearly raised the issue, and that it is therefore not waived.

In conclusion, this Court finds that Hartford Life exercised the' discretion with which, it was vested under the Policy. Therefore, Plaintiffs claim will be subject to review under an arbitrary and capricious standard.

B. The Arbitrary and Capricious Standard

“Where an ERISA plan grants the plan administrator discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits, we will uphold the administrator’s.decision unless it is arbitrary and capricious.” Becknell v. Severance Pay Plan of Johnson & Johnson & U.S. Affiliated Companies, 644 Fed.Appx. 205, 209 (3d Cir. 2016), citing Fle isher v. Standard Ins. Co., 679 F.3d 116, 120-21 (3d Cir.2012) (internal citations omitted). “An administrator’s decision is arbitrary and capricious if it is ‘without reason, unsupported by substantial evidence or erroneous as a matter of law.’ ” Miller v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 632 F.3d 837, 845 (3d Cir. 2011), quoting Abnathya v. Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., 2 F.3d 40, 45 (3d Cir.1993) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).

“Plaintiff has the burden of proof that the Plan Administrator’s decision to deny benefits is an arbitrary and capricious decision.” Brandeburg v. Corning Inc. Pension Plan For Hourly Employees, No. CIV A. 04-1314, 2006 WL 2136481, at *1 (W.D. Pa. 2006), aff'd, 243 Fed.Appx. 671 (3d Cir. 2007). “Under this narrow standard, the reviewing court is not free to substitute its own judgment for that of the plan administrator.” McDonald, 2014 WL 4660683 at 4 (internal citations omitted). “When reviewing an administrator’s factual determinations, we consider only the evidence that was before the administrator when he made the decision being reviewed.” Fleisher, 679 F.3d at 121 (internal citations omitted); Killian v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co., No. CV 16-1377, 2017 WL 429905, at *10 (E.D. Pa. 2017).

“In deciding whether an administrator’s conclusion is arbitrary and capricious, courts consider procedural and structural factors of the decision making process.” Patrick v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., No. CV 15-169-SLR-SRF, 2016 WL 4573877, at *9 (D. Del. 2016), report and recommendation adopted, No. CV 15-169-SLR/SRF, 2016 WL 5662138 (D. Del. 2016), aff'd, No. 16-3980, 2017 WL 2459832 (3d Cir. 2017). “Whereas ‘[t]he structural inquiry focuses on the financial incentives created by the way the plan is organized,’ i.e., whether there is a conflict of interest, ‘the procedural inquiry focuses on how the administrator treated the particular claimant.’ ” Miller v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 632 F.3d 837, 845 (3d Cir. 2011), quoting Post v. Hartford Ins. Co., 501 F.3d 154, 162 (3d Cir.2007). “[W]hen an insurance company both funds a benefits plan and possesses the discretion to determine eligibility under the terms of that plan, as is the case here, courts must take into account the inherent structural conflict of interest.” Boyles v. Am. Heritage Life Ins. Co., 226 F.Supp.3d 497, 502 (W.D. Pa. 2016); see also Guthrie v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 625 Fed.Appx. 158, 161 (3d Cir. 2015). This Court recognizes that Defendant has a structural conflict of interest, and duly weighs this conflict in its analysis.

“In accordance with these principles, the Court will apply a deferential arbitrary and capricious standard in reviewing Defendant's] denial of Plaintiffs claim for total and permanent disability benefits under the [Policy].” McDonald, 2014 WL 4660683 at *4, citing Estate of Schwing v. The Lilly Health Plan, 562 F.3d 522, 525-26 (3d Cir.2009).

C. Analysis

Both parties have moved for summary judgment. Before turning to the merits, the Court will briefly summarize each party’s positions.

In her motion for summary judgment, Plaintiff alleges that Defendant’s decision to terminate her LTD benefits was arbitrary and capricious based on several “procedural anomalies” in Defendant’s handling of her claim. Specifically, Plaintiff claims: (1) Defendant failed to demonstrate improvement in Plaintiffs condition before terminating her benefits; (2) Defendant refused to have Plaintiff physically examined; (3) Defendant’s appeal review violated ERISA; (4) Defendant did not explain why it did not agree with Plaintiffs treating physicians; and (5) Defendant improperly relied on a defective EAR. (See ECF No. 57.) Additionally, Plaintiff claims (6) that Defendant improperly introduced a post hoc justification for its decision to deny Plaintiffs benefits in its briefings before this Court. (See ECF No. 62 at 15.)

Defendant claims that its decision to terminate Plaintiffs LTD benefits was not arbitrary and capricious. Defendant states that it considered all the evidence in the administrative record and contends that the evidence supported its decision to terminate Plaintiffs LTD benefits. Specifically, Defendant claims that: (1) Plaintiffs pain management specialists and the independent reviewing specialists believed that Plaintiff was capable of performing full-time work; (2) Defendant performed an EAR which indicated that Plaintiff could work several jobs given her .physical restrictions; and (3) the ALJ determined that Plaintiff could perform full-time work. Defendant thus asserts that its “decision to terminate benefits was well supported, imminently reasonable, and certainly not arbitrary and capricious.” (ECF No. 60, at 21.)

The Court will address these claims under the. arbitrary and capricious standard of review. As described below, no reasonable juror could conclude that Defendant’s decision to terminate Plaintiffs LTD benefits was arbitrary and capricious. Therefore, Defendant is entitled to summary judgment. .

D. Plaintiffs Claims

1. Failure to Demonstrate Improvement

Plaintiff alleges that ’ Defendant acted arbitrarily and capriciously because it terminated her LTD benefits without demonstrating that her condition had improved. (See ECF No. 57 at 9.) Specifically, Plaintiff claims that “after paying Ms. Potts STD and LTD benefits for over thirty-two (32) months — including two (2) months of Any Occupation benefits, Hartford abruptly changed its position and terminated Ms. Potts’ LTD benefits,” (Id.) Plaintiff further claims that Defendant denied her claim based on the same medical evidence it had ■ previously relied on in approving her claim. (Id. at 10.) As noted below,' this Court disagrees with Plaintiffs arguments and finds that Defendant’s failure to demonstrate improvement does not support a finding that its decision was arbitrary and capricious.'

Defendant determined that Plaintiff was entitled to STD benefits, and then LTD benefits for the entirety of the Own Occupation period. Plaintiffs benefits were terminated after the Own Occupation period ended and Defendant determined that Plaintiff failed to meet the heightened standard for “disabled” that applies during the Any Occupation period. As Defendant avers, once the Own Occupation period ended, Defendant did not need to show that Plaintiff improved before it terminated her benefits. Rather, to continue to receive benefits, Plaintiff needed to establish that she was disabled under the more stringent definition of disability under the Any Occupation standard.

“Courts in this Circuit have repeatedly upheld an administrator’s termination of LTD benefits when the test changed from ‘own occupation’ to ‘any occupation’ because the standard for continued payment of benefits is more rigorous under the ‘any occupation’ test.” Hoch v. Hartford Life & Acc. Ins. Co., No. CIV.A. 08-4805, 2009 WL 1162823, at *17 (E.D. Pa. 2009) (internal citations omitted); see Miller v. Mellon Long Term Disability Plan, No. CIV.A. 09-1166, 2011 WL 4345813, at *11 (W.D. Pa. 2011), aff'd, 478 Fed.Appx. 720 (3d Cir. 2012) (noting that “Defendants did not ‘reverse’ their position” instead, while [Plaintiff] had presented evidence that she was initially disabled from her ‘own occupation,’ she provided no evidence that she continued to be disabled in August 2006, or that she was disabled from ‘any occupation’ as required by the Plan.”); see also Rodriguez v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., No. 12-CV-04810 SDW MCA, 2014 WL 1494523, at. *3 (D.N.J. 2014). (finding no manifest error in decision to terminate benefits when “Plaintiffs benefits were terminated, in part, because the standard of approval became stricter and Plaintiff no longer qualified for benefits.”)

Plaintiff cites Miller v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 632 F.3d 837 (3d Cir. 2011) for the proposition that “[a]n' administrator’s reversal of its decision to award a claimant benefits without receiving any new medical information to support this change in position is an irregularity that counsels towards finding an abuse of discretion.” Id. at 848. But in Miller the plaintiffs benefits were terminated mthout any change in the requisite level of disability that plaintiff needed to establish to receive benefits. Therefore, Miller has no bearing here.

Finally, Plaintiff suggests that Defendant acted ’ arbitrarily beeausé, once the Own Occupation period ended, Defendant paid Plaintiff Any Occupation benefits for two months before deciding to terminate her claim. (ECF No. 57 at 9.) This Court disagrees. As previously noted; Defendant clearly stated in its November 11, 2014 letter that the Own Occupation period had ended and that “Additional benefits... should not.be construed as an admission of continued liability.” (ECF No. 240.) This Court declines Plaintiffs invitation to impose liability on Defendant because it provided Plaintiff with an additional two months of coverage after her Own Occupar tion benefits lapsed,

•In sum, Defendant’s failure to demonstrate improvement does not weigh in- favor of a determination that Defendant’s denial of Plaintiffs claim for LTD benefits was arbitrary and capricious.

2. Failure to Conduct a Physical Examination of Plaintiff

Plaintiff next contends that Defendant’s denial of her LTD benefits was arbitrary and capricious because Defendant failed to conduct a physical examination of Plaintiff to determine her functional capacity.' (ECF No. 57 at 12.)

This’ Court finds no authority to support Plaintiffs contention that Defendant was obligated to have Plaintiff undergo a medical examination as part of Defendant’s review process. To the contrary, “numerous courts in [the Third C]ircuit have held that there is no legal requirement for a plan administrator to demand an independent medical examination as part of its review of a claim for disability benefits under an. ERISA-governed plan, even if the. plan permits it to do so.” Killian v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co., No. CV 16-1377, 2017 WL 429905, at *14 (E.D. Pa. 2017), citing Sollon v. Ohio Cas. Ins. Co., 396 F.Supp.2d 560, 586 (W.D. Pa. 2005). “Indeed, ERISA does not require plan administrators to perform any physical examinations.” Killebrew v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., No. 3:15-CV-01415, 2017 WL 1519500, at *18 (M.D. Pa. 2017), citing Lamanna v. Special Agents Mut. Benefits Ass’n, 546 F.Supp.2d 261, 296 (W.D. Pa. 2008). Instead, “a decision to forego an IME and conduct only a paper review, while not rendering a denial of benefits arbitrary per se, is another factor to consider in the Court’s overall, assessment of the reasonableness of the administrator’s decision-making process.” Killian, 2017 WL 429905 at *14, citing Schwarzwaelder v. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 606 F.Supp.2d 546, 563 (W.D. Pa. 2009); see also Levine v. Life Ins. Co. of N. Am., 182 F.Supp.3d 250 (E.D. Pa. 2016) (same).

In this instance, Defendant’s decision to forgo a physical examination was not arbitrary and capricious, -While Plaintiffs pain management' specialist, Ms.. Jones,' had recommended that Plaintiff obtain functional capacity testing on two occasions in late 2012 (AR. 0905; AR. 0943), in July of 2013 she reported that Plaintiff could perform “light” or “sedentary work” on a “full-time basis-.” (AR. 0730; AR. 0733.) Further, while Dr. Kern indicated on several occasions that Plaintiff was unable to work on a full-time basis (see, e.g., AR. 0685; AR. 0674; AR. 0621), her statements about Plaintiffs functional capacity were inconsistent,

Certainly Defendant had the option to refer Plaintiff to functional capacity testing before terminating her LTD benefits. However, based on the record before it, Defendant had. sufficient evidence to reasonably determine that a physical examination was not needed; Ms. Jones, who was treating Plaintiff for pain, reported that Plaintiff could return to full-time work; Dr. Kern, who made it clear that she was not treating Plaintiff for pain, provided inconsistent opinions and indicated on two occasions that she would defer to pain management; two independent record reviewers, Drs. Sood and Sie-bel, also determined that nothing in Plaintiffs medical file indicated that she could not perform full-time light or sedentary work. In sum, given the record before it, Defendant’s decisi