Charlie Groves v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 438 F.3d 872 (8th Cir. 2006). · Go Syfert
Charlie Groves v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 438 F.3d 872 (8th Cir. 2006). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“it is not unreasonable for a plan administrator to deny benefits based upon a lack of objective evidence”
71 citation events (69 in the last 25 years) across 11 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Mulholland v. Mastercard Worldwide (moed, 2016-03-29)
Treatment trajectory · 2006 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2006 2016 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 38 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Mulholland v. Mastercard Worldwide (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
E.D. Mo. · 2016 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is not unreasonable for a plan administrator to deny benefits based upon a lack of objective evidence
cited Cited as authority (rule) Geiser v. Securian Life Insurance Company
D. Minnesota · 2023 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir. 2006).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Orr v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company
W.D. Ark. · 2022 · confidence medium
Co.,, 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir. 2006).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bailey v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (2×) also: Cited "see"
W.D. Ark. · 2021 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Vercellino v. Optum Services, Inc.
D. Neb. · 2020 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir. 2006).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Crites v. Aetna Life Insurance Company (2×)
E.D. Ark. · 2020 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Blagg v. Eaton Corporation (2×)
E.D. Ark. · 2020 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Owsley v. Berryhill
E.D. Mo. · 2020 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir. 2006) (under abuse of discretion standard, court must affirm “if a reasonable person could have reached a similar decision”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jalowiec v. Aetna Life Insurance
D. Minnesota · 2015 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Loeffelholz v. Ascension Health, Inc.
E.D. Mo. · 2014 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir.2004)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Prezioso v. Prudential Insurance Co. of America, Inc.
D. Minnesota · 2013 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 873-74 (8th Cir.2006).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Green v. Union Security Insurance (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
8th Cir. · 2011 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Humphrey v. Prudential Insurance Co. of America
D. Minnesota · 2011 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006); see also Delta Family-Care Disability & Survivorship Plan v. Marshall, 258 F.3d 834, 842 (8th Cir.2001) (treating physician’s opinion not automatically controlling because the record must be evaluated as a whole).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Evans v. United of Omaha Life Insurance
S.D. Iowa · 2011 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Porter v. Sun Life & Health Insurance
W.D. Mo. · 2011 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (citing Ortlieb v. United HealthCare Choice Plans, 387 F.3d 778, 781 (8th Cir.2004)); accord Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115 , 109 S.Ct. 948 , 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Givens v. Prudential Insurance Co. of America
W.D. Mo. · 2011 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (Under the abuse-of-discretion standard, the plan administrator’s decision is reversed “only if it is arbitrary and capricious.”) (quoting Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir.2004)). “ ‘A reasonable decision must be supported by substantial evidence, which is more than a scintilla but less than a preponderance.’ ” Ratliff, 489 F.3d at 346 (quoting Hillery, 453 F.3d at 1090 ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Michael Atkins v. Prudential Insurance Company
8th Cir. · 2010 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hobbs v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance
W.D. Mo. · 2010 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006) (citing Ortlieb v. United Healthcare Choice Plans, 387 F.3d 778, 781 (8th Cir. 2004)); accord Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101 , 109 S.Ct. 948 , 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Green v. Union Security Insurance
W.D. Mo. · 2010 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (citing Ortlieb v. United HealthCare Choice Plans, 387 F.3d 778, 781 (8th Cir.2004)); accord Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115 , 109 S.Ct. 948 , 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Azzanni v. Metlife Disability
E.D. Mo. · 2010 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir. 2004)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Settell v. Metropolitan Life Insurance
N.D. Iowa · 2009 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir.2004)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Midgett v. Washington Group International Long Term Disability Plan (2×)
8th Cir. · 2009 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir.2004)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Midgett v. WASHINGTON GROUP INTERN. LONG TERM DIS.
8th Cir. · 2009 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir.2004)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Anderson v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance
S.D. Iowa · 2009 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (“If the benefit plan gives discretion to the plan administrator, then we review the plan administrator’s decision for an abuse of discretion.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Helm v. Sun Life Assur. Co. of Canada
W.D. Ark. · 2008 · confidence medium
Groves, supra. 3.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ronald Jackson v. Prudential Insurance Company (2×)
8th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jackson v. Prudential Insurance Co. of America (2×)
8th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Eisenrich v. Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters & Food Handlers Pension Plan
D. Minnesota · 2008 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006) (emphases in original).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Ronald H. Rutledge v. Liberty Life (3×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
8th Cir. · 2007 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir. 2006) (internal quotation omitted).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Ronald H. Rutledge v. Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston (3×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
8th Cir. · 2007 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006) (internal quotation omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Administrative Committee of the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Gamboa (2×) also: Cited "see"
8th Cir. · 2007 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006) (internal quotation marks omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Administrative Committee of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Gamboa (2×) also: Cited "see"
8th Cir. · 2007 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 875 (8th Cir.2006) (internal quotation marks omitted). 8 "We look to the law of trusts when interpreting ERISA plan documents." Hughes v. 3M Retiree Med.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Dillard's Inc. Ex Rel. Bolton v. Liberty Life Assurance Co.
8th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir.2006).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Grayson Ex Rel. Estate of Grayson v. Ross
8th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874-75 (8th Cir.2006).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Grayson v. Ross
8th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874-75 (8th Cir.2006).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Danny Alexander v. Trane Co.
8th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Danny Alexander v. The Trane Company American Standard, Inc American Standard Merged Hourly Pension Plan
8th Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Co., 438 F.3d 872, 874 (8th Cir. 2006).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Charlie GROVES, Appellant,
v.
METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Appellee
05-2173.
Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Feb 22, 2006.
438 F.3d 872
Leon Marks, argued, Little Rock, AR (L. Oneal Sutter, on the brief), for appellant., Byron Freeland, argued, Little Rock, AR (Leigh Anne Shults, on the brief), for appellee.
Loken, Wollman, Riley.
Cited by 41 opinions  |  Published
RILEY, Circuit Judge.

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) terminated the payment of long-term disability benefits to Charlie Groves (Groves) after determining Groves was no longer disabled. Groves sought judicial review of MetLife’s decision by filing a claim under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 1001-1461. Groves appeals the district court’s [1] grant of summary judgment in favor of MetLife. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

Groves worked for Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (Great .Lakes) as a truck driver and was eligible for benefits under a long-term disability plan (Plan) provided by Great Lakes’s insurer, MetLife. Groves ceased working for Great Lakes on December 17, 2000, after a tree fell on Groves while he was removing fallen branches from his driveway. On March 1, 2001, Groves filed a claim with. MetLife for long-term disability benefits. On May 2, 2001, MetLife approved the payment of long-term disability benefits.

Approximately two years later, on June 23, 2003, MetLife terminated Groves’s long-term disability benefits. MetLife determined Groves was no longer disabled and could return to-a “sedentary to light work level position.”

After exhausting his administrative remedies, Groves filed a claim under ERISA, seeking judicial review of MetLife’s decision to terminate payment of long-term disability benefits. Both parties moved for summary judgment. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of MetLife, 'concluding MetLife did not abuse its discretion, as substantial evidence sup[*874] ported MetLife’s decision to terminate benefits. Groves appeals, arguing (1) the district court erred in applying the abuse of discretion standard, and (2) MetLife abused its discretion in terminating the payment of long-term disability benefits to Groves.

II. DISCUSSION

A. Standard of Review for Plan Administrator’s Decision

We review de novo a challenge to the denial of ERISA benefits, “unless the benefit plan grants the plan administrator discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits or to construe the terms of the plan.” Ortlieb v. United HealthCare Choice Plans, 387 F.3d 778, 781 (8th Cir.2004) (citing Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989)). If the benefit plan gives discretion to the plan administrator, then we review the plan administrator’s decision for an abuse of discretion. Id. We reverse the plan administrator’s decision “only if it is arbitrary and capricious.” Hebert v. SBC Pension Benefit Plan, 354 F.3d 796, 799 (8th Cir.2004). We review de novo the district court’s determination of the appropriate standard of review of a benefit plan decision under ERISA. Ortlieb, 387 F.3d at 781.

Groves contends the district court erred in failing to apply a de novo standard of review because the Plan did not properly delegate discretionary authority to MetLife. We disagree.

The Plan booklet [2] distributed to Great Lakes employees, which summarized the Plan for employees, states:

In the event that you properly submit a claim to be paid by the Plan and the Plan denies the claim, you can appeal the denial through the appeal process outlined above. However, if the appeal is made through the internal appeals process, or to a court of law, you, by virtue of your participation in the Plan, agree that the standard for review of the denial of the claim will be whether the denial was made in an arbitrary and capricious manner. Furthermore, the Plan Sponsor has discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits and interpret uncertain terms, unaddressed items, and other Plan [provisions].

The Plan booklet also states Great Lakes appointed an administrator “to process and pay claims for these benefits in accordance with the terms of the Plan.”

We conclude the Plan provides discretionary authority to MetLife as plan administrator. According tp the Plan booklet, the “Plan Sponsor,” Great Lakes, had discretionary authority to determine benefits eligibility, and Great Lakes granted its discretionary authority to the plan administrator, MetLife, to act as its delegate. Accordingly, the district court properly applied an abuse of discretion standard of review in analyzing MetLife’s decision to terminate Groves’s long-term disability benefits.

B. MetLife’s Decision to Terminate Benefits

Having determined the district court applied the correct standard of re[*875] view, we next address whether MetLife abused its discretion in terminating Groves’s long-term disability benefits. We review de novo the district court’s grant of summary judgment, using the same standards as the district court. Ortlieb, 387 F.3d at 781.

In applying an abuse of discretion standard, “we must affirm if a reasonable person could have reached a similar decision, given the evidence before him, not that a reasonable person would have reached that decision.” Ferrari v. Teachers Ins. & Annuity Ass’n, 278 F.3d 801, 807 (8th Cir.2002) (quotation omitted). A reasonable decision is fact based and supported by substantial evidence. Norris v. Citibank, N.A. Disability Plan (501), 308 F.3d 880, 883-84 (8th Cir.2002). We may consider both the quantity and quality of evidence before a plan administrator. Id. at 884. And we should be hesitant to interfere with the administration of an ERISA plan. Id. at 883.

Under the deferential standard of review applicable in this case, we conclude substantial evidence supported MetLife’s decision to terminate Groves’s long-term disability benefits. MetLife reviewed Groves’s extensive medical records and then sent them to Dr. Kevin Smith (Dr. Smith), an independent physician consultant. Dr. Smith reported Groves’s conditions prevented him from working as a truck driver, but Groves retained “functional abilities within a sedentary to light work capacity level.” MetLife then asked Dr. Larry D. Ezell (Dr. Ezell), Groves’s treating physician, to comment on Dr. Smith’s report. Dr. Ezell opined:

[Groves] may be able to perform at the sedentary level. He might be able to function as a motor vehicle dispatcher, freight-rate clerk, or train dispatcher.... I do not think this patient is employable. I would not hire this patient personally as an employer for even sedentary positions. It remains my opinion that he should be considered permanently disabled and incapable of even the most sedentary occupation.

MetLife was entitled to rely -on the reviewing physician’s contrary opinion. See Black & Decker Disability Plan v. Nord, 538 U.S. 822, 825, 123 S.Ct. 1965, 155 L.Ed.2d 1034 (2003) (holding that the “treating physician rule” does not apply to disability determinations under employee benefit plans covered by ERISA). It was not unreasonable for MetLife to reject Dr. Ezell’s opinion in favor of Dr. Smith’s opinion in deciding to terminate Groves’s long-term disability benefits. Dr. Ezell’s opinion was internally inconsistent, and it provided no reliable objective evidence, such as testing, or other convincing medical proof to support a finding of a long-term disability. “ ‘[I]t is not unreasonable for a plan administrator to deny benefits based upon a lack of objective evidence.’ ” Pralutsky v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 435 F.3d 833, 839 (8th Cir.2006) (quoting McGee v. Reliance Standard Ins. Co., 360 F.3d 921, 924-25 (8th Cir.2004)).

III. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the district court’s entry of summary judgment in favor of MetLife.

1

. The Honorable J. Leon Holmes, Chief Judge, United States District Court for , the Eastern District of Arkansas.

2

. Groves objects to any reference to the Plan booklet because MetLife failed to place the actual Plan document or the controlling insurance policy in the record. Groves does not challenge the Plan booklet as an inaccurate statement of the Plan terms. Plan documents explaining an ERISA plan for employees are generally acceptable evidence of the plan terms. See, e.g., Jensen v. SIPCO, Inc., 38 F.3d 945, 949 (8th Cir.1994) (“[Summary Plan Descriptions] are considered part of the ERISA plan documents.”). The district court did not abuse its discretion in using the Plan booklet to evaluate the Plan terms.