Opinion ID: 2976436
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Dr. Uzzle

Text: Huffaker next argues that MetLife erred in its reliance on the independent medical examination of Dr. Uzzle. As her first reason, Huffaker argues that Dr. Uzzle, a doctor of orthopedic medicine, is unqualified to diagnosis fibromyalgia. She argues that a rheumatologist should instead have conducted the examination, because fibromyalgia is a rheumatological condition. But Huffaker cites no factual or legal authority for the proposition that only a rheumatologist may diagnose fibromyalgia. Her insistence on such a rule is inconsistent with her demand that great weight be given to the opinions of Dr. Thomas, a neurologist; Dr. Bozeman, a family practitioner; and her physical therapist, a non-physician. In any event, MetLife did in fact rely on the medical opinion of a rheumatologist, Dr. Ewald, who reviewed Huffaker’s medical file. Huffaker next challenges Dr. Uzzle’s credibility by arguing that he failed to address whether she had fibromyalgia. Our review of the content of Dr. Uzzle’s report, however, does not lead us to this conclusion. His report noted that he reviewed records from Dr. Bozeman and others, and that “[Huffaker] is at a point one would characterize as a diagnostic dilemma.” He specifically noted that “[f]ibromyalgia has been considered,” and concluded from his review of Huffaker’s medical records that she “has been thoroughly evaluated from the standpoint of multiple different specialties and in the end there has been no specific objective and verifiable anatomic problem to explain her varied symptomatology.” And he diagnosed Huffaker with “[c]hronic pain disorder.” The critical question for purposes of Huffaker’s eligibility for disability benefits is not whether she does or does not have fibromyalgia, but whether she is disabled under the plan. Dr. Uzzle’s conclusion after conducting a physical examination was that he could “find no objective basis why she cannot return to her work as a thrift store outlet manager at this point assuming she is psychologically capable of doing this.” -14- Huffaker then argues that MetLife failed to investigate her allegation that Dr. Uzzle did not examine her. But two physician file-reviewers, Drs. Ewald and DeSantis, examined Huffaker’s medical file, which included Dr. Uzzle’s findings. Their review of Dr. Uzzle’s findings indicates no basis for determining them unreliable. So even if MetLife did have a duty to investigate Huffaker’s allegation, that duty would have been satisfied by the file review undertaken by Drs. Ewald and DeSantis. Finally, Huffaker argues that MetLife erred in failing to investigate Dr. Uzzle’s concern that her complaints of pain might be psychosomatic. However, Huffaker never claimed a psychiatric impairment during the administrative process, but rather claimed that her disability was due to fibromyalgia. In any event, the administrative record includes treatment notes from a psychiatrist, from as late as January 1, 2005. Although the psychiatrist prescribed the medication Cymbalta, he did not diagnose any cognitive or functional limitations precluding her from working. Accordingly, we find that MetLife did not act arbitrarily or capriciously in relying on Dr. Uzzle’s medical opinion as a basis for the denial of benefits.