Opinion ID: 770680
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Additional Issues Presented on Appeal

Text: 24 Based on our conclusion that Thomas' claim must be reviewed de novo, we find it unnecessary to consider several other issues raised on appeal. First, we do not consider whether the district court erred in concluding that Reliance did not abuse its discretion in denying her claim. Regardless, the claim is entitled to de novo review by the district court. Nor do we explore Thomas' contention that we should apply a less deferential standard in a case such as this, where claim decisions are vested in an insurer that has an inherent conflict of interest due to its dual status as fiduciary and payor. Cf. Kearney, 175 F.3d at 1090 n.2 (Because we conclude that Kearney is entitled to de novo review, which gives no deference at all to [the insurer's] decision, we do not reach the question whether he would be entitled to less deferential review were he entitled only to review for abuse of discretion.). Finally, we do not address Thomas' arguments that her due process rights were violated by Reliance's review procedure and by the district court's remand of the case to Reliance for additional explanation of its decision to deny benefits. On remand, the district court will conduct a de novo review of the record, thereby affording Thomas the impartial review she seeks.