Opinion ID: 2978329
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Reliance on Independent File Reviews

Text: Lacking documentation from Dr. Keimig, LINA relied on the independent reviews conducted by other doctors. Reliance on other nonexamining physicians is reasonable so long as the administrator does not totally ignore the treating physician’s opinions. See Black & Decker Disability Plan v. Nord, 538 U.S. 822, 834 (2003). LINA did not ignore Dr. Keimig; it simply found other physicians’ opinions more responsive because they directly addressed whether Kiel’s mesenteric panniculitis impairs her ability to work. Moreover, Kiel seeks to discredit both doctors, insisting that they lack the expertise to understand her condition. Nevertheless, both doctors had extensive internal medicine experience. We recognize that the video is not necessarily inconsistent with Kiel’s claim of intermittent disabling pain, and that the independent reviews appear based on the film. However, given the absence of affirmative documentary support from Kiel’s treating physician, LINA did not act arbitrarily or capriciously in relying on the other doctors’ opinions.