Court Opinion

ID: 9499184
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 17:40:05.714629+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:59:19.957495
License: Public Domain

MERRITT, Circuit Judge,
concurring in the reversal of the judgment below but changing the instructions on remand.
A doctor reviewing Glenn’s medical records on behalf of MetLife noted that Glenn “seems to be a reasonable candidate to try one of the sedentary job classes [previously suggested by MetLife] at least on a trial basis.” The contract for long-term benefits expressly provides for an arrangement called “rehabilitative employment” allowing individuals like Glenn to work on a trial basis without forfeiting their benefits. At this late point, it is unclear whether rehabilitative employment is still available under the terms of the plan. What is clear, however, is that the parties should have pursued this reasonable approach earlier. Doing so would have enabled Glenn to return to work so long as her health permitted and would have reduced MetLife’s payments to Glenn. I would remand the case to the district court for a hearing in which the rehabilitative employment option is explored. Otherwise, I concur in the majority opinion.