WPCi SE#(.#@c#.Uy HT.vS8IWprf޴.IU;]Li/*CqHӅmQ#cQMaJd={𫴅/W>~l\q}nQ2E옯bbYic{3 ~QXCB 󓿻VbYkp2 28Y|Ɉ8C2JZ)1?lD^S=LX@&Q^K gho)zCdJrl 4P:4R29a $@.4ܽl^dK&} 4. ,g|؇t1z3u_.8%W, 9ɳ"YU)2c{9-IZ?u@eɸ]fp-w$E?Arcbq1f܄#E"3L1 6ޗՓ'z?t#X % 0 D 0(c U: 0 UN nT UF- ^ s w 4   m N E f a ^ UB7bysvr{3333 1ux* 0N  0U' 0' B( 0( 0) 0* 0+ 0`, 0:- 0. 0C. 0(/ 0/ 00 01 0r2 0=3 04 04 0@5 05 06 0o7 0=8 09 09 0: 0W; 00< 0<D< 0< 0>>= 0v|= 0`= 0`R> 0`> 0`? 0`r? 08? 0 @ 02@ 0A 0: B 0YDB 0_B 0 B 0jD 0pE B*F D/G D+MG 0xG D/H 0+I 06I 0/J 0:7K 0^qK 0<KU6 LU>ALU*L4L 72LLvM4R 1R 72FS 0cxS 0wS 0RT 1T 72iUUUW F[8eHP LaserJet 5/5M - Standard,,,,0X(#$  0  ($<6X9`("Courier NewTT(d:2$ !    =EXXdd=    0  (9 Z6Times New Roman Regular<6X9`("Courier NewTTXXx6X@DQX@<6X9`(CourierTTXXw6X@QX@Q 9Z+.Courier New Regular|C.s u-6X?,}backup3|x UTABLE AL:\JUDGES\Boudin\TEMPLATE\OPINIONS\ALDRICH.WPT<6X9`(*Courier 12pt10cpi- -  i $  =AXXdd=    3    _ԀCookhadpreviouslyreportedthatSandersrequiredherto  work5060hourseachweekandoftentimesshewasunabletotake  lunchordinnerbreaks. l $  =AXXdd=    4    _Ԁ_Fibromyalgia_Ԁisadisordercharacterizedbywidespread  _musculoskeletal_Ԁpain,fatigueandmultipletenderpoints.National  InstitutesofHealth,QuestionsandAnswersAbout_Fibromyalgia_,at \ http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibromyalgia/fibrofs.htm4" -##O  5  6P#Od  7 -# 2 (December1999).Dr.Blackwoodhadfirstdiagnosedthediseasein X May1996.  $  =AXXdd=    1    _ԀSeetheAppendixforachronologyofimportantdatesand  eventsinthiscase.  $  =AXXdd=    5    _ԀLibertyhadencouragedCooktoapplyforSocialSecurity  Disabilitybenefits,andinformedherthatanyawardwouldoffset  thebenefitsthelongtermdisabilityplanwaspayingherevery \ month.Libertyreferredhertoalawfirmthatspecializedinsuch 2 claimsandtoldCookitwouldpaythecostsofhiringthisfirmto X secureherbenefits.Thefirmregularly_apprised_ԀLibertyofthe . stateofCook'ssocialsecuritycase.OnAugust9,1998,the   SocialSecurity_Administration_ԀapprovedCook'sclaimforbenefits.   However,werecognizethat"benefitseligibilitydeterminationsby `  theSocialSecurityAdministrationarenotbindingondisability 6   insurers."Pari_Fasano_v.ITTHartfordLife&AccidentIns.Co.,  \  230F.3d415,420(1stCir.2000).  $  =AXXdd=    2    _ԀThisdocumentisapreprintedformentitled"medical  _certificate"_ԀandprovidedbythemedicalcenterwithwhichDr.  Blackwoodisaffiliated.Inthiscase,Dr.Blackwoodusedthis \ formtocommunicatewithSandersregardingCook'sworklimitations. 2  Theformhaslinestofillinthepatient'sname,diagnosis,  expectedreturntoworkorschooldate,andlimitations.This  medicalcertificatelistingCook'sreturntoworkdateasApril \ 14,1997,andpermittinghertowork40hoursaweekisthe 2 firstofthreemedicalcertificatesthatareinvolvedinthiscase.  & ' Turner0Turner .   3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)http://www.naims.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibromyalgia/fibrofs.htm(O$  $  =AXXdd=    10    _ԀTestsareavailabletodeterminewhetheraCFSsuffererhas  anelevatedlevelofEpsteinBarrVirus("_EBV_")antibodies S,butthe  relationshipbetween_EBV_ԀandCFSisunclear.AstheNational \ InstituteofHealthreports:"Highlevelsof_EBV_Ԁantibodieshave 2 nowbeenfoundinsomehealthypeopleaswellasinsomepeople X withCFS.Likewise,somepeoplewhodon'thave_EBV_Ԁantibodies,and . whothushaveneverbeeninfectedwiththevirus,canshowCFS   symptoms."NationalInstitutesofHealth,FactSheet:Chronic   FatigueSyndrome,athttp://www.niaid.nih.gov/4g @#O  5  6"#O6  7 @d4c @#O  5  6#O  7 @ _factsheets_/_cfs.htm_ `   S(January2001).WhenDr.BlackwoodfirstdiagnosedCook,he 6   reportedshehadanelevatedlevelof_EBV_.*+ (_2623  ..*G+M (_25   /%` ` hp x /23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5   d*D+M (_24   ," hp x ,23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *A+M (_23  ` ) hp x )23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *>+M (_22   &hhp x &23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *;+M (_21   #p x #23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *8+M (_20  h  p x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *5+M (_19   pp x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *2+M (_18    x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  * (_1723  Ԁ*GM (_16   /%` ` hp x /23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *DM (_15   ," hp x ,23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *AM (_14  ` ) hp x )23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *>M (_13   &hhp x &23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *;M (_12   #p x #23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *8M (_11  h  p x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *5M (_10   pp x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  (2M &_9    x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  ( &_823  (GM &_7   /%` ` hp x /23   5+ ` hp x 5  (DM &_6   ," hp x ,23   5+ ` hp x 5  (AM &_5  ` ) hp x )23   5+ ` hp x 5  (>M &_4   &hhp x &23   5+ ` hp x 5  (;M &_3   #p x #23   5+ ` hp x 5  (8M &_2  h  p x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  (5M &_1   pp x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  &2M $_    x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  0.Normal<:Definition T<AA:Definition L , 5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 586Definition(''&H1      (&H2  (&H3  (&H4 XXX (&H5  (&H6  20Address8MM6Blockquote , , 5+ ` hp x 5   5+ ` hp x 5,*CITE,dl*CODEK`<6X9`(Courier NewKSa\  `&Times New RomanS42Emphasis64Hyperlink    <:FollowedHype    4go2Keyboard K`<6X9`(Courier NewKSa\  `&Times New RomanS <:Preformatted/%  ,Kk %#/K`<6X9`(Courier NewKSa\  `&Times New RomanS/%  ,Kk %#/<:zBottom of 7V(X7  ?b%2A`Arial?  Sa\  `&Times New RomanS7W(X7&  d dU)1dxd'dxd<:zTop of For7Y(X7  ?b%2A`Arial?  Sa\  `&Times New RomanS7W(X7U)2dxd0KS.SampleK`<6X9`(Courier NewKSa\  `&Times New RomanS0.Strong 8dl6TypewriterK`<6X9`(Courier NewKSa\  `&Times New RomanS42Variable: 8HTML MarkupB      2 0CommentB  <6X9`(Courier New\  `&Times New Roman%2A`Arialhttp://www.niaid.nih.gov/!i) l $  =AXXdd=    6    _ԀSection502states,inpertinentpart:   h( 83!"j3"    j3m2 (  a  )3  0 `   Acivilactionmaybebrought    j3m݌\` (#` (# Ќ    (1) ` byaparticipantorbeneficiary 2   ... X  m(88h! !"j3"    j32(  B  )3  0 `   torecoverbenefitsduetohimunderthetermsofhis . plan,toenforcehisrightsunderthetermsoftheplan,   ortoclarifyhisrightstofuturebenefitsunderthe   termsoftheplan;j3݌` ` (#` (# Ќ    ...http://www.niaid.nih.gov/0 CEMU]emu}AutoList1(a)(a)(a)(a)(a)(a)(a)(a)h(a)(;3$2#  0  .3  0  (O;$0  2#  a  .3  0` (#(#(b$0  0` (#(#2#   .3  0 ` (#` (#(CEMU]emu}AutoList2(A)(A)(A)(A)(A)(A)(A)(A)m(A)  $  =AXXdd=    7    _ԀAsthedistrictcourtcorrectlypointedout,thisCircuit  hasheldthattherearenosubstantivedifferencesbetween  "arbitraryandcapricious"and"abuseofdiscretion"reviewinthe \ ERISAcontext.Id.at13(citingPari_Fasano_,230F.3dat41819).  $  =AXXdd=    8    _ԀAswehaverecentlyrecognized,thereisno"conflict  betweenthestandardofreviewthatfederalcourtsmustapplyon  summaryjudgment[denovo]andthedegreeofdeferencethatsuch \ courtsultimatelyowetoplanadministrators[arbitraryand 2 capricious],"as"[_t]he_Ԁdegreeofdeferenceowedtoaplan X fiduciaryisanunderlyinglegalissuethatremainsthesame . throughallstagesoffederaladjudication."Leahyv.Raytheon   Co.,No.021215,2002U.S.App.LEXIS25903,at*1213(1stCir.   Dec.17,2002). { $  =AXXdd=    9    _ԀAcloseexaminationoftherecordprovidesmoresupportfor  Dr.Blackwood'sexplanationthatheerredbothinforwardingthe  March24,1997,certificatetoLiberty,andinaffirmingthatthe \ limitationslistedonitwerestillapplicabletoCook.Asnoted 2 infootnote2,themedicalcertificatewasusedbyDr.Blackwoodto X communicatetoanemployerthework_limitations_Ԁofanemployeein . hiscare.Hedidnotusethesecertificatesforinternalrecord   keepingpurposes.Therearethreemedicalcertificatesinvolvedin   thisdispute: `  0  (1)AcertificatedatedMarch24,1997,statingCookcould 6   returntoworkonApril3,1997,withtherestrictionthatshe  \  couldnotworkmorethan40hourseachweekandhadtohave  2  regularbreaks.ThisisthecertificateDr.Blackwood   forwardedtoLibertyinAugust1998attachedtoCook'smedical   records.d (#(# 0  (2)AnundatedcertificatestatingCookcouldreturntowork :  onApril14,1997,withtherestrictionthatshecouldnot `  workmorethan40hourseachweekandhadtohaveregular 6 breaks.ThisisthecertificateCookgavetoSanderswhenshe   returnedtowork.Sandersshortlythereafterforwardeditto  Liberty.h(#(# 0  (3)AcertificatedatedMay5,1997,statingCookwas"outof > workindefinitely."#d(#(# v #AlthoughDr.Blackwoodforwardedcertificate(1)toLibertymore  thanayearafterhewroteit,hehadneverinfactissuedthis  certificatetoCooktopresenttoSanders.Cookdidnotreturnto \ workonApril3,1997,asthecertificatepredicts,nordidshe 2 presentcertificate(1)whenshereportedtoSanders.Whenshe X finallyreturnedtoworkonApril14,CookpresentedtoSanders . certificate(2).Certificate(1)isonlyrelevanttothiscase   becauseitwasmistakenlyattachedtothechartnotesDr.Blackwood   senttoLiberty. . $  =AXXdd=    11    _ԀThisanalystwasreferringtotheQuickRecoveryProgramin  thelongtermdisabilitypolicy.Underthisprogram,someonewho  ispartiallydisabledandthusunabletoworkfulltimecanreceive \ a"LossofEarningsMonthlyBenefit"tomakeupforsomeofthegap 2 betweenherformersalaryandherparttimesalary.Theplan X definessomeonewhois"partiallydisabled"asonewhois"ableto . performallthematerialandsubstantialdutiesofhisownorany   otheroccupationonaparttimebasis." !  _TRY,3'X3' Letter 3' Letter3'T ? * !XXXXk5XX     UnitedStatesCourtofAppeals k5  FortheFirstCircuit  wx  XAX wx  A') ` dE< ` A   No.021656 K  @#KATHLEENCOOK,  G  @<< Plaintiff,Appellee,   @tt)v. O  @P P LIBERTYLIFEASSURANCECOMPANYOFBOSTON, K  @ Defendant,Appellant.  A') ` dE<R` A S   APPEALFROMTHEUNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT 8 FORTHEDISTRICTOFNEWHAMPSHIRE ^ @` ` [Hon.PaulJ._Barbadoro_,U.S.DistrictJudge]   A') ` dE<e` A f @'Before K   @@((Boudin,ChiefJudge, G TorruellaandLipez,CircuitJudges.   A') ` dE<N ` A O "       WilliamD._Pandolph_,withwhom_Sulloway_Ԁ&Hollis,_P.L.L.C._was 4!$ onbriefforappellant.  "Z%   GlennR._Milner_,withwhomCook&_Molan_,P.A.wasonbrieffor "0& appellee. #' *'ddd Xdd Xdd X(#(#,( dd ,( dd ,( dd +  8&!*8&! Z SI&!+ c@37656c@S_February5,2003 r'"- _ RHCH(#." c@37656 c@ R(&!/  (  * !   + '2? _  8AXXdd8*,X` XX* ` LIPEZ,CircuitJudge .LibertyLifeAssuranceCompany  ("Liberty")appealsfromthedistrictcourt'sentryofsummary x judgmentforKathleenCook,aformerparticipantinoneofits $t longtermdisabilityinsuranceplansgovernedbytheEmployee   RetirementIncomeSecurityAct(ERISA),29U.S.C.1001etseq. |  (2002).Cookhadbeenreceivingdisabilitybenefitsformorethan ( x  threeyearswhenLibertyterminatedherbenefitsonthegroundthat $  shenolongermettheplan'sdefinitionof"disabled."The   districtcourtfoundthatLiberty'sdecisionwas"arbitraryand ,|  capricious."Agreeingwiththatconclusion,weaffirmthecourt's ( grantofsummaryjudgmenttoCook.Wealsoaffirmthedistrict  court'sawardofbackbenefitsandaccompanyingrelief,finding 0 thatsuchanawardwaswithinitsdiscretion. ,   I.     A.Cook'sIllnessandHerEligibilityforBenefits  P  ` KathleenCookhadbeenemployedwithLockheedSanders, h Inc.("Sanders")since1983.Sandersprovidesitsemployeeswith   shortandlongtermdisabilitybenefitsunderpoliciesprovided p!" andadministeredbyLiberty.Cookfiledaclaimforshortterm #l$ disabilitybenefitsinFebruary1995,havingbeenoutofworksince $ & November1994withsymptomsofChronicFatigueSyndrome("CFS"),as t&!( diagnosedbyhertreatingphysician,Dr.W.StewartBlackwood. #  1      ׀  (p#* Dr.Blackwood'snotesfromthatperiodreportthatCookwas  complainingoffatigue,lossofappetite,aconstantcough,and \ depression.Diagnostictestsrevealedanelevatedlevelofthe X EpsteinBarrvirus.AsrecordedinthePhysician'sStatementof   DisabilityaccompanyingCook'sclaim,Dr.Blackwoodstatedthathe `  wasseeingCookonamonthlybasis,thatshewastotallydisabled  \  frombothherregularoccupationandanyotheroccupation,andthat   hedidnotknowwhenshewouldbeabletoreturntowork. d   ` AfterhershorttermbenefitsexpiredinApril1995,Cook `  filedanotherclaimwithLibertyforbenefitsunderthelongterm   disabilitypolicy.Atthispoint,shewasstillunabletoreturn h towork.AttachedtoherclaimformwasanotefromDr.Blackwood. d HestatedthatherdiagnosiscontinuedtobeCFS;hersymptomswere  "severefatigue,cough,nasalcongestion,malaise,a[s]thma,sleep l disturbanceanddepression";andhertreatmentplanincluded h homeopathicmedications,vitaminsupplements,acupuncture,  continuedcounselingandZoloft.Heclassifiedherphysical p  capacityas"severe[ly]limited:incapableofminimumactivity." !l" LibertyapprovedCook'sclaimonMay8,1995. "$  ` UnderthetermsofLiberty'slongtermdisability t$& benefitspolicy,aclaimantmustbe"disabled"andrequirethe  &p!( regularattendanceofaphysicianinordertobeeligiblefor '#* benefits."Disabled"isdefinedbythepolicy: x)$, 8 ` 1."Disability"or"Disabled"meansduringthe $+t&. EliminationPeriodandthenext24monthsof +J'/ DisabilitytheCoveredPersonisunableto  performallofthematerialandsubstantial  dutiesofhisoccupationonanActive \ EmploymentbasisbecauseofanInjuryor 2 Sickness;andX` x` x 8 ` 2.After24monthsofbenefitshavebeenpaid,   theCoveredPersonisunabletoperform,with   reasonablecontinuity,allofthematerialand `  substantialdutiesofhisownoranyother 6   occupationforwhichheisorbecomes  \  reasonablyfittedbytraining,education,  2  experience,ageandphysicalandmental   capacity. ` x` x UThesedefinitionsofdisabilityarereferredtothroughoutthis :  litigationasthe"ownoccupation"(first24months)and"any 6 occupation"(after24monthshasexpired)definitionsof  disability.LibertypaidCooklongtermdisabilitybenefitsfrom > April1995toApril1997becauseitfoundshemetthe"own : occupation"definitionof"disabled."InMarch1997,asherfirst  24monthsofbenefitscametoanend,LibertyinformedCookthatit B wouldbereviewingthestatusofherdisabilitytodetermine > whethershemetthe"anyoccupation"definitionof"disabled."In  Aprilofthatyear,Dr.BlackwoodreturnedaPhysicalCapacities F ! FormtoLibertyinwhichhereportedthatCookwasstillsuffering !B# fromCFS,butthatheronlylimitationswere"toavoidgetting #% overtiredorworkinginexcessof40hoursaweek."Aroundthe J% ' sametime,Dr.BlackwoodissuedCookamedicalcertificate #  2      ׀saying &F") shecouldreturntoworkonApril14,1997,ona"trialbasis,"so  longasshewasworkingnomorethan40hoursperweekandcould \ takeregularbreaks. #  3      ׀Theadministrativerecordindicatesthat X CookpresentedthiscertificatetoSanders,whichforwardeditto   Liberty.CookreturnedtoworkonthatdayandLibertytemporarily `  suspendedherbenefits.  \   ` Herreturntoworkwasbrief.OnMay5,1997,Dr.   BlackwoodpulledCookoutofworkagainaftershehadasevere d  reactiontoaninfectedtooth.Hermedicalrecordsindicatethat `  shecomplainedaboutmuscleachesanddifficultywithsleeping.   Also,shetoldDr.Blackwoodthatshewasfeelingstressbecause h shecouldnotcompletetheworkSandershadassignedherwithout d workingmorethan40hoursperweek.Thecombinationofher  infectionandthestresssheexperiencedduringherreturntowork l ledDr.Blackwoodtoconcludethatshehadsufferedarecurrenceof h CFS.Hischartnotesfromthatdayalsoreflecthisdecisionto  "putherbackoutofworkonanindefinitebasis,notingthatthe p  notewegaveherpreviouslywasforatrialreturntowork."On !l" May9,1997,LibertyrenewedCook'sdisabilitybenefitsandupdated "$ herstatusto"approved"underthe"anyoccupation"definitionof  "disabled." \  ` BetweenMay1997andJuly1998,Cookremainedoutofwork X andregularlysawDr.Blackwood.InDecember1997andAugust1998,   sheandDr.BlackwoodrespondedtoLiberty'srequestsforupdated `  medicalinformation,andLibertycontinuedtopayherdisability  \  benefits.ThemostrecentsetofCook'smedicalrecordsincluded   intheadministrativerecordrevealsthatinJune1998,Cook d  reportedthatherfatiguehadrecentlyworsenedandshewas `  sufferinggeneralizedachesandpains,butthatshewasnot   experiencinganystress.Dr.Blackwoodrenewedhisdiagnosesof h asthma,CFS,andfibromyalgia. #  4       d  ` Duringthistime,LibertylearnedthatCookhadbeen  workingparttimewitharealestateagency.Whenaskedaboutit, l Cooktoldtheanalysthandlingherclaimthatshehadworkedtwo h Sundaysshowinghousesfortheagency.Libertywrotetotheagency  askingforCook'sworkandearningshistory.Theyrespondedthat p  herdutiesincluded"occasionalopenhouses,showings,[and] !l" customerphonecalls,"andthatshehadearned$175.02between "$ AprilandJulyof1997.LibertyinformedCookthatherlongterm t$& disabilitybenefitswouldbeoffsetbytheamountofmoneyshewas  earningfromherparttimejob,butifsheearnedlessthan20 \ percentofherpredisabilitysalary,therewouldbenooffset. X   B.TheTerminationofCook'sBenefits    (2 ` InlateJuly1998,aLibertyanalystconductingaregular |  reviewofCook'sfilewrotetoDr.BlackwoodaskingforCook's ( x  updatedmedicalinformation.InAugust,Dr.Blackwoodreturnedto $  LibertycopiesofCook'schartnotesfromOctober1996toJune1998   alongwithamedicalcertificatedatedMarch24,1997,andsigned ,|  byDr.Blackwood.ThiscertificatestatedthatCookcouldworkno ( morethan40hoursperweekandneededtohaveregularbreaks.  Afterreceivingthisinformation,LibertywrotetoDr.Blackwoodon 0 August18,1998,andaskedwhethertherestrictionsandlimitations , listedintheMarch24,1997,certificatewerestillapplicableto  Cook.Libertyattachedthecertificateinquestiontotheletter 4 itsenttoDr.Blackwood.Dr.Blackwoodrespondedbysendingback 0 theletterwiththeword"Yes"writtenonitandcircled.Aslater   becameclear,Dr.Blackwoodhadmisunderstoodthemedical 8!" certificateatissue.Hethoughthewassaying"Yes"toamedical "4$ certificatehehadissuedonMay5,1997,whichstatedthatCook $& was"outofworkindefinitely."Theconclusionlistedonthis <&!( medicalcertificatewasalsorecordedinCook'schartnotesfrom '8#* May5,1997,acopyofwhichhadbeenpresentedtoLibertythelast )$, timeithadreviewedCook'sclaiminDecember1997. @+&.  ` ShortlyafterreceivingDr.Blackwood'sresponse,Liberty  forwardedCook'sfiletoCarolS.Vroman,aVocationaland \ RehabilitationConsultant.ReviewingCook'sworkrestrictionsand X limitationsaslistedintheMarch24,1997,medicalcertificate,   andtakingintoconsiderationhereducationandworkhistory, `  VromanconcludedthatCookwas"notdisabledfromeitherherownor  \  anyotheroccupation."OnOctober16,1998,LibertyinformedCook   thatshewasnolongereligibleforlongtermdisabilitybenefits. d  ThedenialletterexplainedthecontentsoftheMarch1997medical `  certificateDr.BlackwoodhadprovidedLibertyandthefactthathe   hadaffirmedthatthoserestrictionsandlimitationswerestill h applicable.Itthenstatedthat"[a]vocationalassessmentdated d October14,1998revealsthattherearemanyemploymentoptions  availabletoyoubasedonher[sic]educationwithanMBAandyour l restrictionsandlimitations....Sinceyouhavetheabilityto h performoccupationsoutsideyourpreviousposition,youdonotmeet  LockheedSander's[sic]definitionofdisabilitybeyondOctober31, p  1998." !l"  ` CookrespondedtothisletterbyaskingLibertytoreview "$ itsdecisiontoterminatehereligibility.Sheforwardedto t$& LibertyletterswrittenbyDr.Blackwoodstatingthatshewas  &p!( totallydisabledduetostress,fatigue,and"severe,chronic '#* asthma."Dr.BlackwoodexplainedtoLibertythat"hemistakenly x)$, thoughtyourletterwasreferringtomydisabilityformcompleted $+t&. onMay5,1997whichindicatedthatshewasoutofwork  indefinitely."Heattachedthis"disabilityform"(medical \ certificate)tohisletters.CookalsoattachedaletterDr. X BlackwoodhadwrittenonMarch23,1998,totheattorneyhandling   Cook'sclaimforSocialSecurityDisabilitybenefits. #  5      ׀Thisletter `  statedthatCook"fit[]thediagnosticcriteriaforchronicfatigue  \  syndrome,"andconcluded"[t]hefatigueshefeelsafterdoingany   normaldailyactivitiesmakesitdifficulttoseehowshecould d  maintainaregularjob,asshewouldhavetobeoutofwork `  intermittentlytorecover."    ` Libertyaddedthisinformationtoitsfilebutaffirmed h itsterminationofbenefitsonApril12,1999.Itexplainedits d reasoninginanotherletter:  8 ` Wehavereviewedtheadditionalmedical l informationsubmittedbyDr.Blackwood.The B medicalinformationsubmitteddoesnotsupport h limitationsthatwouldrenderyouincapableof > performingthematerialandsubstantialduties  ofanyoccupation.` x` x   p  8 ` AVocationalDisabilityReviewwasperformed   takingintoconsiderationyourlimitations,  educationandexperience.Severaloccupations \ wereidentifiedandcommunicatedtoyouinour 2 letterofDecember1,1998,whichisenclosed X foryourreview.....` x` x 8 ` Basedontheabovecitedinformation,andin   theabsenceofobjectivemedicaldocumentation `  tosubstantiatetotaldisabilityfromany 6   occupation,nofurtherLongTermdisability  \  benefitsarepayable. 2 ` x` x IECookthenhiredcounselandagainrequestedreviewofher   termination.OnMay22,2000,Libertyapparentlyrefusedto :  reconsiderCook'sarguments,responding:"Ms.Cookwasaffordedan 6 opportunitytoappealtheinitialdenialofbenefitsunderERISA  guidelines.Libertyreviewedthisappealandhaverendered[sic] > ourfinaldeterminationonMs.Cook'sclaimforbenefitsbeyond : October31,1998."    C.Cook'sLawsuit  B L ` CookbroughtsuitagainstLibertyinHillsboroughCounty  Z (NewHampshire)SuperiorCourt,allegingstatelawviolationsand  breachofcontractclaimsarisingfromLiberty'sterminationof b ! Cook'sbenefits.Libertyremovedtheactiontothefederal "^# districtcourtofNewHampshireonthegroundthatCook'sstatelaw # % claimswerepreemptedbyERISA,andCookagreedthatthecourt f% ' shouldconstruetheallegationsandclaimsinherstatelaw 'b")  complaintasaclaimforbenefitsunderERISA502(a)(1)(B),29 ($+ U.S.C.1132(a)(1)(B)(2001).f #  6      ׀AlthoughonlyLibertymovedfor   summaryjudgment,thepartiesagreed"thatthelawfulnessof \ Liberty'sterminationdecision[was]ripefordispositiononthe X administrativerecord."Cookv.LibertyLife,No.00408B,slip   op.at2(D.N.H.Jan.15,2002). `   ` ThedistrictcourtruledthatLiberty'sterminationof  \  Cook'slongtermdisabilitybenefitswasarbitraryandcapricious.   ItfoundthatLibertybaseditsdecisiontoterminatebenefitson d  Dr.Blackwood'sstatementthatCookwasabletoworkfortyhoursa `  weekandCarolVroman'svocationalanalysisshowingthattherewere   anumberofjobsCookcouldtake."TheobviousflawinLiberty's h reasoning,"thecourtconcluded,"isthatitoverlooksthefact d thatDr.BlackwoodinformedLibertyshortlyafteritterminated  Cook'sbenefitsthatitcouldnotrelyoneitherhisMarch24,1997 l medicalcertificateorhisresponsetoLiberty'sAugust18,1998 h letterbecauseneitherdocumentreflectedhisviewsconcerning  Cook'sabilitytowork."Id.at14.Libertyignoredthis p  retraction,and"failedtopointtoanyotherevidenceto !l" contradictthemedicalevidencethatCookproducedtosupporther  disabilityclaim."Id.at1415.Itsterminationofherbenefits, \ therefore,wasanabuseofitsdiscretionasaplanadministrator.o #  7      ׀ X AlthoughLibertypointedtootherevidenceintheadministrative   recordtosupportitsdecision,thecourtdeclinedtoreviewit, `  concludingthatitcouldnot"reviewdecisionsthatLibertynever  \  made."Id.at15.Basedonthisdecision,thecourtentered   judgmentforCookfor"benefitsowedundertheplan."Id. d   ` Inresponsetothisruling,Libertyarguedthatthecourt `  shouldremandthecasebacktotheplanadministratortoreconsider   whetherCookwasdisabledinOctober1998(whenitterminatedher h benefits),oratanytimebetweenOctober1998andthedistrict d court'sjudgment.Thecourtfoundthatsuchanexercisewas  unnecessary,giventhat"theonlyrationaldecisionthat[Liberty] l couldhavereachedontheadministrativerecorditdevelopedwas h thatCook'sdisabilitybenefitsshouldcontinue."Cookv.Liberty  Life,No.00408B,slipop.at12(D.N.H.Mar.29,2002).The p  districtcourtsummarizedthefactsthatittookintoconsideration !l" whenmakingitsdecision: "$ 8 ` (1)LibertyinitiallyfoundCooktobe t$& disabledandneversuggestedthatitsinitial J% ' decisionwaserroneous;(2)therelevant  &p!( documentationcontainedintheadministrative &F") record(asopposedtothenonprobative  "evidence"LibertymanufacturedfromDr.  Blackwood'serror)didnotsuggestany \ materialchangeinCook'sconditionator 2 aroundthetimeLibertyterminatedher X benefits;and(3)Libertyneveroffereda . reasonedexplanationastowhythe   administrativerecordfailedtodemonstrate   thatCookremaineddisabled.` ` x` x [Id.at12.Thecourtrecognizedthatthecaselawwasdividedon  \  whetheracourtshouldawardbenefitsandreinstatementifitfound   aplan'sdecisiontoterminatebenefitstobearbitraryand d  capricious,orwhetheritshouldremandtotheplanforanew `  determinationoftheparticipant'sdisabilitystatus.However,it   concludedthat"thebetterreasonedcasesdonotrequireremand h where,ashere,theclaimantwasreceivingbenefitsandhadher d benefitsarbitrarilyterminatedwithoutanyrecordevidence  supportingthetermination."Id.at13. l  ` Finally,thecourtdecidedthatitwouldhavebeen h "inequitable...topermitLibertytoterminateCook'sbenefitsas  ofsomedateafterOctober31,1998butpriortonowongrounds p  thatCookcannotnowprovethatshewasdisabledatalltimes !l" duringthepastthreeplusyears"thatheradministrativeappeals "$ andlitigationwerepending.Id.at1314.Thecourtrecognized t$& thatLiberty'sterminationcouldmakethepresentationofsuch  &p!( proofevenmoredifficult:"[a]narbitraryterminationof '#* disabilitybenefitstoadisabledclaimantcouldwellstarvethe x)$, claimantoftheresourcesnecessarytogenerateevidenceof $+t&. continuingdisability...."Id.at14n.7.Onthatbasis,the  districtcourtawardedCook42monthsofbackbenefits, \ reinstatementtotheplanasofMay1,2002(twodaysafterit X enteredjudgment),attorney'sfees,andprejudgmentinterest.   Libertyfiledthistimelyappeal. `     II.   \  f A.TheTerminationDecision  $   ` Wereviewthedistrictcourt'sgrantofsummaryjudgment   denovo.Terryv.BayerCorp.,145F.3d28,34(1stCir.1998). H  Afederalcourtreviewsaninsurer'sterminationdecision"undera D deferentialarbitraryandcapriciousstandard[if]thelanguageof  theunderlyingplanreservesdiscretiontotheinsurerin L determiningeligibilityforbenefits."PariFasano,230F.3dat H 418(citingFirestoneTire&RubberCo.v.Bruch,489U.S.101  (1989)).q #  8      ׀ThedisabilityplaninquestionaffordsLibertythe P power"toconstruethetermsofthispolicyandtodetermine L benefiteligibilityhereunder."Thepartiesdonotcontestthat   thislanguagesufficientlyreservesdiscretiontoLiberty. T!" Therefore,weagreewiththedistrictcourtthatwecanoverturn #P$ theterminationdecisiononlyifwefinditwasarbitraryand  capricious.Inordertoarriveatsuchaconclusion,wewouldhave \ tofind"thattheinsurer'seligibilitydeterminationwas X unreasonableinlightoftheinformationavailabletoit."Pari   Fasano,230F.3dat419.Inmakingthisdetermination,welookto `  therecordasawhole;"the'whole'recordconsistsofthat  \  evidencethatwasbeforetheadministratorwhenhemadethe   decisionbeingreviewed."Mitchellv.EastmanKodakCo.,113F.3d d  433,440(3dCir.1997).  `   ` TheDistrictCourtconcludedthatLibertyabusedits   discretioninterminatingCook'sbenefitsbecauseitreliedonDr. h Blackwood'sresponsetoLibertyinAugust1998thatCookcouldwork d 40hoursaweekwithoutconsideringDr.Blackwood'ssubsequent  explanationthatthisresponsewasinerror.Ourreadingofthe l administrativerecordleavesuswithaslightlydifferent h understandingofLiberty'sresponsetoDr.Blackwood'scorrection.  Liberty'sApril1999lettertoCookinformingherthatherappeal p  oftheterminationhadbeendeniedstates:"Wehavereviewedthe !l" additionalmedicalinformationsubmittedbyDr.Blackwood."The "$ recordindicatesthatsuchareviewinfacttookplace.Afterthe t$& LibertyanalysthandlingCook'sclaimreceivedDr.Blackwood's  &p!( explanatorylettersandCook'supdatedmedicalcertificate,she '#* reviewedallofthemedicalinformationCookhadsubmittedsince x)$, March1997,includingDr.Blackwood'schartnotesandmedical $+t&. certificates,andsummarizedherfindings.Herconclusion,  memorializedinaninternalmemorandum,wasthatshequestioned \ "thevalidityof...[Dr.Blackwood's]assessmentof[Cook's] X condition"(emphasisadded).Therefore,wedisagreewiththe   districtcourt'sconclusionthatLiberty"overlooked"or `  "ignore[d]"Dr.Blackwood'sMay1997certificate.Liberty  \  consideredthatcertificateanddisagreedwithitsconclusions.   Nevertheless,westillagreewiththedistrictcourt'sholdingthat d  Liberty'sterminationofCook'sbenefitswasarbitraryand `  capricious.Wedosobecausewefindtheterminationwas   "unreasonableinlightoftheinformationavailable"toLibertyat h thetimeofitsdecision.PariFasano,230F.3dat419. d @ 1.EvidenceintheAdministrativeRecord   ` Tosupportheradministrativeappeal,Cookpresentedto l Libertythesametypeofevidenceshehadbeensubmittingforthe h pastthreeyearstosupporthercontinuedeligibilityforbenefits  ЄlettersandformsfilledoutbyDr.Blackwoodinwhichhegives p  hisopinionthatCookissufferingfrom"totallydisabling !l" ailments,"is"notabletoperformwithanyreasonablecontinuity "$ thematerialandpotentialdutiesofherjoboranysimilar t$& occupation,"andshouldbekept"outofworkindefinitely."When  &p!( LibertyinformedCookthatherappealhadbeendeniedthatit '#* wasupholdingtheterminationofherbenefitsevenafter x)$, consideringDr.Blackwood'slettersandmedicalcertificateit $+t&. toldherthat"[t]hemedicalinformationsubmitteddoesnotsupport  limitationsthatwouldrenderyouincapableofperformingthe \ materialandsubstantialdutiesofanyoccupation."Thisstatement X reflectsLiberty'sconclusionthatDr.Blackwood'sMay1997   certificatedeclaringthatCookshouldbekept"outofwork `  indefinitely"wasnotcredible.  \   ` Therecordrevealsthreeoverridingreasonsforthis   rejection.Weassesstheminturn. d    a.InconsistentMedicalCertificates `  } ` LibertydoubtedthecorrectnessoftheMay1997   certificatebecauseitdirectlyconflictedwiththeMarch1997 h medicalcertificateDr.Blackwoodinadvertentlyforwardedtoit.r #  9      ׀ d Initsbrieftothiscourt,Libertytriestoexplainthisdoubton  twobases.First,itsuggeststhatDr.Blackwoodsuccumbedto \ pressurefromhispatient:"regardlessofwhetherDr.Blackwood X wasactuallyconfusedbyLiberty'sAugust18,199[8]letter...or   waschanginghisprioropinioninresponsetopressurefromCookto `  helpherwithher'problemwiththeinsurancecompany.'"(emphasis  \  added).Second,itsuggeststhatDr.BlackwoodfabricatedtheMay   certificatewithitsreferencetothe"purportedMay5,1997 d  medicalcertificate"(emphasisadded). `   ` Theseinsinuationsarenotsupportedbytherecord.When   itreceivedDr.Blackwood'slettersandtheMay5,1997, h certificateonNovember5,1998(aspartofCook'sinternal d appeal),Libertynevercontendedthatthecertificatewas  fraudulentorbackdated.Thereisnoindicationintherecordthat l theLibertyanalystsassignedtoCook'scasebelievedDr.Blackwood h fabricatedthisMay5,1997,certificatetohelpCookobtainher  benefits,andnoonementionedthispossibilityintheinternal p  memorandaexchangedwhileevaluatingCook'sappeal.Additionally, !l" themedicalopinionprofferedintheMay5,1997,certificatewas "$ supportedbyevidencealreadyinCook'sfile.OnMay5,1997,Dr.  BlackwoodrecordedonCook'scharthisintentto"putherbackout \ ofworkonanindefinitebasis"aftershesuffereda"recurrenceof X chronicfatiguesyndrome."Althoughtherecorddoesnotestablish   thattheMay5,1997,certificateitselfwasforwardedtoLiberty `  onoraboutthatdate,Liberty'sinternalmemorandumofMay9,  \  1997,indicatingthatCook'slongtermdisabilitybenefitshadbeen   restored,permitsafairinferencethatthesubstanceofDr. d  Blackwood'sopinionaboutCook'ssevereworklimitationswas `  communicatedtoLibertyinsomefashiononoraboutMay5,1997.   Also,Dr.Blackwood'schartnotes,whichhadbeenforwardedto h LibertyinDecember1997(andagaininAugust1998)uponits d requestaspartofitsregularreview,allconfirmCook'ssevere  worklimitations. l  ` TheLibertyanalystreviewingCook'sclaiminAugust1998 h likelywasconfusedbytheapparentinconsistencybetweenthechart  notes(reportingCook'sinabilitytowork)andtheerroneously p  submittedMarch1997medicalcertificateattachedtothosechart !l" notes(clearinghertowork40hoursaweek).AlthoughLiberty "$ gaveDr.Blackwoodtheopportunitytoexplainthisinconsistency, t$& heerredagainwithhis"yes"responsetoLiberty'squestioning.  &p!( Nevertheless,tosupportCook'sadministrativeappeal,Dr. '#* Blackwoodexplainedhismistake,reiteratedthecurrently x)$, applicablediagnosis,andsubmittedtheMay1997medical $+t&. certificatetobuttresshisexplanation.Insubmittingthat  certificate,Dr.Blackwoodwasnotcreatinganewdocumentoranew \ diagnosis.Instead,hewasremindingLibertyofhislongstanding X diagnosisofCook,modifiedonlyforthatbriefperiodoftimewhen   shereturnedtoworkinApril1997,andpreviouslyacceptedby `  Libertyasasoundbasisforthepaymentofdisabilitybenefits.  \  Therefore,thehighlychargedsuggestionsofsuccumbingtopressure   fromapatientandfabricationhavenosupportintherecord. d  @ b.LackofObjectiveEvidence `   ` TheLibertyanalysthandlingCook'sclaimconcludedthat   therewereno"clinicalobjectivefindingstosupportthe h fibromyalgiaorchronicfatiguesyndrome"diagnoses.Sheadded d thatDr.Blackwood'sassessmentofCook'sconditionappeared"tobe  basedonjust[Cook's]subjectivecomplaints."Althoughthis l analystaskedDr.Blackwoodfor"copiesofalldiagnostictesting" h and"acopyofthecompletepulmonaryfunctiontest,"shedidnot  receivethisinformation. p   ` Libertysoughtevidencefromteststhatwereindependent !l" ofCook'sreportingofhersymptoms.Inmanyinstances,sucha "$ requirementwouldbejustified.However,aswehaverecognized, t$& "[d]iagnosingCFSisnotsportfortheshortwinded."Rosev.  &p!( Shalala,34F.3d13,18(1stCir.1994)."[T]hereisno'dipstick' '#* laboratorytestforchronicfatiguesyndrome."Siscov.HHS,10 x)$, F.3d739,744(10thCir.1993).SeealsoVegav.Comm.ofSocial $+t&. Security,265F.3d1214,1219(11thCir.2001)("Wenotethatthe  SocialSecurityAdministrationrecentlyconcludedthatthereareno \ specificlaboratoryfindingsthatarewidelyacceptedasbeing X associatedwithCFS.").GiventhenatureofCook'sdisease,itwas   notreasonableforLibertytoexpecthertoprovideconvincing `  "clinicalobjective"evidencethatshewassufferingfromCFS.$ #  10      ׀  \  SeeMitchell,113F.3dat443("[I]twoulddefeatthelegitimate   expectationsofparticipantsinthe[]Plantorequirethosewith d  CFStomakeashowingofclinicalevidenceofsuchetiologyasa `  conditionofeligibilityforLTDbenefits.").     c.WorkataRealEstateAgency h  ` AsafinalreasonforrejectingDr.Blackwood'smedical d opinionassufficient"proof,"theLibertyanalysthandlingCook's  claimcites"[t]hefactthat[Cook]hasbeenworkingparttimeas l arealator[sic]duringthetimeherMDhasstatedsheis h completelydisabled."InMay1997,anemployeeofSandersinformed  LibertythatCookwasworkingatarealestateagencywhileshewas p  receivingdisabilitybenefitsfromLiberty.Cookacknowledgedthat !l" shehadstartedworking"afewhoursaweekdoingrealestateopen  housesandafewshowings."ALibertyclaimsanalystinformedher \ thatherdisabilitybenefitswouldbeoffsetbytheincomeshewas X receivingfromherparttimejob.s #  11      ׀Shewasfurthertoldthatshe   couldworkonaparttimebasiswhilecontinuingtoreceive `  benefits,solongasherearningsdidnotgoaboveacertainlimit.  \  Asafollowuptothisconversation,hefaxedherasectionofthe   plandocumentexplainingtheoffsetprocess.Hethencontactedthe d  agencyforwhichCookwasworkingandrequestedCook'searnings `  history.TheagencyinformedLibertythatCookhadbegunworking   inApril1997,andbetweenAprilandJuly1997,shehadnetted$175 h inincome.Herjobdutiesincluded"occasionalopenhouses, d showings,[and]customerphonecalls,"butCookwasnotputtingin  "desktime."Thisistheextentoftheinformationinthe l administrativerecordrelatingtoCook'sparttimejob.In h February1998,LibertyrequestedthatCookprovideinformation  regardinghertotalearningsfromthisjob,andinAugust1998,it p  sentthesamerequesttotherealestateagency.Itdoesnot !l" appearfromthedocumentsintherecordthateitherresponded. "$  ` InrelyingonCook'slimitedworkattherealestate  agencyasabasisforrejectingDr.Blackwood'sassessmentof \ Cook'stotaldisability,LibertyignoresthefactthatCookhad X discussedherparttimeworkwithLibertyanalysts.Noneofthem   mentionedtoherthatherworkleftherindangeroflosingher `  disabilitybenefits.Infact,theplanstates:"IftheCovered  \  Personisearninglessthan20%ofhisPreDisabilityEarnings,the   DisabilityBenefitwillbepaid."Therefore,theplanspecifically d  contemplatesthepossibilitythatapersonreceivingfull `  disabilitybenefitscouldalsobeworkingparttimebutshe   couldearnnomorethan20%ofherformersalaryatSanders. h  ` Moreover,evenwithdeferentialreview,Libertypossessed d toolittleinformationregardingCook'sparttimeworkhistoryto  supportadecisiontoterminateherbenefitsonthatground.At l thetimeitmadeitsinitialdecision,LibertyknewonlythatCook h hadearned$175overthreemonthsin1997andhadworkedafew  Sundaystendingopenhouses.ItistruethatLibertyrequested, p  andCookfailedtoprovide,herW2formfor1997fromthereal !l" estateagency.Sheshouldhaveprovidedthatinformation.Yet "$ LibertydidnotrelyonCook'slackofresponsetoitsrequestfor t$& herW2formasabasisforitsterminationdecision.Instead,it  &p!( sawinCook'srealtorworkanotherreasonforquestioningthe '#* veracityofDr.Blackwood'sopinionthatshewas"outofwork x)$, indefinitely."However,Liberty'sevidencethatCookwasworking $+t&. elsewherewassothinandoutdatedthatitcouldnothave  reasonablyreliedonitasabasisforrejectingDr.Blackwood's \ assessmentofCook'ssevereworkinglimitations.Indeed,XAXX XALiberty X didnotpointouttoCook,eitherinitsinitialtermination   letter,orinitsletteraffirmingitsdenial,thatherparttime `  workattheagencyfactoredintoitsdecision.Thefailuretodo  \  sosuggestsLiberty'sownrecognitionoftheweaknessofthis   evidenceasabasisforterminatingCook'sbenefits.# XAXXXA# d    2.Conclusion `   ` InpursuingherappealwithLiberty,Cookprovidedthe   sametypeofevidencethatshehadalwaysprofferedtoproveher h claimDr.Blackwood'smedicalopinion,backedupbyhischart d notes.ThesedocumentsweretheonlymedicaldocumentsinCook's  file.CookhadbeenreceivingdisabilitybenefitssinceMay1995, l includingunderthe"anyoccupation"definitionofdisabledsince h May1997.ExceptforaslightperiodofimprovementinMarchApril  1997,Cook'sCFSandrelatedailmentshadbeensufficiently p  disablingthroughoutthattime,accordingtothemedicalevidence !l" provided,tojustifythepaymentofdisabilitybenefits.In "$ changingcourse,Libertygreatlyexaggeratedthesignificanceofa t$& confusedbutpromptlyexplainedresponsefromDr.Blackwood,made  &p!( anunjustified(andconsequently,unfulfilled)demandforobjective '#*  medicalevidence,andreliedonsketchyinformationofparttime x)$, work.NoneofthisissufficienttoreverseLiberty'sprevious  acceptanceofDr.Blackwood'smedicalopinion. \   ` Thesedeficienciesinrecordsupportwouldnotbeso X consequentialifLibertyhaddevelopedanycontradictorymedical   evidenceintherecordtosupportitsdecisiontorejectCook's `  evidence.Forexample,ifitseriouslyquestionedtheveracityof  \  Dr.Blackwood'sopinion,LibertycouldhaverequiredCooktogetan   IndependentMedicalExaminationorsubjectedDr.Blackwood'schart d  notesandopinionstoreviewbyanotherphysician.Noneofthis `  happened.Tobesure,wearenotsuggestingthatsuchstepsare   necessaryineveryterminationofdisabilitybenefitscaseto h establishareasonablebasisforthetermination.Satisfyingthat d burdenwillalwaysdependonthespecificfactsofthecase.There  maywellbecaseswheretheopinionoftheclaimant'streating l physiciancanberejectedwithoutrelianceonanycontradictory h medicalevidencedevelopedbytheplanadministrator.Here,  however,withoutanotherreasonablebasisforrejectingDr. p  Blackwood'sopinion,theabsenceofthatcontradictoryevidenceis !l" fataltoLiberty'scase.Cf.Millerv.UnitedWelfareFund,72 "$ F.3d1066,1073(2dCir.1995)("Ineffect,theFundarguesthat t$& both'commonsense'andtheverydecisionitwasreviewingwere  &p!( sufficienttoovercome[thedoctor's]statementthatheandthe '#* medicalteamat[thehospital]believedthatprivatenursingcare x)$, wasnecessaryfor[theclaimant's]fullrecovery.Wefindthatthe $+t&. Fund'sipsedixitpronouncement...[was]insufficientto  contradicttheonlypieceofexpertevidence."). \  B.Remedy  X  ` AfterconcludingthatLiberty'sdecisionwasarbitrary   andcapricious,thedistrictcourtenteredafinaljudgmentin |  favorofCookforfortytwomonthsofbackbenefitsandpension ( x  contributionsfortheperiodbetweenNovember1,1998andMay1, $  2002(twodaysafterjudgmentwasentered),reinstatementtothe   planasofMay1,2002,attorney'sfees,andprejudgmentinterest. ,|  Libertyarguesonappealthatthecourtshouldhaveremandedtothe ( planadministratortheissueofwhetherCookwasdisabledduring  thelitigationandthependencyofherappeal.Wedisagree. 0  ` Anappellatecourtreviewsadistrictcourt'schoiceof , remedyforanERISAviolationforabuseofdiscretion.Zervosv.  VerizonNewYorkInc.,277F.3d635,648(2dCir.2002);Grosz 4 Salomonv.PaulRevereLifeIns.Co.,237F.3d1154,1163(9thCir. 0 2001).Onceacourtfindsthatanadministratorhasacted   arbitrarilyandcapriciouslyindenyingaclaimforbenefits,the 8!" courtcaneitherremandthecasetotheadministratorforarenewed "4$ evaluationoftheclaimant'scase,oritcanawardaretroactive $& reinstatementofbenefits.SeeWelshv.BurlingtonN.,Inc., <&!( EmployeeBenefitsPlan,54F.3d1331,1340(8thCir.1995) '8#* (recognizingthatadistrictcourthaspowertocalculateandaward )$, unpaidbenefits). @+&.  ` LibertycitesthefamiliarpropositionthatERISA  "providesnoauthorityforacourttorenderadenovo \ determinationofanemployee'seligibilityforbenefits"insupport X ofitsargumentthatthedistrictcourtcouldnotawardCook   retroactivebenefits.Petersonv.Cont'lCas.Co.,282F.3d112, `  117(2dCir.2002).Importantthoughitisinmanyothercontexts,  \  thisaxiomunderlyingtheprincipleofERISAdeferencedoesnot   depriveacourtofitsdiscretiontoformulateanecessaryremedy d  whenitdeterminesthattheplanhasactedinappropriately. `  "[R]etroactivereinstatementofbenefitsisappropriateinERISA   caseswhere,ashere,'butfor[theinsurer's]arbitraryand h capriciousconduct,[theinsured]wouldhavecontinuedtoreceive d thebenefits'orwhere'there[was]noevidenceintherecordto  supportaterminationordenialofbenefits.'"GroszSalomon,237 l F.3dat1163(modificationsinoriginal)(quotingQuinnv.Blue h Cross&BlueShieldAss'n.,161F.3d472,477(7thCir.1998));  seealsoZervos,277F.3dat648("[A]remandofanERISAaction p  seekingbenefitsisinappropriatewherethedifficultyisnotthat !l" theadministrativerecordwasincompletebutthatadenialof "$ benefitsbasedontherecordwasunreasonable.")(internal t$& quotationsmarksomitted);Levinsonv.RelianceStandardLifeIns.  &p!( Co.,245F.3d1321,1330(11thCir.2001)("Wedonotagree, '#* however,thataremandtotheplanadministratorisappropriatein x)$, everycase.");GroszSalomon,237F.3dat1163("[A]plan $+t&. administratorwillnotgetasecondbiteattheapplewhenits  firstdecisionwassimplycontrarytothefacts."). \  ` Weacknowledgethatseveralofthesequotationsmay X overstatethematter.Wehavenodoubtthatinsomesituationsa   districtcourt,afterfindingamistakeinthedenialofbenefits, `  couldconcludethatthequestionofentitlementtobenefitsfora  \  pastperiodshouldbesubjecttofurtherproceedingsbeforethe   ERISAplanadministrator.Thismightbetrue,forexample,ifthe d  denialislessflagrantthaninthiscaseandifthereweregood `  reasontodoubtthatareassessmentwouldjustifybenefitsforsome   orallofthepastperiod.However,thevarietyofsituationsis h sogreatastojustifyconsiderablediscretiononthepartofthe d districtcourtand,inthisinstance,ithasnotbeenabused.   ` LibertyarguesthatthereisnoevidenceofCook's l disabilitystatusafterOctober1998,whenitterminatedher h disabilitybenefits,andhencenobasisforawardingherdisability  benefitspastthatdate.However,theabsenceofinformationabout p  Cook'sdisabilitystatusresulteddirectlyfromLiberty'sarbitrary !l" andcapriciousterminationofherbenefits.Asarecipientof "$ disabilitybenefits,Cookwasunderacontinuingobligationto t$& adduceproofofherdisabilitypursuanttothelongtermdisability  &p!( plan.OnceLibertyterminatedherbenefits,shewasnolonger '#* obligedtoupdateLibertyonherhealthstatus.Itwouldbe x)$, patentlyunfairtoholdthatanERISAplaintiffhasacontinuing $+t&. responsibilitytoupdateherformerinsurancecompanyandthecourt  onherdisabilityduringthependencyofherinternalappealsand \ litigation,ontheoffchancethatshemightprevailinher X lawsuit.Moreover,asthedistrictcourtnotesinitsdecision,   reconstructionoftheevidenceofdisabilityduringtheyearsof `  litigationcouldbedifficultforarecipientoflongterm  \  disabilitybenefitswronglyterminatedfromaplan.    ` ThisisnottosaythatLibertycannotterminateCook's d  benefitsinthefuture.Oncesheisreinstatedtotheplan,she `  willagainbeobligatedtoprovethatsheisdisabledunderthe   "anyoccupation"definitionlistedintheplandocuments.Ifshe h cannotdoso,orifLibertyacquiressufficientevidenceto d contradictherdoctor'sopinion,itcouldpursueterminationofher  eligibilityforbenefitsatthattime. l  ` ThedistrictcourtalsoawardedCookattorney'sfees,as h ithasdiscretiontodounder29U.S.C.1132(g)(1).Anappellate  courtreviewsanawardofattorney'sfeessolelyforabuseof p  discretion.Cottrillv.Shapprow,Johnson&Ursillo,Inc.,100 !l" F.3d220,223(1stCir.1996).Wefindnoabuseofdiscretionin "$ thataward. t$&    III.   &p!( C ` Fortheaforementionedreasons,we affirm thetrial '8#* court'sdeterminationthatLibertyarbitrarilyandcapriciously )%, terminatedCook'seligibilityforlongtermdisabilitybenefits. \+&. Wealso affirm thecourt'sawardoffortytwomonthsofback  benefitsandpensioncontributions,itsorderofreinstatementto x theplaneffectiveMay1,2002,andthe  awardofattorney'sfees. $t Appellantisresponsibleforallcostsassociatedwiththisappeal.    ` Soordered.  |     Appendix:ImportantDatesandEvents   (February19950 0 (# (#CookfilesclaimwithLibertyforshortterm x disabilitybenefits.N(#(# April19950 0 (# (#CookfilesclaimwithLibertyforlongterm J disabilitybenefits. (#(# May8,19950 0 (# (#Herclaimisapprovedbecauseshemeetsthe |  "ownoccupation"definitionofdisabled.R  (#(# March19970 0 (# (#Libertyrequestsupdatedmedicalinformation  N  andinformsCookitwillbereviewingher $  disabilitystatustodeterminewhethershe   meetsthe"anyoccupation"definitionof   disabled.V (#(# April19970 0 (# (#Dr.BlackwoodreportsthatCook'scondition R hasimprovedandhereleaseshertoreturn ( towork"onatrialbasis."(#(# April14,19970 0 (# (#CookreturnstoworkandLibertytemporarily Z suspendsherdisabilitybenefits.Cook 0 presentsLibertywitha"medical V certificate"signedbyDr.Blackwood , authorizingherreturntowork.(#(# May5,19970 0 (# (#CooksuffersarecurrenceofCFSasaresult ^ ofaninfectedtooth.Dr.Blackwood 4 determinesCookisnolongerabletowork40  Z hoursaweek,andrecordsinhisnotesthat 0 sheis"outofworkonanindefinitebasis."(#(# May9,19970 0 (# (#LibertyrenewsCook'slongtermdisability b ! benefitsunderthe"anyoccupation" 8!" standard."^#(#(# July23,19980 0 (# (#Libertyrequestsupdatedmedicalinformation # % fromCookandDr.Blackwood.$&(#(# 0 `  August13,19980 ` (#` (#0 (# (#Dr.BlackwoodrespondstoLiberty'srequest, <&!( forwardingcopiesofchartnotesanda 'b") "medicalcertificate"datedMarch24,1997.'8#*(#(# August18,19980 0 (# (#LibertywritestoDr.Blackwood,asking )$, whethertheworklimitationslistedonthe j*%-  medicalcertificatewerestillapplicableto @+&. Cook.Libertyattachesthemedical  certificateinquestiontothisletter.(#(#  September9,19980  Dr.Blackwoodresponds"Yes"toLiberty's 2 inquiry.X(#(# October16,19980 0 (# (#LibertyterminatesCook'sbenefits. (#(# November5,19980 0 (# (#CookappealsLiberty'sdecision.She `  attachesthreelettersfromDr.Blackwood 6   thatdescribeherdisabilityandits  \  attendantworklimitations.Shealso  2  forwardsa"medicalcertificate"signedby   Dr.BlackwoodanddatedMay5,1997,which   statesthatCookis"outofwork d  indefinitely.": (#(# April12,19990 0 (# (#Libertyaffirmsitsdecision.6(#(#