Alford

ORDER RE: PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO EXPAND ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD; PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT; DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT (ERISA)

This case involves Plaintiffs claimed entitlement to benefits under a long-term disability benefits plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. Three separate Motions came on regularly for a hearing before this Court on June 1, 2001:(1) Plaintiffs Motion to Augment and Expand the Record Under Review (“Motion to Expand”); (2) Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment (“Plaintiffs MSJ”); and (3) Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment (“Defendant’s MSJ”). After consideration of the papers, the case file, and the parties’ oral arguments, and for the reasons indicated below, the Court hereby DENIES the Motion to Expand, GRANTS Defendant’s MSJ, and DENIES Plaintiffs MSJ. Therefore, the Court also DISMISSES Plaintiffs entire Complaint, with prejudice.

I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Plaintiff PATRICIA ALFORD (“Alford,” or “Plaintiff’) commenced this civil action by filing an initial Complaint on May 15, 2000. The Complaint names DCH FOUNDATION GROUP LONG-TERM DISABILITY PLAN and UNUM LIFE…