Velikanov
Velikanov v. Union Security Insurance
Opinion
Opinion
Cooper, J.
ORDER ON ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
The matter is before the Court on administrative review. The Court has read and considered the parties’ briefs and the administrative record. As explained herein, the Court reviews the administrative decision de novo and concludes that Plaintiff Igor Velikanov is entitled to benefits under the plan.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
This action arises out of a dispute regarding Plaintiff Igor Velikanov’s eligibility for long-term disability benefits pursuant to an employee welfare plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 1001-1461 (“ERISA”).
Plaintiff was employed as an electronic test engineer by Capstone Turbine Corporation from September 2001 until April 14, 2005, when Plaintiff ceased to work due to lower back and left leg pain. Plaintiffs job involved the design, fabrication and testing of electronic test equipment for testing electronic subassemblies. A.R. 536. Plaintiffs work was normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment and required the following: sitting for long periods of time; extensive use of a computer; working within a test laboratory environment including bending,…