Siebert

ORDER RE: CROSS-MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

I.

INTRODUCTION

This is an ERISA case in which Standard Insurance Company (“Standard”) limited Rosalie Siebert (“Siebert”) to two years of disability benefits under her employer’s group disability plan. Siebert sues Standard because she claims she is permanently disabled and is therefore entitled to substantial additional benefit payments under the policy. The dispute centers on the two bases for Standard’s termination of benefits. First, Standard concluded that Siebert’s disability — an alleged inability to work due to fatigue, low energy, and an inability to focus and concentrate — was caused at least in part by a mental disorder, for which the policy limits benefit payments to two years. Second, Standard concluded that, after two years, Siebert was entitled to disability benefits only if she was disabled from working in “any occupation” for which she was qualified by reason of education, training and experience. Because Standard concluded that Siebert could work in a variety of occupations, Standard determined that Siebert was not entitled to benefit payments beyond two years.

The parties now present the Court with cross-motions…