The claimant, an executive sous-chef, sought long-term disability benefits due to chronic osteomyelitis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. His conditions caused persistent pain, limited mobility, and an inability to stand or walk for prolonged periods—core physical demands of his occupation in a commercial kitchen environment.
Hartford initially approved benefits, then terminated them after relying on non-examining physicians who discounted treating-provider opinions and objective findings. The termination occurred despite continued medical evidence showing no meaningful improvement and ongoing restrictions incompatible with the claimant’s job duties.
The Fourth Circuit reversed and directed entry of judgment for the claimant. The court rejected Hartford’s selective review of the record and reinforced that insurers may not terminate established disability benefits without honestly confronting the medical evidence supporting continued impairment.
