Minnis Adkins v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company

WIDENER, Circuit Judge:

Minnis Adkins appeals the district court’s order granting summary judgment against him in his action to recover disability benefits under an insurance policy issued by Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company (Reliance). We vacate the district court’s order granting summary judgment and remand for further proceedings.

In 1973 Minnis Adkins, while working as a coal miner, sustained an injury to his back that ultimately necessitated a spinal fusion in early 1974. In November 1974 Adkins resumed his previous duties at the mine. On March 1, 1977, Adkins became insured…