Schmitz v. Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada

KELLY, Circuit Judge.

Jeff Schmitz was terminated from his position at Banner Engineering, Inc., in July 2008, based on poor work performance. While Schmitz was employed at Banner, he was insured for long term disability under a group employee benefit plan pursuant to ERISA. The long term disability benefits were funded by an insurance policy issued by Sun Life Assurance Company. In October 2011, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Schmitz applied for long term disability benefits under the Sun Life policy. Schmitz asserted that the mental health and cognitive problems that caused…