You know that in typical ERISA disability benefit claims, the claim administrator first determines whether claimant’s disability prevents the claimant from performing claimant’s current, “own occupation.”

Then, after a period of time (52 weeks for example), the claims administrator assesses whether the claimant can perform “any occupation.” If the claimant can perform “any occupation,” then the disability benefits end.

So, what happens when a claimant’s physical restrictions render the claimant able to perform only part-time work?

Does the ability to perform only part-time work mean the claimant can perform “any occupation,” making the claimant ineligible for disability benefits? YES.

Here’s the case of Kott v. Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2017 WL 2903174 (N.D. Cal. July 7, 2017).

FACTS: Kott sought and was granted ERISA-governed disability benefits due to back and foot pain. Under the plan, after 270 days receiving disability benefits an assessment was made whether Kott could perform “any occupation.” An independent medical evaluation determined Kott could perform part-time work, up to 20 hours per week without accommodation, and could return to full-time work within six months with a work-station which accommodated her need to sit and stand.

ISSUE: Whether Kott’s ability to perform part-time work precludes entitlement to “any occupation” benefits.

DISTRICT COURT HELD:

  1. “[A] claimant capable of working 20 hours per week is not unable to work in ‘any occupation’ and thus not entitled to disability benefits beyond the ‘own occupation’ benefit.” Op. at 14 (Emph. Added).
  2. “While the Ninth Circuit has not finally decided the issue, most if not all other circuits are in accord.” Op. at 14.
  3. “[T]he Court need not reach the part-time work issue in this case because there is evidence in the record showing that Kott could return to full-time work as early as February 2016.” Op. at 15.

NOTE: Pay close attention to the definition of “disability” because many plans and policies include an income factor.