You already know that many state laws ban the “abuse of discretion” standard of review in denials of ERISA-governed long term disability benefits.

But self-funded ERISA plans may still apply the discretionary standard of review.

And “incorporating by reference” the Summary Plan Description (SPD) is effective in making the SPD part of the ERISA plan.

Pre-existing condition exclusions can be difficult to apply, especially when addressing whether a new disabling condition relates back to a pre-existing condition.

But this new case shows how a new disabling condition resulting from a “bad surgery” may still be excluded under the pre-existing condition exclusion. Haddad v. SMG LTD and Hartford Life and Accident