"The administrator ... issued its appeal decision 72 days after the appeal was filed. Although it had sent a letter stating it intended to obtain an independent physician review, it did not identify any valid 'special circumstances' or provide a date certain for a decision. The district court held that the appeal was therefore deemed denied without the exercise of discretion and reviewed the claim de novo, ultimately awarding benefits. On appeal, the Fourth Circuit affirmed." [Cogdell v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., No. 24-1940 (4th Cir. Mar. 3, 2026)]  MORE >>