Hipple s Termination and Claim of Disability June 6, 2012, was an eventful day for Hipple. at 474-675.) At least three times, Hipple had to take extended medical leaves of absence from his employment at Denso.

Based on the voluminous submissions in the administrative record, it appears that Hipple experienced serious back, neck, shoulder, and foot injuries, among other aiments, between 20. at 251-255.) In addition, Hipple suffered from several medical conditions during his employment with Denso. No fewer than seven times during his employment, Hipple was reprimanded, warned, or otherwise punished for, among other things, rude and uncooperative behavior toward subordinates, peer vendors and customers. at ♡1.) His tenure as a Denso employee was fraught with misconduct. Hipple s Employment History at Denso Hipple began working for Denso as a technician in 2004. The Court DENIES both motions for judgment, VACATES Matrix s determination on Hipple s claim, and REMANDS the matter to Matrix for further proceedings.

For the reasons discussed below, the Court finds that Matrix s denial of benefits was arbitrary and capricious.

The parties have filed cross-motions for judgment on the administrative record. § 1132(a)(1)(B), for the recovery of short-term disability benefits. Hipple has now filed this action against Denso, Matrix, and the Plan (collectively, the Defendants ) pursuant to section 502(a)(1)(B) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ( ERISA ), 29 U.S.C. ( Matrix ), denied Hipple s claim for benefits and his administrative appeals on the ground that Hipple was not a participant in the Plan on the date of his disability. The administrator of the Plan, Matrix Absence Management, Inc. ( Denso ), and Hipple s subsequent submission of a claim for short-term disability benefits pursuant to the Denso Health & Welfare Plan (the Plan ). _/ OPINION AND ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF S MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD (ECF #10) DENYING DEFENDANTS MOTION FOR JUDGMENT (ECF #11) VACATING THE DETERMINATION OF THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR AND REMANDING THE CASE FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS This dispute arises out of the termination of Paul Hipple ( Hipple ) as an employee of Denso International America, Inc. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN SOUTHERN DIVISION PAUL HIPPLE, Plaintiff, Case No.

Matrix absences management